Feminist Activism

If you’ve been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or just a little “muted,” tonight is your invitation to turn the volume back up. Tonight we’re joined by **Reba Corrine Thomas**, celebrity “Sexpert” seen on TLC’s *90 Day Fiancé: The Last Resort*, for a bold and empowering conversation: **Power & Pleasure: Reviving Your Sensual Self**. Through her signature CPR Framework, Reba will guide us in reconnecting to our bodies, reclaiming our confidence, and embracing pleasure as power. This is your space to release shame, stop living on mute, and step fully into your authentic self, unapologetically. Whether you’ve already registered or are joining us for the first time, we’re glad you’re here. Click [here](meet.google.com/qmn-jjzf-jku) to join! Constance Marie www.sistahood.us

Artistic Artifacts hosts **Open Stitch sessions on the first and third Thursday evenings** from 5:30 - 7:30 pm — join us! This is a drop-in, bring your own hand stitching project and the necessary supplies (or you can knit, crochet... whatever needle arts you like). There’s no fee to attend, no instruction nor agenda — just a time to spend with other creatives! Visit our website for all other class & event information: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk)**

[Link to purchase ticket(s)](https://sunscinema.com/2026-02-19) Tickets are very limited as the theatre is small! Join us on February 19th for a Black female director double feature of [Compensation (1999) by Zeinabu irene Davis](https://boxd.it/8jau) and [Losing Ground (1982) by Kathleen Collins](https://boxd.it/cDVy) at Suns Cinema in Mount Pleasant, D.C. This double feature (2 movies back to back) will be presented by Britt Sankofa as part of her monthly Black cinema series at Suns. / Compensation @ 7:00 PM sharp Losing Ground @ 9:40 PM sharp _It is highly recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the feature_ / Attendance to both films is absolutely not required so feel free to pick whichever showing looks most intriguing to you! Drinks and popcorn available for purchase!

Let the Sunshine in, and join board game enthusiast James, CCAN volunteer, for an evening of board games featuring Solar Power, and other renewable energy, as their primary theme. We'll be meeting at Curio Cavern, a long time Friendly Local Gamestore in Springfield, and they have plenty of snacks on hand if you're a snacker. We'll also have information about Solar policies and legislation going on in Virginia for those who are curious. I've set the attendee limit to 10 because I'm not sure how much table space there will be, and the board games can only support so many players. If you want to stop by, feel free, but RSVP's will get priority to play the games.

The first event is in person. The rest are on Zoom (and in person if it works better for some). The Club meets every other Thursday. Are you tired—but not sure *why* rest never seems to be enough? *Sacred Rest* reveals that exhaustion isn’t just physical. In this eye-opening book, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith introduces **seven types of rest** your body, mind, and soul need to truly recover. Blending medical insight with spiritual wisdom, *Sacred Rest* helps you move from constant burnout to deep, life-giving renewal—without guilt. Join our Women’s Space, where we share, listen, and support one another as we navigate the complexities of life together. Taking time to connect and socialize with other women is an essential part of our emotional and social health.

**What to Expect:** Join us for a relaxed, supportive gathering where we'll create together, share our process, and connect mindfully. No art experience necessary, all levels and all creative expressions welcome! **What to Bring:** Please bring your own art materials and supplies, whatever you enjoy working with! **Ideas for materials:** sketchbooks, journals, pastels, crayons, markers, colored pencils, collage materials, yarn, lego, diamond art, iPad or tablet for digital drawing, or anything else that calls to you. Bring paper or surfaces to work on as well. There's no right or wrong, just bring what feels good! 🙂 **What we'll do:** **6:00 pm:** Arrive, get settled, grab a drink/snack, and find a spot **6:10 pm:** Set out your supplies, take a breath, and ease in **6:15–7:30 pm:** Create, chat, unwind, and follow the good vibes **7:30 pm:** Gentle wrap-up with *Come/leave whenever, this is relaxed and flexible gathering!* **Location:** Wegmans cafe (one level above the store), 11620 Monument Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030. Look for the table with art supplies! This is a social, low-key meetup, not a formal class, and there will be no instruction.

