Alternative Fuels

**Title**: Powering AI Through Data Modernization: Modernizing ETL with Databricks & Unity Catalog In this session, we will discuss how enterprises are modernizing their data platforms by migrating from legacy ETL tools (such as Informatica and traditional data warehouses) to Databricks Lakehouse architecture, and how Unity Catalog enables enterprise-grade governance, security, and discoverability across data and AI assets. We will start with food and drinks at 6pm and then move into the presentation at 6:30pm. The session will cover: * Why traditional ETL platforms are becoming a bottleneck for scale, cost, and AI adoption * How Databricks changes the data engineering and analytics operating mode * The role of Unity Catalog in centralized governance * How this foundation enables AI and Gene.AI use cases on trusted data * Q&A Our speaker for this event is **Hirenkumar Dholariya**. Hirenkumar Dholariya is a Senior Data Engineering Architect with 18+ years of experience modernizing enterprise data platforms for global Fortune 500 organizations, delivering up to 40% system performance improvement and 20–35% infrastructure cost reduction through large-scale migration from legacy ETL platforms to cloud-native Lakehouse architectures. He specializes in Databricks-based data engineering, Unity Catalog–driven governance, and building scalable, secure, and real-time analytics platforms. He has led multiple enterprise-wide transformations from tools such as Informatica and traditional data warehouses to Databricks, establishing governed data foundations using Unity Catalog and enabling advanced analytics and AI use cases on top of trusted data platforms. His leadership focuses on architecting durable data platforms, enabling teams to move faster with confidence, and translating data and AI investments into measurable business outcomes. *

Network with an average of 60+ business professionals, all attendees get an opportunity to give a 30 second elevator pitch, enjoy a light breakfast, 10 minute educational presentation on topics that change weekly, and enjoy networking before and after the meet up.

Hello everyone, we are excited host our first meetup of 2026! We'll have an amazing speaker presenting on a great topic. Hope to see everyone there! **Schedule** 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm - Sign-in/Meet and greet/networking 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm - AutoMobile 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm - Networking **Talk and Speaker Details** **Time:** 5:30 p.m. EST. **Title:** AutoMobile **Summary:** What if you could tell an AI agent "explore this app and find accessibility issues" and watch it navigate your mobile app autonomously? AutoMobile makes this possible today. AutoMobile is an open-source MCP server that gives AI agents native control over Android and iOS devices using natural language. It combines platform tools (adb, simctl) with custom Kotlin AccessibilityService and Swift XCTestService to enable AI-driven mobile workflows that are 10x faster than existing automation frameworks. Live demonstrations include: \- Install & run from scratch \- AI agent running UX deep dive\, reproducing bugs \- Accessibility & performance audits \- What running tests looks like \- Prototype IDE integration **Speaker:** Jason Pearson **Speaker Bio:** Jason Pearson spent the last 15 years building great UX across Android, iOS, Mac, Web, Backend, and Windows. Now he's applying all of that to AI tools while working at Slack in DevXP. **How to find us:** 1680 Capital One Drive, McLean, VA 22102 We'll be located in C2 **100 A**. The area is publicly accessible. If you can't find it, you can ask the front desk for directions to the **C2 100 A** **Attending Virtually?** We'll be streaming the event on Zoom [https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85740109015?pwd=1FQJyvaQp2ZgRrj5drb3a2FGVqll7H.1](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85740109015?pwd%3D1FQJyvaQp2ZgRrj5drb3a2FGVqll7H.1&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1A-o2UNm0I1YVmkJcSCxfx) Meeting ID: 857 4010 9015 Passcode: 437286 **Parking**: You can park at 1680 Capital One Drive; this garage has a sign indicating public parking. Or at the WEGMANS parking lot.

Beginner-friendly morning [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) class [at OSMA in Herndon, VA](https://www.virginiabjj.com/): Learn escapes, submissions, and live strategy with expert instruction. **🔥** *No experience is required* -- **new students** and **first-timers** are genuinely welcome. Classes focus on **practical**, **real-world fundamentals** taught in a **safe**, **technical**, and **highly supportive environment**. You’ll learn how to **escape common holds**, **apply effective submissions**, and **understand live positional strategy** \-\- the same leverage\-based system used in modern BJJ and [Mixed Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_martial_arts) (MMA), adapted for everyday people. This **gi class** takes place every **Tuesday** and **Thursday** and includes **one hour of guided instruction** followed by **30 minutes of optional open training** (live rounds, drilling, review, and research). Gis are available if you need one. **The drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20** and can be **paid on-site**. We are located in **Suite #130** \-\- let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest\.

Join us for a high-energy night of live music with one of the popular DC-area bands! Diamond Alley brings the perfect mix of today’s top hits, crowd-favorite covers, and original music, all in a fun, lively atmosphere. We’ll be hanging out and partying with our friends from NOVA Live, so expect great vibes, a fantastic crowd, and nonstop energy all night. Great music. Great people. See you at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern.

The [One Spirit Martial Arts](https://www.virginiabjj.com/programs/kidsbjj) (OSMA) Youth [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) program is designed to help children build **confidence**, **coordination**, and **practical [self-defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense) skills** in a **safe**, **structured**, and **positive environment**. The **drop-in fee** for **non-members** is **$30**, payable at the door. This class is for students **six** to **thirteen** years of age and runs from **5:15 PM** to **6:00 PM**, providing a **focused**, **age-appropriate training session** that fits well into an after-school routine. Located in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia), OSMA is easily commutable from Oakton, Reston, Sterling, and [Great Falls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Falls,_Virginia), as well as other nearby [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) communities. Parents are welcome to **stay and watch** \-\- OSMA has a **dedicated seating area** where you can comfortably **observe your child’s progress** during class; parents may also take advantage of the OSMA **guest WIFI** if they need an Internet connection. From a parent’s perspective, this class is about more than martial arts: children learn how to **move their bodies with purpose**, **stay calm under pressure**, **follow instructions**, **work with others**, and **build resilience**. Students are taught to apply [Gracie Jiu-Jitsu-based](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) self-defense concepts **responsibly**, with an emphasis on **control**, **safety**, and **respect**. What children will learn in this after-school program: * **Movement** and **coordination** drills * Practical **self-defense techniques** * Standing **takedowns** * **Ground techniques** and **positional awareness** * Position-specific **drilling** * Controlled **sparring** matches (age-appropriate and supervised) * **Games** and **fun activities** to keep kids engaged and motivated Whether your child is new to [martial arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martial_arts) or already active, this program offers a balanced mix of **skill development**, **physical activity**, and **confidence-building** \-\- all in a **supportive environment**.

Live music every Thursday night at Jimmy’s. [Jimmy’s upcoming events.](https://www.jottnew.com/upcoming-events.html)

