Seminars

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“What We Know About Snow,”** a meteorologist’s take on the science of snow and snowstorm prediction, with Jeffrey Halverson, professor of geography and environmental systems at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and author of *An Introduction to Severe Storms and Hazardous Weather.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-know-snow](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-know-snow) .] Will the weather outside be frightful? Get answers where it’s delightful. Penn Social is the place to go to learn of snow, learn of snow, learn of snow. Regardless of whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast who welcomes blizzards or someone who spends the season dreaming of an escape to the tropics, you can gain a much deeper understanding of the white stuff with the help of Dr. Jeffrey Halverson, a severe storm expert with the *Washington Post*’s Capital Weather Gang who gave an excellent Profs and Pints talk on hurricanes in November. A seasoned meteorologist and snow forecaster, he’ll discuss how and when snow is formed, describe the different types of snow out there, and tell you what determines whether the atmosphere generates snow as opposed to sleet or freezing rain. You’ll learn the difference between a nuisance “Alberta Clipper” snow event and a blockbuster East Coast snowstorm, and why some winter seasons feature memorable—if not historical—snowstorms while others have just small snow events or experience “snow drought.” You’ll gain an appreciation of how the science of snowfall is nuanced and differs markedly in the Mid Atlantic compared to other notoriously snowy regions such as the Great Lakes “snowbelt” or the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada. You’ll learn the pitfalls and common traps that people fall into in trying to predict snowfall using the data from numerical weather prediction models readily available today to casual users. Dr. Halverson will tackle the debate over whether the American or European weather prediction models do a better job and discuss Artificial Intelligence’s entry into the forecast game. Accounts of the Washington D.C. region’s most historic snowstorms will be sprinkled in for good measure. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A bright moment in the aftermath of D.C.’s infamous 1922 Knickerbocker Snowstorm (Library of Congress photo).

CBG's Cold Weather Commando Rides are a series of outdoor cold weather rides. Participants of these rides need to have a higher level of self-sufficiency since we have fewer ride organizers (read: usually no sweep). You must be comfortable adjusting your clothing layers for cooler weather, darker days/nights, and to winter trail conditions. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Washington Monument Illumination & Fireworks * START LOC: Jones Point Park (under the bridge) * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) * START PARKING: Parking lot. If full, park on side streets around park entrance. * ARRIVAL: 6:30pm * SPEECH: 6:40pm * ROLLING: 6:45pm * LEVEL: Advanced difficulty, Medium+ pace. * PACE: \~15-16mph * DISTANCE: \~19 miles * TERRAIN: Trail / Street * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: [WM Illumination & Fireworks](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53641750) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Watch as the Washington Monument transforms into the world’s tallest birthday candle in honor of our Nation’s 250th birthday. This event is the opening signature moment of a year-long series of marquee national events. From JPP, we’ll ride to The Mall, make a lap up and around Capitol Hill, then down just in time to see fireworks expode behind Washington Monument at 7:55p. An \~15 minute video and audio presentation on the monument is expected at 8p. Plan to be stopped for about 30 minutes total. A warm drink, snack, and hand/toe warmers would be prudent. This is Advanced difficulty due to nighttime riding and time standing in the cold, but we will be riding at a Medium+ pace. **Always Do's:** * Always have a spare tube with you, seriously it is needed. * Always know your air pressure PSI and have your tires fully inflated. * Always wear appropriate clothing for the weather (think layers). * Always eat before & have water/snack with you * Use a Garmin type bike computer OR our NoVA CBG RideWithGPS app and **HAVE THE ROUTE LOADED AND READY TO USE FOR THE RIDE. Click this link to get the Club Account.** [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/) **Night Rides:** * Always have a fully charged head light of at least 150 lumens. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/273787949/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/273787949/) * Always have a fully charged front and tail light. * Always dress in layers. **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **++++++++++++++++++++** Jones Point Park Jones Point Dr. Alexandria , VA 22314 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) Gather under the bridge by the restrooms. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride** **+++++++++++++++++++++** None, but highly encourage a warm beverage and snack while watching the fireworks and illumination show. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. **If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.** ......................................................................................................................

Everyone’s heard of book clubs where the group reads the same thing and gets together to discuss, which is great… if you have time and interest in whatever’s chosen. This is a different type of book club where you bring whatever you’re currently or recently reading (or just a book you’re super excited about) and talk about it with fellow book lovers. We’ll start with people arriving/ordering food between 615-645, then go around and introduce ourselveslves and give a very brief synopsis of what we’re reading and why we’re excited (or not!) about it. Then devolve into informal conversations until people need to head out. The goal Is to create community and connections in a group of strangers - to facilitate this please make sure you have at least a clear first name on your profile. Upside on Moore has a great selection of food you can order from your phone or at the kiosks. There’s also a bar with happy hour, something for everyone! Arrival tips: if you’re taking the metro, it’s the building above the Rosslyn exit. If you’re driving, you can park in the public lot under the food hall (entrance from the one way bus street) and validate parking after 6!

