LARP Live Action Role Playing

Come out every Wednesday from 6 to 9 to play Flesh and Blood TCG!

Come play and learn with the best Warmachine and Hordes players in the world!

Come out to the Reston Community Center and play some games! Party games? Strategy games? Tabletop role-playing games? This massive space can accommodate games for every interest. While the event starts at 5pm, feel free to roll in whenever you are able! If you have games to bring that you'd like to share or run, please do! Food and drink are not provided within the venue, but you are allowed to bring in anything you need from outside locations, just please be considerate of other people's games and the tables when doing so. Park anywhere in the parking lot. The Community Center building is located directly behind Ledo Pizza. Walk straight back to the main room once you enter the building. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to either David Gray or Bill Parker through Meetup, or you can email Bill at william.parker@fairfaxcounty.gov. Hope to see you all there!

## 1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 ### Business Presentation Featuring Yomna Sarhan of L-Lab **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our January 14th **1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Yomna Sarhan**, founder of **L-Lab**, an innovative after-school enrichment program designed to transform how children learn and grow beyond the classroom. ### About the Presenter Yomna Sarhan brings a diverse and impressive background to her entrepreneurial journey. She is a former **project manager overseeing $8M+ in government contracts**, has led **multidisciplinary teams of more than 20 employees**, and is a **multilingual consultant** who has worked in over **10 countries**. Yomna also founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the **Society of Egyptian American Professionals**, reflecting her long-standing commitment to education and community development. ### About the Business L-Lab was born out of a personal experience. When Yomna’s daughter was entering kindergarten, she discovered a lack of high-quality, enriching after-school programs in Loudoun County. Many existing programs focused solely on supervision rather than meaningful learning—despite children spending 10–15 hours per week and families investing significant resources in aftercare. L-Lab is changing that narrative. L-Lab is an **after-school language immersion enrichment program** for elementary-aged children, blending: * STEAM-based learning * Social-emotional development * Montessori-inspired approaches In addition to after-school programming, L-Lab offers **full-day camps** during school breaks, including winter, spring, and teacher workdays. ### Where Yomna Is Now L-Lab is currently in the **launch/startup phase**, with the full after-school program beginning in early January and a winter break program running at the end of December. Yomna is focused on enrollment, program validation, and building a strong foundation for growth. ### Feedback Yomna Is Seeking from the Community Yomna is coming to the 1 Million Cups stage looking for thoughtful feedback and insight on key challenges, including: * How to **shift the mindset around after-school programs** from “time-filling childcare” to meaningful enrichment * The most strategic way to **scale after a successful pilot** (January–June): * Expanding curriculum into schools * Focusing on one location first * How to **find and retain high-quality part-time staff** aligned with L-Lab’s mission and values ### Who Should Attend Yomna would especially love to have: * Entrepreneurs with experience **scaling service-based businesses** * Founders who have **modified or diversified offerings as they grew** * Parents and guardians interested in education, enrichment, and after-school programming ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 Business Presentation** **Featuring Eric Wojtkun of Focal Point Coaching** **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our **January 14th 1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Eric Wojtkun**, founder of **Focal Point Coaching**, for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and preparing businesses to thrive before challenges arise. **About the Presenter** Eric brings a rare and compelling background to entrepreneurship. An **Army BRAT, Army Veteran, and FBI Agent**, Eric has lived in 17 places, served two overseas deployments (Bosnia and Kosovo), and worked across nearly every major FBI discipline — from violent and white-collar crime to cyber, counterintelligence, crisis response, and national security. After decades of leadership in high-stakes environments, Eric launched **Focal Point Coaching** to focus on what mattered most to him throughout his career: **helping people and organizations build resilience in the face of change and adversity**. Through executive coaching and team development, Eric helps leaders move from survival mode into what he calls **“BEAST mode”** — prepared, confident, and proactive. His exclusive resilience-focused coaching framework supports leadership, teams, processes, culture, and cyber readiness before a crisis occurs. **Where Eric Is Seeking Community Feedback** * How do you effectively market **resilience preparation** *before* a critical incident occurs? * What helps leaders and business owners clearly understand the **ROI of resilience coaching**? * How can resilience training be integrated into the flow of **normal business operations**? * What motivates leaders to prepare mentally and emotionally for the inevitable challenges of business? **Who Should Attend** Eric is especially eager to connect with: * Small to mid-sized business owners in the **hospitality industry** * Leaders responsible for teams, culture, and operations * Entrepreneurs experienced in scaling service-based businesses * Anyone interested in leadership, preparedness, and sustainable growth Come ready to listen, learn, and offer meaningful insight to support a founder building something impactful. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

Seeking fame, fortune, and the thrill of discovery, you and your companions seek a ziggurat recently exposed by a sandstorm, built by the ancient civilization of Cynidicea. Who knows what adventures await within? This is a **Tier 1 mini-campaign** that will last approximately 6 sessions (3 months, every other week). Attendees are expected to commit to the whole series when signing up, and preference is given to those newer to NOVA AL and those who have not played in a campaign before. Please message DM Kathryn on Discord if this sounds like you! Please bring a **new Level 1 character** to this adventure.

