Enhancing the Lives of our Pets and Other Pets

Let's join Sarah and Willow for this fun Christmas Eve meetup. Meet at the Asian Collection Parking at 9 a.m. and plan to go on about a 1.5hr walk. Time: 9 a.m. - 11:00ish a.m. Please plan on extra time to get to the parking lot once you enter the arboretum. It is on the opposite side of the arboretum from the main parking and about a 5 min drive. (The gate to the river open at 8:30 if anyone wants to meet early for some off leash play). Location: Asian Collection Parking area (this is a small lot by the Asian Collection and Dogwoods, not the main parking area). If the lot is full you can park just a little ways away at the Dogwood Collection The walk starting at 9am with be on-leash . If anyone wants to go to river for some off leash play first, the gate opens at 8:30. If no one else is around, those who are comfortable can let their dogs run around off-leash in a big field for 10 -15min. At 9am we will meet near the Asian collection parking and do an on-leash big loop around the arboretum. Since it's the holidays, during the walk we will visit then evergreen and holly collections. Our half way point will be at the old Capitol Columns. There we will take a water break and take some pictures. After the break we can walk back to the parking area, or for those who'd like to stay longer there are many other areas to explore! This will be a mix of walking on pavement and on dirt/grass. More info and directions here: https://usna.usda.gov/visit/hours-and-directions/

**Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com**. The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** **TO NOTE**: If you plan on taking this class OnLine, a support person must be present with the survivor. The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 3,5,7,9.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

**Alert!!! WINTER 12:00 NOON Starting time!!!** **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The Koffee Klatch Ride - Swing's Coffee Del Ray * START LOC: Bluemont Park Tennis Courts * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/6VkzVaS72LKGn9nr5](https://goo.gl/maps/6VkzVaS72LKGn9nr5) * START PARKING: Bluemont Park Tennis Parking Area (with Restrooms) * ARRIVAL: 12:00pm * SPEECH: 12:10pm ***\*\*you must be present for the speech or no ride for you!\*\**** * ROLLING: 12:15pm * LEVEL: Medium * DISTANCE: 19.6 miles * PACE: 11-13 mph (a "social" pace) * TERRAIN: Trail / Street / Cyclepath * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: **CBG_KOFFEEK_SWINGSDR_2025** * [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53530479](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53530479) **Notes:** * This ride is organized very "lean" but we will have a sweep. * Pump your tires on the morning of the ride, please. * It is strongly suggested that you become a NoVA CBG RidewithGPS club member and download the route posted for each "Klatch". * Loading the route onto your Garmin (or other Nav device) is also acceptable. * **NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)** **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++** Welcome to The Koffee Klatch! These rides are normally based off the Arlington Loop, where we visit different area coffee shops or bakeries for a cup and/or treat if desired but you don't have to drink or even like coffee to participate. The ride is a 19.6 mile medium level ridden at a social pace (11-13 mph). We will ride the Arlington Loop clockwise starting from the Bluemont Tennis Courts on Wilson at 4 Mile Run and go up the Bluemont Junction Trail. We will exit the Loop at the Long Bridge Connector, around the Natatorium and down through National Landing to Monroe St. Our coffee stop is at **[Swing's Coffee Bar](https://swingscoffee.com/locations/del-ray/)** on Monroe in Del Ray located at about mile 12.1. After the stop we will ride up Dewitt, Mt Jefferson, and and Commonwealth to the rejoin the loop at Mt Vernon Ave. You are not required to drink or even like coffee. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Bluemont Tennis Parking Area (with Restrooms) Wilson Blvd & N Manchester St Arlington, VA 22203 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/6VkzVaS72LKGn9nr5](https://goo.gl/maps/6VkzVaS72LKGn9nr5) We will meet in the parking lot. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.

**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).

Flow, breathe, and center yourself as you explore the transformative power of Vinyasa, where movement and breath unite to create a harmonious flow of energy. This dynamic class incorporates sun salutations, standing postures, backbends, and floor stretches—each designed to challenge your strength, balance, and flexibility. Advanced variations are taught along with modifications. Each session is anchored by a thoughtful theme inspired by yoga philosophy (sutras), providing a deeper theme for reflection and self-growth. Whether you’re looking to deepen your practice, challenge yourself, or simply find a community of like-minded individuals, this class is designed to empower and inspire. Expect a dynamic and playful class that encourages both individual exploration and a sense of connection with others. This practice will leave you feeling refreshed, centered, and connected. The session is offered InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

