Political Campaigning

If you're looking for something to do before the snow starts, join us for the 5th Annual Gary Ryan Chili CookOff at Lost Rhino 2-5PM with Live Music from Something's Brewing. Proceeds benefit Loudoun Hunger Relief. Gregory said there will be a line, so get there early! Something's Brewing will be hitting the stage 4-7pm to support our great friends at Lost Rhino for their annual Chili Cookoff! Join us inside and warm up with some tasty tunes and tasty brews and tasty chili! Chili Tasting tickets are $10 each at the door and can be paid via cash or our POS system for credit card. Tasters will use a ticket to vote for their favorite chili. This year, ALL Tasting Ticket sales will be donated to Loudoun Hunger Relief! Lost Rhino will be collecting non-perishable food donations for Loudoun Hunger Relief during the event.

HSLC has many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever families! Come meet them at the Petsmart in Leesburg from Noon to 2:00pm on Saturday, January 24th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit [Humane Society of Loudoun County](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/) If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, [complete an no-obligation application today](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/adoption-process/) to expedite the application process.

Now at **11 a.m.**, this beginner-friendly guided meditation class helps stabilize the mind and open the heart. The session includes traditional practices such as Shamatha (calm abiding) and Tonglen (sending and receiving), as well as Jetsunma’s Light Expansion Prayer. Both relaxing and healing, these meditations can be practiced by anyone, regardless of religious tradition. Each class concludes with a dedication that our efforts benefit all beings. All are welcome whether new to meditation or regular practitioners looking for a supportive group with whom to sit. Join us! Class is offered IN-PERSON in our Prayer Room and ONLINE on our Facebook and YouTube channel. Watch online here: [https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/](https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/) Missed a class? You can watch past classes on our YouTube channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams)

Ruggers! Break out your swimsuits and join the coolest Special Olympics supporters in Northern Virginia. West Potomac RFC is once again coming together to support the Special Olympics Virginia athletes in making their Olympic dreams come true. We'll use my (Woj's) house as a staging ground for changing, bag storage, and general pre-gaming. Then, we'll walk down the street to take the plunge, toss a ball around, and hand out business cards to any potential new recruits. The team page is here: **https://impact.specialolympicsva.org/team/792944** **IMPORTANT:** by registering for the team, you're agreeing to raise/donate at least $25 by 1/26/2026, and, you'll need to raise/donate at least $100 to take the plunge itself. **Tentative Schedule** * 11:00 AM – Registration/check-in * 1:00 PM – Check in closes. Costume Contest. Awards Presentation * 1:15 PM – Official Plunge start time — the plunging won’t stop until everyone has had a turn. **Parking is available for free at Mosaic**. The preferred parking garages are: * Garage at Target, 2905 District Ave * Garage at the Avalon Apartments, 2987 District Ave * Garage at the Modera Apartments, 2920 District Ave. The event is also metro accessible via the Orange line to the Dunn Loring stop. The event is a very short taxi or car ride away.

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy the weather! We meet Saturdays at 10am, halfway between the Reston *Container Store* and *Not Your Average Joes* (by the metal benches), leaving no later than 10:05. Every week, rain or shine, we start by walking along the Green Trail to reach Lake Anne Community Center. Once there, we pause for water/bio (often staying a few minutes extra from April-November, due to the local Farmer's Market), and then we circle Lake Anne and head back to our starting point. It's roughly 3-4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to *Not Your Average Joes* or another local restaurant for a quick drink/meal before tackling the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome, and we recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll walk rain or shine. Also, feel free to bring a friend! By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

