Animals

**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?

Higher Grounds – Arlington is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create 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 Arlington who are also seeking deeper conversations. Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions * What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? * When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? * What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles * Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? * What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? * How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human * What human experiences will AI never truly understand? * If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? * What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning * What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? * How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? * What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche * What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? * Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? * What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose * When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? * What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? * How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection * What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? * When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? * What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality * What are you running out of time to say or do? * How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? * What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? Suggested Questions: Society & Culture * What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? * Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? * What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy * What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? * When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? * What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Our regular Sunday meetup at the Shirlington Dog Park -- members start arriving around 10:15 a.m. You'll always find an Aussie to play with. There are 3 entrances, so wander the park -- the dogs will find each other! For puppies, Shirlington has a small dog park within the larger dog park. It's the prefect place for your puppy to gain confidence and socialize with others. There is also plenty of room to run. Just a reminder, the Dog Park is under attack by the Arlington County Board of Commissioners. While early plans to decrease the size of the park by 50% has been tabled, it's important to remind Arlington County how important this park is to dogs and owners. Here are links to the change.org petition and the Facebook page where you can get updates. Shirlington Dog Park Page Petition: https://www.change.org/.../arlington-county-board-save... Arlington County Board: Save the Shirlington Dog Park! We love the Shirlington Dog Park -- it provides… change.org Shirlington Dog Park Page Shirlington Dog Park Page Save the Dog Park Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890

**Join us for some friendly one-on-one duels!** **BEFORE you arrive,** **Be sure that any decks you plan to use adhere strictly to Konami's most recent Forbidden & Limited List:** **[https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/limited/](https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/limited/)** **Also, we use a tier list for Advanced Format. Click the link below and see where your favorite archetypes are ranked. If you don’t see yours listed, consider what decks on the list that you’ve faced in the past and estimate your deck’s power level.** **[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rkHfUrfF3231DWamIeTTQ_VadYMvuo50xm_Q8Cp3zr0/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rkHfUrfF3231DWamIeTTQ_VadYMvuo50xm_Q8Cp3zr0/edit?usp=sharing)** **This tier list is NOT intended as a definitive ranking system for the metagame. It is merely an approximation to prevent one-sided matchups, which is an unfortunate feature of the game. We want EVERYONE to enjoy themselves and have a decent chance of winning. So, please bring at least 3 decks, each with a different power level (ideally an A tier deck, a B tier deck and a C tier deck). Notify your opponent of your deck’s ranking prior to each duel.** **Concerning travel,** **You may struggle to find an open parking spot near the venue, so it’s better to try 24th Street and the surrounding spots on Kalorama Road, Wyoming Avenue and Tracy Place. The best option may be the Metro. You’d exit at Dupont Circle Station.**

Questions/lost? Call 240-447-4796 Meeting place - https://maps.app.goo.gl/MQDKDrnVosSTp7Z69 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington-dc/national-arboretum-east-side 2.8mi Length 229ft Elevation gain 1–1.5hr Estimated time Loop This route is mostly paved roadway but there are more natural areas. The National Arboretum is 446 acres.

Let's visit my favorite Balkan/German restaurant in Old T. In my humble opinion, they have the best schnitzel in this area! They may have a special Easter menu. If there's interest, we could go to a movie afterwards. [MENU | old-house-cosmo](https://www.oldhousecosmopolitan.com/menu-2)

Check your bucket list with this amazing Safari which is tailored to give you a feel of five of Uganda’s Wild Parks, with this you are assured of viewing a number of animals which include the Zebras of Lake Mburo, The chance to see the Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi, Chimpanzees, Zebras and Antelope herds in Lake Mburo, the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha Sector and a day in between to relax and enjoy the wildlife. Highlights Visited Places: * Kampala * MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK * KIBALE NATIONAL PARK * QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK * BWINDI NATIONAL PARK * LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK Travel Experience: Wildlife watching (viewing lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo, elephants, and many more) Bird watching Game drives Gorilla trek Chimpanzees Local cuisine Boat ride Waterfalls Walking/Hike Tour Start Kampala Tour End Entebbe Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 4pm (Flexible) • Return: Day09 anytime after 7pm Airport: Entebbe International Airport (EBB) Itinerary Day01 Kampala City Day02 Murchison Falls NP Day03 Murchison Falls NP Day04 Kibale National Park Day05 Queen Elizabeth national park Day06 Queen Elizabeth NP Day07 Bwindi National park Day08 gorilla trekking - Lake Mburo NP Day09 Lake Mburo NP - Entebbe Airport Cost: $3690 (Double Occupancy) $4190 (Single Supplement) Inclusions Price Includes * Park fees (For non-residents) * Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident) * Chimp permits (One per person, non-resident) * All activities (Unless labeled as optional) * All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade) * A professional driver/guide * All transportation (Unless labeled as optional) * All Taxes/VAT * Roundtrip airport transfer * Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section) * Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section) Price Excludes * International flights (From/to home) * Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day) * Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.) * Travel Insurance ———————————————— For detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/uganda-9-days-murchison-falls-big-5-chimps-gorillas-trekking/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/uganda-9-days-murchison-falls-big-5-chimps-gorillas-trekking/) Questions? Text / Call - 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer

