Child Welfare

Join us for a volunteer day helping the animals at Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in Potomac, MD. Before attending this event, you must sign a liability waiver. Please use this link https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/ The chores you will be doing are physical. You will be working on big projects that require many volunteers like removing old bedding, sanitizing stals and replacing with new bedding, along with the daily clean up chores. Wear boots and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Feel free to bring a filled water bottle. On sunny days a brimmed hat and sunglasses may be helpful. Sunscreen is also suggested. Please do not bring any food or yummy-smelling items on your body or in your bag as our animals love to eat and are on special diets. Out of respect for the animals, we do not allow any food with animal products to be consumed at Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary. Please ensure that all edible items are plant-based (no dairy, no cheese, no cow’s milk ice cream, no meat, no fish, no eggs). Thank you for your cooperation and respect for this. It is very important to us. There is a gift shop where you can browse and warm up during the event. Please post your pictures and tag Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and Rockville Vegans! We are limited to 30 volunteers, so please change your RSVP if you cannot attend. If there is interest, we may go out to eat in one of our local vegan restaurants afterward.

Each month we will gather in community for mindfulness meditation and activities. There will be time for collective family practice as well as time for parents and children to break-out into groups and engage with peers. Rooms will be right next door to each other. We request that children under the age of 5 stay with caregivers. Learn more and subscribe to updates and newsletters [here](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=751).

Speaker: Michelle Kleinhans is an avid native-plant gardener and nature lover who has transformed her conventional yard into a haven for wildlife. She will share with us fascinating facts about backyard fauna, explain why native plants are key to animal wellbeing and biodiversity, and steps you can take to protect local wildlife, even if you don't have a yard of your own. Finally, she will discuss how native-plant gardening relates to veganism and how one can practice animal-rights activism within the gardening community. 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.

Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment? This free intro class is a simple way to get started. Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Takoma Park with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting. You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn. This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain. If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Takoma Park, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start. **What you will work on** * Breathing and staying calm under pressure * Movement that improves balance and mobility * Awareness and posture * Simple partner drills * Practical self-defense training for beginners **Who this class is for** * Adults new to self-defense training * Beginners looking for a low-pressure class * People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts * Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes **What to wear** Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required. **Why start with this class** This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes. **RSVP** Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Takoma Park.

**The Soul Remembers What the Mind Forgets with Sister Jenna** In honor of **Dadi Prakashmani**, whose life embodied deep spiritual awareness and the power of remembrance, this special evening invites us to look beyond the limits of the mind and reconnect with the truth of the soul. Through a heartfelt sharing of walking alongside Sister Gita during her journey with Alzheimer’s, we will gently explore what remains when memory begins to fade. While the mind may forget names, places, and moments… the soul continues to hold love, impressions, and a quiet knowing that cannot be erased. Held during **Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month**, this reflective gathering offers space to: * See beyond the fear of memory loss * Discover the deeper identity of the self as a soul * Find meaning, patience, and growth through caregiving * Experience the power of love that remains constant This is not just a talk, it is a moment to pause, reflect, and remember who we truly are. Even when the mind forgets… the soul remembers. Sun., June 7th, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/KwXdf](https://shorturl.at/KwXdf)

Whether you're Deaf, HoH, an interpreter, an ASL student, or just want to learn or practice American Sign Language (ASL), we welcome all levels of signers to come join us for an evening of ASL socializing and practice. This event occurs on the first and third Sundays of every month, in the heart of Fairfax County at the Fairfax Wegman's (corner of Route 29 and Monument Drive). We can be found on the upper level, typically near the stairs. We generally start around 7 pm. ASL beginners are welcome, but you should know the ASL alphabet and some basic signs - this is not an ASL class, but the more experienced signers are generally happy to help beginners learn and improve. There is no better way to develop your signing skills then by joining the conversation with other signers. There is a place for everyone to join, learn and practice. Regardless, we are always welcoming so don’t be discouraged to attend; this is very informal and new folks are always welcome. Note, some attendees arrive early and grab some of Wegman’s food for dinner, so you can combine a shopping trip with the ASL practice.

Discover the path to stress management, life's tranquility, and self-improvement through Heartfulness Meditation. Embrace relaxation, meditation, and emotional detoxification practices to unlock your best self. Join our free sessions every Sunday at 8 AM at VA. Experience the profound benefits of these simple yet powerful practices. Commit to a few months of meditation and witness the transformative impact firsthand. We eagerly await your presence at these enlightening sessions.

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.

Optional 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?

Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles

4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?

Optional Questions: AI & Being Human

7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?

Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning

10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?

Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche

13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?

Optional Questions: Work & Purpose

16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?

Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection

19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?

Optional Questions: Time & Mortality

22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?

