Lifestyle

Every meal is a chance to care for the Earth. Come learn and taste with us! Celebrate Earth Day with a special edition of **Cooking for Peace** and discover how the food we choose can nurture both our inner world and the Earth we share. In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore how plant-based cooking supports not only our physical health, but also our mental clarity, spiritual well-being, and the health of the planet. Together we’ll present and taste simple, delicious recipes while reflecting on the deeper impact of our food choices on animals, ecosystems, and future generations. You’ll also learn how conscious cooking and mindful eating can become everyday practices that help reduce our environmental footprint while bringing more peace, balance, and gratitude into our lives. Join us for an inspiring Earth Day experience that brings together **food, awareness, and care for the planet**, one meal at a time. This workshop includes a discussion and vegan food tasting. Saturday, April 18th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Held at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum - Maryland, 9525 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. **Free Event - Donations Appreciated. Registration required at [https://shorturl.at/a7UT3](https://shorturl.at/a7UT3)**

Arlington has a planetarium called the David M Brown Planetarium. I forget about it all the time. They host a monthly event. This month's starts at 7:30pm on April 18. Let's meet up at Quincy Hall beforehand and get buzzed before we learn about the Solar System. Tickets to the planetarium show are $5. They can be bought at the door and online. The online ones aren't available yet but I'll post a link when they are. The David M Brown Planetarium is at 1426 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22207 right around the corner from Quincy Hall. The show is called Dynamic Earth: https://friendsoftheplanetarium.org/event-6339264

\*\*"\*[Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics](https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001d4LgXIAU), \*\*\*an 80-minute award-winning documentary from White Pine Pictures about plastic pollution and its impact on human health and the environment. The ground-breaking feature documentary investigates our addiction to plastic and the growing threat of microplastics on human health. Almost every bit of plastic ever made breaks down into “microplastics.” These microscopic particles drift in the air, float in all bodies of water, and mix into the soil, becoming a permanent part of the environment. Now, leading scientists are finding these particles in our bodies: organs, blood, brain tissue, and even the placentas of new mothers. What is the impact of these invisible invaders on our health? And can anything be done about it? **The screening will be held at the Greenbelt Cinema, 129 Centerway, Greenbelt, MD 20770.** Doors open at 1:30 pm. The documentary will launch at 2 pm, followed by discussion of solutions by distinguished panelists and participants." Please click on this [link ](https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001d4LgXIAU)to register. \*Please post in comments if you'd like to carpool and where you're coming from. \*

Hello Social Sips and Bits group! We’re excited to take our next meetup to The Perch at Capital One Center- a rooftop destination that’s unlike any other. Perched high above Tysons, this beautiful spot combines scenic city views, a beer garden, lush green spaces, games, and more. Join us on the top floor to catch up over delicious bites and drinks, enjoy some lawn games, or just relax and take in the incredible skyline. Whether you’re here for the good conversation, the stunning views, or just a little break from the everyday, you won’t want to miss this event. So grab your friends and head up to The Perch with us—we can’t wait to see you there! https://www.capitalonecenter.com/the-perch

Wisteria Walk is officially on the calendar. 📍 April 19th Georgetown & Dumbarton Oaks Gardens & Museum DC is at its most beautiful in April, and we're spending the day in it together. However you want to join us, there's a place for you 🌿 —————————— 🌸 Dumbarton Oaks Garden Visit at 2pm The full elevated experience. One of DC's most breathtaking gardens at peak bloom. Dressed in your best spring looks. Ticketed & limited availability. First to purchase are confirmed. ⚠️ Tickets sell out fast around peak bloom. Secure yours HERE 👇 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-timed-entry-tickets-dumbarton-oaks-gardens-tickets-1977388111070?aff=oddtdtcreator —————————— 🚶🏽‍♀️ Afterwards, a Georgetown stroll Free. Open to all. Wander through Georgetown as the wisterias bloom. No ticket needed, just show up and send us a message in the Ladies Lounge chat and we'll let you know where we are. —————————— 📚 Barnes & Noble Browse Wind down the afternoon together. Browse & enjoy the company. Optional small bites after! 🥂 —————————— You can join for one option or all three, entirely up to you 💛 Drop your emoji below for what you're most interested in! 🌸 — Dumbarton Oaks 🚶🏽‍♀️ — Georgetown Stroll 📚 — Barnes & Noble Join the Ladies Lounge here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/H533SlZi8h70XjkN6iSEws?mode=gi_t