## Details Soulfull Spirit Saturdays @ Light Works Spiritual Wellness Center!! Saturday, February 14th 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm If you're looking for a place to go to hang out with light workers, spiritualists, teachers, seekers, readers, and pursuers of high [vibes....look](http://vibes....look) no further! The residents of Light Works Spiritual Wellness Center invite you to come join us for an afternoon on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Share conversation, meet new friends, enjoy some food, or simply come by and soak up the good vibes. Free to attend! If you're interested in a reading or healing session, there will variety of practitioners (mediums, card readers, astrologists, animal communicators, energy healers, massage therapists, and more!) each month, offering their services at discounted rates. Simply stop by and sign up for a session or contact your practitioner directly to book ahead. Our resident practitioners will be available, offering the following: **Juli Richardson** Juli is a certified psychic medium, Reiki master teacher, animal communicator, & founder of Light Works ([www.lightworks.biz](http://www.lightworks.biz)). For this event, she will be hanging out and enjoying the day with everyone! **Tina Neuhaus** Tina is a tarot reader and the owner of Destination Tarot ([fb.com/destinationtarot](http://fb.com/destinationtarot)). She found tarot to be instrumental in her own personal past trauma healing journey and transformative in aligning with her higher purpose. She's been reading professionally for roughly 10 years. Tina takes a therapeutic approach to readings, working with the shadow aspects of the self. She finds this to be essential for growth and empowerment, creating deeper self-awareness to engage with life from a place of strength. For this event, she will be offering 30 minute Tarot readings for $45. To pre-book: 719-930-9673 or [tinaneuhaus@gmail.com](http://tinaneuhaus@gmail.com) **Dr Kirsten Wagner** Kirsten is a clinical psychiatrist, tarot reader, and owner of Circle of Life, MD. In Kirsten's 30 years of practicing psychiatry, she discovered her love of tarot and that there are many roads that lead to healing. She offers a variety of services, both traditional and spiritual - individual and group psychotherapy, tarot & runes readings, and oracle/angel cards. For this event, she will be offering tarot readings for $30. To pre-book: 978-239-4945. **\*\*\*Other residents may be added closer to the date of the event - check back later to see who will be attending this month and offering their services!\*\*\*** We're also excited to have the following guest practitioners joining us this month!! **Amber Noelle** Amber is an intuitive channel, a master certified hypnotherapist and a certified Reiki practitioner. Her spiritual journey was activated during during her teen years while living in Athens, Greece through a series of out of body experiences. These experiences set her on a quest to gain a deeper understanding of who she is, of what consciousness is and, ultimately, how to harness the infinite knowledge available to us all. Since that time, she has continued through many years of mentorship and self-study and is passionate about helping others navigate their own awakening. It is her intent to be in service to those who quest for self knowledge and to help those who long to get in touch with their own joy -- so they may live that joy to the fullest ([www.ambernoelle.com](http://www.ambernoelle.com)). For this event, she will be offering 20 minute Intuitive Tarot readings for $60. To pre-book: 703-470-9915 or [ambernoelle@gmail.com](http://ambernoelle@gmail.com) **Kevin G** Kevin is a certified psychic medium, Reiki practitioner, and just an overall good guy! His awareness of his psychic abilities began years ago with a sudden, unexpected, and OVERWHELMING sense of unconditional love for all beings. This experience came out of nowhere and had him feeling euphoric....which led him to embrace spirituality. Since then, he has become a seeker of understanding the love of Spirit and how to communicate with them for himself and for others. For this event, he will be offering 45 minute life path and mediumship readings for $50. To pre-book: 240-435-9514 or [wtfhappened383@gmail.com](http://wtfhappened383@gmail.com) **Nikki Tanks** Psychic Medium, Reiki Master Teacher, Angel Messenger and Shamanic Apprentice, and owner of Life Energy Reiki and Readings ([www.lifeenergyreikiandreadings.com](http://www.lifeenergyreikiandreadings.com)) - where her mission is “Healing…1 Touch at a time…1 Message at a time. Using her gifts of claircognizance, clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsetience, and clairempathy, she connects with Spirit Guides, Angels and Loved Ones to deliver healing messages of Love, Guidance, Comfort and Joy. As a Reiki Master Teacher she offers a healing technique that supports physical and emotional healing. As a Shamanic Apprentice she focuses on Chakra and Energy Healing. For this event, she will be offering 30 min readings for $60, 30 min Reiki sessions for $50, and 30 min shamanic chakra healings for $45. To pre-book: 703-203-9711 or [lifeenergynikki@gmail.com](http://lifeenergynikki@gmail.com) **\*\*\*Guest practitioners will be added closer to the date of the event - check back later to see who will be attending and offering their services!\*\*\*** Come as you are or bring a friend! Hope to see you there!

The Roadducks, having been around since 1976, are a legendary classic/southern variety rock band whose music brings you to life and goes down like Tennessee whiskey.... They are a MUST SEE band!!! We hope you’ll join us!!!L

**✨ Soul Empowering Hypnosis®: Connect with Your Spirit Guide ✨** Saturday, February 14 · 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Lightworks, Manassas, VA Hosted by Tina of Destination Tarot & Jennie of Ascending Dawn Doula Join us for an intimate Soul Empowering Hypnosis® (SEH) group journey to connect with your spirit guide in a safe, cozy space at Light Works. We’ll begin with gentle grounding and breathwork to calm the nervous system, then move into a guided SEH session to meet your guide, receive messages, and anchor a personal symbol or phrase that supports you in daily life. You’ll leave feeling centered, peaceful, and connected to your higher guidance. This experience is limited to 8 participants to maintain a cozy and supportive atmosphere. Please note that Lightworks is located on an upper level and requires walking one flight of stairs (no elevator access). Please bring your water bottle, journal, and an eye mask (if you are sensitive to daylight meditations). No prior hypnosis or meditation experience required - just bring your open heart and curiosity. 💵 Investment $42 per person Reserve your spot by sending payment via Venmo to @ascendingdawndoula Please include “SEH Feb 14” in the note when you submit payment. Once your payment is received, your seat will be confirmed for this cozy, high-vibe group journey. Only 8 spots available! Join us as we breathe, connect, and journey together into the wisdom of your spirit team.

