What’s Next Pretenders,

We are organizing a play-reading and discussion/feedback with the playwright on Wednesday afternoon, January 14, at 3-5 pm. We’ll meet at Nancy & Mark Supik’s. (2225 E. Pratt St.) This new play is written by What's Nexter Jona's dad. Here's information about the playwright, Barry Weinberg. This will be the second full reading of the play, in addition to scene readings with his playwrights group, and it will help Barry do refinements before working on getting it produced.

The play requires 3 female and 3 male readers, and we also need a person to guide the post-reading discussion with Barry, and of course, we need audience members. There will be no group rehearsal. The play is a fun one-act that runs a little over an hour and takes place at a resort where three vacationing retirees end up trying to solve a mystery and finding friendship.

If you are interested in reading or leading the discussion (or attending as audience), please let Azura know by Friday, December 20. We hope to assign parts and send readers the play by early next week. 

All the best,

Azura, Barkley and Kini. E-mail Azura or contact her through hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org

What’s Next Artificial Intelligence & Wine Social
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 7 pm

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all over the news lately.  Have you wondered what AI is and maybe a little bit how it works? Come join us for a conversation and learning session about AI. Bring your tablet or laptop (preferred), or smartphone (ok).  We’ll download a free AI app (if you don’t already have) and give it a try.  Enjoy wine and socialize with friends. No tech skills required! Moderator: Scott Spencer

Please RSVP to hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org

This month, we will be reading Caitlin Doughty's Smoke Gets in Your Eyes. It's available in all formats at the Pratt (and probably at other libraries!)

We will meet 7 p.m. January 13, Tuesday, at Chuck and Susan's house. 

Open to new members! This group meets monthly at members’ homes. If you are interested in joining the group reach out to Louisa Davis to find out where the group will meet.

At 10:00 AM: Strum along with The UkuLaLas.

Meeting on Tuesday mornings in Patterson Park or at the Cedar House. Uke players, other instruments, singers and supportive audience members all welcome. Need more info or want to get your name added to our text message list for updates? hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Need the tune list for the strum or copies of the music? See the UkuLaLas webpage.

Do you spin? Weave? Knit? Crochet? Or want to learn? Want to hangout while other people spin/knit/weave? We’ll meet at Nancy Newman;s this month, E-mail us for address. Bring your current project. Great chance to learn a new skill or share one with other enthusiasts.

We’ll bring snacks.

Nancy Newman, Beth Braun, Susan Sterett

RSVP: hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org for Nancy’s Address

Strum along with The UkuLaLas. Meeting on Saturday mornings for a practice at Maxine’s Gallery. Uke players, other instruments, singers and supportive audience members all welcome. Need more info or want to get your name added to our text message list for updates? hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Need the tune list for the strum or copies of the music? See the UkuLaLas webpage.

Ministry of Brewing Happy Hour!

Join other What’s Next members at the Ministry of Brewing. No need to RSVP. Bring your favorite small plate, finger food, appetizer to share. Games are welcome too!

At 10:00 AM: Strum along with The UkuLaLas.

Meeting on Tuesday mornings in Patterson Park or at the Cedar House. Uke players, other instruments, singers and supportive audience members all welcome. Need more info or want to get your name added to our text message list for updates? hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Need the tune list for the strum or copies of the music? See the UkuLaLas webpage.

WHAT'S NEXT TRAIL HIKE    - January

We’re starting a new year of hiking on Monday, January 5th at 10 am at Jerusalem Mill, 2813 Jerusalem Rd., Kingsville, MD. We’ll walk a 2.2 mile loop starting along the Gunpowder River. If the sun is shining the water looks beautiful as you walk along the path. We can also explore the historical buildings and walk to the covered bridge. In the RSVP below please indicate if you can drive others or need a ride. Meet at Charmed Kitchen at 9:15. (note that time is different than for closer hikes). If you are meeting us at hike site, please indicate in the RSVP. We hope you can join us! 

https://evite.me/RKubfce1vz

Strum along with The UkuLaLas. Meeting on Saturday mornings for a practice at Maxine’s Gallery. Uke players, other instruments, singers and supportive audience members all welcome. Need more info or want to get your name added to our text message list for updates? hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Need the tune list for the strum or copies of the music? See the UkuLaLas webpage.

