Landscaping

**Important! Please register on [Luma Page](https://luma.com/n7h7ynr4)** This event is organised by Projector Institute community and Ukrainian Tech Space DC MD VA Join us for an exclusive evening dedicated to exploring what it truly means to be a Product Designer — and how to manage this role more effectively in today’s fast-changing digital landscape. ​ During this session, we’ll dive into: • The pros and cons of working in product vs. non-product companies • Communication as one of the main design tools • Business-oriented approaches to product design • Practical insights for both junior and senior designers • The use of AI tools and workflows — backed by real-world examples ​ Speaker: [Misha Rybachuk](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-rybachuk/) — Co-founder of [Projector Institute](https://prjctr.com/en/about), Art Director at [Lezo.io](https://lezo.io/en), and former designer at Accenture. With over 10 years of experience in interface design, Mike has helped build impactful digital products by merging creativity, strategy, and technology. ​ This event is your opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, gain hands-on insights, and see how design bridges creativity, communication, and business success.

**++++++++++++++++++++** **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.

Hike leaders, this event is for you! In appreciation of our hard-working volunteers, we're hosting a special outing to thank them for contributing their time to make the Capital Hiking Club a success. If you led a trip in the last calendar year, the CHC board members would like to invite you to join us at Swingers Crazy Golf in Dupont Circle. What you'll enjoy: * Tasty food and drinks. * A round of mini-golf * And a chance to test your skills with some carnival games! ****This event is invite-only for CHC hike leaders**--please add yourself to the waitlist, and we'll move you into the event. **Email jen.adach[at]gmail.com by Jan. 9 with any dietary restrictions. Interested in learning how you can be a hike leader? Reach out to us--we'll be happy to get you started!

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Join us as The Washington Area Roadskaters lead you on a different adventure every week, skating through and around our Nation's Capital! For current details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you soon!

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).

Meet other Arlington remote workers for a walk around the block. Just a casual stroll through the neighborhood to get some steps in and have an in person convo.

Out-and-back, go-at-your-own-pace hike of 10.2 miles on former right-of-way of a historic railroad through lovely wooded sections of Northwest DC, with an optional indoor lunch stop in Bethesda, MD. Total of 350 feet of elevation climbed on a few hills, at your own pace. [https://www.cctrail.org/points_of_interest](https://www.cctrail.org/points_of_interest) Level: Moderate 10 miles: Allow min. 4 hours for this hike. Meet at Fletcher's Boat House - 4940 Canal Rd, NW We meet by 9:30 am on the first/upper parking lot for registration. If there is no room in the first parking lot when you enter, proceed through the tunnel under the canal to a much larger parking lot, then walk back up the stairs/bridge to the meeting point. There are bathrooms there. Dress in warm layers, bring (hot) water, snacks and or lunch ...plus anything you might need for balance and to stay warm. Leaders: Rob Anderson 202-258-1010 and Vicky Hsu 240-370-7011 **ONE DAY HIKE** Although open to all, this hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the [One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304791832/) (ODH)—100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal—on May. 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s [Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/) for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see [volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304792694/) . For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io. **SCPRO DONATION:** A voluntary $2.00 donation per event is appreciated. You may donate via PayPal by sending money to ECommerce@SierraPotomac.org using “For friends and family” as payment type, or in cash at the event. You may join the Sierra Club by clicking "JOIN" on the Virginia Chapter's [website](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia).

Register at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at [Writing in Nature (New Location) - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/writing-in-nature-february/) Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this regular monthly workshop, presented by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings. Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community building activity that encourages regular practice. Each session is a stand-alone event – come when you are able. Registration for each session is open through the morning of the workshop. For directions, click on the Google Map link at the bottom of this page. ***Registration required.*** ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

