Violin

First one of 2026 at Verre in Virginia, come on out and let's kick off the post-holiday wine season! **EVENT STARTS AT 6PM. PLEASE BE PROMPT.** 🍷What is blind wine tasting?🍷 You use your sense of smell, sight, and taste to try to deduce which variety (grape) is in the glass. This group is very experience-diverse and we welcome both wine newbies and wine pros (and everyone in between). Verre will pour us two wine flights, one white and one red (3 of each, so a total of 6 wine samples) and we will discuss what we are tasting to try to solve the mystery together. After each flight is a big reveal where we find out just how right (or wrong!) we were. Diana will let us know the possible wines we are going on grid tonight. Please arrive at **6:00pm**. The white wine flight is served around 6:10 and the red flight around 6:50. The cost will be about $15 per flight, depending on what is poured for us. Food and other wine will be available for purchase as well. 🍷RSVPs: Verre has a limited amount of table space and is reserving much of that space for our group. Out of consideration to the business, the event hosts, and anyone on the wait list, **please edit your RSVP as soon as possible if your plans change** and you can no longer attend the event, **even if you are on the wait list**. 🍷Transportation: * METRO: Verre Wine Bar is walking distance from Courthouse metro. * CAR: Metered street parking and paid garage parking are available in the area. Hope to see you there! \~Pete Waitlisted Friends! \*PLEASE\* keep an eye on this page and your messages especially close to the day of the event. Thanks!

The pickleball courts are situated on the far side of the playground, past the swing sets and picnic area. These courts (are] strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, and we do not offer reservation for public use. The courts are frequently unoccupied, but sometimes few people utilize the courts. We've created a WhatsApp group for our Meetup community to help everyone stay connected and get event updates more quickly. It’s a great way to share important info, coordinate plans, and keep each other in the loop about upcoming meetups. Feel free to join so you don’t miss out on any of the fun! https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bw0vxcNKRC1CeHixU41wTG

## **Free w/RSVP Now: [RSVP Now](https://AFCONWatchParty.eventbrite.com/?aff=MU)** ## **⚽🔥 AFCON 2026 Semi-Finals Watch Party** ### **Live Double-Header Screening** Join us for an unforgettable **AFCON 2026 Semi-Finals Watch Party**, featuring a **live double-header** showcasing the final four powerhouses of African football. Experience two fiercely competitive clashes from the **Africa Cup of Nations 2026** as **Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt** battle for a place in the final. This back-to-back, high-stakes screening runs from **11:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST** at **The Continent DC**—DC’s premier African fine dining restaurant and lounge. Expect a spacious setting, multiple large screens, elevated sound, and a vibrant atmosphere designed for collective celebration. ## 🏟️ Match Schedule (EST) ### 🕛 Game 1 — 12:00 PM **Senegal 🇸🇳 vs Egypt 🇪🇬** A heavyweight clash between champions and legacy builders. *We recommend arriving between **11:00 AM and 11:30 AM** to get settled before kickoff.* ### 🕒 Game 2 — 3:00 PM **Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs Morocco 🇲🇦** Speed, skill, and intensity collide as two giants fight for a spot in the final. *If you’re joining us for the second match only, we recommend arriving between **2:00 PM and 2:30 PM** to catch the full experience.* Whether you come for one match or stay for both, this is African football at its highest level—shared, celebrated, and felt together. ## 🌍 The Full Experience This is more than a screening. It’s a cultural moment. Enjoy delicious African cuisine, African-inspired cocktails, and curated African music—all within a space built for community, connection, and celebration. Come early, wear your team colors, bring your people, and be part of an experience that goes beyond the pitch. **This is more than a watch party.** It’s pride. It’s unity. It’s Africa on display.

