Birth Advocacy

[Gypsy Kitchen](https://www.gypsykitchendc.com/#gypsy-kitchen)'s menu is peppered not only with familiar ingredients like housemade hummus and whole roasted branzino, but also lesser known, delightfully flavorful creations like smoked duck prosciutto cured with oranges and tuna crudo with harissa and squid ink tuile. Small and large dishes ranging from $12 to $38. Take a look at the [menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f282a42c0c6057ff41202e8/t/68f00ee40354521ecb0ceb76/1760562916363/GKDC-MAIN-10.15.25-v1.pdf) for details. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: * **CASH only.** * **Only sign up if you can commit.** * **Do not sign up if you are a maybe.** * **Do not sign up if you were a no show or canceled at the last minute in 2026 for one of my events.** * If your plans change, update your RSVP even if you are in the Waitlist. * Individuals that don't show or cancel in the last 24 hours will not be able to join future events organized by me in 2026. * Four days before the event, I will ask everyone in the Going list to confirm they are attending. I will ask everyone to confirm by the end of the day. Individuals that do not respond/confirm will be removed from the list and I will ask who in the Waitlist would like to join. * Please, respect these simple instructions. * The organizer reserves the right to change, cancel, and/or manage the event as they see fit. See you at Gypsy Kitchen!

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer,https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "**I Accept**" to be permitted on the hike. **7 mile loop with a 679 ft. elevation gain that makes the hike the equivalent to a bit over 8.5 miles.** (400 ft gain = 1 mile) **Per Park Permit Guidelines, this hike is *limited* to *20 Hikers*** **Description**: **[Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm)** is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals. This hike starts from the **[Rock Creek Park Nature Center](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)**[ ](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)(Plenty of Free Parking; closed Mon/Tues), crosses Military Road heading north along the **[Western Ridge Trail,](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)** over the **[Boundary bridge](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)** and then south following the creek to the **[Valley Trail](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)**, and then back to the **[Nature Center.](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)** **Pace:** pace is about 2 - 2.5 mph while moving. **Bring**: adequate water/hydration, also snack/lunch, insect repellant as Tick Season is here and sturdy hiking shoes since there are rocky areas, tree roots and a stream crossing, **Dogs:** Dogs are **not** welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. **Weather:** weather in this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/NoMa+Washington+District+of+Columbia?canonicalCityId=5449cc9af33d6584872016be78d0340d)**[.](https://weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/NoMa+Washington+District+of+Columbia?canonicalCityId=5449cc9af33d6584872016be78d0340d) **Meetup Location:** we will meet in the parking lot of the Rock Creek Park Nature Center & Planetarium (Closed Monday and Tuesdays) at 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015. **GPS Coordinates : 38°57'34.1"N 77°03'05.6"W** **Maps** **[Hiking in Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/hiking.htm)** **[Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)**

If your body don't bend that way and you want to join others in a gentle yoga class please join us on Fridays at 9:00am. **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com.** The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

**Deep Learning Adventures** and the larger **Data Community DC** are thrilled to collaborate with **www.compiled.sh** by **Transpose Platform** and co-organize the largest AI hackathon event in DC so far! We are excited to collaborate with Truc Phan as well as Jeff Hale and Will Angel to make this large scale effort a reality. If you are an AI enthusiast, builder, product manager, UI/UX designer, student or simply enjoy using AI tools effectively, this event is made for you! We are looking for talented individuals and teams to showcase their skills and build awesome products during our hackathon event. There are significant monetary ($5K+) and swag prizes for you as well as direct feedback from selected **Y Combinator** startups. Join us today!!! PLEASE RSVP ON LUMA: [https://luma.com/bmabw4qr](https://luma.com/bmabw4qr) If you have any questions feel free to reach out directly! Thank you, **George Zoto, Truc Phan**, **Deep Learning Adventures** and **Data Community DC**

Now in its 10th year, the [The Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards](https://www.strathmore.org/nurturing-artists/bernardebb-songwriting-awards/ "Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards") showcases some of the most compelling emerging songwriters from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Finalists take the stage at Strathmore to perform their original work before judges select this year’s winners. The competition awards a $10,000 grand prize plus studio recording support, along with a $2,500 award to one talented songwriter under 17. All finalists in both the adult and youth categories receive additional cash prizes. Tickets are as low as $20 and include a dessert reception after which is very nice to socialize. **[Click here](https://www.strathmore.org/nurturing-artists/bernardebb-songwriting-awards/bernardebb-songwriting-awards-concert/)** to purchase tickets. Price goes up $5 the week of the event. The evening offers a rare chance to hear fresh, original music from artists on the rise and to celebrate the region’s vibrant songwriting community.

