Brazil

Let's get outside on the MBT for a brisk walk. As it's getting cold, we'll be keeping a slightly faster than social pace walk to keep ourselves warm. We'll walk down the MBT from Brookland to NoMa and back (about 3 miles total). Please check the weather to make sure you're dressed warm enough! See you there!

Come join us for bingo at Atlas Brew Works in Alexandria. It's free to play. Win prizes on every round, and the winner of the final round gets a $50 Atlas Brew Works gift card for your next visit! More information: https://atlasbrewworks.com/pages/events#calendar-c3cfc1a3-4344-434e-a1b2-fb876f819883 Parking: Wegmans has a parking garage (via the Stovall St entrance) and is next to Atlas Metro: Eisenhower Ave (yellow line)

The [Pedro Sauer Academy of Self-Defense](https://pedrosaueracademy.com/) (PSA) [Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program](https://www.pedrosaueracademy.com/kids-jiu-jitsu-herndon-va/) 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**. This [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) 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), PSA 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** \-\- PSA has a **dedicated seating area** where you can comfortably **observe your child’s progress** during class; parents may also take advantage of the PSA **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**. A **[free seven-day trial](https://pedrosaueracademy.com/)** is available for non-members.

Beginner-friendly evening [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) class at [Pedro Sauer Academy](https://www.pedrosaueracademy.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 [self-defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense) 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 **Monday** and **Wednesday** and includes **one hour of guided instruction** followed by **one hour of optional open training** (live rounds, drilling, review, and research). Loaner **gis are available** if you need one. **Drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20** and can be **paid on-site** or **[sign up for a trial week for free](https://www.pedrosaueracademy.com/)**. We are located in **Suite #130** \-\- let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest\.

Capoeira (capo-way-ra) is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that is unlike any other martial art. Capoeira incorporates flowing movements with kicks, dodges, and some acrobatics. It is often mistaken for a dance for those reasons. Since it’s origins in the 17th century, it has evolved from a secret fighting practice into an art emphasizing self-expression and community celebration. It is great for the body and mind! In addition to gaining strength and flexibility in class, students learn about Brazilian culture, history, and language (Portuguese). On November 26, 2014 capoeira was granted a special protected status as "intangible cultural heritage” by UNESCO. The session is offered InStudio only. **Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.** 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.

Come hungry for culture, community, and feijoada. The kick off to Afro-Bahia Fest starts here. Not only will enjoy typical culinary trats from Bahia, there will be live music plus dancing. this w I ll be a night you won't forget. Get your tickets now!

Get started! Whether you are experienced or a complete new thisdrum class offers fun for you. Learn the basics of popular Brazilian rhythms: samba, samba reggae, axé, ijexa and more. We provide the drums in a fun atmosphere to learn. Drop in:$15

Samba gives a great cardio work out and introduces to Brazilian culture. Join the fun staff of Vava United School of Samba instructors for a samba experience. 8:00pm class is for absolut beginners to dancers looking to sharpen technique. 9:00pm is for experienced sambistas that want to heighten their stamina, learn Combinations and love the samba rhythms. Beginners ($15) Intermediate ($15)

Located at the Thurgood Marshal Center in DC at 1816 12th Str., NW, come two days of dancing and drumming. Discover the African roots of Brazilian culture in Bahia. Brazilian expert dancers and drummers lead you through this 2 day cultural journey. Get your tickets now for classes and Taste of Bahia https://www.eventbrite.com/e/festival-afro-bahia-food-taste-2026-o-que-e-que-a-baiana-tem-tickets-1415884090429