**In response to inclement weather this talk has been rescheduled for March 1st, with tickets for that date available at** [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics2 ](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics2). **Anyone who purchased tickets to attend this talk on January 25th will be getting a refund in the next week to ten days.** [Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Satanic Panics,”** a look at waves of fear of demonic activity as an American tradition, with Luxx Mishou, cultural historian and former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and area community colleges. The 1980s found the United States gripped by fear of Satanic cults targeting children. They were believed to be corrupting young ones in daycare centers and tempting teens through subliminal messages on heavy metal albums or through the quiet inclusion of demonic rituals in role-playing games. Satanic serial killers supposedly stalked the suburbs. Doctors helped patients uncover what were claimed to be repressed memories of ritualistic satanic abuse. Parents, police, and politicians were urged to protect impressionable youths from both moral and physical danger. With Satanic cults deemed to be a real and material threat, it was a frightening time for everyone, including those who suddenly came under suspicion for doing evil deeds. Then, suddenly, it all faded from public consciousness, just as surely as did eighties fads such mullet haircuts, leg warmers, and Cabbage Patch Kids. Why did it all start? Why did it stop? And has this happened before or since? Hear such questions tackled by Luxx Mishou, a cultural historian and media specialist who has long researched the devious and villainous in cultural artifacts. She’ll discuss moral panics as a longstanding cultural tradition, with each new one stemming from fear of cultural shifts and shaped by the time and place where it occurred. Among the panics we’ll look into are the Red Scare of the 1950s and the public response to the gruesome 1969 murders committed by the Manson Family. Delving into the 1980s panic, Mishou will describe how it began with the 1980 publication of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder’s memoir *Michelle Remembers*, detailing the suppressed memories of ritualistic abuse reportedly suffered by a patient. As that book quickly became a best seller, its ideas saturated American culture. A California daycare center became the focus of a three-year investigation, followed by three years of trials, based on allegations that its owner had engaged in secret ritualistic abuse of the children in its care. Mishou will lead you through the media that convinced the public that devil worshipers were among them, and she’ll talk about how reactions to imagined threats can have very real social costs. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

This is a great place to visit on our cafe-hopping journey. They’ve got good espresso, signature drinks, and interesting flavors, with some pastries and breakfast sandwiches available. Bring your curiosity and let’s ease into a relaxed Sunday vibe that’ll set us up for a good end to the weekend. No forced activities or awkward conversation starters, just real connection. (No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

Let's play monopoly in the open area called "The Landing" at the Crystal City Shops. The Landing is right at the Crystal City metro stop and, if you're driving, there is free parking [on weekdays after 4pm and weekends] in the garage. See below for more details. With many tables for games and nearby eateries in the mall, it is a fantastic location for playing board games. We'll be starting at 3:00 pm, but feel free to wander in whenever you'd like.Please RSVP to play. If you'd like to start earlier, feel free to mention that in the comment section. If everyone is already in the middle of games when you arrive, please don't hesitate to pull up a chair and watch a game in progress. We will play a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 people at each table. This is a friendly group of competitive and non competitive players and our different backgrounds and different experiences of Monopoly make for interesting conversation during the games. If you're taking the metro, exit at Crystal City and you can walk to The Landing without having to go outside. When you come up the first set of escalators, turn right to enter the underground shops and then turn right at Rite Aide. Continue straight and The Landing will be the large open seating area on your right, next to San Antonio Bar & Grill and Subway. If you're driving, parking is free in the garage. Enter the garage for 1750 Crystal Drive on 18th Street and take a ticket. (You'll need this to exit, but there's no charge). Take the elevators up to Level S. The Landing is the large open seating area next to San Antonio Bar & Grill and Subway. If that parking garage is full, exit the garage and turn left on 18th and left again on Crystal Drive. A second parking garage is located on Crystal Drive between 18th Street and 15th Street. This is a link to a map of the Crystal City Shops: http://www.thecrystalcityshops.com/ The Landing is in the yellow section on the map near the San Antonio Bar & Grill and Subway.

Run starts promptly at 9:45 am and follows a 1.5 mile loop around the lake. Do however many loops you like! Run at your own pace. After the run, we'll meet at the Brew House for a beer or coffee and BREAKFAST pretzels! Those cannot be anything but delicious. See you there.

