Twin Cities

Join us as The Washington Area Roadskaters lead you on a different adventure every week, skating through and around our Nation's Capital! For current details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you soon!

Help us celebrate the **Sierra Club’s Potomac Region Outings** **(SCPRO)** and usher in a new year of outdoor activities by joining us at this (indoor) winter potluck party. The party is open to all—outings participants (past, current, or future) and leaders (past, current, or future), as well family, friends, and curious onlookers—so feel free to invite others. Special guests are our long-term leaders whom we recognize with sincere appreciation for their volunteer service to the Club. They have helped introduce thousands of people to the outdoors and then helped them enjoy it for many more years! Photo albums of other SCPRO [socials](https://sites.google.com/view/wandering-soles/special-events/scpro-socials). **FOOD & DRINKS** You are invited to bring food (prepared or bought by you) to share—a main dish, side dish or salad, or appetizer. The food you bring should reflect your family's heritage so that we end up with international fare. (Don't forget serving utensils.) Please DO NOT bring desserts, chips, nuts, dips, and other snacks. If you can’t, don’t want to, or forget to make a dish, don’t let that stop you from coming as there is sure to be more than enough food! We will provide fruit snacks, dessert, water/soft drinks, and plastic/paper ware. To save a little bit of the world, please bring your own washable plates, cups, and eating utensils. A $5 cash voluntary donation per person to cover the cost of the event is welcomed, but not required. **WHEN & WHERE** Sunday, January 25, 2026, 5:30-8 pm, Bethesda Club Room, White Flint Station Condos, 11800 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda, MD ([GoogleMaps](http://goo.gl/yZLGhb)). The entrance is at the NE corner of the Chapman Avenue and Old Georgetown Road "T" junction (see photos below), and the room is on your right just after entering. **Metro:** The location is one block north of, or 0.4 miles from, the Red Line’s North Bethesda Metro station, 5679 Marinelli Rd ([GoogleMaps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.0474399,-77.1125592/39.0500145,-77.110907/@39.0486043,-77.1132003,555m/am=t/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!4m1!3e2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTExMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)). **Parking:** Street meter parking is free on weekends (see photo below). There is a Metro parking garage (5627 Marinelli Rd, but entrance on Citadel Ave.; [GoogleMaps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.0479932,-77.1094668/11800+Old+Georgetown+Road,+Rockville,+MD/@39.0491272,-77.1127684,1111m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b7cc2f1db815fd:0x8a0308c08227de73!2m2!1d-77.1108517!2d39.0502507!3e2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTExMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)) that is also free on weekends, and a commercial garage at Pike & Rose (11580 Old Georgetown Rd; [GoogleMaps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.0489289,-77.1180482/39.0500176,-77.1109542/@39.0489563,-77.115838,931m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTExMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)). Each garage is about 0.3 miles away. **SIERRA CLUB** You may join the Sierra Club by clicking the "JOIN" button at the top of the Virginia Chapter’s [website](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia). Membership is not required for participation. **INFO?** If you have questions about the event, contact Mike (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com).

This is a substitute hike for the one originally scheduled for Indian Head Rail Trail on Saturday. The location was changed due to icy trail conditions at Indian Head and was rescheduled due to severe wind chills forecast for Saturday. The conditions for Sunday, Feb. 8 are better, though far from ideal. Winds will be from the northwest at about 15-25 miles per hour. The temperature will start out around 17 degrees Fahrenheit (about 2 degrees F wind chill) and gradually rise to about 22 degrees F (about 10 degrees F wind chill). Therefore, you must dress in multiple layers (avoiding pure cotton next to the skin), have winter head and ear coverings, and winter mittens or gloves. You’ll need to show these items to a leader before signing the waiver form and in order to participate. A winter scarf is also recommended to partially cover your face. The reason for layers is that the air between them provides extra insulation and you can remove some layers if needed to prevent overheating during exercise; the idea is to retain warmth with minimal sweating. Bring water and snacks as there will be no organized lunch stop. No pets please. We’ll meet at the Braddock Road Metro station by 10:00 AM Sunday. We urge you to take Metro rather than driving because finding a legal parking spot is difficult. We should meet in the vicinity of bus bay E just outside the Metro station. To simplify registration, we’re waiving collection of donations for this event. The route will be about 6 miles along city sidewalks and trails that have been sufficiently cleared of snow and ice, with very few exceptions. Two public restroom locations are available, one at about the 2.2-mile mark, and one at about the 4.9-mile mark, but there are a number of businesses along the way where you can use their restrooms if you buy something there. King Street Metro station is an optional bail-out point at 4.8 miles. The hike ends back at Braddock Road Metro. Paper handouts of the route will be available at the start, so please change your RSVP if you decide not to attend. Execution of a Sierra Club liability waiver is required at the start. You need not be a Sierra Club member to participate, but if you'd like to join, go to: [http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia) . Leaders: Gary Kosciusko, (703) 946-8111, and Vicky Hsu. Although open to all, this hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the [One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304791832/) (ODH)—a 100 or 50 km hike along the C&O Canal—on May. 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s [Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/) for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see [volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304792694/) and/or contact Mike Darzi ([mike.darzi@gmail.com](http://mike.darzi@gmail.com/)). For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to [onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io.](http://onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io./)

Hey everyone, we have all been snowed in and could all benefit with some socialization. Come on out to Barnes and Nobles Potomac Yards and sit in the cafe and meet some locals. I will get there early and be wearing my crocheted Thanksgiving Turkey hat. Come on out and make a new friend. Socializing is healthy and there is no better time to make a friend then now. Hope to see you there

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Get together to watch the Super Bowl! Or more importantly - Green Day, Brandi Carlisle, and Bad Bunny! The game kicks off at 6:30pm. We'll be there by 6pm to see the opening act. The hosts will stay through at least half time. :) See you there!