This December we’re all about the holidays! Show your pup a little extra love and bring them out to Shipgarten December 27th from 1-6pm for our Holiday for the Hounds festival 🍻🐾 Try deluxe homemade treats from our doggie vendors, play in our dog park, or give your pup something from our special dog menu. Enjoy sampling over 40 breweries, compete in festival events for prizes, or take pictures in our photo booth- there’s something for everyone! **Bring your furry friend by for a paws-itively adorable pic with Santa!** 🐕🎅📸 EVENT SCHEDULE: 3:00 PM Doggy Games * Smallest Dog ($25 to winner, based on audience vote!) * Biggest Dog ($25 gift card to winner, based on audience vote!) * Best Trick ($25 gift card to winner, based on audience vote!) 3:30 PM Dog & Owner Relay Race ($25 gift card to fastest time!) 4 :00 PM Best Dressed Dog ($25 to winner, based on audience vote!)

Guest Speaker: Dr. Paul White: a mindfulness workshop to navigate burnout for activists and animal lovers post-holidays 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 the wonderful sounds of **New Hipsters** (Joe DeZarn (fiddle), Liz Donaldson (piano), Ralph Gordon (bass)) who will bring their exciting, engergetic dancing tunes to the Spanish Ballroom for the Friday Night Dance. Our caller, **Perry Shafran**, will bring us an evening of delightful dancing fun. Don't miss this fun-filled evening! Come on out and join us for an amazing evening at the Friday Night Dance!! **All dances called gender-free.** Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD 20812. Tickets are $15. Purchase tickets at[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/friday-night-contra-dances-at-glen-echo-3504989)[here](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/friday-night-contra-dances-at-glen-echo-3504989)[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/friday-night-contra-dances-at-glen-echo-3504989)or pay at the door. **The admission price includes the lesson at 7:30 p.m.** **Dance from 8 to 11 p.m.** You can register and pay online in advance, which is faster. You may also pay at the door with cash and credit cards. You have the ability to cancel registrations prior to the event, and any payment will be refunded as a credit for future use. No refunds will be available after the event has started. The Friday Night Dancers are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organization, welcoming all of our neighbors to join us in this energetic and delightful evening of fun each week. Be sure to invite your friends, family and colleagues to join us each Friday evening at the Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park!! **UPCOMING FND DANCES** **January 2 - Contra Rebels** (Aaron Blouin (bass), Todd Clewell (fiddle), Henry Koretzky (guitar and mandolin), Barb Schmid (fiddle)) with **Lo Ziv Peckman** calling - in the SBR **January 9 - Callithump** (Glyn Collinson (bouzouki, vocals, stomping), Andrew Marcus (accordion), David Knight (fiddle)) with **Chloe Levine** calling - in the SBR **January 16 - Gigmeisters** (Ralph Gordon (bass), Alexander Mitchell (fiddle, mandolin), Paul Oorts (mandolin, accordion, guitar), Dave Wiesler (piano, guitar)) with **Alyssa (Lyss) Adkins** calling - in the SBR **January 23 - Treble Makers** (Emily Aubrey (fiddle), Robin Wilson (flute, concertina, saxophone), Liz Donaldson (piano)) with **April Blum** calling - in the SBR

PawsUP for David and Brick for originally suggesting this awesome meetup and our dogs love it! -Dumbarton Oaks/Montrose Park in Georgetown -Meet at the entrance off of R st, on the East side (closer to the cemetery) -Plenty of street parking in the area -Bring water and a ball for your Aussie This park is a very large open field, that is very dog friendly. Tons of space to run and chase. Most if not all dogs are off leash. Occasional runners and kids (there is a playground), so keep that in mind. There is also a trail inside with a stream that the dogs love to play in.

Our regular Sunday meetup at the Shirlington Dog Park -- members start arriving around 10:15 a.m. You'll always find an Aussie to play with. There are 3 entrances, so wander the park -- the dogs will find each other! For puppies, Shirlington has a small dog park within the larger dog park. It's the prefect place for your puppy to gain confidence and socialize with others. There is also plenty of room to run. Just a reminder, the Dog Park is under attack by the Arlington County Board of Commissioners. While early plans to decrease the size of the park by 50% has been tabled, it's important to remind Arlington County how important this park is to dogs and owners. Here are links to the change.org petition and the Facebook page where you can get updates. Shirlington Dog Park Page Petition: https://www.change.org/.../arlington-county-board-save... Arlington County Board: Save the Shirlington Dog Park! We love the Shirlington Dog Park -- it provides… change.org Shirlington Dog Park Page Shirlington Dog Park Page Save the Dog Park Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890

Meeting place - https://maps.app.goo.gl/P6yZKpmhMFhAipXW6 Questions? Call 240-447-4796 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/mount-vernon-to-lbj-grove-trail-loop 4.9mi Length 91ft Elevation gain 1.5–2hr Estimated time Loop This trail starts at the parking lot off George Washington Memorial Parkway. It’s a mostly flat, multi-use path that follows the Potomac River and Boundary Channel through Lady Bird Johnson Park on Columbia Island. The trail passes the Navy Merchant Marine Memorial and Columbia Island Marina, offering beautiful views of Washington, DC.