I’ve been here once and was very impressed with their food and ambience. https://www.maharanipalace.com/

**❗❗Weather Contingent. Check on the day off.** **Did you know that female friendships are critical for every woman's well-being and longevity? Scientifically proven fact!** *Ladies, join me for a special gathering, let's celebrate the power of female friendships* *and* *empower each other through sharing our stories 💕* As a host &[ Life and Relationship Coach](https://lovedandfulfilled.com/), I will be there to create a safe, fun space to truly connect and have conversations about life & love. **When**: January 24th at 3:00 pm. **Location:** Ted's Bulletin - Front Bar area Metro Accessible. Short 5-7 min walk from metro station. Send me a direct message (571-315-1469) if you are running late and please only RSVP if you are coming. I look forward to seeing you there. \~ Irena

Dulles South Toastmasters club meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month at Gum Spring Library, with the meeting hours 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm. Club Officers will be in the room at 3:15 pm to answer your questions and provide information. Guests are welcome. Pleas join us!

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Venezuela’s Future—and Ours,”** an analysis of how the Trump administration’s intervention in Venezuela will affect that nation, the U.S., and the rest of the world, with Ernesto Castañeda, Director of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies and the Immigration Lab at American University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future) .] On January 3rd, after a long military buildup, the United States used special forces to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence in Caracas, Venezuela to stand trial here on criminal charges. The development marked a major turning point in our relationship with Venezuela and the rest of Latin America and raised a host of complex questions, not just for Venezuelans living inside and outside that country but for American citizens and other nations of the world. Coming to the stage to break down what all of this means is Ernesto Castañeda, a scholar of Latin America who has given several excellent Profs and Pints talks on immigration policy and has given dozens of interviews to media outlets around the world in the wake of the U.S. raid. In a talk offering informed perspective on the latest news developments, Professor Castañeda will discuss various theories about why the U.S. conducted the operation to get Maduro out of Venezuela. He’s put our nation’s current plans for Venezuela into context by touching on previous U.S. military interventions in Latin America and beyond. Professor Castañeda will look at the implications of recent events for U.S. politics and U.S. citizens and what such developments tell us about the balance of power in the United States. He’ll examine the distance between decisions made by the White House and public priorities, touching on how it all relates to our immigration policies and our views about peaceful protest and democracy. He’ll consider how the Venezuela raid and our actions since have altered relations between the U.S. and other nations and provide scenarios about what the future might hold. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

