Democratic Party

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

🌟 **Join Us for CAFEr's Day!** 🌟 📅 **Date:** January 2, 2026 🕠 **Time:** 5:00 PM 📍 **Location:** Mason District Government Center (Main Room), Annandale, VA We’re excited to invite all **CAFE volunteers and friends** to a special event — **CAFEr's Day!** This is a wonderful opportunity to come together, connect, and strengthen our bonds as a community. 🤝 **What to Expect:** * **Social Time** – Catch up with familiar faces and make new friends. * **Discussion & Bonding** – Share ideas, stories, and inspiration as we strengthen the heart of our CAFE community. Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or a new friend of CAFE, we’d love to see you there. Let’s celebrate the spirit of **Community Art For Everyone** together! 📢 **Mark your calendar and spread the word!** We can’t wait to share this special time with all of you. #CAFErsDay #CommunityArtForEveryone #VolunteerLove #CAFECommunity #LetsConnect

Please do not arrange to play earlier than the scheduled start time UNLESS you are able to stay till the end of the event, we do not want people leaving early and creating uneven numbers. Hello members, Tennis has become much more popular since the pandemic started and court space has been harder to come by. Following these simple rules will help everyone get the most out of MoCo Topspinners Meetup. • If you RSVP for an event, please attend that event or cancel at least two hours before the event starts. Members that no-show will receive one warning then will be benched (suspended) from events for two weeks. Three no-shows can result in a permanent ban. (No-shows create uneven numbers and prevent folks on the waitlist from playing. Please do your part to un-RSVP as soon as you know that you cannot attend an event.) • Members must have a way to communicate with organizers and hosts. This can be through the Meetup app messages or by providing other contact info. • Any member can ask a host or organizer to have their skill rated for event attendance purposes. You will not be allowed to participate in events higher than your NTRP rating. (We may try to limit numbers or have multiple events on a given day to accommodate players of different skill levels and also to help alleviate the court availability problem). • All members shall conduct good sportsmanship and be courteous to other members at all times. • Sexual harassment, racism, sexism or any kind of intolerance will not be tolerated and will result in the permanent ban from the group. • If member receives three warning infractions, the member will be suspended from the Meetup for a period of one month. If a member is suspended twice (six warnings), that member will be permanently banned and any membership dues will then be forfeited. • If you are scheduling to play with others outside of a MoCo Topspinners event, and you know that there is a MoCo Topspinners event scheduled for that day at that time, please try to use courts other than the courts where the event is scheduled, or move your time so that it does not conflict with the Topspinners event. For a list of complete rules and definitions you can see the MoCo Topspinners front page. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are hoping for a fun season but we may have to wait for courts and leave earlier than we are used to. Please be patient as we adjust to this new normal and try a few different things that will hopefully help the situation. Happy playing! If you would like to attend this event you must be a of minimum 3.0 level. USTA guidelines prior for signing up for the Meetup: https://assets.usta.com/assets/1/15/ExperiencedGuidelines_02142011_V2pdf.pdf Singles and doubles game play flexible depending on court availability. If you have any questions, please feel free to drop the group organizers a message. Looking forward to a great 2021 season- see you on the courts! • What to bring Tennis Balls and Racket, Water.

**Celebrate [Veganuary](https://veganuary.com/en-us/)** on Saturday, January 3rd, with the [Veg Society of DC (VSDC)](vsdc.org) with a vegan networking and social event at [DC Vegan](https://www.dc-vegan.com/)! This will be the kick-off to Veganuary in DC. *Yes, we will also do a round of vegan trivia with prizes!* *About Veganuary: "Our vision is simple; we want a vegan world. A world without animal farms and slaughterhouses. A world where food production does not decimate forests, pollute rivers and oceans, exacerbate climate change, and drive wild animal populations to extinction." Veganuary has inspired and supported millions of people to try vegan since 2014 – with participants from almost every country in the world. They have worked with businesses to drive up vegan options in shops and restaurants, and have made veganism more visible and accessible through their work with national and international media.* DC Vegan will feature a special mocktail for the occasion. There is **no fee to attend but PLEASE DO purchase food and drinks from the DC Vegan cafe. Everything is vegan.** Note: DC Vegan Cafe is a *VSDC Green Rewards members so show your VSDC member card and get 10% off on food and beverages*. If not already a [member of VSDC, then join today](https://vsdc.org/join/#join). Additionally, if you would like to ***reserve a table in advance, please go to the following link and [make your booking here](https://tables.toasttab.com/restaurants/a3575f59-b1e6-49dd-934e-21cb80b98be0/findTime)***. If you don't book a table in advance, then please know you will be joining numerous others standing in the open areas as part of the social with mingling. This event will take place on Saturday, January 3rd, starting at 3 pm. Come then or come later - people will be there over the course of the evening. Announcements and trivia will occur sometime around 4 pm. Don't be a no show! If your plans change, please update your RSVP. By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). ***See you at the event and bring friends! Be sure to RSVP in advance to let us know.*** **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The VSDC membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Socrates Café meets twice a month. Though this may be considered a "philosophical" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, morality, and the first principles of things. Prior to each meeting we vote online for the questions we will discuss. That way, we will have enough time to ruminate on them and have more in-depth conversations. If you RSVP to a meeting, you may post your question in the event comments section below. I'll send out a survey for voting a few days prior to the meetup. We discuss two questions each night. So you will get to cast two votes in the survey. When we meet, we break into smaller groups of five to seven to discuss the top two vote-getters. Each group discusses one question for around 45-50 minutes, and we then take a short break. After reconvening, each group moves on to its second question. Hope to see you there! -Brian

