Raw Food Preparation

Please do not arrange to play earlier than the scheduled start time UNLESS you are able to stay till the end of the event, we do not want people leaving early and creating uneven numbers. Hello members, Tennis has become much more popular since the pandemic started and court space has been harder to come by. Following these simple rules will help everyone get the most out of MoCo Topspinners Meetup. • If you RSVP for an event, please attend that event or cancel at least two hours before the event starts. Members that no-show will receive one warning then will be benched (suspended) from events for two weeks. Three no-shows can result in a permanent ban. (No-shows create uneven numbers and prevent folks on the waitlist from playing. Please do your part to un-RSVP as soon as you know that you cannot attend an event.) • Members must have a way to communicate with organizers and hosts. This can be through the Meetup app messages or by providing other contact info. • Any member can ask a host or organizer to have their skill rated for event attendance purposes. You will not be allowed to participate in events higher than your NTRP rating. (We may try to limit numbers or have multiple events on a given day to accommodate players of different skill levels and also to help alleviate the court availability problem). • All members shall conduct good sportsmanship and be courteous to other members at all times. • Sexual harassment, racism, sexism or any kind of intolerance will not be tolerated and will result in the permanent ban from the group. • If member receives three warning infractions, the member will be suspended from the Meetup for a period of one month. If a member is suspended twice (six warnings), that member will be permanently banned and any membership dues will then be forfeited. • If you are scheduling to play with others outside of a MoCo Topspinners event, and you know that there is a MoCo Topspinners event scheduled for that day at that time, please try to use courts other than the courts where the event is scheduled, or move your time so that it does not conflict with the Topspinners event. For a list of complete rules and definitions you can see the MoCo Topspinners front page. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are hoping for a fun season but we may have to wait for courts and leave earlier than we are used to. Please be patient as we adjust to this new normal and try a few different things that will hopefully help the situation. Happy playing! If you would like to attend this event you must be a of minimum 3.0 level. USTA guidelines prior for signing up for the Meetup: https://assets.usta.com/assets/1/15/ExperiencedGuidelines_02142011_V2pdf.pdf Singles and doubles game play flexible depending on court availability. If you have any questions, please feel free to drop the group organizers a message. Looking forward to a great 2021 season- see you on the courts! • What to bring Tennis Balls and Racket, Water.

Social Sips & Bites Friends - We’re putting together two trivia teams for an upcoming night of brainpower, laughs, and friendly competition. Each team will have 7 players, so spots are limited. If you’d like to join one of the teams, RSVP only if you’re sure you can attend. We want to lock in committed players so we can go in strong! Come for the fun, stay for the challenge-let’s show everyone how SSB does trivia!