Join us for an all plant-based meal at the always popular Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant in Vienna, VA. We've made a reservation for 20 attendees, so don't delay in RSVPing as this will fill up. You can preview Sunflower's menu [here. ](https://www.crystalsunflower.com/menu) Parking is available in the restaurant's lot and the Vienna Metro station is 1.6 miles away. Rides may be available from attendees with cars so please communicate needs/availability in the comments below. Please note that there is no outdoor dining at this venue and that this is an indoor event. **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

***\*\*As of Thu 4/16/26, we have our VSDC volunteer shifts filled. If anyone wants to volunteer still, please contact the Fairfax Vegfest organizers at the link below to see if they still need people. See the rest of you at the event on Sun!*** **As a proud partner of the Fairfax Vegfest,** the [Veg Society of DC ](https://vsdc.org/)(VSDC) encourages our members to attend this free, outdoor, all-vegan event with great speakers and delicious food! It is happening on Sunday, April 19, from 11 am to 5 pm, in Herndon, Virginia. VSDC has scheduled this meetup event to: 1\. publicize the Fairfax Vegfest so more people will attend\. For details, go to the [Vegfest event page here](https://marketspread.com/market/35820/fairfax-vegfest/events/84760/) 2\. encourage volunteers to sign\-up for shifts at the VSDC Table\. RSVP on this page and select which shift you would prefer. 3\. refer people to the Fairfax Vegfest organizers to volunteer with them\. Go to the [Fairfax Vegfest volunteer page here](https://forms.gle/HfNd2WYAbgKAtVVk8) ***We do need volunteers at the VSDC table so PLEASE do sign up. When you RSVP, please provide your first and last name, email, and shift preference (10am-12:30pm, 12-230pm, 2-430pm, 4-6pm, or ANY shift). Only the VSDC organizers will see this info.*** Confirmed speakers include: Neal Barnard MD Gene Baur Milton Mills, MD (many more to come!) **Why you don’t want to miss Fairfax Vegfest:** * **A full day of vegan food, shopping & discovery** Enjoy incredible plant-based eats, local makers, wellness brands, and eco-friendly businesses—all in one place. * **Something for everyone** Whether you’re vegan, veg-curious, or just love good food and good vibes, Fairfax Vegfest is welcoming and inclusive. * **Family-friendly & community-focused** A fun, positive atmosphere with activities, education, and space to connect with like-minded people. * **Meet the makers behind the brands** Talk directly with chefs, founders, and creators who are passionate about what they do. * **Support small & mission-driven businesses** Every purchase helps support ethical, sustainable, and compassionate businesses. * **Feel-good vibes all day long** Come hungry. Leave inspired. 💚 **Location** Northwest Federal Credit Union (parking lot in the back) 200 Spring St. Herndon VA 20170 A $5 donation per person is requested to help the organizers offset the costs for the event. Parking in the adjacent garage / lot is $5 per car. Join many of your friends from VSDC and our vegan meetup group who will be attending this fun and educational event! **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Let's head to Glenstone - a secretly famous museum in Potomac, MD. This museum has a lot to offer, in their own words: [Glenstone](https://www.glenstone.org/) is a place that seamlessly integrates art, architecture, and nature into a serene and contemplative environment. It is museum of modern and contemporary art and is integrated into nearly 300 acres of gently rolling pasture and unspoiled woodland in Montgomery County, Maryland, less than 15 miles from the heart of Washington, DC. The museum offers hiking/walking trails and we will be hiking 3-4 miles. Additionally it has two cafe's with vegan options. We will be stopping for a bit at one of them for snacks/coffee. Please note that the museum offers both outdoor and indoor exhibits that we will be visiting. **Meeting Point:** [Arrival hall next to Sycamore parking lot](https://maps.app.goo.gl/g4LyTVAKiNUSbdNz9) **Meeting Time:** 10am **Age restrictions:** 12 year and older Dog friendly? No! **No pets please.** Bathroom Facilities/Water: Yes - many. Please review the instructions and more information: * You might be asked at the gate to show tickets. Please let them know that you are part of VSDC group visit. Tickets have already been arranged for our group visit. * [Please check the group visit guide](https://www.glenstone.org/group-visits) for more information about the visit * **Outside food/beverage is not permitted** at Glenstone * [Sample menu of cafe's ](https://www.glenstone.org/dining-bookstore)\- please note that this is indicative menu only **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for others interested in attending this event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes. We are restricted to 40 tickets and would not want any to be wasted. Be responsible! **\#\# Alcohol/Smoking/Intoxicants: Use of intoxicants such as alcohol\, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during the event\.** **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Learn about life in Cohousing at Eastern Village on our TOUR DAY Sunday April 19 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We'll provide an introduction to Eastern Village, a green co-housing community in the Downtown Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District. Members will discuss life in our community and do a Q&A. You will then tour our community’s extensive common facilities, including award-winning eco-features and several of our condo units. Please join the tour promptly by 10:45 AM for a 11:00 AM start. Light refreshments will be served PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS TOUR AT THE WASHINGTON DC AREA COHOUSING MEETUP. [https://www.meetup.com/washington-dc-area-cohousing/events/313688333/](https://www.meetup.com/washington-dc-area-cohousing/events/313688333/) If you are interested in living at Eastern Village, Montgomery County’s only cohousing community, we strongly encourage you to observe at least one of our monthly community meetings and attend one or more of our social activities. That way you will be able to see if cohousing and Eastern Village, in particular, is right for you. Eastern Village is just 4 blocks from the Silver Spring Metro station on the Red Line. Parking is available behind the building in the Montgomery County Kennett Street Garage (no payment needed on Sunday) or on the street. Eastern Village Cohousing 7981 Eastern Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910