NEW MEETING PLACE!! We will start at the bathroom temple on 15th st- Due east (towards capital) from Washington monument. WASHINGTON LODGE. We will visit some of the lesser known spots as well as the usual highlights. This is an easy, though fast, walk around the mall. Route varies, but walk may include Washington monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, MLK memorial, tidal basin, Signers memorial, and my favorite, the Roosevelt memorial. Many people feel that the mall is at its most beautiful at night with the monuments lit. We walk fast, this is not a stroll. This is a walk- not a sightseeing tour. We stop very briefly, if at all, at the monuments, then move on. Where to Meet: bathroom temple on 15th st- Due east (towards capital) from Washington monument. We leave 6:15 sharp. Please be a few minutes early. Difficulty: Easy, although we do walk fast. If you can’t stay with the group I assume you can find your way back on your own. Distance: 5-6 miles Duration: 1.5 hr Scenery: National monuments, tourists, geese, pigeons. Trail surface: Some gravel, paving, some mud. Facilities: There are rest room facilities at various spots, we will stop as needed. Park Fees: none Elevation Gain: 4 feet Dogs: No Metro: Smithsonian stop. Blue, Silver, Orange lines. There tends to be metered parking on Jefferson drive that opens up right at 6. Bringing a flashlight can be helpful. National Guard and other visitors to our capital are welcome.

Flow, breathe, and center yourself as you explore the transformative power of Vinyasa, where movement and breath unite to create a harmonious flow of energy. This dynamic class incorporates sun salutations, standing postures, backbends, and floor stretches—each designed to challenge your strength, balance, and flexibility. Advanced variations are taught along with modifications. Each session is anchored by a thoughtful theme inspired by yoga philosophy (sutras), providing a deeper theme for reflection and self-growth. Whether you’re looking to deepen your practice, challenge yourself, or simply find a community of like-minded individuals, this class is designed to empower and inspire. Expect a dynamic and playful class that encourages both individual exploration and a sense of connection with others. This practice will leave you feeling refreshed, centered, and connected. The session is offered InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** 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.

Hello piano players: Our next meeting will be **Sunday, January 18**, 2026, and it will start at **1 pm.** Allan Wang will be hosting (thank you Allan!) and the location is 209 Upton Street, Rockville, MD. I hope you can attend. Allan has a beautiful grand piano - it is truly a treat to play. Allan will open his door at 12:30 if you would like to warm up on the piano. Please reach out to a friend and work up a duet – they are always welcome. In November, we had several great duets and I would love to see more of them. Masks are optional but I ask that all attendees be fully vaccinated. And for your own health and the safety of others, if you have any cold symptoms (whether or not Covid-related) please do not attend. Allan will have some light snacks and drinks, but your donations of food or drink are always welcome. Parking is on the street near Allan’s house. We hope to see you on the 18th. All the best, Paul Connor and Allan Wang

Join the Jaycees in volunteering at the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)! We sort donated canned goods or bag portions of dry goods or produce for AFAC's weekly food distributions to low-income families in Arlington. AFAC is a long-time community partner of the Arlington Jaycees! After volunteering at AFAC, the group will usually meet up for food and drinks nearby in Shirlington! So that we can plan appropriately plan the tasks to do for the right number of vounteers, **PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RSVP** as soon as possible whether or not you are able to attend. AFAC is located at 2708 South Nelson Street and Four Mile Run Drive. There is street parking available near the building although parking spots are limited. The Volunteer Entrance is the GRAY DOOR by the loading dock. Once inside, the volunteer sign-in station is ahead and to the right. Volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip-flops) and must have your hair covered while bagging food. You can bring a hat from home or AFAC will provide disposable hairnets. At 2:30, or when we are done at AFAC, we will head to Samuel Beckett's Irish Pub in nearby Shirlington for food and drinks. In the event that we have too many people for AFAC, the later arrivals can head straight to Samuel Beckett's. The Arlington Jaycees (part of Junior Chamber International) is the premier nonprofit in Arlington that provides young people (ages 21-40) with opportunities for personal & professional growth, business networking, community involvement and social engagement in the Arlington Community and worldwide. Our mission is **leadership development through community service**. Check out our website [www.arljaycees.org](https://arljaycees.org/) to learn more and to become a member of this amazing organization!

