Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

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

Please bring white and dark shirts Small grass field Read comments below for latest info.

Join me and our member Yazmin M for a Sunday afternoon hike at Windy Run Park in Arlington! Getting to the waterfall at Windy Run is a fun little adventure right in Arlington! Most of the walk through the woods is nice and easy, but we will hop on some rocks to cross a couple of streams and go down a set of steep steps alongside the 35 foot waterfall. Yazmin says: I usually take my time going down as my left knee can be achy at times :) The hike should take about one hour and fifteen minutes. Wear shoes with good grip, and bring a water bottle, and mosquito repellent. We will meet by the park entrance on N Kenmore street. Yazmin recommends you park on the cul-de-sac around 2455 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22207. Let us know if anyone needs a ride from Metro, we'd be happy to help with carpooling. Hope to see you!

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/doggie-social-and-basic-training-tickets-723541160087](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/doggie-social-and-basic-training-tickets-723541160087)). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. ABOUT THE EVENT Come socialize with your furry buddy. Trainers will be on site and will give basic training on general obedience, tips and guidance for reactive dogs; while you socialize. Dogs have to leashed all time. TICKET PRICE : will increase soon. Payment Instructions : 1\. Click on the ticket link and 'Get Tickets' button\, after RSVPing\. Then hit the button\. 2\. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for\. **3\. If you don't have a Paypal account\, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card"\.** 4\. If you have a Paypal account\, simply log in\, and pay as you normally would via Paypal\. **How to Unblock the Pop-up Blocker on Your Phone** Many of our patrons advised us that they have a Pop-up Blocker on their iPhones and they hinders them from buying tickets. To unblock, please follow the following steps : For Safari Users : 1\. Go to Settings\. 2\. Scroll down to Safari and click on it\. 3\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. For Google Chrome Users : 1\. Open Google Chrome\. 2\. Click on the three dots and you will see many options\. 3\. Click on Settings\. 4\. Scroll down to content settings\. 5\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizers a message, letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. \****For further info, refer the Eventbrite Invite. We may have already answered one of your questions, see our FAQs.***

Come join us for a fun, relaxing day of hanging out, arts & crafts, and board games at the NoVA Prism Center! We will be providing supplies for various arts and crafts, but feel free to bring your own project or supplies as well! We will also have board games ready for use for anyone not artistically inclined (\*cough\*like Velvet\*cough\*) who still wants to join in and chill with friends. Be sure to bring some games from your own collection as well, as ours will be somewhat limited. In addition, this is a fursuit friendly event! This is a FREE event, and is all ages! Everyone is welcome. This will take place at the [NoVA Prism Center](https://novaprismcenter.gay/), a locally-run 501(c)(3) organization/community center for queer folks in Northern VA. The staff at the NoVA Prism Center have very generously allowed us to use their facilities for this event for free, so please have the utmost respect for your surroundings, and clean up after yourselves. The NoVA Prism Center is also kindly providing light snacks and beverages! ✨As a thank you to the NoVA Prism Center for letting us use their space, please consider [donating to the organization ](https://givebutter.com/3EJN5K)if you have the ability – even a few bucks here and there helps!✨ Looking forward to seeing you all there!

**Important: you must go to the Poplar Spring website to [register](https://www.classy.org/team/811995) for the race and [join Team VSDC.](https://www.classy.org/team/811995) (It is very helpful to RSVP here on Meetup as well, for communication purposes.)** Join [Team VSDC](https://www.classy.org/team/811995) as we support the [Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary Annual 5K Run for the Animals and 1-Mile Fun Walk ](https://www.animalsanctuary.org/events/)on Sunday, May 17th. All funds raised will go towards [Poplar Spring's](https://www.animalsanctuary.org/) lifesaving work every day. The funds will care for and feed the farm animals who live at Poplar Spring and educate the public about compassion towards all animals. The VSDC has been a participant in this event for many years. Registration Fee for both the Run and Walk by April 5, 2026: $28.00 April 5 – May 16, 2025: $30.00 Race Day: $35 To join the Team VSDC register [here.](https://www.classy.org/team/811995) More[ info on the 5k run and fun walk is here.](https://www.classy.org/event/poplar-spring-animal-sanctuarys-run-for-the-animals-2026/e766174) If you register on this page, be sure to select "Join a Team" and [choose Team VSDC](https://www.classy.org/team/811995)! There is also a virtual race option that takes place anytime during the week of May 17th. For important updates regularly monitor the "comments" section below. Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

**Details:** You \*must\* read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and answer the question “I accept” when you RSVP to be permitted on the hike. Meet at the outdoor plaza at McDonald’s across from the Rosslyn Metro entrance on N. Moore Street. Street parking on Sundays should be free, but double check just in case. This is an 8 mile hike that will start on N. Lynn Street. We will cross the bridge, go into Georgetown, and heads towards the waterfront. From there we will use various streets to make our way to our first stop: East City Bookshop ([https://eastcitybookshop.com](https://eastcitybookshop.com)). From ECB we will head to our next stop, located on H Street: Solid State Books ([https://www.solidstatebooksdc.com](https://www.solidstatebooksdc.com)). Once we leave Solid State, we will head back towards Eastern Market, where there is a metro station that can take you back to Rosslyn (hike leader plans to do exactly this). \*\*\*Optional brunch stop at Mr. Henry’s prior to book store visits\*\*\* Mr. Henry’s menu can be seen here: [https://www.mrhenrysdc.com/menus/#brunch](https://www.mrhenrysdc.com/menus/#brunch) We hike at a pace of 2.5 to 3.0 mph while moving. Leader: Michele Douglas (703) 463-0597