Let’s get together for a relaxed Saturday brunch! This will be the very first event for our group. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, get out more, or just enjoy good conversation over brunch, this is the perfect place to start. We’ll be meeting at The Goat Gahanna for great food, drinks, and a welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere.

Love getting lost in a good book? [The Book Loft](https://www.bookloft.com/) of German Village is an iconic independent bookstore packed with hard-to-find literary treasures! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill bookstore; it’s a 32-room literary wonderland that would make even the most seasoned bibliophile’s head spin (one of the largest in the country)! **MEET**: We'll gather outside the storefront and then start browsing... **DESSERT**: We'll grab some famous macaroons to start our foodie tour. [Pistacia Vera](https://www.pistaciavera.com/) is a delicious bakery and cafe in the German Village. This charming shop is especially known for its classic macarons. **HAPPY HOUR**: Italian drinks and bites at [Cento's happy hour](https://centogermanvillage.com/menus/). **PARKING**: Street parking all around here. Check the parking time limit. The bookstore and the foodie stops are all on 3rd Street within 4 blocks on the same side of the street.

Do you sometimes feel like you do well in life then something happens and you slide back, never quite getting ahead. At this Meetup you'll find out how to identify what actually causes the lows, the highs and everything in between. More importantly you’ll get the secret of how to gain control over your life so the highs are higher and the lows go away. Wouldn’t it be nice to stop the wild roller coaster ride for good? Or at least make it a fun roller coaster ride, with more ups and downs. There is a hidden factor that will be going over and you’re going to be quite surprised what it is and how much it affects your life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is hosted at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Do you want more Self Confidence, less Self Doubt, more Happiness, less Anxiety, and more Love? This event is an introduction to how to handle irrational emotion. How often are yours or another's emotions out of control? What is that about??? I have asked these questions and after much search have found answers and am sharing. Maybe you have suffered a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? After that, you try to move on but you just can't. Possibly you have a thought or emotion that hangs around for days and you just can't shake it. What is all this stress, anxiety, depression, and self doubt? It's just crazy! It's not the real you. You can find out what is at the root of all this. This is a local event. Areas you can change with the right information: * Control of unwanted emotions * Lack of confidence * Grief * Anxiety * Anger management * Creating ideal relationships * Memory * and more... This is a local meeting that can start you on the way to a better life, more confidence and less negativity. All the happiness you have lies within you. Let's find it! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.