NOVA-LUG kicked off 2026 with a productive and forward-looking January meeting, setting priorities for the year ahead while diving into new displays, collaborations, and creative challenges. With major decisions on the table and several transitions underway, the group started the year with strong momentum.

Display Updates and Upcoming Events

The new year brings a fresh rotation of displays and opportunities:

  • Brickmania Display Cycle: The Monster Trucks collaboration is now front and center for January through March, bringing high-energy action and detailed vehicle builds to the display. Plans are already in place for teardown ahead of BrickFair Fredericksburg, with spring themes still to be determined.

  • Potomac Mills Cubby: Anthony has installed a “Santa Spring Break” themed build, offering a fun seasonal twist. The group is already looking ahead to the next rotation in February, with interest in showcasing builds inspired by recent LEGO sets.

  • Pohick Library Event (February 7): Final preparations are underway for this combined outreach event and monthly meeting. Members reviewed logistics and were encouraged to consult the planning document for details.

Club Business and Annual Decisions

January is a key month for organizational planning, and this meeting included several important votes and updates:

  • Annual Voting Topics:

    • Budget allocations for 2026

    • Final decision on LUGFest

    • Proposed charter change regarding voting procedures

  • 2026 Key Teams: Brent led coordination of team assignments, encouraging members to confirm their roles and participation for the year.

  • Event Coordination Needs: The group is seeking a coordinator for Claude Moore’s “Battle of the Bricks”, with Alison helping to facilitate.

  • Skill Sharing: Ralph introduced an upcoming BrickLink Stud.io virtual knowledge-sharing session, aimed at helping members improve digital building skills.

Collaboration Updates

Several ongoing and transitioning collaborations were discussed:

  • “Wicked” Collaboration: With its display run concluding, removal is planned for the end of January. The group is exploring additional opportunities to showcase the build before BrickFair Fredericksburg.

  • NPS Mosaic and Habitats: Work continues on refining standards and optimizing the frame file, supporting consistent and scalable contributions.

  • Fantasy Collaboration: The group is planning a “swan song” appearance at BrickFair Fredericksburg, with a coordinator still needed to help organize the final iteration.

  • Fairfax County Collaboration: Updates are expected as planning continues for this potential new project.

Activities and Hands-On Building

January’s meeting featured two engaging group activities:

  • Parts Draft – 10347 Petite Sunny Bouquet: With 20 sets available, members participated in a popular parts draft, breaking down the set into useful elements for future builds.

  • Library Event Kit Assembly: Members worked together to assemble materials and kits in preparation for the Pohick Library event—another example of NOVA-LUG’s strong community focus.

Monthly MOC Challenge

The first challenge of 2026 ties directly into upcoming outreach efforts:

  • January Challenge: Book Scenes Builders are creating 16x16-scale scenes inspired by books, with the goal of featuring them in a library display case. This challenge emphasizes storytelling, creativity, and accessibility for public audiences.

January’s meeting set a clear direction for the year ahead—balancing creative output, community engagement, and organizational planning. With exciting displays, events, and collaborations already in motion, NOVA-LUG is off to a strong start in 2026.