Experience the ultimate relaxation with our 60-minute Yin & Restorative Yoga fusion class. This session combines the deep, meditative stretches of Yin Yoga with the soothing, supportive postures of Restorative Yoga. During this class, you'll explore longer-held poses designed to release tension from deep within the muscles and connective tissues, promoting flexibility and calm. The Restorative elements enhance relaxation by incorporating props to fully support your body in gentle, nurturing positions, allowing for complete surrender and rejuvenation. This practice is ideal for anyone seeking profound relaxation, stress relief, and a sense of inner peace. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to these styles, join us for an hour of blissful tranquility and restoration. **The session is offered InStudio only. Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Do you want to become a confident Spanish speaker? Unlike that Spanish class you took in high school, classes at Spanish with Ariel focus on *speaking!* Each course (yes, even Beginner 101) is taught via immersion using the comprehensible input technique, which evidence shows is key in building fluency. Class sizes are small, giving you plenty of individualized feedback and opportunities to practice speaking in a low-pressure environment. **[View the Winter Class Schedule + Enroll Now! ](https://www.spanishwithariel.com/spanish-classes)**(Spaces limited!) #### **Winter 2026 Session FAQ** **When do classes take place?** Our winter classes meet once a week on Monday OR Thursday evenings and run from early January to early March 2026. **Where are classes offered?** Our classes meet on zoom. **What are your class sizes?** Each class is capped at 8 students, so that you receive ample opportunities to practice speaking and the individual feedback necessary to improve your conversational skills. **Will your classes help me become fluent?** Yes! At Spanish with Ariel, we focus on building conversational skills. Each live class maximizes speaking practice through discussions, role plays and games. **Are your classes leveled?** Yes. Beginner Spanish 101 is best for individuals who have had prior exposure to Spanish (ie. you studied it years ago, or you have been practicing on Duolingo), but are not yet comfortable having conversations in Spanish. Beginner Spanish Essentials is best for students who can have a short and simple conversation in Spanish in the present tense. Talking About The Past 2 is best for students who can list a few things they did last weekend in Spanish using preterite tense verbs (ie. yo fui, yo comí, yo visité, etc.), but cannot yet describe it in detail. Speaking Through Stories is best for students who feel comfortable having conversations in Spanish about familiar topics in the present and past (imperfect and preterite) tenses and want to expand their vocabularies and improve their fluency. **Do I have to purchase a textbook?** Nope! Your enrollment includes all course materials, pre-class self-guided lessons, post-class exercises, 150+ digital vocabulary flashcards, and long-term access to all class recordings, materials and slides. In Speaking Through Stories, students will need to purchase a graphic novel. **What happens if I miss a class?** All live sessions are recorded, so if you miss a class, you can watch the recording and catch up on what you missed! **When do the bonus conversation hours take place?** Our winter 2026 virtual conversation hours take place on Thursday 1/29 7:00pm and Monday 2/16 at 7:00pm. These are bonus interactive, fluency-building sessions open only to current Spanish with Ariel students. **How are the bonus conversation hours structured?** These interactive sessions are meant to be light and fun ways to practice your speaking skills through icebreakers, games and role plays. No homework: just show up and chat with us! **How do conversation partners work?** At the beginning of each session, each student will be assigned a conversation partner from their class. For select weeks of class, students will be expected to set aside about 15 minutes in that given week to chat with their conversation partner outside of class. Students will be connected with their conversation partner by email, and they have the option to choose a method of communication (phone, zoom, or other messenger app) and mode of communication (audio call, video call or voice notes) that works for them. **Can I read some reviews?** Sure! Students share reviews on [Google](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS9tYXBzL3BsYWNlL1NwYW5pc2grd2l0aCtBcmllbC9AMzguODkzODU5MiwtNzcuMDk2OTc2NiwxMnovZGF0YT0hNG04ITNtNyExczB4ZjU3OTFlYTdmN2ZiN2Y5OjB4Y2NhODYwYTA5ODFiNTc5YiE4bTIhM2QzOC44OTM3NTQ1ITRkLTc3LjAxNDU3NiE5bTEhMWIxITE2cyUyRmclMkYxMXc4ZnF2XzM4P2VudHJ5PXR0dSZnX2VwPUVnb3lNREkxTURJeU5pNHhJS1hNRFNvQVNBRlFBdyUzRCUzRA==) and our [website](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3BhbmlzaHdpdGhhcmllbC5jb20vdGVzdGltb25hbHM=). **I’ve got more questions. Can I contact you?** Sure! Email me at ariel@spanishwithariel.com.

Meal Prep Supper Club is a feel-good mix of food, friends, and a little structure for your week. I’ll plan the menu, shop for all the ingredients, and lead the meal prep. You just show up, hang out with good people, help meal prep if that's your thing, and leave with healthy, macro-balanced meals ready to go. Want to jump in and help cook? Awesome. Prefer to sip, chat, and cheer from the sidelines? Perfect. Either way, you’ll head home with great food, good vibes, and a little more energy for the week ahead.

Join us at Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge, located in Rockville. It’s a rustic retreat reminiscent of the grand "Great Camps" of the Adirondack Mountains from the early 1900s. They offer a warm atmosphere and yummy dishes that include steak, various types of fish, crab cakes, pasta dishes and raw bar. Have a look at their menu: [https://www.clydes.com/location/clydes-tower-oaks-lodge/#menus](https://www.clydes.com/location/clydes-tower-oaks-lodge/#menus) All aboard mates!