Take the Polar Bear Plunge with us on February 21, either at National Harbor in Maryland, or "brrr-tually"! **[JOIN OUR PLUNGE TEAM!](https://give.chesapeakeclimate.org/p2p/site/mjSJ2/page/ZZSz2D#/)** CCAN is celebrating its 21st annual Polar Bear Plunge to "Keep Winter Cold!", and **[NoVA New Leaf has its very own plunge team](https://give.chesapeakeclimate.org/p2p/site/mjSJ2/page/ZZSz2D#/)** for you to join! Get chilly and raise money for climate action. Every winter for the past 20 years, hundreds of passionate climate activists have dashed into icy cold waters for a winter swim to raise funds in support of the work of the **[Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN)](https://chesapeakeclimate.org/about-us/)**. Just like a charity fun run, Plunge participants accept donations from their friends and family to support CCAN's vital climate work! **NATIONAL HARBOR PLUNGE AGENDA:** **10:00 - 11:00 AM:** Arrive and check in at the Capital Canopy! We'll have action tables, music, games, face painting, warm drinks, and yummy snacks. **11:00 - 11:40 AM:** Pre-Plunge rally and costume contest. **11:40 - 11:50 AM:** March to the Plunge point and get ready to plunge. **11:50 AM - 12:10 PM: PLUNGE TIME!** After plunging, you can change into warm clothes in our changing tents. **12:15 - 2:30 PM:** Head back to the Capital Canopy for continued fun and celebration with your fellow Plungers! We'll have pizza, a hot cocoa bar, a FREE beer from Denizens brewery *(Plungers age 21+)*, games, and music!

We are FINALLY going to see this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of modern and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art! I saw Australian Aboriginal art for the first time when I spent a summer in Sydney, and it has haunted and mesmerized me ever since. MEET AT: Outside the main entrance to the East Building of the National Gallery, on 4th St. NW. The East Building is the building that does NOT have the big columns in front. Look for Molly with the rainbow LAL sign. COST: FREE! NEAREST METRO STOPS: Smithsonian; Judiciary Square This eye-opening exhibition introduces North American audiences to the varied visual iconographies of Indigenous Australia, which is made up of more than 250 distinct Indigenous nations. Explore this rich and living history of creativity through over 200 works made by more than 130 artists. Drawn exclusively from the collection of Melbourne’s [National Gallery of Victoria](https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/), *The Stars We Do Not See* offers a rare opportunity to experience some of the most significant examples of modern and contemporary Australian Indigenous art. Charting watershed moments in Indigenous art from the late 19th century to the present, this exhibition reveals a rich history of creativity that predates the arrival of the British. See the work of trailblazing painters including Anmatyerre superstar Emily Kam Kngwarray and Senior Yolŋu artist Gulumbu Yunupiŋu, known as "Star Lady," (whose works inspired the exhibition title) along with contemporary innovators such as Brook Andrew, Destiny Deacon, and Betty Muffler. Witness Australian Indigenous art in all its forms, from ochre bark paintings and experimental weavings to immersive sound and video art and powerful photographs.

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

Guest Speaker: Becca Rogers of New Roots Foundation 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.

**In March we will be making protest signs form carboard, paper, thick markers, and more! All supplies are provided, seats are limited! Come As you are, when you can; hope to see you there!**

Our Sewing & Crafting Activity Group is gathering to connect, serve, and create together in a Christ-centered environment. Whether you’re experienced or brand new, all skill levels are welcome. No supplies needed, but sewing machines are appreciated if you’re comfortable bringing one. Join us January 20th, February 17th & 24th, March 17th & 24th, and April 21st from 1–6 PM in the Youth Building at Village Chapel as we begin with prayer, enjoy fellowship, and work on meaningful service projects together. You are welcome to drop by anytime!

Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3262835](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3262835) Location: [Knotty Pine Brewing](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/) [Menu, scroll to the bottom](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/menus-1) Book summary: Adunni is a fourteen-year-old Nigerian girl who knows what she wants: an education. This, her mother has told her, is the only way to get a "louding voice" -- the ability to speak for herself and decide her own future. But instead, Adunni's father sells her to be the third wife of a local man who is eager for her to bear him a son and heir. When Adunni runs away to the city, hoping to make a better life, she finds that the only other option before her is servitude to a wealthy family. As a yielding daughter, a subservient wife, and a powerless slave, Adunni is told, by words and deeds, that she is nothing. But while misfortunes might muffle her voice for a time, they cannot mute it. And when she realizes that she must stand up not only for herself, but for other girls, for the ones who came before her and were lost, and for the next girls, who will inevitably follow, she finds the resolve to speak, however she can--in a whisper, in song, in broken English--until she is heard