Greetings, Let's meet again (not exclusive to introverts, advocates, empaths, or neo-soul fans) for another Last Saturday of the Month **Advocates PreGame Dinner** at the Wharf DC SW Waterfront. **There is no obligation to dine or spend money if you RSVP as this is a free meet up event centered on building community, project development, purpose, partnerships, promoting advocacy, supporting others in various life goals, and conversing with those who share similar values and vision.** Topics include but are not limited to currently reading books, business partnerships, entrepreneurship, finances, relationships, conflict resolution, community service, health (e.g., habits, routines, self-defeating behavior, accountability), philosophy, metaphysics, and spirituality. **Restaurants and entertainment venues at the Wharf include but are not limited:** * **12 Stories Rooftop Lounge**--Hip Hop & R & B (usually opens at **6:00pm to 2:00am** for drinks, music, & food) * **Officina Italian Cuisine & Lounge** (**Great Energy Group hosts Saturday Night Hip Hop & R & B** weekly from **10:00pm to 3:00am**; **see link below)** * Live-K Karaoke (open until 3:00am) * **Restaurants/Entertainment Venues:** Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen (black/minority owned establishment), Fogo de Chao Brazillian Steak House (location of Dec 2024 dinner; vegan and plant based options available), Pappanonnock Oyster Bar, KinFolk Southern Kitchen, Bistro du Jour French Cusine, Mi Vida Mexican Restaurant; Zooz Cocktail Garden (Lounge & Bar), Charlie Whiskey's Lounge & Bar, La Vie Lounge and Restaurant; Politics & Prose Bookstore. **Additional Hip Hop and R & B Restaurants & Lounges across the DMV:** * The Gathering Spot NW DC (TGS; black owned co-working/networking space) * Eaton NW DC (Eaton Hotel/Wild Days Rooftop Lounge; vintage creatives space) * Gaia Supper Club NW DC * The Continent NW DC * Kitchen & Kocktails NW DC * AI Warehouse NE DC (MVEMNT DC's 90's/2000's Hip Hop & R&B Venue) * The Park 14th NW DC * Sost Lounge NW DC (Shaw/Howard/U Street Corridor) * Realm NW DC * Shanklin Hall Lounge NW DC (Adams Morgan) * HQ House (Gallery Place/Chinatown NW DC) * JoJo's Jazz Cafe (15th & U Street NW DC) **All are welcome to attend to include those of various backgrounds and ethnicities.** There is no set time to arrive so feel free to come as you please/arrange with others any specific plans. Parking Garages available, Waterfront Metro within 2 blocks of the Wharf, **ride share encouraged. If there are any questions or comments regarding this meeting, or if you would like to facilitate/co-facilitate (optional),** please do not hesitate to message via meet-up messages or phone at anytime, thank you. Note: Feel free to post/suggest, in the event chat/comment section, any **alternative Last Saturday of the Month evening/near future (e.g., April, May) events** (e.g., different dining locations, prescheduled events) if you would like to connect/PreGame with others regarding various activities in the DMV, thank you. **Great Energy Group Saturday Nights at the Wharf DC (25+):** https://www.greatenergygroup.com/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Alicia (202) 627-0361 Tuesday April 14th, 2026 12:00pm (update)