Please join the [Veg Society of DC](vsdc.org) Animal Rights Discussion and Education Group for another great discussion - our 6th session. *Announcement!* We are trying something NEW: meeting series! We will have 2-3 sessions in a row that relate to the same series topic, but each meeting will involve unique materials and content. We hope this format gives attendees notice of what topics they can expect to discuss at upcoming meetings and allow the group to dive deeper into various subjects! The next event will continue the topic from our 12/6 session: theories of change in the animal rights movement. For this next session, we will focus on data on the efficacy of different interventions (e.g. protests, corporate lobbying, street outreach, etc.), including the impacts of VEGANUARY on furthering veganism as a lifestyle. *What is the Animal Rights Discussion and Education Group?* If you’ve been looking for a way to educate yourself on animal rights and issues affecting animals in our world today with the support of a like-minded community, then this group is for you. The VSDC Animal Rights Discussion and Education Group will discuss thoughts, questions, concerns, and news related to animal rights. It seeks to provide a safe space for discussions around issues affecting captive animals, farmed animals, animals used in research, wild animals, companion animals, and more. All are welcome, from those well-versed in animal rights philosophy and issues to those who are just starting off on their journey and are curious to learn more. Please come with an open mind, an open heart, and a willingness to engage with diverse opinions with curiosity and respect. The plan is for the group to meet every month, alternating between Zoom and in person. The topic of each meeting and any accompanying materials will be planned in advance and posted in event announcements via this VSDC meetup group. Participants are encouraged to offer topic ideas and materials for discussion at subsequent meetings. **Date / Time:** Saturday, January 10th, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. **Location:** West End Public Library - MEETING ROOM 2 (this is the smaller, 3-12 person meeting room on your right after you pass the information desk) *Email 'ARdiscuss@vsdc.org' for further information.* **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.**

Expect a fun afternoon of drawing and socializing with like-minded artists! Although each Session is 3 hours, feel free to drop in as your schedule permits. This is a casual gathering, and we know that people might only be able to stay a little while -- drop in, and stay, as long as you are having fun, and as your day allows. **Note: about RSVP's, please respect the RSVP process. If you RSVP YES, you are commited and we are all looking to seeing you. If your plans change however, that's OK, but please be courteous and change your RSVP to NO. We are reaching the headcount limit regularly now and it is rude to take a spot and not relinquish it if your plans change... Respect others; don't be rude. Thank you for your cooperation**. All skill levels are welcome -- this is not a competition. This Group and all its Events are intended to be in equal parts, Drawing/Art AND Socializing. As such, conversation is expected and encouraged. ***However, in all cases, please refrain from discussion of Political topics.*** Our goal is enjoyment, in the form of drawing together while socializing, and political conversation is too polarizing for that to happen. We are looking forward to seeing you there! **Note (in parting): Be aware, and keep in mind that our group, meeting as it does at Starbucks, depends on this business's generosity for the space it allows us. As such, please make a point of purchasing something from the business to express our appreciation as a group using their facility. If you are experiencing hardship and can't afford a modest purchase, get my attention discreetly, and arrangements will be made with no judgment whatsoever. Thank you for your understanding... Michael (your host)**

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

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

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

Join Soft Life Society for a cozy and intentional Cultural Potluck Night centered on community, connection, and culture. This is a potluck-style gathering where each guest is invited to bring a dish that represents their culture, heritage, or a family tradition. We will be tasting and sharing each other’s cultural foods while connecting through conversation, laughter, and soft living. The evening will also include fun games and a prize for the winner. Drinks will be available, but guests are welcome to bring their own favorite beverage if they prefer. This is a relaxed, welcoming space to slow down and enjoy a beautiful evening together. Limited spots available. RSVP required.

Let's have lunch at Uptown Westerville's newest restaurant. Ampersand is owned by the same couple who owns Asterisk. They are known for ramen, rice bowls, teriyaki and small plates.

Let’s meet for lunch at Tensuke market. They offer a variety of sushi and other Japanese food. Within Tensuke market is the restaurants Sushi Ten and Tensuke Ramen.