Join us after the walk for dinner at Royal Durbar Kitchen, a cozy Nepalese spot known for its rich flavors and warm atmosphere. Come hungry and ready to unwind with great food and even better company.

🎉 **Puzzle Palooza: PUZZLES OF ALL KINDS WELCOME at the Board Room! 🧩** Join us for **Puzzle Palooza** in our puzzle swap series! Whether you're into jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, sudoku, logic puzzles, or brain teasers, this event is for you. Bring any type of puzzle—whether it’s a challenging 1000-piece jigsaw, a captivating 3D puzzle, a fun puzzle book, or a unique brain-bending game—and swap it with fellow puzzle lovers. Let’s share the joy of solving and discover new puzzles to enjoy! 📅 **Date:** Sunday April 5, 2026 🕒 **Time:** 3:00 PM 📍 **Location:** [Board Room DC](https://boardroomdc.com/), 1737 Connecticut Avenue NW, WDC 20009, in the mezzanine. **Event Highlights:** 🌐 **Networking:** Connect with fellow puzzle enthusiasts over a game and some delicious drinks. It's a perfect blend of puzzles, games, and great company. 🧩 **Puzzle Swap Extravaganza:** Immerse yourself in a sea of puzzles as we transform the Board Room into a Puzzle Paradise. Bring your puzzles to trade, and discover hidden gems for your collection. 🎲 **Board Game Delights:** Enjoy the fantastic selection of board games available at the Board Room. Take a break from puzzles and explore a world of strategic challenges and social fun. **Agenda:** * 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm - check in and chat! * 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm - introductions and swap * 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - social puzzling **How to Join:** 1. **Save the Date:** This is your ticket to Puzzle Paradise. Mark your calendar and get ready for an afternoon of puzzling delight. 2. **Location:** Board Room DC, known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive game collection. [1737 Connecticut Avenue NW, WDC 20009](https://boardroomdc.com/) 3. **Spread the Word:** Invite your friends and fellow puzzle lovers. Let's make this Puzzle Paradise an unforgettable experience! \*\*\*Please note that if your puzzle is not swapped, you are still responsible for taking it home. **This is not a swap where you will be able to drop off puzzles and leave**\*\*\* For all of our Swap Series, please prioritize community safety. Ensure you're vaccinated before joining us. Your commitment creates a secure space for our shared love of cooking and good times. See you responsibly at the meetup!

Join us on April 5th as we invite you to enjoy a day of excitement as we are having The Easter Bunny Host the kids & family festival! Step into a world of family-friendly fun at Shipgarten, Tysons Corner, the top restaurant for families! Join us on Sunday, April 5th , from 12 PM to 6 PM, as we invite you to enjoy a day of excitement as we are having The Easter Bunny Host the Kids and Family Festival. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience! For your little ones Shipgarten has face painting and arts & crafts, allowing their creativity to shine. The fun doesn't stop there – we've got live music, great drinks, moonbounces, and a full outdoor playground to ensure everyone has a blast. Dogs are more than welcome at Shipgarten, whether on-leash or in our off-leash dog park. Treat your furry friends to Pup Cups and Kongs filled with peanut butter for a delightful family treat. \*\*\*Shipgarten opens at 11 AM & the festival runs from 12 PM until 6 PM. Restaurants close at 2 AM\*\*\* EVENT SCHEDULE: 12:00 - 6:00 PM - Easter Egg Hunts (40 kids per round until we run out of eggs)(Bring your own Easter basket) 12:00 - 6:00 PM - Face Painting, Moonbounces, and Arts & Crafts 12:00 - 3:00 PM - Live Magic Performance by Jake the Great Photos with the Easter Bunny But that's not all! we offer (2) 155" TV Walls, 8 TVs, 2 outdoor projectors, and 3 indoor projectors, ensuring you won't miss any of the big games. Shipgarten Offers: 2 Moon Bounces 2 Playground Sets Photo Booth with Accessories Kids’ Corner with Face Painting, Crafts, and More Outdoor Games & Activities Giveaways, Competitions & Prizes Dog-Friendly Atmosphere Bier & Samples Great Food FREE PARKING 1700 Old Meadow Road, McLean, VA 22102 Parking is conveniently located five minutes away by foot and we offer a completely free, pet friendly, and complimentary Shuttle Bus service that runs on a continuous loop to and from the venue and parking lot! Shuttle bus hours: Weekdays 3pm-close Weekends 11am-close Shuttle rides can be requested outside of continuous service hours by calling or texting(703)-712-7481 I will have a popup booth for [Swift Running ](https://www.topvirtualstaffing.com/best-running-walking-shoes)so I would be busy that way. But I will also do a scavenger hunt / mini activity. Park over here and there is a FREE shuttle or you can walk! ## [PARKING ADDRESS: 1700 OLD MEADOW ROAD, MCLEAN, VA 22102.](https://maps.app.goo.gl/SGX7NYjPUxiN3Y3m7)

Join us for a meetup lunch! Meet new people and make new friends. This will be a small size group for lunch. Members only please I Will have a reservation. Easy free parking! See you there!

Join us for an Easter brunch at Matchbox in Mclean followed by a springtime escape at the beautiful Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. ⭐️Brunch starts at 10AM. 📍Matchbox address: 1340 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101 💐Garden Tour will start after we finish the brunch, depending on when we finish brunch, but projecting a start time of 12:30pm. Will keep everyone posted here in the comments. 🐣Let’s celebrate Easter at Meadowlark Gardens surrounded by peaceful lakes, winding garden paths, and vibrant blooms — without the overwhelming crowds. We may also get a chance to see beautiful Cherry Blossoms throughout the garden. ✨ Open space to stroll and take photos ✨ Quiet corners for reflection and conversation ✨ Beautiful landscaped gardens and waterfront views ✨ A relaxed, unhurried atmosphere 💲entrance fee(pay at the visitor center upon arrival): Age 18 - 59 ----9.00 Age 60 and over ----5.00 This is your chance to truly experience spring. Soft petals drifting in the breeze, sunlight shimmering on the water, and room to pause and soak it all in. Let’s trade the hustle for harmony and experience the season that way its meant to be enjoyed. If you RSVP and your plans change you must remove your RSVP 48 hours before the event. No-shows are strongly discouraged and may be removed from the group based on the organizer's discretion.

Where Jazz meets Indian Classical music. For one night only, enjoy cross-cultural storytelling with a live band in an intimate, BYOB venue. \*\*\*\* An evening of story telling and live performances, featuring an improvised music group that combines Indian Folk music and Jazz. Led by Indian guitar player Eshaan Sood on guitar the band features Annie Orzen on Piano, Ivan Demarjian on Saxophone, Sam Schaeffer on Drums, and Brendan Nie on Bass. The band will be featuring music from their album Dream River as well as their upcoming album ‘Love & In The Absence Of’. Join us from 7 pm onwards for a relaxed Sunday evening filled with fusion music and storytelling at Ernie's Place, a cozy and BYOB music venue in SE DC. Zoo Animal Productions is an artist-run collective focused on diverse, alternative, and community-focused events in the DMV and beyond. Tickets are $15. [Get yours now.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sonic-alchemist-spring-tour-tickets-1985086306580?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Join us again this Saturday for drinks and sweets at this delicious Vegan co-op bakery. Mingle with likeminded Columbus Vegans. We will aim to sit outside after purchasing items and hopefully taking in cooperative weather. Special note on parking: Please try to park along Acton, Richards and/or Chatham streets so as to free up the lot at the back of the building for pick-up orders. Thank you. 😊 Patty Cake offers everything from cupcakes, cookies, cakes, muffins, whoopie pies, as well as gluten free goodies. They also have coffee, oat milk and cold brew

Dinner and dancing

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon