Ukraintsy

This is our 3rd Sunday of the month meetup at Restaurant Rus Uz in Arlington. Russian speakers can gather for Russian and Uzbek food, friendship, and conversation two Sundays every month--the first and third. Please join us and bring your Russian speaking friends. Everyone is welcome, but please keep conversation in Russian only, no English. For many of us, this is our only chance to practice our Russian PLEASE RSVP if you are coming - we have to make a reservation. Please do not RSVP and then not come. However usually there are more people than the number that RSVP. So don't think there will be too few people. спасибо

This Sunday, we’re hitting the streets for a scenic skate with a very special destination: the ice rink! Big Mike (our newly elected president!) will lead us as we head to Canal Park Ice Rink ([https://www.skatecanalpark.com/](https://www.skatecanalpark.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYmVlTEx4UDVBNmNTeEJrVnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4oLu1_cix3RLFDfOKJFUTEVq6UOOM4uKZEZM1G-H0lHvm7Oc3I_0FwVgRsxQ_aem_SZv4joOrMKpw6FEyZJXYmQ)) to celebrate Donovan’s Birthday on the ice. Whether you're a pro on blades or just there for the vibes, let’s make it a party to remember. ________________________________________ The Pre-Party Roll Before we hit the ice, we’ll take a festive "birthday lap" through the city: • The Start: Meet at Freedom Plaza. • The Sights: A cruise down Pennsylvania Avenue to see the United States Capitol and its famous holiday tree. • The Waterfront: A scenic loop through Southwest DC and the Anacostia Waterfront, crossing the 11th Street Bridge as we head toward the rink. ________________________________________ The Main Event: Birthday on Ice! Our destination is the Canal Park Ice Rink ([https://www.skatecanalpark.com/](https://www.skatecanalpark.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYmVlTEx4UDVBNmNTeEJrVnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5sNOGE0i6xiGMxsJtGp7uHPj5g1IcJDUORIXkUqBzkpZXrts4cGCGBTVJxSg_aem_xpTO2-N9DYpA_6Zjln28Ew)). This is where the real celebration begins! Birthday Logistics: • Ice Session: We’ll be stopping here to swap our inline wheels for ice blades in honor of Donovan! • Adult Pricing (Ages 13+): Admission: $13.00 when reserved online or $15.00 for walk-ups. Skate Rental: $6.00 – $7.00 per person. • Sessions: Skating sessions are 90 minutes long. • Stay or Go: For those who want to keep rolling, a leader will guide a group back to Freedom Plaza immediately upon arrival at the rink. • The Ice Crew: If you’re staying to skate with Donovan, please be prepared to arrange your own way back to Freedom Plaza/your car afterward. ________________________________________ What You Need to Know • Bring: Socks for ice skates, your birthday spirit, and funds for rink admission/rentals (admission is typically \~$15 and rentals are \~$7). • Route: Urban street skating. The journey from Freedom Plaza to the rink is roughly 4.8 miles. Comfort with bridges and Sunday morning city traffic is recommended. The full route is \~9 miles with 280’ elevation gain. • Celebration Level: Maximum. Here is the route: [https://onthegomap.com/s/rvgmjjbl](https://onthegomap.com/s/rvgmjjbl?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYmVlTEx4UDVBNmNTeEJrVnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7NCqRdiKThQjcJI3uGocst4PQvGBeTe8JamMOgp8TcjBcDYVRb5D_hmRYZ-g_aem_L-yuFzNCsznptJQ4m850lQ) For up-to-the-moment 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!

Greetings - Blessings to everyone! We welcome you to join us for our Winter Solstice Kirtan on **Sunday, Dec 21** in **Bethesda MD** (address below). 4***:00 - 6:00 pm.*** ***We chant the Hanuman Chalisa at 4 pm –there is a break after the Chalisa and the regular chanting begins at 4:30 pm*** \~\~ ***Doors open at 3:45 pm - come early to get settled*** \~\~g *(**Please note:** this will also be live streamed on **Facebook Live** – on our chanting page – **Bhakti Chant Kirtan)*** This is a private residence - open to the public - all are welcome - bring a friend, the family, the kids, the parents, the spouse, the tribe - comfortable setting. If you want to sit on the floor, it might be wise to bring something to sit on - Zafu or pillow or the like. *This is chanting with meditation* \- we chant in Sanskrit and English\, mantras and bhajans\, honoring the many aspects of the Divine\. Feel free to bring a percussion instrument, if you are moved to do so. (This will be percussion by committee!) ***Donation***: Suggested $10-20 (no one turned away) **On Paypal:** paypal.me/RufusJuskus **On Venmo**: Rufus-Juskus Snacks afterwards 

Many thanks -- peace and blessings to all! 