0700 Buffalo Wing Factory (BWF) Hunter Woods Shopping Center this week only, with the following weeks located at the RCC Hunter Woods meeting rooms 4-5-6-7 with a free medium Ledo's Pizza. This event is for active political party participants engaging in conversation & political discourse. The primary focus of this event is recorded for YouTube Debate Practice Trials beginning at 0704-0705 after Ledo's Pizza from next door. A projector will be used throughout most of the event, especially during the 45-minute-long trial debate sessions. It is open to all 6-7 political divisions and parties & constructive comments & criticisms are welcome. VICTORY SONGS FOR ELECTION CAMPAIGNS WITH TULSI GABBARD RUNNING ON THE DEMOCRATIC TICKET FOR THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION FOR THE WHITE HOUSE WITH EVENING NEWS BRIEFINGS ON THE TOPIC WITH THE FORMALLY ANNOUNCED AND NEWLY ANNOUNCED DEI COMMANDER IN CHIEF THATS YOU TULSI GABBARD $& PLEASE READ THE BELOW AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK AND READ MY EMAILED NOTES ABOUT THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN AND RELATED EMAILED NOTES AND SPEECH TOPICS AND RELATED BILLS THAT I SPONSORED WITH TRICRAFT’S FREELY DONATED MONEY FROM KELLY JOPLIN AT NSA HQ BLDG AND ROOM 10 BEFORE HE LEAVES BECAUSE ITS HIS LAST DAY AND YOU CAN GET THE REST FROM CNN BECAUSE I FORWARDED THESE WORDS WITH MY EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION LIKE I DID WITH CODE WORD JAMES DEAN WHICH IS RELATED TO FBI REQUESTS WRITTEN BY YOURS TRULY FOR THE FBI’S JAMES DEAN TO READ BUT NOT ACT ON IT RIGHT AWAY Victory and some democratic Campaign songs in Proper Sequence and some used for Campaign Speeches and used for ***code words*** during the campaign:; [Verse 1] Love spreads her arms, waits there for the nails I forgive you, boy, I will prevail Too much to take, some cross to bear I'm hiding in the trees with a picnic, she's over there, yeah [Interlude] Yeah, yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah [Verse 2] She didn't scream, she didn't make a sound I forgive you, boy, but don't leave town Cold black skin, naked in the rain Hammer flash in the lightning, they're hurting her again [Chorus] Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen [Post-Chorus] I have a dream, I've seen the light Don't put it out, and she's alright, yeah, she's my sister [Guitar Solo] [Verse 3] She didn't scream, she didn't make a sound I forgive you, boy, but don't leave town Cold black skin, naked in the rain Hammer flash in the lightning, they're hurting her again [Interlude] Oh, oh, oh Yeah, yeah, yeah [Chorus] Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen [Outro] I've had a dream, I've seen the light Don't put it out and she's alright, yeah, she's my sister I want it all I want it all And I want it now Only just after Aerosmith Walk This Way Talk This Way JUST-BLOW-ME-A-KISS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN May 08 0709 AM SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE JUST BEFORE THE ABOVE

Whether you're a player looking for a campaign, or a DM looking for players, this is the event for you! We'll meet and have DMs pitch their games and then open time for Q&A (players to talk to DMs, trade contact information, or ask more questions.) **IF YOU OR YOUR GUESTS ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND, UPDATE YOUR RSVP** **Agenda:** 1900 - Arrival, gather, find seats 1915 - DMs pitch their campaigns 2000 - Open mingle, trade contact info, talk with potential groupmates All player and DM experience levels are welcome! **For DM Consideration:** When thinking of how to pitch your game, be sure to include the following details: * Game system * Location * Day/Time * Frequency of sessions * Number of players wanted * Campaign concept * Tone of the game * Any fun (but spoiler-free!) details that will really spark interest in your game! From Matt Colville: Pitching Your Game: Running the Game: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtH1SP1grxo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtH1SP1grxo) We'll be pretty informal and allow questions after each pitch. No need to over-prepare, but do think of how best to sell players on your campaign! Also, while this is a D&D group, feel free to pitch a different game system if you'd like. **For Player Consideration:** Before you arrive, consider your preferences in terms of play schedules, location, campaign style, etc. Other than that, just bring your curiosity and sense of adventure! We'll meet in Paradise Games and Gifts (new name of GCPD). If I am not there greeting people and guiding them to our reserved area please kindly ask a staff member to point you in the right direction. **Contact:** Any questions or concerns? Discord Server Invite https://discord.gg/Zj58w85XuW Looking forward to seeing everyone there! If you have any questions, please comment below or contact Alejandro (Discord: MagicalKuyo).

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The party has defeated the cultists who followed them down the tunnel, but two of the four women they had rescued have been struck down. Can the party escape? Reminder: We have transitioned to the DC20 Beta 0.10 rule set for this campaign. We will be meeting in the mezzanine above the Gainesville Wegmans food court. Go to the far end of the mezzanine and look for a group of nerds with character sheets and dice.

Please go to your Meetup account and elect to receive "EVENT UPDATES FROM ORGANIZERS" to help us keep you updated. Here's how... Go to "Settings" Then go to "Email updates" Scroll down to "Updates about your groups" Then go to the name of the group and click "Edit" Then select "Event updates from organizers"

**\*\*\*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