At 10:00 AM: Strum along with The UkuLaLas.

Meeting on Tuesday mornings in Patterson Park or at the Cedar House. Uke players, other instruments, singers and supportive audience members all welcome. Need more info or want to get your name added to our text message list for updates? hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Need the tune list for the strum or copies of the music? See the UkuLaLas webpage.

Taking the day off, see you on December 30th

Taking the day off

Do you spin? Weave? Knit? Crochet? Or want to learn? Want to hangout while other people spin/knit/weave? We’ll meet at Nancy Newman;s this month, E-mail us for address. Bring your current project. Great chance to learn a new skill or share one with other enthusiasts.

We’ll bring snacks.

Nancy Newman, Beth Braun, Susan Sterett

RSVP: hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org for Nancy’s Address

Ukulalas will meet at Mark & Nancy’s for a holiday strum on Saturday afternoon 4-5:30 pm (instead of our regular strum at Maxine’s). Bring cookies to share. We’ll provide drinks. 2225 E. Pratt St.

The People on the Bus (trip #4). Heading East!

Destination: Canton Crossing (holiday shopping, anyone?)

We are going to meet at Barb Moore’s house at 9:30 AM (she’s right next to the Gold Line bus stop at the intersection of S.Wolfe and Pratt). Contact Nancy Supik to get her address.

Get the Transit App and the CharmPass App loaded on your phone and learn how to use them. We’ll review last month’s app for setting up an account to pay fares. We’ll be taking the Gold Line (heading south on Wolfe Street) and will head to Canton Crossing for a bit of shopping and/or a coffee. Bring some cash, $1 each way for the bus and your shopping bags! Probably arrive home close to 1 PM (but of course you can leave earlier, or stay later). RSVP to let Nancy know you’re coming.

December 16, 7 p.m., Susan Sterett's house

Heartwood, by Amity Gage

"In the heart of the Maine woods, an experienced Appalachian Trail hiker goes missing. She is forty-two-year-old Valerie Gillis, who has vanished 200 miles from her final destination. Alone in the wilderness, Valerie pours her thoughts into fractured, poetic letters to her mother as she battles the elements and struggles to keep hoping." (from the Amazon page)

The Pratt has physical copies, an audiobook, and e-copies.

All are welcome.

Thanks.

Open to new members! This group meets monthly at members’ homes. If you are interested in joining the group reach out to Louisa Davis to find out where the group will meet.

At 10:00 AM: Strum along with The UkuLaLas.

Meeting on Tuesday mornings in Patterson Park or at the Cedar House. Uke players, other instruments, singers and supportive audience members all welcome. Need more info or want to get your name added to our text message list for updates? hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Need the tune list for the strum or copies of the music? See the UkuLaLas webpage.

Strum along with The UkuLaLas. Meeting on Saturday mornings for a practice at Maxine’s Gallery. Uke players, other instruments, singers and supportive audience members all welcome. Need more info or want to get your name added to our text message list for updates? hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Need the tune list for the strum or copies of the music? See the UkuLaLas webpage.

Ministry of Brewing Happy Hour!

Join other What’s Next members at the Ministry of Brewing. No need to RSVP. Bring your favorite small plate, finger food, appetizer to share. Games are welcome too!

At 10:00 AM: Strum along with The UkuLaLas.

Meeting on Tuesday mornings in Patterson Park or at the Cedar House. Uke players, other instruments, singers and supportive audience members all welcome. Need more info or want to get your name added to our text message list for updates? hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Need the tune list for the strum or copies of the music? See the UkuLaLas webpage.

