Horticulture

**++++++++++++++++++++** **12:00 NOON Start** **Extended forecast: temperatures low 50s°F, partly cloudy** **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The Koffee Klatch Ride ("Social" Pace): Valletta Espresso Bar in Old Town North * START LOC: Bluemont Park Tennis Parking Area, Wilson Blvd & N Manchester St, Arlington, VA * 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 * PACE: 11-13 mph (Social Pace) * DISTANCE: 19.5 mi * TERRAIN: Trail / Street / Cycle path * Route: **CBG_KOFFEEK_VALLETTA_OTN_2025** * [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53755002](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53755002) * * **Notes:** * This ride is organized very "lean," will only expand the number of riders if I get another organizer. * 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. This week we will again do a loop to Old Town North Alexandria and sample the new [Valletta Espresso Bar](https://www.vallettaespressobar.com/), 682 St Asaph St, about mile 8.7. The ride is a 19.5 mile medium level ridden at a social pace (11-13 mph). We will get on the W&OD from the Bluemont Tennis Parking Area and ride to Old Town for coffee at a new espresso bar on St Asaph St. Afterwards we will ride back to the starting point via Columbus and Cameron Streets, up Commonweath, Monroe, DeWitt, and over Mt Jefferson Greenway to Four Mile Run Park. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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.

Winter just got a lot more delicious. ❄️🍝 Celebrate DC Winter Restaurant Week at Divino, extended January 19–February 1, with a three-course dinner for $40. Cozy flavors, Italian favorites, and the perfect excuse to order that extra glass of wine. See you at the table. DINNER MENU $40 =ANTIPASTI= POLPETTE meatballs, San Marzano tomatoes DOP, Parmigiano Reggiano CAESAR SALAD Earth - Eats romaine, Grana Padano, anchovies, pangrattato BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP crispy prosciutto, sage foam, pine nuts =ENTREES= LINGUINE pomodoro or broccolini pesto TAGLIATELLE BOLOGNESE San Marzano tomatoes DOP, beef, peperoncino GRILLED SALMON zucchini, red pepper sauce, cherry tomatoes BAROLO BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS creamy polenta, oyster mushroom, demi-glaze DOLCI MOUSSE AL CIOCCOLATO chocolate, cream, strawberries CLASSCI TIRAMISÚ

Social Sips & Bites Friends - We’re putting together two trivia teams for an upcoming night of brainpower, laughs, and friendly competition. Each team will have 7 players, so spots are limited. If you’d like to join one of the teams, RSVP only if you’re sure you can attend. We want to lock in committed players so we can go in strong! Come for the fun, stay for the challenge-let’s show everyone how SSB does trivia!

This **no gi class** focuses on **advanced [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) concepts**, including takedowns, positional drilling, submissions, transitions, situational sparring, strategy development, and live training. While the class is scheduled for **90 minutes**, it may run longer depending on content and participation. This class includes both instruction as well as [rolling](https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/7/29/how-rolling-works-in-bjj) (sparring). The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, payable on-site. **Note:** We are located in **Suite #130**.

## [Event overview:](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3213250/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=RHCTN1250000469339) Register [HERE ](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3213250/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=RHCTN1250000469339)to learn more! This isn't your typical tech event. Red Hat Tech Day is a full-day, "laptops-open" intensive designed for the builders, operators, and architects who get things done and who understand that security is paramount to operational success. This day is 100% focused on deep, hands-on learning and building resilient, secure systems. You have the power to customize your day. Choose two immersive, expert-led workshops from our tracks designed to confront today's biggest enterprise challenges. You will leave with production-ready skills to reduce risk and enhance your defensive posture. Register [HERE ](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3213250/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=RHCTN1250000469339)to learn more!

Whether you are a pickleball pro or have never played before, come join your fellow vegan and vegan-aspiring singles at Kraken for a pickleball afternoon! We will be playing doubles, but you don't need a partner to join (the whole point is to meet new people)! The event fee will go to reserving pickleball courts for our group. If you cancel your RSVP on or before January 17, you can receive a refund. If you cancel your RSVP on January 18 or later, we will not be able to issue you a refund and the funds will be used to support VSDC's mission. Kraken does have other activities, including roller skating, ping-pong, and darts. Attendees are welcome to play the other games, but you will have to pay extra. **As a VSDC singles event, this event is for vegan and vegan-aspiring adults who do not currently have a romantic partner.** People of any sexual orientation may join as long as they are single. Anyone 21 or older is welcome. You do not need to be looking to date; you can just come socialize with other singles. **Transportation** The nearest Metro station is Rhode Island Ave on the Red Line. There is a parking lot as well. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) 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! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being 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. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **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 Nordic Culture and Language Exchange for a karaoke party where we’ll sing hits from popular artists from the Nordic countries as well as Nordic -Americans! Practice your Eurovision favorites or songs from Nordic singers/bands who have made the charts in the US like Zara Larsson and Roxette from Sweden, Lukas Graham and Mø from Denmark, Ylvis, Kygo, and a-ha from Norway, and Daði and Of Monsters and Men from Iceland. If you know any Finnish metal, bring it on! Of course, we’ll sing some ABBA too! We’ll be celebrating the 7-Year Anniversary of this Meetup Group, so feel free to dress in party/ABBA/Eurovision-inspired style! Learning a few songs in the Nordic languages ahead (or at least some lyrics/the chorus) is highly encouraged, but not required. The current plan is to meet at the Wok and Roll Karaoke rooms in Chinatown next to Capital One Stadium, but if their new karaoke club in Dupont Circle is open by 24 January, we’ll change to that venue (watch for email notifications).

