Ivy League Grads

Kick off 2026 with our virtual "New Year, New You: Stronger Together" program! This program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and physical strength to make lasting changes, all from the comfort and convenience of your own home. This isn't just about lifting weights; it's a comprehensive journey to build a stronger, more resilient you, both inside and out. The class will include an educational component on strength training, providing you with the understanding you need to maximize your results and build a sustainable fitness routine. Ages 13 & up; FREE **Virtual** **[REGISTER THROUGH PARKS DIRECT](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=Pe0W6P6S0B17294F1R3B1Q4Q5D3Z5E58055O425I561C5I4R6G510H005P4N521J724Q4V6L02705P6N4S1A4Q60544B055T4S5D5V1K5O5Y5556196U3W5C4X6D734V56&age=0.25&age=0.5&age=0.75&age=1&age=2&age=3&age=4&age=5&age=6&age=7&age=8&age=9&age=10&age=11&age=12&age=13&age=14&age=15&age=16&age=17&age=Adult&age=Senior&primarycode=31698-179A&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&showwithavailable=No&spotsavailable=&beginyear=&instructor=&dayoption=All&display=Detail&module=AR&multiselectlist_value=&arwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes)** For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email [wellness@pgparks.com](http://wellness@pgparks.com/)

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“What We Know About Snow,”** a meteorologist’s take on the science of snow and snowstorm prediction, with Jeffrey Halverson, professor of geography and environmental systems at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and author of *An Introduction to Severe Storms and Hazardous Weather.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-know-snow](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-know-snow) .] Will the weather outside be frightful? Get answers where it’s delightful. Penn Social is the place to go to learn of snow, learn of snow, learn of snow. Regardless of whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast who welcomes blizzards or someone who spends the season dreaming of an escape to the tropics, you can gain a much deeper understanding of the white stuff with the help of Dr. Jeffrey Halverson, a severe storm expert with the *Washington Post*’s Capital Weather Gang who gave an excellent Profs and Pints talk on hurricanes in November. A seasoned meteorologist and snow forecaster, he’ll discuss how and when snow is formed, describe the different types of snow out there, and tell you what determines whether the atmosphere generates snow as opposed to sleet or freezing rain. You’ll learn the difference between a nuisance “Alberta Clipper” snow event and a blockbuster East Coast snowstorm, and why some winter seasons feature memorable—if not historical—snowstorms while others have just small snow events or experience “snow drought.” You’ll gain an appreciation of how the science of snowfall is nuanced and differs markedly in the Mid Atlantic compared to other notoriously snowy regions such as the Great Lakes “snowbelt” or the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada. You’ll learn the pitfalls and common traps that people fall into in trying to predict snowfall using the data from numerical weather prediction models readily available today to casual users. Dr. Halverson will tackle the debate over whether the American or European weather prediction models do a better job and discuss Artificial Intelligence’s entry into the forecast game. Accounts of the Washington D.C. region’s most historic snowstorms will be sprinkled in for good measure. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A bright moment in the aftermath of D.C.’s infamous 1922 Knickerbocker Snowstorm (Library of Congress photo).

A resolution is "I hope", a commitment is "I will". What is your Number 1 commitment above all others for 2026? Why? **Quote:** "Commitment is when one decides and agrees to work towards a goal with complete dedication and determination. It brings a one-pointed focus towards a goal. What does it mean for a spiritual seeker to commit to finding Truth? There is no guarantee, no timeline, and no tangible benefits in this search. And yet, once that commitment is made, the whole universe aligns itself to help you find what you are looking for" \- Anima Pundeer \(read the rest of [her piece)](https://tatfoundation.org/tat-forum-archives/forum2019-12.htm#1) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***“I am struck with how rare it is to find a few good friends on the path. It is easy to find people who simply want to sit and be entertained by teachers, or who want to sit and entertain by playing the role of teacher. In other words, the quest for affirmation often outweighs the quest for truth.*** ***Yet you may have one or two good friends, and definitely have one or two waiting to be discovered. Find them; be thankful.”*** ***— Shawn Nevins*** 'What will make me happy in life?' ... 'Am I my thoughts?' ... 'What is Enlightenment?' ... We meet every week to ask questions like these in the pursuit of Self-Knowledge and Truth. We are interested in topics like: Zen, stoicism, spirituality, psychology, mindfulness, Nisargadatta, non-violent communication, Socrates, existential philosophy, Alan Watts, taoism, Eckhart Tolle, meditation, Ramana Maharshi, etc. But we are not affiliated with any dogma, philosophy, or religion. Our goal each meeting is to serve as mirrors for one another using question-based inquiry in a safe environment. In a session, every participant takes turns discussing the week's question or topic, and the group asks reflective questions without any agenda besides trying to understand the person's beliefs. A few other guiding principles of our group: * No one is obligated to share * Be honest with yourself and others * Do not try to convince others to believe or think as you do * Keep the focus on the person being questioned We meet at the [Bethesda Library](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GWMozF8zpY1m1PY26) every Monday. The library is a 5 minute walk from the Bethesda Metro on the Red Line, approx 25 minute Metro ride from Metro Center and Gallery Place stations. The library has a a parking lot with metered parking for $1/hour. \*\*\* WE WILL BE IN MEETING ROOM 3 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ----- THE MEETING ROOM IS IN THE BACK OF THE LIBRARY \*\*\* Please contact us with any questions!

