Conservative Values

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). 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!

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!

PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/

Discover the wild serenity of South Africa with Lesbifriends Travel, where we’ll explore everything from urban culture to thrilling safaris. Over 8 days and 7 nights, you’ll journey through Johannesburg and the beautiful coastal village of Manguzi, where lush forests, estuaries, and unspoiled beaches meet the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Highlights include an unforgettable safari in Hluhluwe, where you’ll spot the Big Five, and a visit to a traditional Zulu village. Whether you’re diving into the coral reefs or marveling at the stunning wildlife, South Africa offers the perfect balance of luxury, adventure, and cultural discovery. This is the ultimate escape for travelers seeking both excitement and relaxation. **BOOKING DEADLINE: November 3rd, 2025** **Included:** * 3-4-star accommodations * Domestic transportation * Daily meals (not every meal) * Activities and excursions to explore South Africa * Optional activities for an additional cost * Guided tours and sightseeing * Lesbifriends Swag Bag * Travel guide * On-ground team to ensure you have an amazing time! **Not Included:** * International flights to and from South Africa * Meals not mentioned * Travel insurance * Personal purchases * Additional personal activities **Trip Summary** * **Dates** \- December 29th\, 2025 \- January 5th\, 2026 * **Cost Per Person** \- Starting at $3\,300 * **Payments** \- $100 Deposit \+ Affordable Payment Plan * **Arrival Check-In Date and Time** \- December 29\, 2025 3:00 PM * **Departure Check-Out Date and Time** \- January 5\, 2026 11:00 AM * **Arrival Airport** \- Johannesburg International Airport \(JNB\) * **Departure Airport** \- Johannesburg International Airport \(JNB\) **BOOKING DEADLINE: November 3rd, 2025** **To book, visit [SOUTH AFRICA 2025 — Lesbifriends Travel](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/south-africa-2025 "https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/south-africa-2025") (our website). You can also sign up for a [Trip Information Session](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events "https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events") or email us at hello@lesbifriendstravel.com if you have any questions.**

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). 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!

Come join and casually draft a vintage cube that is open to everyone. No cost to enter! The store provides promo booster packs and I usually throw in a pack of the most recent standard set to award to the people with the best records at the end of the night. [What is Cube?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNDBTRG6keM) What: Vintage Cube Draft When: 6:00pm Where: Your Hobby Place in Old Town Alexandria (Your Hobby Place, 700 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314) We aim to start drafting shortly after 6:00pm as the store's register closes at 9:00pm. The store owner is kind enough to keep the space open for us to finish rounds. In previous events we've usually wrapped up around 9:45. All skill levels are welcome and all cards, lands, tokens needed are provided so you only need to bring yourself and potentially some dice and playmat if you prefer. The list can be seen here: [https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/proxybacon](https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/proxybacon) Join Your Hobby Place's Discord and grab the Cube Role in the mtg-chat channel for the most up to date information on cube at their location: [https://discord.gg/9je3G8vzXh](https://discord.gg/9je3G8vzXh) **Important Notice:** I have seen an increased number of signups and no shows amongst brand new accounts. In an effort to make sure we have room for everyone if this is your first time joining and you have just created a meetup account please reach out to me via Meetup or discord. **Late Policy:** RSVPing will hold your spot for up to 10 minutes after 6. If you expect you may be running late please reach out to me via the store's discord. My username is iluvbacon610.

Let Spirit move you to a mix of music both sacred and fun, and all with an upbeat orientation. Freestyle, individual dancing in two sets of 30 mins each. Come on time to start with ten minutes of stretching. Donations accepted but not required. RSVPs appreciated.