Hey! I’m Ron K, and I’m excited to welcome you to Neighborhood Boxing Club. Kickstart your fitness journey with a FREE Beginner Class **Class Schedule** **​** **12:30 - 1:00 PM** **Hand Wrapping & Basics Tutorial** **We’ll start with a step-by-step tutorial on wrapping your hands, followed by tips on stance, footwork, and striking to get you feeling confident.** **1:00 - 1:30 PM** **Beginner Boxing Class** **Dive into a high-energy, 30-minute workout on the heavy bags, where you can practice your moves, release stress, and enjoy a great workout.** **1:30 PM** **Q&A & Membership Overview** **Stick around after class to learn about our membership options and ask any questions to help you continue your boxing journey.** **​This is the perfect opportunity to kickstart your boxing journey, enjoy the energy, and join a supportive community. I’m here to help you every step of the way!** Visit The Following Link To Sign Up [https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass](https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass "https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass")

Happy Holidays!! Join us for a warm and welcoming Vegan Christmas Potluck! All holidays are welcome, not everyone celebrates Christmas. This is a great chance to meet other vegans, make new friends, and share delicious plant-based food with people who share the same values. Holiday attire is encouraged! 🤩Best holiday fit wins a small prize!!🏆 📅 Date: Thursday 12/25/25 ⏰ Time: 12pm - 3pm 📍 Location: It’s All Natural! Temple Store Bring a vegan dish to share and post in the comments of this event what you’re bringing so we can avoid duplicates. Doors open at 12pm to begin setting up, but we aim to start the feast between 12:30pm and 1pm. Come hungry, come friendly, and come ready to connect. Card games will be available too! We can’t wait to celebrate with you! ‼️ REMINDER ‼️ If you arrive to the temple early, please do not ring the doorbell or knock before 12pm. Some people may be in prayer and we do not want to disturb them. Simply wait in your car. Thank you for understanding and being considerate of this! 😊

Wouldn’t it be nice to find a way to overcome your feelings of anger so that you not only control them, but you no longer have the urge to lose your temper in the first place? And how about being able to shake off resentments, persistent annoyance, or even feelings of vengeance? We’d like to invite you to an event on how to overcome anger and resentment. We will show you why people have trouble controlling their temper and where resentment comes from. Flaring anger can ruin a meeting, a relationship, an opportunity, or just about any aspect of life. Worst of all, outbursts towards our family can create hurt that lingers throughout a lifetime. You want to have a civil conversation, and you’ve vowed that you wouldn’t lose your temper, but a few minutes later, the anger flares up. Maybe you’ve realized that being angry doesn’t get you what you want so you internalize it. Or maybe you avoid the knockdown, drag-out fights, but stewing in resentment is exhausting and takes an emotional toll. In this event we show you how to get to the root of your anger so that it stops being an issue to you. You’ll also learn why people harbor resentments and how to move on. Don't continue to struggle, make a difference in your life, and join us for this local event. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This Meetup is sponsored by your local Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

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.

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

The emotional pain from past bad experiences easily lingers in the present, making it hard to enjoy life and create your future. Even when you think you've moved on, the negative emotions can be triggered, sending you back into the pain of that experience. And we are talking about pain; emotions such as grief, depression, anxiety, fear (or terror), boiling anger, simmering resentment, feelings of shame, blaming and regret can leave you incapacitated to a greater or lesser degree. In this local event we will be discussing the reasons why these past bad experiences have the power to affect you long after they occurred. We'll go over why the emotional pain can be so strong. We'll also discuss some simple solutions to overcome your emotional pain and be free to fully enjoy your life again. Examples of painful experiences include: * A broken relationship or divorce. * Death or loss of a loved one. * Death of a pet. * A sudden shock or bad news. * A betrayal. * Being part of an abusive relationship. * A bad injustice. * Loss of a job, position or business. * A grave illness or injury. The negative emotions from these experiences don't just go away on their own. But the good news is there is a way to clear them out of your way. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.