-Rufus Juskus **Address:** **5914 Johnson Ave** **Bethesda MD 20817** NOTE: The announcement page for this event on Facebook is here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FnqUf4Zjf/

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“How the Nutcracker Came to Life,”** on the roots of a classic holiday story, with Brittany Warman, former instructor at Ohio State University and co-founder of The Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-nutcracker](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-nutcracker) .] We’ve been telling versions of the story of “The Nutcracker” for more than 200 years, and our cultural attachment to it hasn’t wavered. But many who watch it performed on stage or screen, or hear it played by a symphony, don’t really know much about how the story was originally told or how it came into being. Let Profs and Pints take you on your own magical journey to learn about the origins of “The Nutcracker” and its characters. Your guide on this scholarly adventure will be Brittany Warman, whose fantastic talks on folklore, myths, and legends have earned her a big following among Profs and Pints fans. She’ll begin by looking at the life and work of E.T.A. Hoffmann, the writer who started it all with his Christmas fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” We’ll examine what inspired him to write the story, as well as how he tapped into fragments of existing folklore, the spirit of German Romanticism, and a sense of the uncanny to create the tale’s sugar plum fairies and clockwork castles. The tale begins on Christmas eve with an extravagant spread of gifts, including a nutcracker. A young girl named Marie, enchanted with the doll, begins an adventure where toys come to life, an evil Mouse King must be defeated, and good and love triumph. Christmas is a time for magic and wonder, and the story that became known simply as “The Nutcracker” joined other holiday stories that have endured in capturing a sense of imagination and whimsy. Like many of the season’s other beloved tales, it also bore a hint of danger. Brittany will explore the history of nutcrackers and the fascination—and, sometimes, fear—that dolls inspire. She’ll show you how “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” ties into Hoffmann’s other works, and she’ll lead you through some of the adaptations of the story, from theater to film to fashion. In a season when “The Nutcracker” is performed everywhere, her talk will help you derive much more enjoyment from the show. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: An 1840 Peter Karl Geissler illustration for the fairy tale "The Nutcracker." (Wikimedia Commons.)

The U.S. Navy Band presents an entertaining and family-friendly show featuring members from all of the Navy Band's ensembles. We've heard that there will be a flyover and a visit by a familiar guest as well! Please join us as we usher in everyone's favorite season. TICKETS AVAILABLE on November 24, 2025 [United States Navy Band](https://www.navyband.navy.mil/events/2024-dec-22-combined-dar-constitution-hall) [The United States Navy Band Holiday Concert at DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW Washington, D.C. 20006, 20 December 2025 | AllEvents](https://allevents.in/washington/the-united-states-navy-band-holiday-concert-at-dar-constitution-hall/200029217255909) You must reserve your own ticket; however, from past experience, you will still be allowed in without a ticket check at 3pm. People with tickets will be allowed in at least 15 minutes before starting time. Non-ticket holders will be let in afterwards. Sometimes, they don't even look at the ticket; they just let everyone in. There's parking on surrounding streets (free on Sundays) plus the Metro (Farragut West or McPherson Square). I recommend that you get there by 2:30pm to find parking and get a seat. Doors open at 2:30 pm; Concert begins at 3PM. We will meet on DAR steps at 2:30PM to go in together. Seats cannot be held or reserved. If you get there late, sit wherever you can and enjoy the concert.

** Take note: This is not in Burke** Let's get together again and practice our Tarot card and pendulums. This is for beginners through advanced readers to practice their skills. Everyone will get to do a reading. There will be extra decks and pendulums if you do not have some. We will try different layouts and share our experiences. All fun! See you there! Shaman Phil

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.

Join us for an evening of laughter 😂, good vibes ✨, and holiday cheer 🎄🎅 at Astro Beer Hall in Shirlington, Virginia! Dust off your most hilariously hideous holiday sweater 🤣🧥 and come ready to meet up with old friends 👯‍♂️ and make new connections 🤝 in a festive, laid-back atmosphere 🌟. 🎉 What to Expect: • A cozy, upbeat setting at Astro Beer Hall 🍺🍔 with craft beers and delicious bites 😋 • Icebreaker games 🎲😄 and activities to help you connect with new faces 🌟🫶 • An “Ugliest Sweater Contest” 👚🤪🏆 Whether you’re here to mingle 🗣️, share laughs 🤣, or show off your sweater style 💃🕺, this party promises to bring the holiday spirit to life ✨🎄❄️! Don’t miss the chance to create memorable moments 📸💫 with great people ❤️. Bring your festive spirit 🎁✨ and a sense of humor 😄, and we’ll handle the rest. See you there! 🎅🎉🔥🥳

Celebrate the passing of the seasons and the return of the sun on our Annual Sugarloaf Winter Solstice/Poetry Hike, an Adventuring tradition since 1997. This year we're able to do this hike on the actual day of the Solstice--Sunday, December 21, 2025. After varying the routine a bit last year, we will return to our usual 7-mile circuit, with lunch at White Rocks and climbing to the summit near the end. Expect some climbing and a variety of terrain, including some rocks. During our White Rocks lunch, we’ll share favorite poems in honor of the passing of another year. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station. So we can plan accordingly, please answer the Meetup questions about whether you’ll be meeting us at Grosvenor-Strathmore or Sugarloaf, and whether you can be a carpool driver. Those wishing to drive directly to Sugarloaf should contact Chris Craig for directions and time; you can email him directly at [ccraig@laurellodge.com](http://mailto:ccraig@laurellodge.com/). We'll all rendezvous by 10 a.m. in the West View parking lot—the one at the top of the drive. Bring a bag lunch (we will NOT be stopping at a Sheetz on the way), water, sturdy shoes, the $5 Adventuring fee, $5 to reimburse your carpool driver — and most important, a poem to share on the mountaintop (your own or someone else's). \>\> Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

Not sure about the R-rating, but The Housemaid's Amanda Seyfried is a big favorite even if I'm not entirely sold on Sydney Sweeney. Hopefully I'm not cowering in my seat at the end. I'll be in seat E7, we'll get food after the movie.