Optional Questions: Society & Culture

25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?

Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy

28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Join us at Loudoun Station District Park on Sunday for a movie + giveaway! **Movie: Rudy** Cheer on Rudy and take home a mini football as we celebrate big dreams, underdog spirit, and a little gameday fun!

This Sunday we will be discussing grief. We can grieve anything that mattered changed, ended, or never came to be. 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. 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.

# What About Artificial Sweeteners? When: Sunday, June 7, 2026. 11AM, Doors open at 10:45 for coffee Where: Green Hedges School, 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA 22180 Margaretha Backers-Netherton, RN BSN, will review the history, uses, benefits and negative effects of these widely used chemicals. Please join us for Sunday Platform at Green Hedges School, Vienna, VA After the meeting, we plan to go out to lunch together at Vienna Thai restaurant. For those who cannot come in person, this is the zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85147568797?pwd=2TQNpZPubvub435R7H9cEaKWrTWgaS.1 **Margaretha Backers-Netherton, RN BSN** Falls Church, VA Margaretha is a board certified member of the National Society of Health Coaches. She holds degrees in Biology, Education and Nursing and has experience as an ER, Home Health and Wellness Nurse. She works with employees of various business and organizations to improve their health and presents programs at various communities and veg fests throughout the country. She has been a vegan for over 30 years and holds a Plant Based Nutrition Certification from Cornell, certified as a Food for Life Instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, has a Master Fitness Certification from the Cooper Institute and has two daughters and a grandson. We will be collecting for **City Wildlife**. If anyone has gently used linens, towels or cloths the animals always need them. If anyone has furs they're ashamed to have, they are welcome to turn them in for the rescued animals to bed in. They're always in need of recycled newspapers also. Doors open at 10:45 for coffee. Come early get coffee!

What's better than brunch? Brunch with the LGBTQ+ community, of course! Join the Dulles Triangles at 11:00 AM for a dazzling brunch at **[Amphora Diner](http://amphoragroup.com/amphoras-diner-deluxe/)**, located at **1151 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170**. This is your chance to catch up with old pals, make some new ones, and bask in the glory of a Sunday well-brunched! Amphora’s menu is as diverse as our community, offering everything from omelets and pancakes to divine bakery treats. Seriously, their pastries are more irresistible than a shirtless Ryan Gosling holding a puppy! **RSVP Required!** Amphora needs a headcount beforehand, and adding seats at the last minute is like trying to squeeze into last year’s pride outfit—tricky! To ensure you get a seat at the brunch extravaganza, RSVP on Meetup or in the Dulles Triangles Facebook group by the day before. Those who RSVP get priority seating, and we promise not to judge if you show up in sequins. Remember to ask for Dulles Triangles when you arrive. Use the links below to RSVP and secure your spot faster than you can say "mimosas." This event is usually held on the first Sunday of each month, but check for updates because we like to keep things as flexible as our dance moves. Keep an eye on the current schedule so you don't miss out!

HSLC has many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever families! Come meet them at the Petsmart in Leesburg from Noon to 2:00pm on Sunday, June 14th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit [Humane Society of Loudoun County](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/) If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, [complete an no-obligation application today](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/adoption-process/) to expedite the application process.

Dive into a transformative experience at our Be Yourself Dance Fitness: Hip hop, Latin dance, African, Bollywood, a FUSION of World Dance! Come feel the vibes!! Awaken Your Spirit. [Come share your love for dance, movement, and spirituality where you will BU & LIVE ALIVE, step outside of your zone, align your chakras through rhythmic expression. Explore the connection between movement and consciousness as we guide you through sound healing sessions and exercises to enhance your spiritual awakening. ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNYX9RVF)Whether you are new to chakras or a seasoned practitioner, Be Yourself Dance Fitness offers something for everyone. Connect with like-minded individuals in a welcoming environment focused on love, happiness, and self-discovery. This event is perfect for those interested in exploring the intersection of dance, spirituality, and fitness. Let go of inhibitions, unleash your creativity, and elevate your mind, body, and soul. Don't miss this opportunity to embark on a journey towards holistic well-being and self-realization. Bring bottle of Water and plenty of attitude. The Event is Free , However, We accept donations $Cash APP $BU314 Venmo: Wayne-Christopher-8

Title: Talk/listen about life-changing loss and grief, and care-giving challenges We have created “LET'S TALK - Leesburg” and you are invited to attend. Folks meet to give and receive support dealing with caregiving or life-changing events. This activity is for any one that is experiencing powerful life changes such as loss of independence, caregiving challenges, any loss that has been a life-changing blow to them or has significantly changed their life, including the loss of a precious person. Participants who attend the “LET'S TALK” group say that the group is a place to: Feel safe, to talk or to listen, gain understanding of experiences, and foster confidence! Realize that: “I Can do …” , “Get my equilibrium back.” “LET”S TALK” invites participants to come together...so that they might share the feelings, thoughts, questions, challenges and concerns. This activity is facilitated by a professional counselor.

