Local Politics

**\*\*\* You must purchase a ticket to attend. Purchase tickets [here](https://sommcircle.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=650343&item_id=2780299) You must be 21 to attend\*\*\*** Join a special tasting journey to Ukraine's wine country! We're excited to explore the distinctive wines of SHABO, one of the most prestigious wineries in Odessa, located along the historic Black Sea coast. **About the Tasting:** Discover the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of Ukraine through a guided tasting led by importer Sam, a U.S. military veteran who fell in love with Ukrainian wine while helping repel Russian forces. SHABO Winery has been producing exceptional wines in the Odessa region, and this is a rare opportunity to experience wines that showcase the character of this underappreciated wine region. Our expert host will guide us through a selection of six SHABO wines, sharing insights into Ukrainian viticulture, the winery's history, and the distinctive qualities of Black Sea coastal wines. We will enjoy this tasting in an intimate setting at the historic DACOR Bacon House in downtown Washington. Only 19 seats available. Don't miss out! Large charcuterie boards at each table, will accompany the tasting. **Please Note:** While wines will not be available for purchase at the event, order forms will be provided for anyone interested in ordering bottles to enjoy at home. * **Cost:** $78 for Somm Circle member per person, $85 for non-members * (includes wine tasting, large charcuterie boards at each table, and light refreshments) Purchase tickets [here.](https://sommcircle.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=650343&item_id=2780299) * **Capacity:** Limited to 19 guests

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available.** [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Ballistic Missile Defense Question,”** on the operation of a controversial defense system and the debate over its use, with Dean Wilkening, a physicist and defense system researcher formerly at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Stanford University’s Center for International Security, and the RAND Corporation. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-ballistic-missile](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-ballistic-missile) .] Ballistic missile defense has been a contentious political issue in the United States, especially after President Ronald Reagan’s 1983 speech calling for a “Star Wars” style barrier to Soviet nuclear weapons. Ballistic missile defense is also among the most expensive items in the Pentagon budget for research, development, test and evaluation, with funding estimated at $10.6 billion in 2026. Most recently, ballistic missiles have been making headlines as a result of Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack against Israel, Russia’s ballistic missile attacks against Ukraine, and President Trump’s call for America to be defended by a “Golden Dome” similar to Israel’s Iron Dome system. But is relying on ballistic missile defense (BMD) systems practical and wise? Hear that question tackled by Dean Wilkening, who recently retired from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, has spent much of his life studying a range of defense matters such as hypersonic weapons and ballistic missile defense, and who has published extensively and advised national boards and government agencies on his findings. Dr. Wilkening will discuss the technology underlying BMD systems, which seek to use precision guided munitions to essentially “hit a bullet with a bullet” to thwart attacks. You’ll learn about the support systems, including sensors and command and control systems, critical to making it all work. Then he’ll give an overview of the debate over ballistic missile defense systems, typically split along partisan lines. We’ll look at the evolving missile threat, which includes both conventional and nuclear ballistic missiles as well as hypersonic weapons, and the potential for armed conflict with Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. Dr. Wilkening will look at whether BMD systems meet the test of working technically, being able to survive attack, and being cost-effective at the margins. Finally, he’ll take on the big-picture question of whether ballistic missile defense is inherently “destabilizing.” Do they stimulate arms races? Do they actually make nuclear war more likely? (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A 2019 U.S. Army test of patriot missiles. (U.S. Department of Defense photo.)

Come join us for bingo at Atlas Brew Works in Alexandria. It's free to play. Win prizes on every round, and the winner of the final round gets a $50 Atlas Brew Works gift card for your next visit! More information: https://atlasbrewworks.com/pages/events#calendar-c3cfc1a3-4344-434e-a1b2-fb876f819883 Parking: Wegmans has a parking garage Metro: Eisenhower Ave (yellow line)

Drinking Liberally has become a community of ideas. We will continue to have Political Trivia, but we are transitioning into becoming a location where Howard County can come and receive info about nonprofits that help our county, discussions on wealth inequality, and how can we help our community. This month, we will go over how to advocate for legislation you want passed in the Maryland Assembly. Along with Trivia

Yes it will be cold! But we will be inside! Meet up with us at Atlas Brewery where there is a little of everything for everyone!