It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Cacao comes from a tree that has been used by Mexican, Central and South American indigenous cultures for spirituality and healing purposes. The main characteristic of this sacred medicine is opening the heart. During this ceremony we will practice the sacred ritual of drinking ceremonial grade cacao in its purest form to open our hearts to invite ancestral healing. Ceremony will be followed by a soothing and relaxing sound healing for you to bathe in the sounds of vibrational instruments. Everyone is welcome to join this ceremony. In this Curanderismo Cacao Ceremony with Sacred Cacao we will respectfully honor the spirit of Cacao in the traditional ways from the Yucatan Peninsula. Ceremony will be lead by Jenny Perez a Curandera and Shamanic Healer who has worked together with her teacher and elders to facilitate Cacao Ceremonies in the most respectful way , honoring the spirit of Cacao and Los Abuelos de la tradicion (The Elders of the curanderismo tradition and guardians of the sacred cacao).\*\*\*No photography, video recording, or recording of any kind is permited during the ceremony without prior written and aproved authorization. No part of this ceremony or its entirety may be replicated or claimed as your own without legal writen concent from Jenny, Curanderas Heart, and her legal team. Failure to comply will result in legal action by Curanderas Heart legal team. Be respecful of this tradition and all the elders involved in making it possible to preserve this tradition and its sacred ways\*\*\*. Start hydrating yourself a day before the Ceremony \*\*IMPORTANT NOTE:\*\* It is possible to experience some side effects such as nausea, sweating, headache, and nervousness with overconsumption of cacao. Please consult with your doctor before consuming ceremonial Cacao. This ceremony is not for people who are pregnant and/or have a heart condition or if taking SSRIs medications. What you may experience during this ceremony: Heart Opening and Heart Expansion Connection with your heart and emotions Transformation Chakra Balancing Deep healing of emotional wounds, grief, and traumas Ability to connect to your higher self, and ancestors. Improve emotional balance. Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace Ability to create self-love and improve relationships. What to bring: Your own water bottle Comfortable clothes to lay down An Eye Mask or bandanda if you have one Your own yoga mat or use one at the studio Your own blanket or use one at the studio Optional:A small offering for the altar such as a piece of fruit or flower About Jenny Perez Curandera: Jenny is a full time Curandera and Shamanic Healer. Her core values are to LIVE IN HARMONY with great spirit, the elements, nature, animals and people. DO NO HARM TO OTHER PEOPLE, PLANTS OR ANIMALS. In the traditional Curanderismo that Jenny practices the foundation is LOVE AND RESPECT to the spirit world, towards animals,plants, people,free will and the elders who guard the curanderismo tradition (Los Abulitos de la tradicion). Private bookings are available for ancestral healings,energy clearing , energy balancing and tarot readings. If you would like to book a private energy session or tarot reading before/after ceremony send an email to [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) or text (703)531-7046 ( Visit our site for more information on our upcoming ancestral healing ceremonies, trauma release ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, women circles, breathwork sessions and energy clearing ceremonies to bring balance to mind, body and spirit) Stay connected via IG @curanderasheart Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with food options and street parking. Space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe. Due to limited space pre registration and arriving on time is very important. DATE: SUNDAY TIME: 1pm-3pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS CLOSED IT MEANS SESSION IS ALREADY IN PROCESS AND IT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SESSION IS OVER. Energy Exchange: $88 Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit5 Arlington VA 22205 Info: WWW.CURANDERASHEART.COM [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) 703\. 531\.7046 call or text What you may experience during this session: Improve emotional balance, Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace. Ability to create self-love and improve relationships \*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: Due to the extensive time and effort that it takes to prepare the sacred Cacao there are no refunds for missed or cancelled reservations.\*\*\*\*

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

**Welcome to the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky’s Support Group.** *\*\*This meeting has been moved to the 4th Monday of each month.* This group is a safe space for **survivors of traumatic and acquired brain injuries**, as well as their **families and caregivers**, to find support, share experiences, and connect with others who understand the journey. Whether you're newly injured, a longtime survivor, or supporting a loved one, you’ll find comfort, information, and encouragement here. Our professionally facilitated groups offer a confidential, compassionate setting for healing, learning, and growing together. Join us to discover the power of community—because no one should walk this road alone. *All survivors of ABI/TBI and those who care for them are welcome.* \* This meeting is for persons with brain tumors and their guests. \*\* This is a hybrid meeting. For those meeting in-person dinner is served at 5:45pm. Online begins at 6:30pm.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

**Every Thursday @ 7pm** 2390 Harper Isabelle, Columbus, OH 43235 **Register online at [enso.dance](https://enso.dance/?utm_source=meetup)** Pay what feels right. All proceeds support future events and 100% of tips are paid directly to artists. **June Curriculum** 7pm: All Levels Zouk 8pm: Practice party **No partner or dance experience required.** We rotate regularly and lessons are adjusted for students in class. Non-grippy footwear (smooth soles or socks) is recommended. BYOB. Come ready to connect and have fun! **Your Hosts:** **Alexandra** brings over 10 years of partner dance experience having travelled the world over to develop her skills as an ambidextrous dancer. Equally fluent in leading and following Kizomba and Zouk, she also enjoys dancing Bachata Sensual, West Coast Swing, Contact Improv and Argentine Tango. As a community builder, her goal is to create inclusive spaces where dancers from all backgrounds and experiences are welcome. **Pixie** is the okayest service dog and **[Chief Happiness Officer](https://enso.dance/cho)** in residence. Ask us about her Ducky Squad and our mission to build the community and support local artists. Present. Connected. Beautifully Imperfect. We are **Ensō** dancers.

Unshackled will be one of the largest The Prisoners wines tasting in the nation this Thursday, hosted by Stuart, in my absence. The Prisoner Wines have several dozen white and red blended wines using unusual combinations that are very different than traditional blends from Bordeaux or The Rhone regions. ***The Prisoner Red Blend*** is comprised of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Sirah, Syrah, Merlot, and Malbec. ***Saldo***, in the $30 range, has Petite Sirah, Grenache, Syrah, Mataro, Verdelho, and Cabernet Sauvignon. ***The Prisoner Chardonnay*** has, Chardonnay, Viognier and Gewürztraminer. You get the idea: no traditional limits in blending grapes. I will get a table for people to gather. It will be crowded, so be patient with this very popular. Feel free to bring your own food as it is welcomed at this local gem or order from the newly opened Worthington Inn, or local favorites such as Dewey's, Everest, Jet, Worthington Tavern and The Whitney. Each person pays their tasting fee, typically $15, and gets their wine glass, then approximately five pours of the wines being served. **Parking is tough**. Try the second lot behind House Wine accessed by the land by the back parking lot or the municipal lot one block north of House Wine. **Waiver and Liability and Attendance Policy.** Participation by you and your guests means you agree to the Waiver of Liability and Attendance Policies on our Group Page. People who have two more or Attendance policy violations are subject to removal from the group.