Join Storyteller TaraTheBard on a magical storytelling adventure in Bluebeard's Bride, a femme horror tabletop role-playing game published by Magpie Games. In this story-focused game, each participant takes on one aspect (sister) of Bluebeard's Bride from the famous legend: witch, animus, virgin, mother, or fatale. Together you'll navigate Bluebeard's house and the horrors within, at last coming upon a forbidden room. The setting for this story is the year 1776 in Virginia, United States, as the colony experiences its revolution. Unlike the published editions of the game, this session focuses on the topic of empowerment through witchcraft. Because of this, in this session, one participant must occupy the role of witch. This game is friendly for gamers of all experience levels! Safety mechanisms, off-limits topics, character creation, and rules will happen at the start of the session. Please feel free to bring comfort items such as fidget spinners, blankets, or tea. As this is a story tabletop adventure and not a larp, costumes are not required -- however, they are always welcome! Pens, character sheets, and dice, and all game materials are provided. No preparation is required. 18+ only. All genders welcome! Subject matter will not include depictions of SA or slavery, but will explore serious, gender-based subject matter. Because this event is strictly limited to 5 participants, you must register here on Meetup to play. Please be sure to update your registration as soon as possible should you be unable to attend, as there has been a lot of interest in this event. You're welcome to download the core book materials from the publisher for free: https://magpiegames.com/products/play-materials-corebookbbb?_pos=5&_sid=ee39e96dd&_ss=r *Learn more about the game from the publisher here:* https://magpiegames.com/pages/play-bluebeards-bride **Meet your host: Tara!** Tara C. is a storyteller and witch specializing in narrative magic and story-based shadow work. Her professional background includes a career in writing, marketing, live action role play (larp) design, and publishing. Tara holds a BA in English from McDaniel College. Her publications include "American Banshee: Poetic Offerings," co-authorship of "The Poe Project" (a one-man play) and thousands of high-ranking blog posts and articles online. She enjoys spending time with her pug, reading and watching time-traveling romances, and traveling to Iceland.

BreadBreakers is a community where we can discuss hard things while keeping sight of each other's humanity. What better way to practice that than a community forum on immigration? **The [Northern Virginia Returned Peace Corps Volunteers](https://novarpcv.org/) (NOVA RPCVs) has invited the BreadBreakers community to partner with them on a community forum they are hosting to talk about immigration** — history, current issues, and potential solutions. Come and be part of a nuanced, curiosity-first conversation on this important issue! Immigration experts Kamana Mathur and Tom Carroll will provide an overview of the current immigration landscape, take questions, and lead a discussion across diverse viewpoints. The goal is constructive dialogue, improving understanding, and identification of common ground where it exists — and after the session, the hosts will compile the discussion into a white paper outlining suggested reforms. ***New to BreadBreakers?*** BreadBreakers is a community that, in a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time. At our main monthly gatherings, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, check out [our next community dinner on May 28th](https://www.meetup.com/breadbreakers/events/314435661) and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. BreadBreakers is a collaboration between [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA and the wider community where people of all faiths, beliefs, and “stripes” can create a shared town square together. Our leadership and community is a blend of people who attend Restoration, and people who don’t. We are a place where those of all walks of life can hear and be heard, without trying to convince or convert.

Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment? This free intro class is a simple way to get started. Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Rockville with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting. You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn. This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain. If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Rockville, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start. **What you will work on** * Breathing and staying calm under pressure * Movement that improves balance and mobility * Awareness and posture * Simple partner drills * Practical self-defense training for beginners **Who this class is for** * Adults new to self-defense training * Beginners looking for a low-pressure class * People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts * Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes **What to wear** Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required. **Why start with this class** This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes. **RSVP** Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Rockville.

**Learn to Relax Kids: Growing Calm, One Little Breath at a Time (Ages 3-7)** Help your little ones discover the joy of calm! ***Learn to Relax Kids*** is a playful and engaging workshop introducing young children to simple meditation, kid-friendly yoga, and fun relaxation exercises designed just for them. Through movement, breath, and imagination, children learn how to center themselves and feel safe, peaceful, and confident. While the children enjoy their session, parents are invited to a special **Learn to Meditate class**, offering easy and practical tools to create more peace and balance at home. Sat., Jun.13th, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm. Held at Meditation Museum - Virginia, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl., Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA 20151. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/QYakZ](https://shorturl.at/QYakZ)