**Bring a flash light.** Some of the walk is lit with street lights. Some is not. **PROBABLY ICY. Bring spikes if you have them.** We will be hiking along the historic Alexandria waterfront down and through scenic Old Town to the Wilson bridge and back. Lovely views of the river, as well as of Old Town. Part of the walk is on the Mount Vernon Trail bike path. Hike is mostly flat, and on paved surfaces or board walk. Please note the hike leaves at 600PM sharp. There are bathrooms at the halfway point. **Meet at the small parking area closest to the bike path. First left on Marina Drive. Not the large marina parking area that is further along.** We walk pretty briskly around 3.4-3.8 miles an hour. I assume if you can’t keep up, you can always find your way back to the starting point. Hope you can join our group of stalwart regulars and cheery newcomers. Happy hiking. Most of the walk has street lights, but not all so, but bring a light.

Come volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles so that they can be used again by the community! This event is open to new volunteers and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502. Enter through the gray door next to a roll-down garage door. If you drive to the location, be sure to park in the street, not in the alleys or parking lots surrounding the warehouse. And wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver. Volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

Come learn how money really works. We’ll cover how to grow it, protect it, get out of debt, and use smart retirement and infinite banking strategies to build long-term security.

This virtual meet is all about co-learning and deliberating a social or political topic, and seeing if and where we can find common ground. It's for people who are willing to listen, keep an open mind, respect other people's views and lived experiences, and focus on learning together and finding ways forward. This is a super lite version of some elements of a citizen assembly, which is way to help a group or community render public judgment on a policy question. Agenda: \- community agreements \- brief round of introductions \- topic briefing and positioning statements \- a balanced range of short arguments from across the political spectrum \- small group conversation \- seeking common ground \- we get to vote on any statements or policies we can agree to

Join DC Polyam at our monthly weekend social. Come by yourself, invite your friends, your partner(s), and even your entire polycule! Come join us from DC proper, Maryland, or Virginia; we welcome all people from all aspects of life and relationship dynamics. Metrobar has non-alcoholic options for those that don't want/don't drink alongside usual food trucks for eating options. Follow us on Instagram and join our Discord @DCPolyam We always enforce a set of house rules in order to maintain a safe space: * **Respectful Behavior** towards hosts and other guests is required; anyone who violates these rules may be asked to leave the event. * **Expectations:** Check your expectations at the door. Being at this event does not signal sexual availability or indicate any aspect of sexual orientation. Our events are about developing friendships and connections within the community. This is a no cruising event, in order to maintain a comfortable atmosphere for our guests. * **Safe Spaces:** We strive to create a safe space for people of ALL identities, including those who do not identify as polyamorous. * **No photography, video, or recording** of any kind is allowed **without prior verbal consent** of all parties involved. * **Verbal Consent:** Please be sure to ask and wait for a yes before hugging or initiating any physical contact, and encourage each other to speak openly about consent and personal boundaries. This helps foster a culture where personal boundaries are supported and attendees are empowered to speak confidently of their limits. (i.e. “Can I give you a hug?” “No thank you, but I would love a handshake.”) If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

To Attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register via: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-event-evening-at-the-residence-of-the-ambassador-from-nepal-tickets-1980832342860](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-event-evening-at-the-residence-of-the-ambassador-from-nepal-tickets-1980832342860) Experience this beautiful part of Asia without ever boarding a plane! Tonight, you can join the diplomats and step on Nepalese soil to experience their fantastic culture without ever getting on a plane! This is truly a beautiful and unique embassy. We have a fantastic opportunity to tour one of the most attractive embassies in Washington D.C., housing the diplomats of our Asian friends! FEATURING: 1. **NEPALESE BUFFET:** Enjoy a special taste of cuisine from Nepal prepared by a native chef! 2. **OPEN BAR:** Experience a variety of wines, beer and other nonalcoholic drinks commonly found in Nepal 3. **LIVE MUSIC AND DANCE PRESENTATION:** Experience an extraordinary dance presentation unique to Nepal. 4. **DIPLOMATIC GREETING:** Hear from leading diplomats as they officially welcome you to the embassy. Network with the diplomats on hand to answer any questions about Nepal 5. **NEPALESE ART:** One of the most fantastic elements of this embassy is the wide array of Nepalese paintings, sculptures, unique buildings, and the unique architecture of the building itself. 6. **NEPALESE FILM:** A special cultural and tourism film will be previewed highlighting the beauty and culture of Nepal *Note: The event is presented as a cultural event organized by us at the Embassy of Nepal. Your registration fee is used by Things to do DC solely to present diverse cultural events to our membership. No part of the admission fee is related in any way to the Embassy of Nepal or staff at the Embassy. We appreciate your support of our events!* ## SUGGESTED ATTIRE Smart Casual. Preppy at a Minimum. (Jeans, T-shirts, Sneakers or other Casual Wear are not Acceptable) To Attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register via: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-event-evening-at-the-residence-of-the-ambassador-from-nepal-tickets-1980832342860](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-event-evening-at-the-residence-of-the-ambassador-from-nepal-tickets-1980832342860)

**NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS** Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members. → **[Learn how DC Metro Dining works](https://tinyurl.com/Landing-Page-DC-Metro-Dining)** **RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)** → **RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Friday 10a, 1/30**. (Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership) \*\*\* **Winter Restaurant Week [RW] is back in DC!**: Learn more about DC's Restaurant Week ([http://www.ramw.org/restaurantweek/](http://www.ramw.org/restaurantweek/)) * Officially runs Jan 19 - 25 [some places like Mallard will extend the deal beyond these dates] * 3-course fixed-price dinner special for $40 / $55 / $65 price tiers [not including drinks, and our required 30% tax / tip] → For this RW event Mallard will be at the $55 tier, so **the minimum cost for the deal is \~$72** [drinks, wine/beer, and any extras items are additional and still factors our 30% tax/tip] → **By attending the event, each member agrees to participate using the Restaurant Week menu, and agree this $ minimum**. CASH PREFERRED PLEASE! \*\*\* **SPECIAL RULE for RSVPing to ANY RESTAURANT WEEK EVENT**: Lol, rule waived for this Restaurant Week period. ;) \*\*\* *** I'm in the mood for Southern dishes. Let's revisit one of the best in the area at Mallard—a Logan Circle standout blending Southern lowcountry ingredients with refined technique. We went here during Summer 2025 RW and it was very highly rated. It's a deep menu for RW, which is great to see. **FOOD**: Refined Southern. Led by Executive Chef Hamilton Johnson (“Chef Ham”), Mallard riffs on his South Carolina roots with smart sourcing and whole-animal creativity, duck is often used in many dishes. Johnson cooked under Charleston legend Frank Lee and later at DC icon Vidalia under Jeffrey Buben (8 years as lead Chef de Cuisine), so expect comfort flavors elevated with polish. Ah I miss you, Vidalia. **→** **[Checkout the RW menu on page 3 (PDF)](https://c8c632ac-6c55-4674-83e4-e16ee90cf3ed.filesusr.com/ugd/a14382_6d932c5beddb496aa002c047b450476d.pdf)**. Reminder: **All must opt into the RW menu and pricepoints. A couple of the items are have upcharges if selected (mostly duck dishes).** Curated beer program that sources from upstairs neighbor, Churchkey. Cocktails are excellent as are the wines. For Restaurant Week expect an optional Wine Pairing list will be offered with this menu. **SPACE**: Warm, convivial bistro energy—perfect for sharing plates and conversation. Mallard sits on 14th Street near Logan Circle. Beloved beer mecca Churchkey is above, for context. → Checkout [Mallard's website](https://www.mallarddc.com/) to learn more +++++++++ ==> **Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy** (this is NOT optional. it's a requirement to attend any of our events). ==> Limited to **8** slots See you there! JoeN *** **CLOSEST METRO:** **McPherson Square (Blue/Orange/Silver)**. Exit to 14th & I St NW. Walk north on 14th St NW \~0.6 mi (10–12 min) to 1337 14th St NW (between N St and Rhode Island Ave). Easy straight shot up 14th. Alternatives: **Farragut North (Red) or Dupont Circle (Red)** are \~15 minutes’ walk. For directions using the Metro, try using the [Trip Planner at the WMATA website](https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/index.cfm). **PARKING**: No Valet parking. Multiple Parking Garages or ground level paid parking lots nearby though. Else, street parking within 4 blocks is not impossible but come early to hunt. Rideshare or use Spothero. *** 1. Limited to **8** slots. 2. **If you RSVP "YES" please make sure you can definitely make it**. With 5,000+ members and limited seating, we cannot afford no-shows. It's unfair to the other members who would like to attend and also to the organizers who have to explain to the restaurant why the reserved # of guests didn't show (can damage our reputation and ability to do larger reservations in the future). No-Show / Late Cancel rules apply (*repeat No-Show or Late Cancel can impact membership*). 3. **Join the WAIT-LIST if you don't get an initial spot**! Use the Waitlist option. Also, check back regularly as attendees have been known to cancel up to Noon the day of the event. We may use emails during the week to confirm continued interest, so check! 4. **Billing (add 30% tax/tip to your bill)**. Remember, include the required 30% for tip/tax in addition to the food/beverages you order as defined in our FAQs (http://diningout.meetup.com/149/messages/boards/view/viewthread?thread=1650845#2991513). 5. **NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS,** if you have questions about the group, RSVPs, or the overall dining event process, visit our FAQs (http://diningout.meetup.com/149/messages/boards/view/viewthread?thread=1650845) and our No-Show Policy (http://tinyurl.com/5byotq).

