Animals and Essential Oils

Let's enjoy the spring weather before it gets too hot! Seneca Regional Park is a pretty easy hike with distinct trails and mostly in the shade under the canopy! Unfortunately due to my time blindness, the length of the hike is a little bit of a mystery, but we can figure out what trails to go down when we're there! What to bring: * Hiking friendly shoes or sneakers * Water bottle (Please don't make me sad @ your dehydration) * Snacks or a packed lunch! We can pick a spot to take a lunch break. Make sure you're prepared to leave no trash behind! ALSO! Parking is free! But carpooling is still encouraged! The lot is not super big

Fellow healers are welcome as we practice self-care and channel healing energy by participating in an afternoon Reiki / Healing Share and guided meditation! Tables and sheets provided. Essential oils also available for added aromatherapy if desired. Reiki and complimentary modalities welcome. ***Love donations are always gratefully accepted.*** **Paypal.me/mediumcelestewoods** **Venmo to @celeste-woods-2**

Join us for pickles and grilled cheese fest! Pickle and Grilled Cheese Fest is COMING BACK to Bunnyman Brewing Chantilly! 🥒🧀🍻 Mark your calendars, pickle fanatics and cheese lovers! Join us for a briny, boozy blast at Pickle and Grilled Cheese Fest at Bunnyman Brewing! 🗓️ Date: Saturday, May 9th, 2026 ⏰ Time: 11:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Bunnyman Brewing, Chantilly, VA Get ready to dill with all things fermented and fun! What to Expect: 🥒 Epic Pickle Vendors: Taste unique and artisanal pickles from local makers (spicy, sweet, sour, and more!) 🧀 Gourmet Grilled Cheese: Savory and creative grilled cheese sandwiches to pair perfectly with your brew. 🍻 Bunnyman Brews: Our delicious craft beer lineup will be flowing, featuring special releases perfect for pairing. 🎶 Live Music: Jamming tunes all afternoon

**Join us for a fun playdate at Quincy Park Playground in Arlington, VA—just outside Washington, DC!** This modern playground features a large climbing structure, swings, slides, and even a music area. With restrooms right by the playground, nearby vegan dining options in Ballston, and free parking available both in a small lot next to the playground and on surrounding neighborhood streets, it’s a convenient spot for families. This will be a great chance for the kids to play and burn energy while parents connect. While the event and the VSDC Children's Playgroup is all-vegan, our meetup welcomes veg (or veg-curious) kids under the age 10 to be accompanied by at least one parent or caregiver. *We hope to see you there!* **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](http://vsdc.org/) 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 VSDC membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/). **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.**

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54667858 20 miles round trip to Leesburg. Keep going for a longer ride. Numerous toilet facilities along the route. Picnic lunch at Raflo Park or BBQ along the trail. We'll ride on the W&OD (Washington & Old Dominion), a paved multi-use rail-trail. We'll meet at the W&OD parking lot off of Pacific Blvd in Sterling, VA at 10:00am and start out riding west on the trail at 10:15am. See map for location. The ride will be out and back on the same trail. Minimal navigation required. Many E-Bike Lovers stop at 10 miles in Raflo Park in Leesburg and turn around for a 20-mile round trip. Some choose to ride further west on the W&OD before turning back. You can make the ride as long or short as you want, but we'll aim for 20-25 miles with the group. Raflo Park is a comfortable place for a picnic lunch. Or have a quick snack and stop for BBQ at Carolina Brothers BBQ, which is right along the trail, just 3.5 miles from the ride start. They have indoor and outdoor seating and bike racks. (See the picture.) A lock is recommended if you'd like to eat inside. Or get one of your fellow riders to keep an eye on your bike while you order food at the counter. (Note: there's also a brew pub along the trail - Old Ox Brewery - about a mile from the parking lot.) Please bring plenty of water, sunscreen, as well as snacks and lunch if you do not want BBQ. Pump your tires, check your brakes and consider packing spare tire tube. Please respect the right of way of horses and pedestrians while on the trail, and give plenty of warning and space when passing. Our route has minimal elevation and is less congested than many areas on the W&OD. There are few street crossings, and a good amount of shade, so it's a comfortable and relatively easy ride. As always, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. **Consider downloading the Ride with GPS app and the route map from Sterling to Leesburg.** https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54667858 **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as www.ebikelovers.com generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) **More information about using GPS files:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/](https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/) **More information about e-bike ranges:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/](https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/) For the E-bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word and let's have fun. **When you register for this ride, you indicate your agreement with the terms of the disclaimer below.** **DISCLAIMER** LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

Join us for a fun social run on the PSAS (poplar spring animal sanctuary) 5k course *which will be different this year*. Howard, a volunteer with PSAS, will be leading. Everyone is welcome to come join us (including people not doing the 5k or from another team)! By the way, if you are interested in signing up for the 5k benefiting the animals on May 17th click [HERE](https://pro.gofundme.com/team/812481). Prices will increase on the 17th. By joining any Vegan-Powered event you are agreeing that you are engaging in these activities at your own risk. \*\*Please note: **Shorefield Road is off Georgia Avenue. It IS NOT the park entrance off Arcola Avenue.\*\*** I hope to see you there! Stephanie PS-Carpooling is always encouraged! PSS-I'd love to find out what events you're interested in. Please go [HERE](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfkx7XWwlrcVOcVNEDnDcgCKcD-wcFMjBAsDo4daXwImHSRA/viewform?usp=sf_link) to fill out a quick survey.

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy nature! We meet Saturdays at 10am, by the bike racks and benches 150 feet in front of BUBBLES Hair Salon in Reston, leaving no later than 10:05. Every week we'll walk the Green Trail to Lake Anne Plaza (\~1 mile), pause there for 5-10 minutes (water, bio, and from April-Nov a Farmer's Market), then circle the lake (2 miles) before returning to our starting point. It's roughly 3.5 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to a local restaurant to refuel and relax before tackling the rest of the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels, and both friends and dogs are always welcome! We recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water bottle, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll always walk, rain or shine. By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a little extra \*moo\*-magic! Free with your General Admission ticket , you can enjoy a special photo op with Rusty, the adorable Highland calf, make flower pots & cards for Mom, and spend time with our sweet spring babies. Grab some delicious bites from Two Smooth Dudes food truck while the kids play and explore!

Speaker: Natalie Fulton, YouTuber, Content Creator, and Social Media Professional for Pro-Animal Future. Natalie will share effective ways to use social media to bring attention to animal issues, build more activists for the animal rights movement, and change the narrative around animal protection. Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Please join us for our fun and friendly monthly VSDC Vegan Potluck in Arlington VA on Sunday, May 10th. It will start at 6 pm and will go until 10 pm. There is no charge to attend the event. ***\*\*Note: you must provide your 1st and last name plus your contact email to receive the specific location about 2 days before the event. If you do not, then you will not be provided the location and allowed to this event - NO EXCEPTIONS.\*\**** We plan to meet and eat on the rooftop of the host’s apartment building; grills may be available for our use. **Items to bring to the potluck:** \- Vegan potluck dish \(no animal products of any kind\) to share\. For food quantity\, please bring 4 to 6 times the number of servings times the number in your party\. \- A serving utensil for your dish \- Ingredients list or recipe for your dish \- ***Please print or write it out in advance*** \- Beverage for yourself or one to share \- To help reduce waste\, bring your reusable plate\, cup\, and utensils [VSDC will provide basic supplies and drinking water.] Please Note: \- Be sure to help leave the space clean before leaving the potluck and take the containers and utensils you brought with you\. *\- Vegans do not consume any animal products or byproducts \(no meat\, chicken/poultry\, fish/sea animals\, eggs\, milk or dairy products\, honey\, etc\)\.* **LOCATION** Arlington VA, near the Ballston Quarter shopping mall. The exact location will be sent a few days before the event to registered attendees who provide their first and last name and email, as instructed when you RSVP for this event (only the organizers will see this extra info you enter). **PARKING** Yes, there is free street parking in this residential neighborhood. Another option is the parking garage attached to Ballston Quarter mall at 627 N. Glebe Rd, Arlington VA 22203 - only $1 for the first 3 hours. *Please read and follow all parking signs.* **METRO** This location is accessible by public transport. It is a short walking distance from the Ballston Metro (Orange and Silver lines). ***Please plan your trip in advance and ask any questions at least one day in advance. The organizers will do their best to answer questions but ones on the day of the event will be difficult for responses.*** Email potluck@vsdc.org for questions or to help plan future potluck events. ***Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.*** **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](vsdc.org) 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 VSDC membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/). **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.**

Come join us for a night of honoring our ancestors! Many cultures celebrate their ancestors and look to them for support and guidance. Our evening will help us strengthen our bond with them by creating a space to share time with them, and for us to share stories and images of them with each other. There will be space to ask for messages with our loved ones who have passed. Bring a photo of the ancestors you wish to invite into this space for the altar. As food is a wonderful way to venerate, please bring a dish to share, especially a favorite of your ancestors. Facilitated by Sarah Jane and the mediumship crew

Come with your mom, a friend, or just yourself and spend a creative evening with us. All painting supplies are included. Enjoy a cozy, aesthetic café & Restaurant vibe with warm coffee, music, and a relaxing atmosphere. 📍Chantilly, VA No experience needed, everyone is welcome! 🎨 link in Bio Update: We have limited tickets available and seats are being booked quickly! Each person must have a ticket due to limited space. All ticket sales are final—no refunds. #foundher #dmv #paintings #mothersday #paint

Let’s get outside and explore the beautiful Great Falls Park. **No Fees** We’ll take in the stunning river views, walk the scenic trails together, and afterwards head to a nearby spot for our signature sips and bites. The Plan • What: Group Hike + Lunch • Where: Riverbend Park , McLean (about 15 miles from D.C.) • Hike: 11:00 PM Looking forward to a fun and refreshing day outdoors!

This meeting we will be discussing our Crone superpowers. What we have gained or like to in this stage of life. How it is the same or different than we thought it would be. We need a name. Lets name our group. Welcome to all who identify as women—those in their wisdom years and those journeying toward them, embracing cycles of growth, transformation, and deepening self-awareness. This space honors women celebrating the strength, creativity, and wisdom that unfold through each season of the feminine path. In this circle, a crone is not defined by age but by attitude - someone who carries or seeks the wisdom, courage, and self-knowledge that comes with lived experience. You are invited to join the Crone’s circle of women coming together to share wisdom, experience, and inspiration. This gathering offers a welcoming space for reflection, storytelling, and meaningful conversation about life’s journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you seek connection, personal growth, or simply a moment of peace among kindred spirits, this meeting is an opportunity to nurture your inner strength and celebrate the wisdom within us all. Come as you are. To guide and enrich our time together, we will be using books and other creative means—such as rituals ceremonies, journaling, art, and shared activities—to spark insight, deepen connection, and inspire personal growth. Naming of the group will be done in circle. Please bring a journal for our journey. Books can be bought through Sticks and Stones. The first book will be: The Crone Zone: How to Get Older with Style, Nerve, and a Little Bit of Magic by Nina G. Bargiel Host: Cat Entrance cost: $15 Cat Cat began her spiritual journey in her late twenties, drawn to the transformative power of self-discovery and holistic healing. Trained in meditation, earth-based spirituality, yoga, massage, and energy work, she weaves together practices that nurture balance and connection. Her creative spirit finds expression through continued learning, ceremony, rituals, movement, art, crafts, and journaling, which she uses as tools for reflection and transformation. Deeply committed to creating community, Cat fosters spaces where individuals can share, heal, and grow together. Through her work, she continues to explore the harmony between energy, creativity, and the natural world.

Essential oils support the body in its healing work. Symphony of Cells (SOC) is a collection of 21 essential oil applications that target a different body system. Applying the oils to the back and the feet is selected because of the large number of nerve endings along the spine and on the bottom of the feet. Nourishing the nerve endings helps to feed all the organs and glands of the body. Essential oils are natural plant oils obtained from different parts of the plant and easily recognized and used by the body to help achieve balance and assist in cleansing of foreign substances. SOC was created by Boyd Truman, a DoTERRA Wellness advocate, to create physical, emotional and spiritual journey within the body. Receive a SOC Essential Oil Healing Experience Session. Please Note: The SOC Essential Oil Experience Session is by appointment only. Message by 8pm the day prior to the event to reserve a time slot. To schedule your session please contact Joyce at (703) 395-5151.

You are invited to Heal and RELAX with doTERRA Essential Oils! You will receive one of two introductory applications: #1 The digestive, immune, and cardiovascular systems or #2 The musculoskeletal, immune, and respiratory systems Essential oils support the body in its healing work. Symphony of Cells (SOC) is a collection of 21 essential oil applications that target a different body system. Applying the oils to the back and the feet is selected because of the large number of nerve endings along the spine and on the bottom of the feet. Nourishing the nerve endings helps to feed all the organs and glands of the body. Essential oils are natural plant oils obtained from different parts of the plant and easily recognized and used by the body to help achieve balance and assist in cleansing of foreign substances. SOC was created by Boyd Truman, a DoTERRA Wellness advocate, to create physical, emotional and spiritual journey within the body. Receive a SOC Essential Oil Healing Experience Session. Please Note: The SOC Essential Oil Experience Session is by appointment only. Message by 8pm the day prior to the event to reserve a time slot. To schedule your session please contact Joyce at (703) 395-5151. Symphony of the CellsTM is a holistic approach to bring harmony physically, emotionally, and spiritually within the body. The applications incorporate pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils and utilize a layering technique.

THE TIME IS NOW. While we celebrate the 1500 beagles getting released from Ridglan, there is still work to be done! To gather more participants and momentum, we are transitioning the rally to May 23rd to fight for the approximately 23,000 dogs trapped in Marshall BioResources in NY. We are also targeting NIH who funds institutions who buy beagles for testing. **Attend the Rally: We will peacefully gather with signs, posters, and positive energy. Bring your friends and share widely!** **Location: Bethesda, MD on 355 near the NIH Metro, any changes will be noted. 1 pm-3 pm**

**Note the address says SE but it should be SW** HSLC is excited to collaborate with October One Vineyard for a monthly Yappy Hour! To support our local animals, please bring a pet food donation and you’ll be entered into a raffle for free tastings and glasses! You can also purchase raffle tickets. Your monetary donations help cover much-needed medical expenses for homeless and at-risk animals. This event will be 5-8pm on the last Friday of every month at the October One Vineyard tasting shop in Downtown Leesburg. This event is free to the public, so stop by and raise a glass. HSLC will be on hand to answer questions and let you know about available animals. Let’s “cheer” up our local area animals in need!

We have many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever families. Come meet them at [Pet supplies Plus](https://www.petsuppliesplus.com/store/va/sterling/4487-sterling/4487) in Sterling from Noon to 2pm on Saturday, May 17th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the [Humane Society of Loudoun County website](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/)! If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, [complete a no-obligation application today](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/adoption-process/) to expedite the application process.

You are invited to Heal and RELAX with doTERRA Essential Oils! You will receive one of two introductory applications: #1 The digestive, immune, and cardiovascular systems or #2 The musculoskeletal, immune, and respiratory systems Essential oils support the body in its healing work. Symphony of Cells (SOC) is a collection of 21 essential oil applications that target a different body system. Applying the oils to the back and the feet is selected because of the large number of nerve endings along the spine and on the bottom of the feet. Nourishing the nerve endings helps to feed all the organs and glands of the body. Essential oils are natural plant oils obtained from different parts of the plant and easily recognized and used by the body to help achieve balance and assist in cleansing of foreign substances. SOC was created by Boyd Truman, a DoTERRA Wellness advocate, to create physical, emotional and spiritual journey within the body. Receive a SOC Essential Oil Healing Experience Session. Please Note: The SOC Essential Oil Experience Session is by appointment only. Message by 8pm the day prior to the event to reserve a time slot. To schedule your session please contact Joyce at (703) 395-5151. Symphony of the CellsTM is a holistic approach to bring harmony physically, emotionally, and spiritually within the body. The applications incorporate pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils and utilize a layering technique.

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.