🌿✨ **Let’s Explore the State Arboretum of Virginia Together!** ✨🌿 📍Address: 400 Blandy Farm Ln, Boyce, VA 22620 🕚time: 11:30AM meeting time 🍷 After the arboretum, we will be visiting Bluemont Station Brewery for food and drinks. Please join us there after the arboretum. 📍Address: 18301 Whitehall Estate Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135 🅿️Parking: if entering Blandy from Route 50, simply follow the paved road to the information kiosk and main parking area on the right. If that area is full, extra parking is available in the grassy field marked 'visitor and bus parking'. There are additional smaller parking areas at several locations around the arboretum's gravel loop road. Please only park in designated parking areas - parking elsewhere can damage plants and underground tree roots. Ready for fresh air, beautiful scenery, and great company? Join us for a relaxing and scenic meetup at the **State Arboretum of Virginia** in Boyce, VA! 🌳 Wander peaceful woodland trails 🌼 See stunning seasonal blooms 📸 Capture gorgeous nature photos 😊 Meet awesome, like-minded people Whether you're a nature lover, casual walker, photography fan, or just looking to get outside and connect — this event is for you! The arboretum offers wide open meadows, forest paths, and beautiful landscapes that make for the perfect weekend reset. ✨ What to bring: • Comfortable walking shoes • Water bottle • Light snack (optional) • Your positive vibes! This will be a relaxed, easygoing walk with time to explore, chat, and enjoy the scenery together. No pressure — just good people and beautiful surroundings. **As always please remove your RSVP at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot make it. Organizer is tracking all no-shows and those who do not remove their rsvp, we reserve the right to remove you from the group if you are not abiding by our policies** Let’s make it a day of fresh air, new friendships, and natural beauty. See you there! 🌞

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/doggie-social-and-basic-training-tickets-723541160087](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/doggie-social-and-basic-training-tickets-723541160087)). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. ABOUT THE EVENT Come socialize with your furry buddy. Trainers will be on site and will give basic training on general obedience, tips and guidance for reactive dogs; while you socialize. Dogs have to leashed all time. TICKET PRICE : will increase soon. \*This event usually sells out and this year won't be an exception. ***SPACE IS LIMITED.*** Event will occur whenever a rain date is rescheduled. Payment Instructions : 1\. Login to see the 'Pay Now' button\, after RSVPing\. Then hit the button\. 2\. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for\. **3\. If you don't have a Paypal account\, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card"\.** 4\. If you have a Paypal account\, simply log in\, and pay as you normally would via Paypal\. **How to Unblock the Pop-up Blocker on Your Phone** Many of our patrons advised us that they have a Pop-up Blocker on their iPhones and they hinders them from buying tickets. To unblock, please follow the following steps : For Safari Users : 1\. Go to Settings\. 2\. Scroll down to Safari and click on it\. 3\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. For Google Chrome Users : 1\. Open Google Chrome\. 2\. Click on the three dots and you will see many options\. 3\. Click on Settings\. 4\. Scroll down to content settings\. 5\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. Refund and Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizer a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE TICKET. IT RULES.**

Free Argentine Tango fundamentals classes weekly for OneLife McLean (Regency) members in McLean Virginia! Nonmembers may pay for the health club entrance at the door ($30) and use the club for the day, which includes the dance classes, use of the pool, weights, tennis, etc . . This series runs from 12 April through mid-June every Sunday 230-330. Following the tango class, there is a dance workout class from 330-430, also included. Drop-ins welcome, though we recommend coming early in the session if you are new to tango. If any questions, text Todd at 202-361-8633.

Join Team Rockville Vegan's for the Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary's Run for the Animals 5K!! This annual event is a great way to run in a fully vegan race (that means no worrying about the post race snacks... you can eat ALL of them!) and hang out with local vegans! The race has options for both runners and walkers! There is also a virtual event if you are unable to be there on a Sunday morning. You can join our team here: [https://pro.gofundme.com/team/818034](https://pro.gofundme.com/team/818034) **Please note that you must join the team and register for the race in order to participate.** RSVPing to this event only lets us know that you are interested. **We will not be at the entrance off of Arcola, please make sure you use this address for your GPS:** Wheaton Regional Park 2000 Shorefield Road Wheaton, MD US 20902 (Shorefield Road is off Georgia Avenue.)

While some are still meeting online, this is an in person event. Please note that we have attendees of all levels of speaking, including some native speakers. All are welcome! Also, as we meet at the same time and place each week, many don’t RSVP on the app, so we will likely have more attendees than noted here. Note: if you are asked to pay and upgrade the Meetup app, this is not necessary. You can ignore this and still attend our meetings. Find us on our [Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EKw86WJCp/?mibextid=wwXIfr).

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (**Tremont** Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.