Catch all the NFL action at Astro Beer Hall, where giant screens, cold brews, and game-day eats create the ultimate football atmosphere. Whether you’re tracking your fantasy team, rooting for your squad, or just here for the energy, Astro is the perfect Sunday destination. Expect a lively crowd, plenty of screens so you never miss a snap, and an atmosphere that makes every touchdown feel like a win. 📍 Where: Astro Beer Hall, 4001 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 🗓️ When: Every Sunday, kickoff at 1:00 PM EST 💵 Cost: Pay for what you order (game-day specials available) 👥 Who Should Come: Football fans, fantasy players, sports lovers, and anyone looking for a fun, high-energy Sunday hangout 🍻🏈 Bring your team spirit—big plays, cold drinks, and great vibes are waiting!

Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.

# Save the date! FUTURE MEETINGS! [](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/events/299189211//attendees/) [Hosted By](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/events/299189211//attendees/) [Dara T.](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/events/299189211//attendees/) This listing is information only. Each event will be scheduled individually. ## DO NOT TRY TO SIGN UP ON THIS LIST! January 12 , 2025 - Greek epiphany: Blessing of the Waters, Mad Greek Restaurant February 9, 2025 - Valentine's Day in Germany, Hillgarten Beer Garden, Hilliard March 15, 2025, Indian Holi Festival, Aab India Restaurant April 6, 2025 - Chinese: Hanchi / Qingming Festival May 4, 2025 - Japanese Golden Week, Akai Hana Japanese Restaurant June 8, 2025- Hawaiian King Kamehameha Day, Ohana Grill Hawaiian Restaurant July 5, 2025, 60's Nostalgia: Dance to the Moonbats, JT's Restaurant (Fabulous pub food and great beer, as well as dancing music). They play British Invasion music. Dining Out Fun Times Make New Friends ## Photos (1) [See all](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/photos/34336422) Add photos

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

This meetup is 2:30pm Sunday. Conversation tends toward intermediate/advanced, but everybody is welcome. If you come and don't see us right away, keep looking. We could be anywhere. in the restaurant, or even out on the patio.

The December Ohio North Database Training user group meeting will be held on **January 6th, 2025 at 5:00PM**. This will be a **HYBRID** event and we will be joined online by **Jason Romans**. You're welcome to come meet in-person at our meeting location, the offices of Improving at **[6000 Freedom Square Dr,](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** **[Unit 110,](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** **[Independence, OH 44131](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** [Teams Link ](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_N2Q3ODVjM2YtNDQ1NS00MDBjLWI5MzYtNDQ3YmFlZjkzMjAx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22b966f302-6b93-4686-9041-c084635642c5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2278c760cb-657f-46aa-bd2f-7066d9403bdb%22%7d)if anyone needs it after RSVP-ing for in person. If you would like to subscribe to our email list outside of Meetup, we have changed platforms recently and you will need to register [here in Kit ](https://ohio-north-data-training.kit.com/b8f036f615)instead to receive emails. Agenda: **5:00 PM EST**: Online and in-person meeting begins with a social hour. This is an unstructured hour where you can join us to catch up and meet other group members before the session starts. There will be food brought in for in-person attendees. **6:00 PM EST**: Updates and announcements, followed by our feature presentation. See below for presentation details. **7:30 PM EST**: Optionally after the main presentations, the in-person crowd may go out for snacks and drinks at a local establishment. We hope to see you there! Session Abstract **Data on Fire: A Hands-On Intro to Spark in Fabric** Curious about Apache Spark but not sure where to start? This hands-on session introduces you to Spark in Microsoft Fabric Notebooks—a powerful and accessible way to process and analyze big data using familiar tools in the Microsoft ecosystem. We’ll break down key Spark concepts like distributed computing, DataFrames, and lazy evaluation, then show how they come to life inside Fabric’s notebook experience. You’ll see practical demos that cover loading, transforming, and analyzing large datasets—while leveraging Fabric’s modern data stack, including OneLake, Dataflows, and Pipelines. You’ll also learn how to choose between Spark and pure Python notebooks in Fabric, based on execution needs, data integration, and use case fit. Whether you're a SQL pro, BI developer, or data engineer, this session will give you the tools and confidence to start using Spark in your own projects—no cluster management required. \*Please note, that we will be using Microsoft Teams for the online portion of this meeting. You may want to join a few minutes early to ensure you do not have any issues. If you are attending in person, there are large TVs at the office, and you do not need to bring a laptop or use Teams.