Join us at **Hashtag** on **Thurs., Jan. 15th at 6pm**. Adventure and roll dice with this week's **Starfinder** **GM: Maria**! **The Game:** [Starfinder](https://paizo.com/starfindersociety) 2e is a role-playing game similar to Pathfinder 2e (or Dungeons & Dragons) but with magic *and* technology. In this one-shot, you can jump in easily as a new player or join if you're more experienced. \*\*\* **The story:** First Seeker Sarmak has called on scientist Dr. Heldin Sevaille to create an inoculation for the mysterious “conversion” which is transforming wildlife and people on Akiton. The final ingredient she requires is in a remote forest on Marata, one of Bretheda’s moons. A team of Starfinders is needed to collect samples of this rare plant with a few local scientists. But trouble is brewing… the Frozen Trove, a notorious biotech corporation, is also on Marata and is putting the entire ecosystem at risk. **Notes**: Replayable (with a different character), this IS a metaplot adventure (but is more like a side quest related to it). \*\*\*\* **The Characters:** You can use an [level 1 pregenerated character](https://paizo.com/starfinder) *or* make your [own character](https://paizo.com/starfindersociety/characteroptions) using the Starfinder 2e rules. Let me know ahead of time if you need me to bring copies of the pregen character sheets (recommended for new players). This is a level 1-2 adventure, so if you're been playing Starfinder, you can bring a character in that range. -Some options for character building are [Starbuilder 2e](https://pathbuilder2e.com/app.html?v=102b) (made by the maker of Pathbuilder!), [Hephaistos](https://sf2e.hephaistos.online/), [Demiplane](https://app.demiplane.com/characters), using the Starfinder Player Core and pen/[paper](https://downloads.paizo.com/RemasterPlayerCoreCharacterSheet.pdf#), etc. You can use character options from the [Invasion's Edge Player's Guide](https://downloads.paizo.com/OP-Files/SFS+Invasions+Edge+Players+Guide.pdf) as well. If you have any questions, feel free to comment or send a message.

**Adventure Description:** The town of Daggerford is in over its head, and needs heroes to solve a really big problem. A monster threat and a lackluster militia don't bode well. Things will get worse before they get better. **This event is hosted using the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition Adventurers League rules. It is a Tier 1 game suitable for players of all experience levels.** **Becoming a member in our Discord and accepting our Code of Conduct is required for play at all of our events. You must join and accept the Discord rules before signing up to any MeetUp events. These rules include but are not limited to:** * **Assigning your name and pronouns as your server nickname;** * **Confirming your age as 18 or older;** * **Participating in a respectful environment for both our AL DMs and your fellow players.** **If you do not join the Discord and accept these rules prior to signing up for an event, you may be removed from the MeetUp event or be required to join the Discord and agree to the Code of Conduct at the game table prior to playing.**

Part 3 (of 3) of the Somber Remnant trilogy. You have worked your way to the heart of the Darkened Court at Caer Callidyrr. There, you have a chance to pierce the shadows and secrets that surround and protect the Slain. Can you reveal the mystery of the greatest threat to the Moonshaes and will you survive to tell anyone else? An Tier 2 adventure for the 5th-10th level characters. This event is hosted using the Dungeons and Dragons 2024 edition Adventurers League rules. It is a Tier 2 game suitable for players of all experience levels. Becoming a member in our Discord and accepting our Code of Conduct is required for play at all of our events. You must join and accept the Discord rules before signing up to any MeetUp events. These rules include but are not limited to: * Assigning your name and pronouns as your server nickname; * Confirming your age as 18 or older; * Participating in a respectful environment for both our AL DMs and your fellow players. If you do not join the Discord and accept these rules prior to signing up for an event, you may be removed from the MeetUp event or be required to join the Discord and agree to the Code of Conduct at the game table prior to playing. [Join our Discord!](https://discord.gg/mG24YCk7wj)

This will be a fun night of board games hosted at our house! Feel free to bring some games if you'd like. No experience necessary, I will be happy to teach any and all games. Click [HERE ](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s-kHTgssAccloaJENey7_Xy_uT-AqyjTJYVEp88zis8/edit#gid=0)to see my games library. Below are some important logistical details. * Arrive on time! - I will typically wait about 15 minutes after to begin playing. If you come much later than that games will be in progress and there is a high probability you won't be able to play a game that night as we usually only run two to three tables and often only play one game per table per night. * Ring the doorbell if the door is not open. I can't hear anyone knocking on the door as we are in the basement. You can also send me a message on Meet up if you would prefer for me to let you in. * If you would like to bring a game to the group that you want to play, please post the game along with a link to a tutorial in the event chat so people can prep to play if they plan on playing too. Also arrive 10-15 minutes early so you can set your game up and be prepared to teach the game. *