Greetings, Let's meet again for another end of the month Melanated Investors Book Club discussion. Last year, several individuals participated in the virtual 12 month review of **Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings'**--financial literacy experts, master investors, and founders of the Earn Your Leisure PodCast debut book **'You Deserve to Be Rich'** (released January 14th, 2025; see link below). Prior to that, Jason and Cassandra Lockhart facilitated monthly virtual discussions pre and post pandemic (2021/2022 to 2024) before planning thier wedding in 2025. For those interested in **in-person book discussions** **(informal)** to include various topics related to leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, financial literacy, and community services--**feel free to RSVP.** All are welcome to attend (no need bring a book or have read any featured text). As usual, feel free to discuss other topics to include books/content you are currently reading that extend beyond entrepreneurship. If you, or anyone you know, would like to partner, collaborate, or lead a discussion feel free to reach out via meet-up message or phone at anytime. Also, if there are any questions regarding this meet-up do not hesitate to reach out at anytime. Updates may also be added to the event chat/comment section at anytime, thank you. **Book Link:** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=you+deserve+to+be+rich&ref=nav_bb_sb](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=you+deserve+to+be+rich&ref=nav_bb_sb) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Alicia (202) 627-0361 Tuesday April, 14th, 2026 12:00pm (update)

This is an announcement for an event happening in DC. This event does not have an actual host. We hope you will attend and/or support this vegan lead initiative put on by friends of Rockville Vegans. Event Description: The Animals Lawsuit Against Humanity is an ancient animal rights fable that will be performed / read during DC Climate Week. For details please register at [https://luma.com/dzy3l4fl](https://luma.com/dzy3l4fl?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExY3J4Qk1JclBuNk54SFExVnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6Z69y823leLnAxGFleK8KNDQjkKhAC0XlJwQ1nZI2hZptFCGv-J57GCB-XVg_aem_QOLOKj3wpiqlHRimgIZSnw) .

Please be sure to RSVP here! https://stampede.proanimal.org/events 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.

Let's celebrate Brandon's birthday

**YES! YES!! YES!!!** **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

**💘 Zoom Speed Dating for Cleveland Locals – Matched by Age & Personality** A hosted online speed dating experience for Cleveland locals. We match you with compatible Cleveland locals using a quick personality quiz. You'll chat one-on-one on Zoom in short timed rounds while a host guides the session. **Pick your age group and sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=dynamic-local-singles-speed-dating-meetup&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=dynamic-local-singles-speed-dating-meetup&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** You need to register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- 👥 **Best for:** - 🎯 Busy professionals who don't want to waste evenings - Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting 🔄 **What to expect** 1. **Pick your age group** – Register through your link above. 2. **Complete the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Log in** – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show. 📍 **Event snapshot** - ⚡ **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - **Location:** Wherever you're comfortable – no venue, no travel 💡 **Tip:** Prepare a couple of questions — it keeps the conversation moving. --- ✨ Register, take the quiz, and connect with Cleveland locals tonight. 💓 ✨ Quick version: this one gets straight to the point. Built for clarity over length.

[The Kind Exchange](https://www.facebook.com/events/3087825058070662/) A gathering to share, swap, and connect with like-minded people who care about plant-based living, sustainability, and mindful choices. This is more than a swap — it’s a space to circulate what we already have and meet others in the community. Bring any of the following to share: * **Vegan-related books** (cookbooks, sustainability, mindful living, etc.) * **Plants or cuttings** (optional) Swap for something new-to-you from others. *The more you bring, the more there is to exchange!* Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly- [https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073](https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVGxJeFRub0FQNmhUcmF3VnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4u9YhVWcSkITKfEn_NajeEUIyxFrXbcaG0HjFHoQn-MCxKlhGlUpFAnsMIzw_aem_vo9QISntFpTtGskmWaVEkQ) Unclaimed books/plants at the end of the event will be donated.

Get ready for a fun night with amazing food, great energy, and even better company! 🥰✨ 🍽️ Portia’s Café — 6:30PM 🛼 Skate Zone 71 — 8:30PM Come join us for delicious vegan food and/or roller skating — it’s totally up to you! Whether you come for the food, the skating, or both… you’re in for a great time 💗 📍 Portia’s Café 4424 Indianola Ave Columbus, OH 43214 📍 Skate Zone 71 4900 Evanswood Dr Columbus, OH 43229