Let's go play at this unique trivia venue that features the popular District Trivia game! Join us this Monday at 7:00pm at Astro Beer Hall in convenient Shirlington! Those players who join the most District Trivia events during the season will be invited to the District Trivia tournament (held early next year), if we qualify for it. Astro Beer Hall is connected to Astro Doughnuts and Chicken, and so has both of those on their menu, as well as plenty of appetizers and sandwiches. Free parking is available in a garage around the corner on S. Quincy Street (across from the WETA building), as well as other garages in the area. Team size will be limited to six players. See you for this interesting game!

Our weekly co-ed ball hockey league plays every Wednesday from roughly 7:00-11:00pm, year-round, (with the exception of a few rare holidays) at the newly renovated Rockville Sports Arena. Whether you're brand new to ball hockey or have experience playing either ball hockey or ice hockey at higher level leagues/tournaments, we're confident you'll find a level of play that fits what you're looking for. Come check us out one Wednesday (we frequently have sub opportunities) or let us know if you want to join our next season! Ball hockey, sometimes referred to as street hockey or dek hockey, is rapidly growing in popularity. It plays very similarly to ice hockey, but with less equipment and a lower cost!

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

Trivia!! Trivia starts promptly at 7, come earlier to get set up 630-645. I won't be at the next two but one of our regulars will be there to get a table. Clear Sky's Meadery. 15201 Display Ct, Rockville, MD 20850

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Tolkien’s Fight Against Futurism,”** a look at a beloved fantasy author as fundamentally engaged in a battle to preserve beauty, with Graham McAleer, professor of philosophy at Loyola University Maryland and teacher of a course on the morals and politics of *Lord of the Rings.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-tolkien-futurism](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-tolkien-futurism) .] As a young man in the early 20th century J.R.R. Tolkien watched an avant-garde art form known as Futurism become all the rage. Shaped by industrialization and by admiration for new machinery, Futurism celebrated speed, acceleration, and the whirl of technical innovation, earning it another name, Vorticism, in Tolkien’s England. Although remembered mainly as a writer, Tolkien also was an accomplished pen-and-ink artist who kept abreast of the art movements of his time. He developed a distaste for Futurism and what it signified that only grew stronger as he experienced the horrors of modern warfare as a soldier at the 1916 Battle of the Somme. He regarded what Futurism celebrated as “the Machine,” representing fascist politics and apocalyptic war, and his opposition to it deeply influenced not just his art but his written works. Gain insights into how Tolkien’s sensibilities as a visual artist shaped his worldview and writing with Graham McAleer, a scholar of philosophy who has closely studied Tolkien’s work. Professor McAleer will look at how Tolkien’s lore can be seen as one long meditation on beauty and its problematic twin, vanity, with what separated them most in Tolkien’s mind being their respective approaches to time: Beauty is patient, vanity is not. We’ll look at Tolkien’s argument that that impatience mars beauty and corrupts our standing in a cosmos, and we’ll consider his characterization of his own work as “cosmogonical drama” dealing with the universe’s origins. You’ll learn how his tales of Dark Lords squaring off against elven queens and genial Hobbits reflect his view that war is always a dispute about beauty. You’ll come to see Tolkien as having grappled with a profound philosophical question that dates back to Plato, and you’ll emerge from the talk with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of Tolkien’s works. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A bust of Tolkien at Oxford. From a photo by Julian Nyča / Wikimedia Commons.

**EVERYONE MUST REGISTER ON THE WOMEN ON COURSE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM A SPOT FOR THIS EVENT. [CLICK HERE TO RSVP](https://www.womenoncourse.com/indoor-golf-league-edp-13350-01-2026.html)** **(an RSVP on Meetup will NOT hold a spot for you)** Compete, network, and learn/improve your golf game! Join us for 8 consecutive weeks of league play at The St James indoor golf center equipped with simulators to play famous courses around the world! We'll play 9 holes each week using different team formats. Price includes 8 weeks (1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26)of simulator time and prizes. Food and drink pay as you go. This event welcomes the first 20 people who RSVP. This event will require prepayment to confirm a spot. A link will be sent to make your payment once you register at WOC. **$210\.00 Member \| $210\.00 Non Member** A **Non Member** registration fee of **$25.00** is due at time of registration. This fee is non refundable.

Join us for a casual, engaging book talk with **Dr. Laura Kahn**, a core member and organizer of our Bethesda meetup group, Using an interdisciplinary One Health approach, Dr. Laura Kahn will draw upon material from her book, "One Health and the Politics of Covid-19," to talk about the history, science, research, and politics of coronaviruses. One Health is the concept that human, animal, plant, environmental, and ecosystem health are linked. This is a relatively new term, but an ancient concept recognized by indigenous peoples around the world. * Location: Connie Morella Library 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD * To learn more about the book talk event, visit: [https://www.ncas.org/2025/12/coming-on-january-10-2026.html](https://www.ncas.org/2025/12/coming-on-january-10-2026.html) * To learn more about Laura's book, visit: [https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12713/one-health-and-politics-covid-19](https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12713/one-health-and-politics-covid-19)

Let's have lunch at Uptown Westerville's newest restaurant. Ampersand is owned by the same couple who owns Asterisk. They are known for ramen, rice bowls, teriyaki and small plates.

❄️ **Spare Yourself a Boring Winter - Bowl With Us!** Avoid social hibernation this winter, join our **6-week social bowling league** starting in January! Whether you're looking to unwind after work, meet new people, or just have a fun night out with pals, this league is perfect for everyone! Chill times, cold drinks, and plenty of chances to connect with others. No matter your skill level, this league is all about having fun and meeting new friends. **;)** **🗓 Thursday evenings \|📍 AMF Sawmill Lanes \| 💵 $74 w/ code MUCOW26** **💻 League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling **Why Join?** 🎉 It’s only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan 🍻 Great mix of people in their 20s-40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar 🎳 Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome! 👕 Free league shirt if you sign up early 🧠 Weekly trivia w/ prizes 💬 Super social - join solo or w/ friends! **Want in?** Join our Meetup team Here for the Beer 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/2559lb7t Or start a team of your own with a few friends - we’ll all be hanging out either way! 📅 League Dates (Thursday evenings): Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26 ***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)*** **Cost & What’s Included:** ✔ $74 with discount code MUCOW26 ✔ 6 weeks of bowling (1–3 games/week) ✔ Shoe rentals & full league setup ✔ Trivia, prizes, and great people 👉 **SIGN UP NOW** 💻League Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling 🤑Use promo code MUCOW26 to save $20 📸 Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG 📩 Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7 Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the fun times!

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!

## 🏓 Winter Singles Pickleball League \| Ages 20s\, 30s & 40s **Hosted by DateColumbus** **[Registration Through Eventbrite - Click Here!](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-singles-pickleball-league-tickets-1975043737987?aff=oddtdtcreator)** Looking to meet new people OFF the dating apps this winter? Join us for an **8-week Singles Pickleball League** designed to help you connect, move, laugh, and meet other active Columbus singles — IRL. **📅 Thursdays, January 8 – February 26** 🎟 $160 (PLUS FEES) **⏰ 6:30–8:30 PM** **📍 Paddle Taps \| 535 Lakeview Plaza Blvd\, Worthington\, OH 43085** *** ## 🏓 What to Expect * 💬 A fun, easygoing way to meet singles in their **20s, 30s & 40s** * 🎾 **Beginner-friendly!** Instructors onsite for the first 30 minutes of Weeks 1–3 * 🔄 **Open Play Format** Rotate courts + partners often = tons of chances to connect Winners stay one round, then rotate * 🍻 Food + drinks available at Paddle Taps’ full bar and restaurant * 🏓 Paddles available each week — or bring your own * 💬 Eat, drink, mingle before/after games * ⏳ Runs every Thursday for 8 weeks Whether you’re experienced or brand new, you’ll fit right in — this league is all about connection, not competition. *** ## ⭐ IMPORTANT — READ THIS ⭐ **This is a PAID event. Meetup RSVP does NOT count as registration.** You **must purchase a ticket on Eventbrite** to participate. [👉 ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-singles-pickleball-league-tickets-1975043737987?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[DateColumbus Winter Singles Pickleball League LINK HERE!](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-singles-pickleball-league-tickets-1975043737987?aff=oddtdtcreator)** Spots always fill fast — grab yours early!

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

**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