**AI-Supported Creative Exploration** *For Unassuming Intuitives & Practicing Creatives* This meetup is part of AI as Creative Partner — A Practice Group, a set of open, non-sequential creative labs you can join at any point. We use AI as a thinking partner—not to replace your ideas, but to help surface and shape them without overthinking or pressure. You bring fragments—ideas, impulses, unfinished concepts. With AI as a supportive collaborator, we explore how those fragments can become clearer, more coherent, and ready to share if and when you want to. No technical background is required. If you can talk or type, that's enough to work with AI here. This session is intentionally low-commitment and flexible: * Arrive late or leave early * Work quietly or observe * Ask questions, or simply watch the process unfold There's no presentation and no expectation to finish anything. Showing up as you are is enough. **THINKING OUT LOUD WITH AI - LIVE WORKING SESSION** This session is for people curious about how creative thinking actually happens with AI. I'll be working live on my own project, narrating decisions when useful, and answering questions as they come up. You're welcome to work on your own project, watch quietly, or ask about the process. No experience required. **HOW TO FIND US** Look for the room with the door open on the lower level. Look for the guy with the screen projector and ambient light and sound. Feel free to just walk in and settle.

Ready for adventure? Join us at our open-table D&D night, where the only thing you need is your imagination and a thirst for excitement! We love welcoming new players. Whether you're a battle-hardened hero or just rolling your first d20, you're invited to join the fun. All we ask is that you ***only sign up if you’re sure you can make it***. Seats are limited, and there’s often a waitlist of eager adventurers hoping to jump in. Help us keep the party full and the dice rolling! **What's an open table?** An "open table" is a style of TTRPG play where the game is flexible and inclusive, allowing players to drop in and out of sessions without needing a regular commitment. Instead of a fixed party, each session forms with whoever is available that day, and adventures are designed to be self-contained, starting and ending in a common location. This setup lets players explore the game world at their own pace, without the pressure to attend every session. It’s ideal for players with unpredictable schedules or those who just want to try out a game for a session or two. The open structure keeps the campaign ongoing, with the world evolving based on what happens in each session—even as the player roster changes. **Setting: The Western Frontier** The Crown Prince has done the impossible: a road now traverses the once-impassable mountains at the western edge of the kingdom, opening a gateway to a mysterious and unexplored land. Known only as the "western frontier," this vast and enigmatic wilderness is filled with towering trees, hidden glades, and shadowed depths. Rumors of ancient treasures and bizarre creatures spread quickly across the Known World, drawing the bold and the brave to answer the prince's call for adventurers. But be warned—the western frontier is no mere backwater. By day, it may seem like a land of promise, ripe for exploration and riches. By night, however, strange dangers stir beneath the boughs. While some who brave the darkness return with tales of terror, others are not so lucky. On occasion, adventurers disappear without a trace—or worse, they come back changed, haunted by something unseen, their minds never quite the same. Will you rise to the challenge and uncover the secrets of the forest? Or will the frontier claim you as one more lost soul? The call has gone out. The road is open. Will you step into the unknown? Learn more on the [campaign website](https://skyreach.alexgs.me/)! Join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/54PN3u8x9E)!

NOVA Adventurers League Campaign: *Baldur's Gate - Descent into Avernus, Session 11* * Based on previous playthrough, expect a total of \~13 sessions. * Players that start the campaign will have priority reservations. * Use of downtime for leveling is strongly discouraged. * **This campaign is full and is closed to new signups at this time.** This event is hosted using the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition Adventurers League rules. Becoming a member in our Discord and accepting our Code of Conduct is required for play at all of our events. You must join and accept the Discord rules before signing up to any MeetUp events. These rules include but are not limited to: * Assigning your name and pronouns as your server nickname; * Confirming your age as 18 or older; * Participating in a respectful environment for both our AL DMs and your fellow players. **[Join our Discord!](https://discord.gg/mG24YCk7wj) Attending this event indicates that you agree to follow NOVA Adventurer’s League’s Code of Conduct, which can be found in the #code-of-conduct channel on our Discord.** If you do not join the Discord and accept these rules prior to signing up for an event, you may be removed from the MeetUp event or be required to join the Discord and agree to the Code of Conduct at the game table prior to playing.

NOVA Adventurers League Campaign: *Baldur's Gate - Descent into Avernus, Session 11* * Based on previous playthrough, expect a total of \~13 sessions. * Players that start the campaign will have priority reservations. * Use of downtime for leveling is strongly discouraged. * **This campaign is full and is closed to new signups at this time.** This event is hosted using the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition Adventurers League rules. Becoming a member in our Discord and accepting our Code of Conduct is required for play at all of our events. You must join and accept the Discord rules before signing up to any MeetUp events. These rules include but are not limited to: * Assigning your name and pronouns as your server nickname; * Confirming your age as 18 or older; * Participating in a respectful environment for both our AL DMs and your fellow players. **[Join our Discord!](https://discord.gg/mG24YCk7wj) Attending this event indicates that you agree to follow NOVA Adventurer’s League’s Code of Conduct, which can be found in the #code-of-conduct channel on our Discord.** If you do not join the Discord and accept these rules prior to signing up for an event, you may be removed from the MeetUp event or be required to join the Discord and agree to the Code of Conduct at the game table prior to playing.

Come out every Wednesday from 6 to 9 to play Flesh and Blood TCG!