**Join Us for New Year Fun with the VSDC Vegan Children’s Playgroup!** Bring the whole family to welcome 2026 with an afternoon of creativity, connection, and fun. For this year's event, we’re excited to team up with Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) as we celebrate the New Year with crafts, games, vegan-themed books, and delicious vegan refreshments. While the event and the VSDC Children's Playgroup is all-vegan, our meetup welcomes veg (or veg-curious) kids under the age of 10 to be accompanied by at least one parent or caregiver. The vision for this playgroup is to build community for veg kids to help instill more confidence in their lifestyle choices and provide a strong sense of belonging while also having fun. We also seek to provide support for parents/caretakers by sharing helpful tips, resources, and inspiration for vegan families. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](http://vsdc.org/) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The VSDC membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Join us for a volunteer day helping the animals at Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in Potomac, MD. Before attending this event, you must sign a liability waiver. Please use this link [https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/) The chores you will be doing are physical. You will be working on big projects that require many volunteers like removing old bedding, sanitizing stals and replacing with new bedding, along with the daily clean up chores. Wear boots and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Feel free to bring a filled water bottle. On sunny days a brimmed hat and sunglasses may be helpful. Sunscreen is also suggested. Please do not bring any food or yummy-smelling items on your body or in your bag as our animals love to eat and are on special diets. Out of respect for the animals, we do not allow any food with animal products to be consumed at Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary. Please ensure that all edible items are plant-based (no dairy, no cheese, no cow’s milk ice cream, no meat, no fish, no eggs). Thank you for your cooperation and respect for this. It is very important to us. There is a gift shop where you can browse and warm up during the event. Please post your pictures and tag Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and VSDC! Stick around at the end for a group photo behind the barn. If there is interest, we may go out to eat in one of our local vegan restaurants afterward. We are limited to 30 volunteers, so please change your RSVP if you cannot attend. Rosie's Farm Sanctuary is always in need of volunteers. If you want to volunteer with them outside of VSDC's volunteer days, make sure to visit [Rosies Farm Sanctuary ](https://rosiesfarmsanctuary.org/volunteer/) to sign up. By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Join DC Metro Crafts for the first 2026 meetup! We'll be at Quill and Crumbs, the cafe at the Shakespeare Folger Library. The Shakespeare Folger Library is about 3 blocks from the Capitol South metro. Head up First as you get out of the station, pass the Library of Congress and the Capitol, turn right on East Capitol, and the Folger is on the right. The entrance is around the side, not through the front of the building. The cafe is upstairs. Bring your own cross stitch, knitting, crochet, or other portable craft. We'll be in the back at the group tables.

Guest Speaker: Patricia Welty, founder of A Vegan Life Post-PAM Animal Action: TBD Please be sure to RSVP here! https://stampede.proanimal.org/events Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Join us for an informal, in-person discussion about the political and economic issues impacting **Columbus, Grandville, Ohio, and the country**. This meetup is a chance to connect with neighbors, share perspectives, and talk openly about real-world policy challenges and solutions, outside of party politics. No speeches, no talking points, just honest conversation, questions, and ideas. Whether you’re deeply engaged or just looking for a place to be heard, you’re welcome to attend. ☕ Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and be part of the conversation.

**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)

**Calling all queer crochet enthusiasts;** I am a visual artist located in Columbus that is searching for people who may want to gather while also participating in creating a piece of artwork. My goal is to spend time enjoying one another’s company while making a work of art that will be displayed within our community. I plan to teach people to crochet (if unfamiliar) while also inviting current fiber artists to join us for some much-needed social interaction. There are no expectations from those who attend, materials will be included, and any amount of participation is welcome! If you have a favorite crochet hook or current project you are welcome to bring that along too! The primary goal is to foster a safe space for our community to chat, create and be. For further information please email [landerknits@outlook.com.](http://landerknits@outlook.com.) \*This will be our 2nd meeting, bring friends and make new ones. Come as you are and make along side other like-minded folks.

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon