Local Politics

**Bring a flash light.** Some of the walk is lit with street lights. Some is not. 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.

This is mostly an excuse so I can try a new Pho place I’ve heard a lot of good things about. But this is also a Ballston-Rosslyn corridor walk, and to spice things up we will incorporate many of my favorite side streets along the corridor. Near Rosslyn we will stop by Pho 75 for dinner. You do not need to eat dinner with us to join our walk. If you do though, this is a cash only place so bring like $20. I haven’t eaten here so I don’t know how much it is. I’m also going to limit RSVPs more than normal as this is a very busy restaurant with lines out the door common. I’m hoping that going on Monday night will help. **Time:** 6:00 PM **Start Location:** Ballston Metro Station **End Location:** Rosslyn Metro Station **Map (approx):** [planaroute](https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3190315?units=km) **Millage:** 4.5 \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. If you are on the waitlist but would really like to join, reach out to the organizer. Our events prioritize metro accessibility by meeting and ending at metro stations. Sometimes we start/stop at the same station, sometimes we do not. Please double check the event description to see if you can manage transportation. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

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/)

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!

Meet in front of Copper Canyon by the benches.
We'll do anywhere from 3-5 laps. It's .75 miles around and we usually do 3/4 laps. For safety reasons, we’re going to keep the group to two small groups of eight members each. It does get crowded there so we don’t want to have any mishaps. 
Afterwards, if we like, we could grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants at the RIO If you happen to be late, walk, counterclockwise around the lake and you should see us walking

Come join and casually draft a vintage cube that is open to everyone. No cost to enter! The store provides promo booster packs and I usually throw in a pack of the most recent standard set to award to the people with the best records at the end of the night. [What is Cube?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNDBTRG6keM) What: Vintage Cube Draft When: 6:00pm Where: Your Hobby Place in Old Town Alexandria (Your Hobby Place, 700 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314) We aim to start drafting shortly after 6:00pm as the store's register closes at 9:00pm. The store owner is kind enough to keep the space open for us to finish rounds. In previous events we've usually wrapped up around 9:45. All skill levels are welcome and all cards, lands, tokens needed are provided so you only need to bring yourself and potentially some dice and playmat if you prefer. The list can be seen here: [https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/proxybacon](https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/proxybacon) Join Your Hobby Place's Discord and grab the Cube Role in the mtg-chat channel for the most up to date information on cube at their location: [https://discord.gg/9je3G8vzXh](https://discord.gg/9je3G8vzXh) **Important Notice:** I have seen an increased number of signups and no shows amongst brand new accounts. In an effort to make sure we have room for everyone if this is your first time joining and you have just created a meetup account please reach out to me via Meetup or discord. **Late Policy:** RSVPing will hold your spot for up to 10 minutes after 6. If you expect you may be running late please reach out to me via the store's discord. My username is iluvbacon610.

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.

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)

Philadelphia is famous for Constitution Hall, the Liberty Bell, cheesesteaks and...great transit! TEDC member and Philly native Patrick will provide an overview of the public transportation of his hometown, which includes subways, trolleys, commuter rail and buses. We'll also share an update on our Metro 50 planning process, and decide on our next transit adventure. Hope you can all make it!

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Ps 33:12, KJV) Please join the Christian Party of America’s monthly Nationwide, public Conference Call to discuss current political issues with like-minded Christians. The conference call is the second Thursday of each month at 8:30 PM est. Lets join in a discussion on what can be done to address the concerns we all share for the status of our country’s civil government and have prayer to close the call. Guest speakers will be present at some of the calls to provide input on political issues. The Christian Party of America (www.christianpartyof america.com) is a new, national third-party of Christian voters, dedicated to proclaiming that Jesus is Lord in the political arena. Our purpose is to bring our country back to being an unabashedly Christian nation, by offering and electing competent candidates who share and promote our vision. Please join us in our goal of uniting believers under the banner of Jesus Christ to bring constitutional freedom to all people of the United States. We believe in the Christian principles set forth in the Bible, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. The Christian Party of America’s nationwide Conference Calls are a great opportunity to connect with other Christian Party supporters as we try to make a difference in this country. So sign on with us for the conference call to discuss issues and contribute your thoughts about what we can be doing politically. Our conference calls are open to the public and are for all of us who are interested in the Christian Party of America. It is an easy-access way to share ideas and learn more about what is going on around the country with the Christian Party of America. Hope you can make it! There is no extra charge to participate other than the usual charges by your phone plan for a long distance call. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV) KJV)

Curious about DSA? Thinking about joining but want to hear more info first? Attended a few of our events already and ready become a member? Already a member and want to get more involved? If so, this event is for you! You'll learn about DSA, what we do, and how you can get involved in the fight for a brighter future. We'll outline our chapter's structure and our campaigns, working groups, and branches. Our chapter covers the DMV area, including the district, Northern Virginia, and Montgomery County and Prince George's County in Maryland. [This event is in person at MLK library.] Please RSVP on [Action Network](https://actionnetwork.org/events/why-you-should-join-dsa-new-member-orientation-164) to receive further updates on this event. *** This event is open to both DSA Members and supporters. Not a Member? Please consider [becoming a Member](https://dsausa.org/join?source=Metro%20DC). Fees are on a sliding scale according to what you feel you can afford.

Want to see the art that will fly to the Moon??? That’s right — a selection of art by the artists whose works are included in the Lunar Codex - a global lunar cultural archive is coming to Washington, DC before it journeys into outer space! **We are delighted to invite you to the Opening Reception of: The Real Within: A New Generation of Polish Realism** Saturday, January 10, 2026 @5:00 PM Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Center 2025 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 **This is a free event open to the public.** **RSVP is required: KFDC@thekf.org** This special exhibition brings together the work of eight contemporary Polish painters whose powerful and expressive interpretations of realist figuration represent a new generation of artistic vision. Artistic Director: Daria Solar Participating Artists: Katarzyna Adamiak-Jaśnikowska, Eva Evangelista, Agnieszka Kotarska, Jakub Podlodowski, Ewa Pronczuk-Kuziak, Daria Solar, Katarzyna Widmańska, and Anna Wypych. What makes this exhibition even more extraordinary is that works by all eight artists have been included in the Lunar Codex — a global archive of contemporary art, literature, music, poetry, and film that is being launched to the Moon through NASA’s Artemis program and partner lunar missions. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind exhibition and about the Lunar Codex at: https://thekf.org/event/the-real-within-a-new-generation-of-polish-realism-art-exhibition-at-the-kf-in-washington-dc/

Open gaming at Panera! New players welcome. We have many games on hand or you can bring your own. We are happy to teach or learn one of yours.

**Start the new year with a Braver Angels gathering focused on speaking openly and listening deeply.** **In small, structured groups, each person will have five minutes to share a political or social issue that matters to them and why- no debate, no interruption, just genuine curiosity.** **Participants will practice curiosity, reflecting back values and emotions they hear, asking thoughtful questions, and- only with permission- offering their perspective.** **It’s a simple and powerful way to connect with one another and begin the year with a respectful and courageous conversation.** **Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026** **Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm** **Place: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southeast Branch, 3980 Hamilton Rd, Groveport, Ohio** **All are welcome- bring a friend!** For additional information contact: Lee Evans at [LEvans@BraverAngels.org](mailto:LEvans@BraverAngels.org)

Join us for an evening of great conversation over pizza!
 Relaxed, family-owned pizzeria offering familiar pies along with wings, sandwiches & salads. Hope to see you there!

Join the [Columbus Vegan Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/columbusveganmeetup/) on **Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM** at **1043 W 3rd Avenue in Grandview**! Come hang out and enjoy delicious pastries from this **all-vegan, family-owned** local favorite. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just curious, it’s the perfect time to build your social circle and support a community business. See you there!

Inspired by the successful events like "Pot Luck in the Park" and "Saturday Mornings @ East Market," this meetup promises a fun and engaging atmosphere where like-minded individuals can connect over a shared love for languages and cultures. Whether you're a language learner, ESL student, or simply passionate about exploring new cultures, this event is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a diverse and welcoming community. Come join us for an enlightening evening of language, culture, food, of course, and connections! (Everyone will choose from the menu and pay individually)

Wild Ones: Annual Native Seed Swap January 10, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Join Wild Ones Columbus for their annual native seeds swap. If you have native seeds to share, please label them with the Latin name and common name. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but remove as much stem as possible. Bringing seeds is not required. Bring bags or envelopes to store seeds. Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S. Hempstead Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 Phone (614)895-6216 This event will be held in the Greenhouse/Multipurpose Building located near the east end of the parking lot. Click here to see the Inniswood map. If you have native seeds to share, label each species with this information: * Botanical Name * Common Name Species we will accept: * Species native to our ecoregion (8.2.4) - Best * Species native to Ohio and surrounding states - Good * Straight species only - no cultivars. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but don’t leave much stem on the seed heads. Please email the list of species to Mary May so we can prepare information for attendees. You can bring the seeds on the day of the swap, or we can arrange to have them picked up beforehand - just let her know in the email. If you don’t have any seeds to bring, no worries. If you are new to native plants or didn't have time to collect seeds, there are ALWAYS plenty from those that do bring them! We love to see "newbies" at our seed exchange! Also, remember to bring something to put seeds in such as envelopes, paper bags or containers.

CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.

Let’s meet for dinner at the Rossi, In the short north. The plan is to have dinner and then head over to Good Night John Boy around 9 pm for drinks and dancing. Please only RSVP if you are having dinner so that I have a head count for the restaurant. If you want to only join us for John Night John Boy, you don’t have to RSVP, you can write a comment under the event. This is the menu for the restaurant: https://rossikitchenandbar.com/dinner