Greetings, For those in search of classic **NeoSoul, Jazz, & R & B in the DMV** (not exclusive to introverts, empaths, and/or advocates), let's meet again for another Last Saturday of the Month **Advocate's PreGame Dinner** at the Wharf DC SW Waterfront. **This month's theme will focus on the leadership and legacy of the honorable** **Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,** who's dedicated efforts ensured that marginalized individuals could embrace more peace and freedom today. **There is no obligation to dine or spend money if you RSVP as this is a free meet up event centered on building community, project development, purpose, partnerships, promoting advocacy, supporting others in various life goals, and conversing with those who share similar values.** Feel free to attend and share your **New Year's vision and intentions.** Topics include but are not limited to currently reading books, business partnerships, entrepreneurship, finances, relationships, conflict resolution, community service, health (e.g., habits, routines, self-defeating behavior, accountability), philosophy, metaphysics, and spirituality. Restaurants and entertainment venues at the Wharf include but are not limited: * **12 Stories Rooftop Lounge**--Hip Hop & R & B (usually opens at **6:00pm to 2:00am** for drinks, music, & food) * **Officina Italian Cuisine & Lounge** (**Great Energy Group hosts Saturday Night Hip Hop & R & B** weekly from **10:00pm to 3:00am**; **see link below)** * **Restaurants/Entertainment Venues:** Pappanonnock Oyster Bar, Zooz Cocktail Garden (Lounge & Bar), KinFolk Southern Kitchen, Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen (black/minority owned establishment), Fogo de Chao Brazillian Steak House, Politics & Prose Bookstore, **Live-K Karaoke (open until 3:00am)**, Charlie Whiskey's Lounge & Bar, La Vie Lounge and Restaurant. All are welcome to attend to include those of various backgrounds and ethnicities. **There is no set time to arrive so feel free to come as you please/arrange with others any specific plans.** Parking Garages available, Waterfront Metro within 2 blocks of the Wharf, **ride share encouraged.** If there are any questions or comments regarding this meeting, or if you would like to **facilitate/co-facilitate (optional),** please do not hesitate to message via meet-up messages or phone at anytime, thank you. Note: Feel free to post/suggest, in the event chat/comment section, any **alternative Last Saturday of the Month evening/near future (e.g., January, February) events** (e.g., different dining locations, prescheduled events) if you would like to connect/PreGame with others regarding various activities in the DMV, thank you. **Great Energy Group Saturday Nights at the Wharf DC (25+):** https://www.greatenergygroup.com/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Alicia (202) 627-0361 Monday January, 5th, 2026 6:00am (update)

Please join us in closing out [Veganuary](https://veganuary.com/en-us/) with a delicious brunch at the all-vegan Pow Pow's H Street location. To secure your seat, you must [reserve your time slot here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veganuary-close-out-brunch-saturday-131-tickets-1981245108453)--space is limited. *Note: RSVP'ing on this meetup page alone does not get you a seat at Pow Pow.* We will celebrate while enjoying classic American diner favorites—reimagined 100% plant-based by Chef Riccio. **Get ready for:** * Fluffy Pistachio and Nutella Creme Pancakes * Crispy Fried Chick’n & Belgium Waffles * Classic Diner “Egg, Bacon & Sausage” Sunrise Breakfast * Home Fries & Crispy Hashbrowns * Loaded Breakfast Burritos * House-made Egg Breakfast Sandwiches * Bubbie’s famous Milkshakes * Drip Coffee, Juice, Hot Chocolate and Nitro Cold Brew Lattes * Bloody Mary Mocktail Bar * Plus more Space is limited & they do sell out → **[RSVP REQUIRED](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veganuary-close-out-brunch-saturday-131-tickets-1981245108453)** Reserve your spot now! ***Everyone will order what they want and pay the restaurant directly.*** **About [Veganuary](https://veganuary.com/en-us/)** Since Veganuary was started in 2014, millions of people have [signed up ](https://veganuary.com/en-us/try-vegan/)to take the vegan pledge for the month of January, and now Veganuary has participants in almost every country in the world. Throughout the year, Veganuary encourages and supports people and businesses alike to move to a plant-based diet as a way of protecting the environment, preventing animal suffering, and improving the health of millions of people. [Signing up](https://veganuary.com/en-us/try-vegan/) provides a celebrity cookbook, 31 days of recipes, and vegan coaching emails! Please share with friends and family. **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for the restaurant and others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes.. **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.**