Join Nextgen Birders for a fun-filled day of birding at **Lake Fairfax Park** followed by a board game session at the **Northern VA Bird Alliance (NVBA) HQ**! Feel free to join us for the **morning walk**, the **afternoon game session**, or **both**! ***Agenda:*** * **9:00 am - 11:00 am:** Birding around Lake Fairfax Park * **11:00 am - 1:00 pm:** Board games and trivia at NVBA HQ ***Morning Birding Detail*s** (Lake Fairfax Park) * **Meeting Spot:** Main parking lot (near the restrooms and playgrounds) * **Address:** 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190 * **The Walk:** We will walk a portion of the trail along the lakeshore, looking for waterfowl and other birds of interest. * **Trail Note:** The trail includes both paved and unpaved sections. We highly recommend wearing **closed-toed shoes**. ***Afternoon Board Game Details (NVBA HQ)*** * **Location:** National Wildlife Federation Building (approx. 12 mins drive from the park) * **Address:** 11100 Wildlife Center Dr suite 100, Reston, VA 20190 * **Games:** We will have multiple sets of **Wingspan** as well as bird-themed **trivia** and more! * **Refreshments:** Light snacks and drinks will be provided. You are welcome to bring a festive treat to share! ***Additional FAQs:*** * **Parking:** Parking is **free** at both Lake Fairfax Park and the NVBA HQ. * **Metro:** The closest Metro stop is **Wiehle-Reston East** (Silver Line). Please note that both locations are a sizeable walk from the Metro, so taking an Uber or bus from the stop is likely the easiest option. We look forward to seeing you there!

**\*\*\*This group is filled. Check out our next departure on Feb 20, 2026:** **https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/\*\*\*** Gaze at the Northern Lights, enjoy a sleigh ride, be a reindeer herder for a day, learn about the Sámi culture, visit an ice hotel, catch a fish (or two) through a hole in the ice, taste some good Scandinavian delicacies, visit the ABBA museum...My, oh my! These are just some of the fun activities we are planning to do during this once-in-a-life time adventure! Like all our adventures, this one is crafted from the ground up with the true spirit of Meetup in mind. We handle every little detail before and during the trip, accompany and guide the group, creating a stress-free journey with a laid-back, friendly vibe. No big tour operators, no inflated prices — we work directly with locals to give you authentic experiences and unbeatable value. Come as strangers, leave as lifelong friends — and make memories that stick forever! ***We visit:*** * Stockholm * Kiruna (Lapland) * Helsinki * Copenhagen (optional extension) ***The trip includes:*** \* 2 nights in Stockholm \* A night train from Stockholm to Lapland in a private sleeping compartment \* 4 nights in Kiruna \* 3 nights in Helsinki \* Airfare from Kiruna to Helsinki \* Arrival and departure transfers \* Sightseeing tours in Stockholm and Helsinki \* Boat ride in Stockholm \* Food tasting in Helsinki \* Breakfast daily \* 2 dinners and 3 lunches \* Northern Lights Tour \* Jukkasjärvi Icehotel Half-Day Tour \* Full-Day Reindeer Tour \* Ice Fishing or Husky Sleigh Ride **Price per person, double occupancy: $4770** (we match roommates for those wishing to share) **Price for single room: $6320** ***Not Included:*** x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that) x Meals not listed above x Tips and any personal and incidental expenses x Optional extension to Copenhagen The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit **\*\*\*Deposit link removed as this date is sold out. You can reserve your spot for our next departure on Feb 20, 2026 [HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/) \*\*\*** Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).\*\*\* Final payment due 60 days before departure\*\*\* ***[Click Here](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37)***[ and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37) For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) Limited capacity of 14 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. \*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included\*\*\* **OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO COPENHAGEN offered at $590 per person/double or $785 solo occupancy (air from Helsinki to Copenhagen not included)** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) SOT 2000318-10

**Planting Seeds of Peace** What happens in this theater of life is the result of actions planted in the past. Let us now plant seeds of peace to create a life of serenity. Wed., Jan. 28th, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Held at the Brahma Kumaris Center, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl., Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/OelS7](https://shorturl.at/OelS7)

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration at [Birding Gilbert’s Corner - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-gilberts-corner-january/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a bird walk at the relatively new [Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/gilberts-corner-regional-park) in Aldie (see map below). With a combination of scrub, brush and meadow, this park is a great birding hotspot in southwestern Loudoun. *Limit 14. **Registration required.*** ***Questions:*** *Contact Joe Coleman at [jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org)*.

Our local amphibians and reptiles are both susceptible to habitat destruction and pollutants and can often be victims of being misunderstood. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introductory look at our local amphibians and reptiles, what our citizens can do to help protect their habitats, and what related programs are available through Loudoun Wildlife to help monitor populations and increase community awareness of these often overlooked and fragile species. This presentation takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.