Charlotte

This group was originally started by Chad Keith who created and hosts a podcast by the same name in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping to continue his legacy here in NoVa as I recently moved to this area. This group is all about finding community around self-improvement and exchanging ideas on how to be your best self and get the most out of life. This group is for anyone who is interested in overcoming average in all areas - career, ambitions, relationships, hobbies, health, everything. I am so excited to meet driven individuals in the NoVa area so please reach out if you have any questions at all. EVERYONE is welcome so please sign up for an upcoming meetup!

Summer is outdoor film season in DC, so let's take advantage of a free flick while having some fun near the water hanging with fellow LGBTQ+ vegan or veg-curious folks. The Wharf's [Sunset Cinema ](https://www.wharfdc.com/sunsetcinema/)will be showing the 2007 film *Hairspray*, which was directed/choreographed by Adam Shankman, who identifies as LGBTQ+. It also features John Travolta in drag. While it's a fun musical, the spirit of the film is centered around acceptance of all people, and that's definitely something we need more of in our country! Folding chairs and blankets are allowed (and encouraged, as other seating is very limited). In the event of rain, the Wharf may cancel the showing. In that instance this event will be also cancelled and the host will post an important comment to alert people that it won't proceed. **When:** Wed. June 10 at 7pm, to provide some time to chat (film starts at 7:30). **Location:** The film will be shown at the Wharf's Transit Pier ([970 Wharf Street SW](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RsMaFth9br8LDN8FA)). The event host will get there early and try to hold as much space as possible and will update the group with a comment regarding her specific location so it will be easier to find her. **Transportation:** The Wharf is near both the [Waterfront ](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/waterfront.cfm)and [L'Enfant Plaza](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/lenfant-plaza.cfm) metro stops. (See the [Wharf website ](https://www.wharfdc.com/getting-here/)for more details on getting to the venue.) **Cost:** Free ***About the Group*** *Unless noted otherwise, VSDC's LGBTQ+ events are intended for queer/questioning folks who self-identify as LGBTQ+. The events are meant to serve as a safe space to share community with other self-identified queer or questioning LGBTQ+ vegan or vegan-curious people. However, we appreciate our allies and we plan to host "LGBTQ+ & ALLIES" events approximately quarterly - to welcome non-queer allies into our events in order to share community with our fellow vegans/veg curious VSDC participants. If the event is an "& ALLIES" event, it will be clearly identified as such in the name of the event. Any person who participates in an "& ALLIES" event must be supportive of LGBTQ+ persons, their lifestyle, and their gender expression; unsupportive or combative individuals will be removed from events and banned from future VSDC LGBTQ+ events. Please note that any and all questions related to gender/LGBTQ+ issues that may arise during either LGBTQ+ or LGBTQ+ & ALLIES events must be posed ONLY to event host, Susan, and not be asked of any other meetup participants in order to respect their privacy and promote their personal safety.* **Update Your RSVP** Please change your RSVP if you can no longer make it. **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.**

*tickets sold out* 🎬💧 Reel tears incoming. Join DC Black Girl Film Club and @CryinginDC for a special Happy Hour + screening of *Moonlight* (2016), Barry Jenkins' Oscar-winning coming-of-age masterpiece. The evening includes Happy Hour, the screening, a brief group discussion, and a curated goodie bag featuring a handmade *My Cry Guide* zine, stickers, tissues, and snacks. 🕕 6:00–6:45 PM — Happy Hour 🎬 7:00–9:15 PM — Screening + discussion *Moonlight* is a deeply moving coming-of-age story that follows a young man across three defining chapters of his life as he navigates identity, love, vulnerability, and self-discovery. 🎟️ **Tickets must be purchased in advance via Posh to attend.** 👉 Secure your spot here: **[Get Tickets on Posh](https://posh.vip/e/dc-black-girl-film-club-crying-in-dc-present-moonlight)** Only guests with a valid Posh ticket will be admitted, as space is limited. We look forward to seeing you there!

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

***Feel free to come earlier to ensure we have enough courts!*** **Remember to bring a can of new or lightly used tennis balls.** By signing up to this Meetup event, you agree * To practice effective social distancing and hold yourself 100% responsible for protecting yourself against exposure to Covid-19 and any other cooties. * To not hold anyone (including Meetup.com) liable should you be exposed to Covid-19 by attending this event. * To decline attending if you suspect you have any of the Covid-19-related symptoms (we can wait until you're better to show your tennis prowess). Please bring a can of NEW tennis balls. As usual, this meetup is cancelled if the weather doesn't permit us to play If you see others waiting to use the courts, please limit your play to one short set (best of 5 games), where the losing team rotates out. Thanks in advance!!