No sign\-ups required \| All levels welcome \| 21\+ If you're looking for a casual game of chess in a fun atmosphere, this event is for you! Members range from beginner to master level, and games are played both with and without time controls. This event is held at a bar, the Board Room, in Washington, DC, and is intended for 21+ players. We meet upstairs, on the mezzanine. Upon arrival, fill out a name tag and indicate your relative skill, to facilitate match-ups. Chess sets and boards are provided. We don't have club clocks, but most people use the Chess Clock app from Chess.com to play timed games.

If you're looking for a casual game of chess in a fun atmosphere, this event is for you! Members range from beginner to expert level, and games are played both with and without time controls. They meet upstairs, on the mezzanine. Upon arrival, fill out a name tag and indicate your relative skill, to help facilitate match-ups. Club sets are available, though members are welcome to bring their own as well. They don't have club clocks, but most people use the Chess Clock app from Chess.com to play timed games. More info at https://www.meetup.com/chess-on-tap/ Hosts: Leith W. and Ryan C.

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.

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.

**A2A Summit \+ AI Dev 25 x NYC \| Key takeaways** **Location: Prefect at Foggy Bottom DC + Online** Hello everyone and Happy New Year! The AI world keeps innovating and we’ve moved past the "How do I write a prompt?" phase and entered the era of **AI Agents**—systems that don't just talk, but actually *act*. I recently attended the **[A2A (Agent-to-Agent) Summit](https://a2asummit.ai/)** and **[AI Dev 25 with Andrew Ng](https://ai-dev.deeplearning.ai/)**. We are hosting this event to distill the high-level strategy for our product leaders and the technical "how-to" for our engineers. **The 2 big themes we will explore:** **1\. The Agentic Shift \(A2A Summit\)** We are moving from humans talking to AI, to **AI Agents talking to other AI Agents** to solve complex business problems. * **For Product & Business:** How this changes your roadmap from "features" to "automated workflows." * **For Tech:** The infrastructure and protocols required to let agents collaborate securely. **2\. Building the Future with Andrew Ng \(AI Dev 25\)** Andrew Ng shared a powerful message: the next big leap in AI isn't just bigger models, but **better workflows.** * **For Product & Business:** Why "Agentic Reasoning" will make your products more reliable and user-friendly. * **For Tech:** A deep dive into iterative loops, design patterns, and why your coding workflow is about to change forever. 📍 **In person and Online Event!** You can join us in person at Prefect in Foggy Bottom DC for some great company and maybe even some new friends! Or, if you prefer to chill at home, you can easily join us online! 💻 Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/grx-yzgd-meu Or dial: ‪(US) +1 401-349-1786‬ PIN: ‪206 985 943‬# **Agenda** * 6:00pm - 6:30pm EST Networking and Refreshments * 6:30pm \- 7:30pm EST A2A Summit \+ AI Dev 25 x NYC \| Key takeaways * 7:30pm - 8:00pm Networking **Resources** * [A2A Summit](https://a2asummit.ai) * [A2a Summit - George's key takeaways](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/a2a-summit-internet-agents-here-george-zoto-vbtce) * [AI Dev 25 x NYC](https://ai-dev.deeplearning.ai/) * [AI Dev 25 x NYC - George's key takeaways](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-prototypes-production-my-key-takeaways-andrew-ngs-george-zoto-ld6se) The recording of this cool series 😎 is available at: [https://bit.ly/dla-generative-ai](https://bit.ly/dla-generative-ai) Join us on Slack: Ask the hosts for an invite. 👉 **RSVP now and secure your spot! We can't wait to see you there!** 💖 David, Robert and George Deep Learning Adventures is a member of Data Community DC, a nonprofit dedicated to data education in the nation's capital and around the world. Learn more at [www.dc2.org](http://www.dc2.org/)

Learn more about our Home Buyer Program * get up to $202k in down payment assistance through HPAP * get up to $25K in grants from Maryland Mortgage Program * downpayment assistance options through DC Open Doors * how to qualify and what loans are available * loan application and approval process * repeat home buyer options * purchase price limits * market insight and home buying steps in a competitive market SIGN UP AT THE LINK BELOW: [https://www.enggarcia.com/egpwebinars/](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.enggarcia.com/egpwebinars/&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1705256818169980&usg=AOvVaw0qgqMgQjduPHADDDggU6H6)