Let’s meetup at Cafe Istanbul for the last day of Restaurant Week. You get three courses for $30. This is the menu: https://614now.com/rw-menu/cafeistanbul-easton

**[note: ‘registering’ here doesn’t get you a seat; go to [THIS LINK](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=Columbus-In-Person-Chapter-Meeting-Build-Your-Network-Get-Mentored-Night-14-2-3-2026) to download your guest pass or just let us know you’re coming]** At our in-person Columbus Chapter meetings, we love to get you next to local investors who aren’t just experienced but also supportive, collaborative, and ready to answer your questions. At February’s meeting, the whole 3 hours is about getting you face-to-face with our experienced local members for some local advice and mentoring. Here’s the whole agenda: 5:00 Free light dinner and networking tables, meet the vendors 6:00-6:15 Buy-Sell-Trade (Members) Guest Orientation (Non-Members) 6:15-8:00 p.m. **Build Relationships + Get Mentored Night!** We bet you’re figured out that the best way to profitably navigate a rapidly-changing market it to get with real people who already know how to find the deals, get them financed, get them fixed, and most importantly, get them sold or rented fast and profitably. That’s why we’re devoting a whole meeting to giving you the chance to build some real relationships with those experienced, supportive colleagues, ask them your ‘big picture’ questions, or even bring a deal that you’re working on to have them give their opinion. You’ll have the chance to sit with these mentors in small groups and make connections you want…we’ve got members who can answer questions on anything from getting financing to rehab to tenant issues, asset protection, wholesaling, shared housing, and more! If you’ve been intimidated by the success and knowledge of these folks (or just didn’t know who to go to for what questions), this is your chance to pick their brains in an easy, structured atmosphere where THAT’S WHY THEY’RE THERE! (If you’re more experienced yourself, how about showing up to BE a mentor for the night? After all, someone helped you when you got started…pass it on!) Members and first-time guests attend free; repeat guests are $35 (and for real, it’s cheaper to just join [HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/MembershipInfo.aspx) and get ALL the benefits of membership, including a free website for your business and 20 other educational and networking meetings every month than it is to keep paying that guest fee). Register below to reserve your seat! Members and first-time guests attend free; repeat guests are $35; Register at **[THIS LINK](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=Columbus-In-Person-Chapter-Meeting-Build-Your-Network-Get-Mentored-Night-14-2-3-2026)** to reserve your seat!

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

For January, we’re reading Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy. For fans of Flight Behavior and Station Eleven, a novel set on the brink of catastrophe, as a young woman chases the world's last birds--and her own final chance for redemption. Franny Stone has always been a wanderer. By following the ocean's tides and the birds that soar above, she can forget the losses that have haunted her life. But when the wild she loves begins to disappear, Franny can no longer wander without a destination. She arrives in remote Greenland with one purpose: to find the world's last flock of Arctic terns and track their final migration. She convinces Ennis Malone, captain of the Saghani, to take her onboard, winning over his eccentric crew with promises that the birds will lead them to fish. As the Saghani fights its way south, Franny's dark history begins to unspool. Battered by night terrors, accumulating a pile of unsent letters, and obsessed with pursuing the terns at any cost, Franny is full of secrets. When her quest threatens the safety of the entire crew, Franny must ask herself what she is really running toward--and running from. Propelled by a narrator as fierce and fragile as the terns she is following, Charlotte McConaghy's Migrations is both an ode to our threatened world and a breathtaking page-turner about the lengths we will go for the people we love.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Do you want more motivation and confidence to build Lasting Relationships? This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!