Thursdays Jan 15, Jan 29, Feb 5, 19, 26, March 5th (THURS MAR 5 IS POTLUCK CONCERT PARTY) 7 - 8:30 pm. In this ensemble we’ll have fun learning and playing songs selected from the early, middle and late periods of the Beatles catalog. I’ll provide the materials we need to render them accurately and in their full complexity, while also tailoring them to meet the needs and abilities of our ensemble. Although we won’t always be able to recreate the exact instrumentation on the records, we will strive to inhabit and enjoy the essence of the songs— the rhythmic feel, edge, humor, whimsy and joy. All instruments and skill levels welcome— A flexible, kind and playful attitude required. All instruments and skill levels are welcome, though you should have basic proficiency on your instrument to get the most out of the class. Register Here: [https://square.link/u/ImF28kj1](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsquare.link%2Fu%2FImF28kj1%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExV2w0WEZMTGNGTkNGQktoQnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7BOCUv-XVwSnSwH_-c8DcgcZSC7KdP8IJbLZwNJkXdOA1NXL6-08GCGDJMBg_aem_RE80Bgus9zv1f4wWnmx7uQ&h=AT0sAyu5subhlD_LJxmjSpxk5ky4-2Gmgbo1J5iHBD_KHsON3kBmc3c3fEekqZRmyYU6IrREx1g3zqX1MpH8f84Pn6qiPIfHOUlqVnxld7NQCmPHv9g39lGM_HPfoH0u4rNpI2x8PsR9o9oMJ3Q&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT3F9jdYQviC34I7hMHagGZ3ZlUUYzK2hQLGtyEmpwL_i9PQEBqKEUKvl9qhlEYdCO0UbGFyGHOW4lQeD14-7j1dsmt-oqYiqRHAzWAWQ0otrRu2fDdhFP0PZRKuWqvqbzQ-4Vay6eLgA59Nfr0IBYSSqelI31cv5fg) See what else we have coming up at the school: [https://schoolofmusicaltraditions.com/classes-workshops](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fschoolofmusicaltraditions.com%2Fclasses-workshops%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExV2w0WEZMTGNGTkNGQktoQnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5UW5QJr3I6pBhufZQbIqo83BBaWjKIFLlu41cseQ7txoFF29QuC1SpYfUTaw_aem_pY6cFjl2p42tIJAF_my4yQ&h=AT04M-pjqGxeXjjpJGCP1o996m4kzAS20MZVLNT57NYloPHdj5bcsettpGMNEZv0iVEq63w21StyhIFT5PBHoAaY6fgf_bMjszANBhm2oDOK-UTzChot4dQQCcsX87JeUHfZYoq9oDp2XvYIvP8&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT3F9jdYQviC34I7hMHagGZ3ZlUUYzK2hQLGtyEmpwL_i9PQEBqKEUKvl9qhlEYdCO0UbGFyGHOW4lQeD14-7j1dsmt-oqYiqRHAzWAWQ0otrRu2fDdhFP0PZRKuWqvqbzQ-4Vay6eLgA59Nfr0IBYSSqelI31cv5fg)

Each month Noah Gitlis teaches a different Jazz Standard with emphasis on melody, harmony, accompaniment, and rhythm. The goal of the class is to help students boost their jazz repertoire, and build the skills required to feel confident in a jazz jam session. These classes are a lot of fun and a great way to get out and play with other people while learning some really fun music. All instruments and skill levels are welcome but students should have basic proficiency on their instrument to get the most out of the class. Songs such as: Blue Bossa Autumn Leaves Footprints All of Me So what My Favorite Things Ages 14+ Register Here: https://square.link/u/e1yAgBNo

Urban Soul Line Dancing is a beginner to intermediate to advanced class. Come and learn intermediate/advanced dances to R&B, Jazz, Rap and Contemporary music. The class is designed to reduce stress, improve flexibility, boost memory, lose weight and build confidence and self esteem. 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.

**REGISTER: Weekend intermediate: [https://playtennis.usta.com/northbethesdamiddle/BookClass/fa56b8f7-149d-4006-8583-f9f409130266](https://playtennis.usta.com/northbethesdamiddle/BookClass/fa56b8f7-149d-4006-8583-f9f409130266)** **[REGISTER: Wednesday Eve Intermediate:](https://playtennis.usta.com/northbethesdamiddle/BookClass/2fb493a2-d5de-4e73-9976-9e3433c29e0d)** **Private Lessons available: $70 PER HOUR** **[Read the Washington Post article about our class!](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/its-not-whether-you-win-or-lose-its-how-much-you-sweat/2015/10/07/3b2f26c2-66b9-11e5-9ef3-fde182507eac_story.html)** Instruction provided by internationally recognized tennis coach, speaker, author David Robinson; USPTA and PTR certified professional. **LEVEL: Intermediate (NTRP 3.0-4.0)** PORTION OF PROCEEDS GO TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS **RSVP Note:** You **MUST** register on the provided links not on Meetup.

Monthly piano club meetup at Kay's house. See the WhatsApp group for the address, or contact one of the organizers. Hope to see you there!