Please be sure to RSVP on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988904319359?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest list. **When you arrive, ask for the owner of Spark Social, Nick Tsusaki and sit with the Party of Six group.** Be sure to let Nick know you are there from Go Gay DC. Order on your own from the [menu](https://spark-dc.com/pages/menu-2). Come join us for a fun and friendly **in-person** gathering! It’s the perfect chance to meet new people, share stories, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with the **LGBTQ+ community**. Whether you're looking to make friends or just hang out, everyone’s welcome. Grab your favorite drink and let’s make some great memories together! This event is free to attend. We hope to see you there. In addition to coffee selections, the venue offers a good food and drinks [menu](https://spark-dc.com/pages/menu-2). $10 signature cocktails; $7 premium rail; $5 grilled cheese. **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. U Street Metro (Yellow/Green line) is only a few blocks away. The venue is adjacent to Crush Bar. This event is a safe space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for ages 21+. Please feel free to invite all your friends to join you there! This event is hosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com)**, Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It now reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com) . Go Gay DC's founder is **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)**. Go Gay DC is on social media: Mingle with fabulous LGBTQ+ folk and allies. Bring your friends and meet new people from all over the world. Casual attire is fine. You are welcome regardless of where you live. Guests from DC, Maryland, and Virginia often attend. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Two-spirit Straight Allies

LET’S MEET, MINGLE & KICK OFF SUMMER! It’s been a while since we’ve gotten together, so let’s catch up, relax, and enjoy a fun afternoon with great company! 📍 **Where**: McCormick & Schmick's 2010 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202 🕟 **When**: Saturday, June 13 4:30 PM–6:30 PM 🎟️ **RSVP Fee**: $5 Click below to reserve your spot: [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VJohnsonMeetupcom/5.00](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VJohnsonMeetupcom/5.00) *Please pay the nominal administrative fee using the link above. Your name must be on the attendee list to participate. Registration is not complete until payment is received.* **What to Expect**: • Great conversation and networking • Drinks available for purchase (beer, wine, cocktails, and more) • Food available for purchase (burgers, wings, sandwiches, and more) **Please note: There is no happy hour pricing on Saturdays.** **Important Information**: • Meet us in the bar area. We do not have reserved space. • Everyone is responsible for their own food and beverage purchases. • Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive. **Parking**: • Free parking after 4:00 PM (please read posted signs). • Do not park in the residential condo parking areas across the street—you may be towed. Bring your friends, co-workers, and positive vibes. I look forward to seeing everyone! **EVENT RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK**: By attending this event, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with your participation and agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Valerie Johnson, Meetup.com, the event organizer, event hosts, and their representatives from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, injuries, illnesses, expenses, or causes of action arising out of or related to your attendance or participation in the event. This release includes, but is not limited to, matters relating to food or beverage consumption, food allergies, alcohol consumption, venue conditions, parking, transportation, personal property loss or theft, bodily injury, illness, accidents, negligence of third parties, or any other occurrence before, during, or after the event. By attending, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own actions, decisions, safety, health, property, transportation, and purchases.

Tall Ships Weekend--Walking Tour of Historic Alexandria, Virginia, Sunday. June 14! On the weekend the tall ships berth in Alexandria, take a stroll around the town's core. Walk in the footsteps of George Washington, and many others! Old Town has an astonishing dense array of famous persons and events, and eye-catching architecture. Immerse yourself in one of America’s most fascinating locales. MEET on the waterfront outside the Maritime Center, 0 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314 Fee: Prices start at $23. About 2 hours in length. Pre-register and Pre-pay at-- Eventbrite: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-tall-ships-to-top-notch-tour-historic-alexandria-virginia-tickets-1990820763495?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-tall-ships-to-top-notch-tour-historic-alexandria-virginia-tickets-1990820763495?aff=oddtdtcreator) Or PayPal, sending $24 to: [paypal.me/EMoser460](http://paypal.me/EMoser460) Or pay $23 in cash at the start of the tour. Our fun itinerary will select from: • Hometown of Presidents, Generals, Admirals, Musicians, Educators • Schools founded by George and Martha • Torpedo Factory from the world wars • The noted architects behind its stunning architecture • Locale of a famous Confederate, and Union Army, sculptor • The worst peacetime accident in Navy history • How the town started a world war • Locale of the biggest slave escape in U.S. history • Historic churches and cemeteries from revolutionary days • George and Martha’s home away from Mt. Vernon • Civil rights sit-downs and Underground rails • The site of the first six Presidential inaugural balls • The nation’s narrowest houses • Where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were hatched • The first fatalities of the Civil War • The ghostly Mysterious Stranger • World-famous "Captain's Row" • The floating mansion • A presidential fistfight • The Curse of the Black Cat • The family that got Pierre L'Enfant fired • Graves of the Civil War and the "Second American Revolution" • The attack on a Revolutionary War hero And more! Your guide is a former “Tonight Show” writer, an ex-Presidential speechwriter, & author of the adventure novel rooted in Alexandria's wild history, The Old Town Horror-- [https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic/dp/B0BW2WR85N/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=](https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic/dp/B0BW2WR85N/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=) And this book on D.C.’s history, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: Crime, Scandal & Intrigue in the History of Lafayette Square: [https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette/dp/1476674868/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1555118270&sr=1-1-catcorr](https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette/dp/1476674868/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1555118270&sr=1-1-catcorr) And a book of fun essays on U.S. history & culture: [https://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Things-American-Should/dp/1596525495](https://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Things-American-Should/dp/1596525495) Also a book on the history of Congress: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJoCU6LsCM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJoCU6LsCM) The guide's tours are rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor!: [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html) Think history’s dull? Think again! Lots of free street parking on the side streets south of King St. Nearest metro stop is King St., with a free trolley bus from there. As the 250th anniversary of America approaches, take a lovely, informative walk through America's most historic town.