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy the weather! We meet Saturdays at 10am, halfway between the Reston *Container Store* and *Not Your Average Joes* (by the metal benches), leaving no later than 10:05. Every week, rain or shine, we start by walking along the Green Trail to reach Lake Anne Community Center. Once there, we pause for water/bio (often staying a few minutes extra from April-November, due to the local Farmer's Market), and then we circle Lake Anne and head back to our starting point. It's roughly 3-4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to *Not Your Average Joes* or another local restaurant for a quick drink/meal before tackling the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome, and we recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll walk rain or shine. Also, feel free to bring a friend! By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

Dear all, This meditation session is for folks that have already attended the beginner and intermediate levels. Please confirm with your instructor before joining this session. We are having this mediation from 9-10am. Looking forward to meeting you in person and online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7551126133?pwd=TmJVc3VnQlUvVU9qUzBPdU1SaWRqUT09 Directions : From Stoneridge on Rt 50 come past Rt 28, turn right on Sullyfield, it is on left past Westmorefield Dr. From Fair Oaks, take left on Sullyfield after crossing Walney and it is on Left after crossing Westmorefield

### 📅 Date & Time: **Saturday, February 21, 2025** **1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST** *** ### 📍 Location: **Pots & Plants Garden Center** 10106 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066 (This is an **in-person event**.) *** ### 🌱 About This Event: **Don’t have a backyard? No problem!** This free, in-person workshop will show you how to grow real food — herbs, greens, and more — *inside your home*, using compact hydroponic and soil systems with LED grow lights. Whether you're new to gardening or looking to expand your food-growing skills during winter, this session will cover: ✅ Easy-to-use indoor garden setups ✅ LED lighting and hydroponic tips ✅ Local seedling options to save 30+ days of growing time ✅ Real tools you can use — no backyard required! *** ### 🎁 What You'll Get: * Live demonstration of indoor grow systems * Free digital guides to take home * Invite to join the full Indoor Food Growing Training Program (for free!) * Access to local seedling bundle options *** ### 👥 Who Should Attend: * Gardeners without outdoor space * Houseplant lovers curious about growing food * Local families, foodies, and eco-conscious neighbors * Anyone interested in sustainable food and indoor growing systems *** ### 📝 RSVP Info: **Free to attend – please RSVP to save your spot!** Bring a friend or neighbor along! Thank you, Clift --- Chief Community Grower at indoorgardenmarket.com

Join us for an in-person, educational workshop that redefines weight loss through a **holistic, whole-body approach**. Rather than focusing solely on the number on the scale, we explore what truly drives sustainable fat loss, muscle preservation, and long-term health. This workshop is ideal for those seeking a safe, sustainable approach to weight loss, who are tired of restrictive diets and weight cycling, who want to lose fat while preserving muscle, and who value education and understanding over quick fixes. **Event Details** **📅 Date:** March 5, 2026 **⏰ Time:** 5:30 – 7:00 PM **📍 Location:** Golden Health Holistics, 46161 Westlake Dr, Ste 330, Sterling, VA 20165 **In This Workshop, We’ll Cover:** * Why weight loss is more than calories in vs. calories out * How the body metabolizes food, and why it matters * Why the body stores fat, and why all fat is not the same * The impact of excess body fat on metabolic and overall health * The critical role of muscle in metabolism, aging, and longevity * What it means to balance body composition (not just lose weight) * How a holistic, supportive approach can help * Where modern weight management tools, including GLP-1 medications, fit in The **first 10 registered attendees** will receive a complimentary InBody body composition scan, along with a one-on-one review of the results with our health coach. Please RSVP by March 4, 2026 to secure your spot. Limited space is available!

Rockville Vegans will be picking up trash on the outside of Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary as part of their adopt-a-highway program. Poplar will provide all the supplies - gloves, bags, and visibility vests. We will be parking just inside the gate as you enter the farm property.

Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production. You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at [Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov](mailto:Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov) to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or [sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore](https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/event-details/read-plant-grow-2026-02-24-18-30). ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

The Third Tuesday of the month is Tuesday TubesDay!! buuuut.... after Tuesday Tubesday we will be going to Beckett's for the Ride After the Ride (RAtR)!! **Please rsvp here if you would like to join us at Beckett's (even if you aren't coming to the Tubesday class itself).** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Samuel Beckett's 2800 S Randolph St #110 Arlington, VA 22206 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/rHx2PvqFicpFRrDZ8](https://goo.gl/maps/rHx2PvqFicpFRrDZ8)

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.**