Learn essential techniques and concepts of Bluegrass Fiddling with teacher Bebe Blumenthal. The goal of this class is to go beyond the basic melody of the song and explore concepts like fills, embellishments, improvisation and accompaniment! Learn about concepts like the Nashville Numbers system and movable chord shape, and learn how they relate to fiddle. read more: [https://square.link/u/1I5oA27v](https://square.link/u/1I5oA27v?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExRXNXVFFUM0c0OXRnRVhuMQEe-xJCVddM8jG3GUOGHfxZ0LshLDS-GT8Sa_I0VTetsDzXSF98x4-R3xs_lB4_aem_egwuwZ4jmJaIFtV2MLE8rQ)

We haven’t seen them before, but they sound fantastic in their videos! Pronounced "Tune-a-matics”, this unique group is a combination of two lead vocalist bandleaders, each from their own well established local band. Their friendship brought them together to enjoy the opportunity to "downsize" and play the songs they love. It adds up to a diversified song list spanning the decades from the 60s through today, and performances that have drawn accolades for their engaging delivery of good songs for good times! Tunematics includes guitarist Scott Butler from Vienna's Party Band, "Fat Chance" and Tim Wynne, veteran bassist from DC's legendary band "Sinbad" and "The Odyssey Band of DC".

\*\*\*Meditation in our sacred space will begin promptly at 7:15 pm. Please refrain from entering after 7:15 pm. Additionally, space is limited to the first 35 attendees. Your RSVP here does not guarantee you a spot and tickets are available first come, first served.\*\*\* Donations are appreciated, and the average donation is generally $20, but all are welcome regardless of means! A portion of all proceeds will help fund the Crystal Ashram non-profit project where the Human Activation School of Expanded Consciousness will be located. A unique musical experience called a "Sound Bath" Sound bath! What's that? According to sonic specialist Monte Hansen from Annapolis MD, "A sound bath is an immersion in sound frequency that cleans your soul." Leave your rubber ducky at home. Bring your blankey instead, for this super relaxing immersion! According to cutting-edge doctors from Harvard, some of the deepest most profound healing in the body are accomplished with sound frequency. That's old news though. A 2nd century stone relief in the Himalayan mountains shows us that Buddha and his entourage knew this before Christ walked the earth. The stone relief depicts the Buddha and his buddies playing ancient Tibetan singing bowls. A sound frequency specialist from the [Human Activation School](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=d6674b4603&e=465ba11f44), will be playing several of these rare Singing Bowls, some of which are over 200 years old. A magical alchemy of 7-12 different metals rings in the past, present, and future for our relaxing enchantment. Even modern doctors are using these old metal bowls for healing, and they are not practicing Buddhists! As a matter of fact, modern Buddhists no longer use the bowls in their practice. Come experience these gifts from the past in this NON-religious practice of our present. Come be rejuvenated or just captivated by this unique musical performance. Bring your pillows, blankeys, and yoga mats and snuggle into the comfort of the tranquil sounds. Feel free to sit, lay, or even stand! ***Did You Know?*** Singing bowls invite the mind and body into a tranquil state of being in which remarkable healing can occur, events that are unexplainable from a conventional biomedical perspective” *Music and the Meditative Mind: Toward the Science of the Ineffable*[Source](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=9222616fc4&e=465ba11f44) "The sound bath meditation provides a nurturing space to connect and grow spiritually. The group atmosphere is welcoming and fun, and the meditation work is soothing and enriching. Loved it!"**-Cara** 7:00 pm - Meditation Reception\*\*\*Meditation in our sacred space will begin promptly at 7:15 pm. Please refrain from entering after 7:15 pm.\*\*\* 7:15 - Doors Close & Meditation Begins 8:15 - Meditation Ends, Followed by Community Reflection \*Please be respectful of Sticks and Stones employees and their instructions upon entering and exiting the space for the meditation\* A portion of all proceeds will help fund the [Crystal Ashram](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=11664c3011&e=465ba11f44) non-profit project where the [Human Activation](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=41699e76d8&e=465ba11f44) School of Expanded Consciousness will be located. Community sharing and engagement following after the meditation Questions? Please email [robert@humanactivation.com](http://mailto:robert@humanactivation.com/) or visit [crystalashram.com](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=7d92f9b8f7&e=465ba11f44).