UkuLaLas Celebrate the Season at Patterson Park’s
Winter Lights

Sunday, December 7: 4-6:30 PM

The What's Next ukulele group, the UkuLaLas, will be performing several holiday numbers at the annual Patterson Park Observatory Lighting event. Ukulalas will start to play at 3:45 on the steps of the Observatory and will play til 4:15.

Sing Along Words Link

The Ukulalas will be performing from 3:45 til 4:15, so we’ll gather at the Observatory at 3:30.

All What's Next members are encouraged to join in—we welcome singers, kazoo players, and percussionists of every persuasion. Please mark your calendars and come add to our numbers as we light up the holiday season with fun and good cheer!

What’s Your Story? (we’re meeting on a Saturday this month)

This group will meet simply to share stories from our lives. A great way to get to know each other better (and perhaps motivate ourselves to write some things down). Prior to each meeting, you’ll receive story prompts.

A few more details about how the sessions will work.

Leader: Geoffery Moore. Group size will be limited and we'll meet at Mark & Nancy Supik's and we’ll take turns bringing wine and snacks.

Please let us know you are interested: hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org

Strum along with The UkuLaLas. Meeting on Saturday mornings for a practice at Maxine’s Gallery. Uke players, other instruments, singers and supportive audience members all welcome. Need more info or want to get your name added to our text message list for updates? hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Need the tune list for the strum or copies of the music? See the UkuLaLas webpage.

At 10:00 AM: Strum along with The UkuLaLas.

Meeting on Tuesday mornings in Patterson Park or at the Cedar House. Uke players, other instruments, singers and supportive audience members all welcome. Need more info or want to get your name added to our text message list for updates? hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Need the tune list for the strum or copies of the music? See the UkuLaLas webpage.

WHAT'S NEXT TRAIL HIKE   

December hike info:

Monday, 12/1/25, 10 am

December’s hike will be at the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area at 5795 Trotter Road in Columbia. It’s a 4.8 mile loop but we take our time and enjoy the sights! 

Monday, Dec 1st, 10 am. Meet at Charmed Kitchen at 9:15 if you need a ride or can take riders. RSVP at link below and indicate whether you‘ll meet us at hike location or at Charmed. 

https://evite.me/NP4Uy2MRru

Thanks, All! Lori

Strum along with The UkuLaLas. Meeting on Saturday mornings for a practice at Maxine’s Gallery. Uke players, other instruments, singers and supportive audience members all welcome. Need more info or want to get your name added to our text message list for updates? hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Need the tune list for the strum or copies of the music? See the UkuLaLas webpage.

At 10:00 AM: Strum along with The UkuLaLas.

Meeting on Tuesday mornings in Patterson Park at the Cedar House. Uke players, other instruments, singers and supportive audience members all welcome. Need more info or want to get your name added to our text message list for updates? hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Need the tune list for the strum or copies of the music? See the UkuLaLas webpage.

Cancelling Saturday’s strum because of the Strumsgiving Gathering this evening (at 4:30). Contact Viv for more information.

Need more info or want to get your name added to our text message list for updates? hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Need the tune list for the strum or copies of the music? See the UkuLaLas webpage.

The People on the Bus (trip #3).

Baltimore Museum of Industry

Meet at Nancy Supik's at 9:30 AM. Get the MTA app loaded on your phone and learn how to use it (we’ll review last month’s app use ideas and fine tune our skills). We'll walk to the bus stop on the corner around 10 AM and take the bus downtown, then transfer (!!!) to a bus to take us right to the museum. Check out the museum website! Baltimore Museum of Industry. We won’t have time to see it all, so you might want to pick your exhibits for the morning. Bring some cash, $2 each way for the bus and $9 (could be credit card) for the Museum visit. We'll use the app to find a way home. (Probably arrive home close to 1 PM) RSVP to let Nancy know you’re coming.