**\*\*DATE CHANGE FROM FEB 1 TO NEW DATE OF FEB 8\*\*** Celebrate Tu Bi'Shvat inside the (free) [U.S. Botanic Gardens!](https://www.usbg.gov/) This 4th annual visit tours through rooms such as the tropic, desert, & orchid-- oh my! The 'big room' even offers a catwalk for views above the canopy! You can follow the group as we gingerly gander, or blaze your own trail. After a guffaw in the gardens, its then a 5min walk to LUNCH @[Nat'l Muz. of the Amer. Indian (cafeteria chow-line/ multi- cuisine eatery)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/WRZ4R2GQE7TDbGuB7). Meeting spot is COMPASS ON FLOOR of the main hall. Commuting via Metro advised, alight from Federal Center SW or Capitol South stations (or/bl/sv). Car parking should be available on-site. NOTES: 1\. It may be cold outside but warm\, quite warm inside\-\- Dress accordingly\. 2\. Self\-made [Youtube Video](https://youtu.be/EtCa495D694). 3\. Please consider paying dues/ donations \($16\) for this Meetup\. This can be done in person with cash\, or electronically through the waiver below\. 4\. This annual event is typically hosted around the 1st weekend in February\. A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the Mosaic's [Liability Wavier hyperlinked here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/11SKNnO8e53UeSwvOZ58LPsMhRo1rTWat/view).

Walk 3 miles circle followed by brunch.

Click Here For More Videos: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17vTa7EuwG/ ********************************* The Biggest Salsa Night to hit your mid-week is happening at Latin City Wednesdays. Get the feel of the Latin Beat as your hips and feet groove the right way. As always, we will provide refreshments and food. ********************************* Viva Dance Columbus (2809 Festival Lane Dublin, OH 43017) 830pm-930pm Cuban Salsa Lessons 930pm-Midnight Open Latin Dance Party $15 With Lesson $10 Just Open Dance ********************************** Free Parking, No Need to Bring a dance partner, No Sandals Please and Plenty of Space to Move Around.

This meetup is a beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop focused on building shaders in Unity using Shader Graph. Instead of slides or theory-heavy lectures, we'll build real shaders together step-by-step. The format is structured but interactive. You'll watch a quick demo, then build each shader yourself with guidance. By the end, you'll have created multiple shaders you can immediately use in your own projects—and understand how to make more. **What to Expect:** * Build 4–5 complete shaders from scratch * Color tints, snow accumulation, scrolling water, dissolve effects, and more * No prior shader experience required * Checkpoint files provided if you fall behind * Resources for continued learning All experience levels are welcome. Whether you've never opened Shader Graph or just want to fill gaps in your knowledge, this is a supportive space to learn by doing. **Food and drinks provided. Join us to learn, build, and level up your shader skills.**

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 afternoon of language, culture, food, of course, and connections! (Everyone will individually choose from the buffet and pay for their own meal, by weight.)

CONNECTED – Grove City A casual, people-first networking gathering. CONNECTED – Grove City is a casual, people-first networking gathering. Join us for a relaxed, low-pressure space to meet new people, build real relationships, and have meaningful conversations — no sales pitches required. From 7:30–8:30 AM every 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Grove City Business Center. Coffee & baked goods available for purchase at Pick ’Em Up Joe's. Free street & public lot parking behind the building. Free to attend & open to all!

Let's check out a Popular Astronomy and Science Based Film at COSI Science Center on their HUGE 360 Degree 4K Spherical Dome Screen Theater, in which is touring the nation and has already sold over 10,000 tickets! COSI is one of the leading Science Centers in America. Alan Watts was one of the Most Influential Amateur Astronomers of the 20th Century and held fascinating views of the Galaxy. Tickets are only $33 plus a small fee and taxes and can be purchased here: [Trust the Universe: Immersive Dome Show](https://www.sphericalpictures.com/tickets) PLEASE purchase tickets for the 8:15 PM Feature on Friday, February 13. There seem to be at least 10 tickets left, possibly more. We should be able to sit together in the same row or at least in the general section. This is an exciting chance to view actual footage of the Solar System on a Large 4k Resolution Screen plus added in Cosmological and Astronomical Related Philosophy! We will plan on meeting at about 7:50 PM by the Atomic Cafe on the first Floor of COSI, where the Movie Theater is located, in order to give us time before the show starts to purchase refreshments. Parking is available at the COSI Garage and in the area on side streets and adjacent garages. We can also walk somewhere in the area and get food afterwards, if anyone wants to do so. Thanks and hope to see you come out!