As NOVA-LUG moved fully into the holiday season, November’s meeting focused on transitioning displays, celebrating recent events, and preparing for the end-of-year festivities. With parade builds installed and holiday themes taking shape, the group continued its strong momentum heading into winter.

Display Updates and Seasonal Transitions

November marked the next phase of the group’s rotating seasonal displays:

  • Brickmania Townhouse Display: The parade installation was completed during the meeting, building on October’s Trick-or-Treat theme. Members are now shifting toward holiday decorations, which will carry the display through December.

  • Upcoming Display Cycle: Monster Trucks are slated for January through March (with teardown planned ahead of BrickFair Fredericksburg), while spring themes remain open for planning.

  • Potomac Mills Cubby: The display remains active, with Brent offering flexibility to swap in either the Annapolis diorama or a holiday-themed build.

  • Pohick Library Event (February 7): Planning continues, with a combined event and monthly meeting scheduled. Members are encouraged to review the planning document for details.

Events and Club Updates

Several recent and upcoming events were highlighted:

  • Claude Moore “Truck or Treat”: Alison led coordination for this successful October event, continuing NOVA-LUG’s strong community engagement.

  • Richard Byrd Library Display: Charlie coordinated the October installation.

  • LDC Adult Night (October): Another successful outreach event, organized by Charlie and James.

  • Holiday Planning: There will be no December meeting, as the group will instead host a holiday party. Planning is now underway.

Club Business and Resources

November included several important updates for members:

  • 2025 Club T-Shirts: Distributed during the meeting.

  • 2026 Membership Dues: Still open, with reminders to renew.

  • 2026 Key Teams: Members are encouraged to confirm or expand their participation.

  • Finance and Equipment Updates: The club has recently invested in new shared resources, including:

    • Stanchions and tablecloths

    • Sign holders

    • A carrying solution for the PVC banner system Additionally, future purchase of custom table trestles built by Ralph has been approved—further strengthening the club’s event infrastructure.

Collaboration Progress

Several major collaborative efforts continue to move forward:

  • “Wicked” Collaboration: A major milestone as the display was set up during the meeting, bringing together the work of all three teams:

    • Microscale Map

    • Shiz University

    • Emerald City This marks a significant step toward showcasing the project publicly.

  • NPS Mosaic and Habitats: Work continues on refining standards and optimizing the frame file for both cost and effectiveness, supporting future collaborative builds.

Monthly MOC Challenge

The seasonal progression continues with a new creative focus:

  • November Challenge: Holiday Decorations! Members are encouraged to modify their townhouse builds with festive elements, continuing the multi-month evolution of this collaborative display.

  • October Challenge Voting: Members voted on NOVA-ville Parade Floats, which brought creativity, motion, and storytelling into the townhouse layout.

  • MOCtober: Many members also participated in this broader community challenge, contributing a wide variety of builds throughout the month.

Looking Ahead to the Holidays

With a successful fall season behind them, NOVA-LUG is now turning toward celebration. The upcoming holiday party will replace the December meeting, offering members a chance to relax, connect, and reflect on a year full of impressive builds, successful events, and strong collaboration.

November’s meeting captured the spirit of transition—from fall events to holiday celebrations—while continuing to build on the group’s creativity and community impact. As the year winds down, NOVA-LUG remains as active and engaged as ever.