## **🔵 Not Just a Meeting—A Launchpad for Impact** ### **🗓️ 1st & 3rd Fridays \| 🕧 12:30 PM \| 📍 Tysons Corner Marriott** Looking for more than another business card exchange? This is where purpose meets power. Join the **Dunn Loring–Merrifield Rotary Club** for our **1st and 3rd Friday meetings**—a space where professionals, leaders, and community builders come together to **take action, build relationships, and grow something bigger than themselves**. *** ### **What Happens at a Meeting:** * **Rotary Business Briefing** – Insight into club projects & upcoming opportunities * **Dynamic Presentations** – Local leaders, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and changemakers share their stories * **Curated Networking** – High-trust, high-value conversations with purpose-driven peers But that’s just the start. *** ### **Beyond the Meetings:** **Evening Networking Events** – Expand your circle at exclusive after-hours gatherings around Northern Virginia **Hands-On Service Projects** – Make real impact with projects that support youth, hunger relief, mental health, and more **Global Reach** – Through Rotary’s 4-star-rated Foundation, your contributions and projects can go statewide—or worldwide—with matching grants and club support *** ### **This is for you if:** * You’re a professional looking to lead with impact * You want to meet others who care deeply about community * You have an idea to help people—and want a team behind it * You’re ready for real conversations, real service, and real results *** 🔗 **Learn More:** [www.dunnloring-merrifieldrotary.org](https://www.dunnloring-merrifieldrotary.org) > 📌 *Rotary is where you grow your network, your leadership, and your legacy.* ***

**To confirm attendance, please register on Luma:** [https://luma.com/88h45iky](https://luma.com/88h45iky) One of the truths we most regularly forget is that if we are at war with ourselves, we can’t feel love and connection with our world. This talk looks at the genesis of the “Trance of Unworthiness” and how the wings of mindfulness and heartfulness can dissolve the trance and reveal the loving awareness that is our essence Being. **Please watch this 55-min video (try 1.25X speed) before joining the discussion:** [https://youtu.be/vFr_zQCUMD4?si=0bf7DttQV9NxBY3m](https://youtu.be/vFr_zQCUMD4?si=0bf7DttQV9NxBY3m) If more than 10 people join the discussion, we will break out into smaller groups. **(max 10 people per group)** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 1. **Feeling "not enough" often pulls us away from the beauty of now. How can we help each other remember that we are already worthy?** 2. **We often hide our true selves behind busy schedules or social masks. What great things might happen if we felt safe enough to be authentic?** 3. **Pausing before we react helps us choose wisdom over impulse. How can we make more space for these quiet moments in our fast-paced lives?** 4. **Real change only happens once we accept ourselves as we are right now. How does being kind to ourselves help us grow together?** 5. **Naming a difficult feeling helps us manage it with more ease. How might acknowledging our shared hurdles make us a stronger community?** 6. **Looking past our defenses helps us see the goodness in everyone. How can we better celebrate the shared humanity in those around us?** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events: 1. Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question) 2. Listen to understand, not to respond. 3. Be open-minded and value differences.

Join us either in-person or online for our special New Year's Day service. Dress is casual yet conservative, and everyone is welcome to come listen to the Dharma and learn the Nembutsu, chants and songs associated with our tradition of Shin Buddhism.

**Start the new year with a Braver Angels gathering focused on speaking openly and listening deeply.** **In small, structured groups, each person will have five minutes to share a political or social issue that matters to them and why- no debate, no interruption, just genuine curiosity.** **Participants will practice curiosity, reflecting back values and emotions they hear, asking thoughtful questions, and- only with permission- offering their perspective.** **It’s a simple and powerful way to connect with one another and begin the year with a respectful and courageous conversation.** **Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026** **Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm** **Place: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southeast Branch, 3980 Hamilton Rd, Groveport, Ohio** **All are welcome- bring a friend!** For additional information contact: Lee Evans at [LEvans@BraverAngels.org](mailto:LEvans@BraverAngels.org)

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.

Come check us out! You will have a wonderful time! The music and friendships are life-changing!

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

Come learn a song with us! You will have a wonderful time! The music and friendships are life-changing!

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

**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!