**$60/2\.5\-hour Class \| Class Limit: 5** Hamiltonian Artists Second Floor, Studio 2 [Registration Link ](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://trishaart.com/classes/p/drop-in-classes&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw07rgL9h-rFd3JRP7l9BSDN) In this introductory course, students will learn the history of Indian woodblock before using the technique for themselves to create a printed piece of fabric from start to finish. I will demonstrate the process before allowing students the opportunity to ask questions and practice. Various examples of patterns and motifs will be shared with the group that they can emulate for their own projects. We will provide a handkerchief for the final project, but students are encouraged to bring their own light-weight cotton objects to use instead.

Social Sips & Bites Nation - get ready for a night where winter chill meets blazing energy! We’re hosting a Winter Singles Mixer Party under the Frost & Blaze theme - the perfect setting to meet new people, mingle, flirt a little, and make real connections in a fun, relaxed, high-energy atmosphere. 🔥 Live DJ HAZE will be setting the room on fire with his signature sound - high-energy mixes, smooth transitions, and a crowd-moving blend of Top 40, Latin, and throwbacks that will keep everyone on the dance floor. And the party gets even bigger… We’re also celebrating JOE’S BIRTHDAY, and we’re doing it SSB-style - loud, fun, joyful, and unforgettable. Expect birthday energy in the air, cheers all around, and a dance floor that stays full all night. ❄️ Frost vibes: cool lighting, winter atmospher 🔥 Blaze energy: warm lighting, pulsing beats, nonstop dancing 💃 Singles Mixer: easy conversations, fun connections, and a welcoming vibe for everyone 🍸 Happy-hour prices to keep the good times flowing Bring your crew, your winter glow, and your best dance moves - with Joe’s birthday, a packed singles mixer, and DJ HAZE live, this is the winter party of the season.

Let us meet up for a language exchange. We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Join us every Friday night for an unforgettable evening of live Latin music at Greenhouse Kitchen + Bar. Join us every Friday night for an unforgettable evening of live Latin music at **Greenhouse Kitchen + Bar**. Experience the vibrant sounds of the **Javier Arias Orchestra**, delivering high-energy rhythms, soulful vocals, and classic Latin favorites that set the perfect tone for dinner, drinks, and dancing. From romantic melodies to lively dance-floor hits, this weekly live performance transforms your Friday night into a cultural escape filled with passion, flavor, and sound. 🕖 **Live Music:** 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM 📍 **Location:** Greenhouse Kitchen + Bar 2070 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna, VA 🎶 **Featuring:** Javier Arias Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, elevated cuisine, and an elegant atmosphere while immersing yourself in the rhythm of Latin music. 🎟️ Reserve your table early — seating is limited. Complimentary tickets on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-latin-performance-at-greenhouse-kitchen-bar-tickets-1981021387297)

For Adults: Beginner Macrame Plant Hangers January 31, 2026 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Create a basic cord plant hanger and then practice some simple macrame knots to use in future projects. Hosted by Metro Parks VENUE Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S. Hempstead Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 Phone (614)895-6216

🎉 You’re Invited! 🍩 Join Columbus Vegan Meetup for a fun community gathering at Monster Baby Donuts, a vegan, peanut & gluten-free, local family-owned business that just opened their new storefront! They started as a beloved food truck, and now they have a permanent location. 📍 700 Bryden Rd, Columbus, OH 43205 🗓 Saturday, January 31 ⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Come enjoy amazing donuts, meet other vegans, and help grow our community with people who share your values. It’s a great opportunity to connect, support a local vegan business, and have a good time. 🥪🥗 The shop also has ready-to-go sandwiches and salads. 🚗 Ample parking in the back. Everyone is welcome — see you there! 🌱💚

**Join Us for Brunch at Portia’s Cafe!** 🌿 Come meet fellow vegan friends and enjoy a delicious brunch with the Columbus Vegan Meetup! We’ll be gathering at **[The Cozy](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/12hqnx2x0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj9lPzVmI6SAxXs48kDHS9NMbgQqdYPegYIAQgFEAI)** (located right next door to Portia’s Cafe) to sample a 100% vegan and gluten-free menu featuring savory wraps, breakfast favorites, hearty soups, and decadent desserts. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with a community that shares your values while supporting a local, family-owned staple in our city. * **When:** Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM * **Where:** the Cozy (next to Portia’s Cafe) * **Address:** 4428 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43214 We can’t wait to see you there!

Start the year surrounded by Love From the Earth—with delicious vegan eats, sweet treats, artisan goods, and a chance to win one of our raffle baskets filled with plant-based goodies. Support small businesses, enjoy great food, and spend a cozy day with the community. We will reserve a table for this group if there is enough interest. Just comment "interest" below. Don’t miss out—see you there! Check [event page](https://www.facebook.com/events/893838639773267/) for a vendor list.