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Tolkien’s Fight Against Futurism,”** a look at a beloved fantasy author as fundamentally engaged in a battle to preserve beauty, with Graham McAleer, professor of philosophy at Loyola University Maryland and teacher of a course on the morals and politics of *Lord of the Rings.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-tolkien-futurism](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-tolkien-futurism) .] As a young man in the early 20th century J.R.R. Tolkien watched an avant-garde art form known as Futurism become all the rage. Shaped by industrialization and by admiration for new machinery, Futurism celebrated speed, acceleration, and the whirl of technical innovation, earning it another name, Vorticism, in Tolkien’s England. Although remembered mainly as a writer, Tolkien also was an accomplished pen-and-ink artist who kept abreast of the art movements of his time. He developed a distaste for Futurism and what it signified that only grew stronger as he experienced the horrors of modern warfare as a soldier at the 1916 Battle of the Somme. He regarded what Futurism celebrated as “the Machine,” representing fascist politics and apocalyptic war, and his opposition to it deeply influenced not just his art but his written works. Gain insights into how Tolkien’s sensibilities as a visual artist shaped his worldview and writing with Graham McAleer, a scholar of philosophy who has closely studied Tolkien’s work. Professor McAleer will look at how Tolkien’s lore can be seen as one long meditation on beauty and its problematic twin, vanity, with what separated them most in Tolkien’s mind being their respective approaches to time: Beauty is patient, vanity is not. We’ll look at Tolkien’s argument that that impatience mars beauty and corrupts our standing in a cosmos, and we’ll consider his characterization of his own work as “cosmogonical drama” dealing with the universe’s origins. You’ll learn how his tales of Dark Lords squaring off against elven queens and genial Hobbits reflect his view that war is always a dispute about beauty. You’ll come to see Tolkien as having grappled with a profound philosophical question that dates back to Plato, and you’ll emerge from the talk with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of Tolkien’s works. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A bust of Tolkien at Oxford. From a photo by Julian Nyča / Wikimedia Commons.

Every Saturday at 11am! RSVP at the following link to receive login details: https://www.enggarcia.com/hbscaphill/ The Districts Best first time home buyer webinar Learn about the home buying process How to qualify & what loans are available Qualifying for DC Open Doors and other programs Reduced down payment and closing cost opportunities We're looking forward to seeing you soon!

After hosting successful events, I always think that we could have done better and relate it to our day to day life and make it educational. In this connection, I wanted to show off my investment and trade hat and organize series of Happy Hours around Investment & Trade. We will have speakers from different sectors and industries, at each Happy Hour. At this particular event, the speaker will discusses Smart Strategies for Maximizing Social Security . Topics will include: 1. Today’s retirement challenges 2. Keys to help you understand the basics of Social Security, including when you should start taking benefits 3. Qualifications for retirement benefits and survivor benefits 4. Sources of income in retirement 5. Building an income plan. The address will be sent to members, who RSVPed, before the Event. Enjoy!

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215

At *Energize and Elevate*, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

How to be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Step into 2026 with intention, clarity, and a creative practice designed to help you see yourself more clearly. In this special Confidence Lab session, we’ll explore confidence as something you can curate - through the choices you make, the qualities you amplify, and the story you choose to step into. We’ll start with a short guided reflection to surface the traits, habits, and energies you want to nurture in the coming year. Then, using collage materials selected specifically for this workshop, you’ll translate those insights into a visual composition that represents the version of yourself you’re ready to grow toward. This isn’t about resolutions or perfection. It’s about crafting a grounded, imaginative vision of your next chapter - one that feels honest, energizing, and fully yours. All materials are provided. Just bring yourself (and a friend) and a willingness to explore what confidence can look like for you in 2026. **Featured Partner: Columbus Collage Collective** The Columbus Collage Collective was started in August of 2023 by Emily Morgan (aka Lovely But Dead) and Douglas Cuckler (aka Wonder Doug) as a place for collage enthusiasts to gather and create art together. The collective has since become a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to hold free or low-cost collage events across central Ohio. The CCC welcomes all artists of all backgrounds and skill levels and encourages folks to take this time to step away from everyday existence and create art with people who share a love for this dynamic art form. All materials—magazines, scissors, craft knives, glue, paper, cardboard, and more—are provided, so there's no need to bring anything at all (though you're welcome to bring a friend or a favorite tool if you'd like!). We also encourage folks to take home magazines and materials from our events to support continued creativity! Find us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/columbuscollagecollective/](https://www.instagram.com/columbuscollagecollective/) Register or sign up for the newsletter at [https://www.columbuscollagecollective.com/](https://www.columbuscollagecollective.com/) **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*