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Capital City Social is at Dirty Habit’s courtyard for an elevated outdoor social that is curated for DC’s creative, professional, and social crowd. **👇RSVP HERE FOR ENTRY 👇** [REGISTER HERE FOR ENTRY](https://posh.vip/f/70573?t=meetup) ✦ WHAT’S INCLUDED 🍾 Welcome drink ticket on arrival — wine or beer included with every ticket 🌴 Access to Dirty Habit’s courtyard for their pop-up Tiki bar (perfect for summer) 🎮 Light social programming and icebreakers with exclusive prizes 📸 Professional photography throughout the evening 👥 A room full of DMV professionals, locals, and newcomers who actually showed up ✦ DRESS CODE 👗 Summer linens, tailored neutrals, cream tones. think European summer ✦ THE DETAILS 📍 Dirty Habit Courtyard — Kimpton Hotel Monaco 555 8th St NW, Washington DC ⏰ 5:00 PM — 8:00 PM 🌅 Look for the Capital City Social sign at the courtyard entrance ✦ GOOD TO KNOW 💳 Dirty Habit applies a 20% auto-gratuity to all bar tabs — plan accordingly 📸 Photographers will be present — by attending you consent to photos being used for Capital City Social content 📋 All attendees agree to our community [terms and standards](https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/e/2PACX-1vS3KSK5lP-hDyGynBgCvOEotnuXv7s92BI72K0ZPMPyn5qXW7ODT4n8lOJvnhkkdqX9Kf0m5f7ucKaM/pub) to keep the group safe, welcoming, and fun for all 🚫 No athletic wear. Dress code is non-negotiable. ✦ FOLLOW THE COMMUNITY Stay in the loop for every drop, early bird alert, and future event. 📱 Instagram: @capitalcitysocial Tickets are non-refundable.

**Gonzo's Nose is the most popular party band in the national capitol area. Formed in the summer of 1996 by four musicians from the College of William and Mary, Gonzo's Nose brings solid musicianship to a massive setlist of cover songs, which range from the early 80's up until songs that hit the radio just yesterday.** **We will meet by the beer tent.**

**Can we ever get enough of the Pool Boys???** **We will meet by the beer tent**

Join us for a fun afternoon of board games, card games, etc! Bring your favorites or play a game that someone else brings. You are welcome to bring snacks (for yourself or to share) and non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP will remain open until the start of the event!

***Feel free to come earlier to ensure we have enough courts!*** **Remember to bring a can of new or lightly used tennis balls.** As usual, this meetup is cancelled if the weather doesn't permit us to play If you see others waiting to use the courts, please limit your play to one short set (best of 5 games), where the losing team rotates out. Thanks in advance!!

**You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer,** [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](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.** **This will be an "out and back" hike covering 9.2 miles with 469 feet of elevation gain. We'll start at the Bike Lane Bike Shop and Brewery and hike on the W&OD , the Twin Branch Trail and the Meadowlark Connector Trail. At the end of the hike we can gather for a beer or other cold beverage at the brewery.** **Meadowlark Botanical Garden is one of the true gems of Northern Virginia and features a Korean Bell Garden.** **To quote from the** ***Washington Post***\*\*:\*\* **"The only Korean Bell Garden in the Western Hemisphere is the place to start: The centerpiece is a natural wooden pavilion — built entirely without nails — holding a three-ton bell, handmade in South Korea and decorated with flora and fauna. The garden also contains a mix of plants native to Korea and Virginia, protective figures carved from volcanic rock called dol hareubangs, walls decorated with images of flowers and symbols of longevity, and a koi pond with a fountain. "** **To quote from the Meadowlark Garden website:** **" Koi swim in Lake Caroline as if parading their gem-like scales among the snapping turtles with decades of filamentous algae streaming from arching shells. October highlights are: False aster (Boltonia asteroides), azure monkshood (Acontium carmichaelii), Canadian burnet (Sanguisorba minor)."** **We'll stop at the Meadowlark Visitor Center where you can relax, browse the exhibits or take a stroll in the Gardens (General Admission $9 with $5 for those over 60).** **We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 mph while moving.** **You must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain.** **Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.** **https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy** **Please note only service animals are allowed in the Garden and Visitor Center so canine hikers will have to wait outside during our stop.** **Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174** **Park Entry Fee: see above description for optional stroll through the Garden** **Map for hike:** **https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-1b24bc3?u=i&sh=iypgzx**