Cooking with Organics and Herbs

This guided ceremony will begin with Cacao; followed by two meditative shamanic Journeys. If the weather is nice, this will be held outdoors around the fire in our large fire circle. If not, we will move it to our fire indoors. We do not announce the style or direction of our journeys ahead of time as we wait to be guided with spirit and the soul of the group arriving. Some journeys take us to the lower worlds and some have us meeting with spirits from higher realms. We typically start with inviting in the spirit of Cacao to help open our hearts and then follow with two guided journeys, each with time after to journal and share. **Transformative Cacao Ceremony:** This will be a journey into the heart guided by the healing power of sacred cacao. Rooted in ancient traditions, this ceremonial experience honors and offers a safe, nurturing space for reflection, connection, and renewal. With Cacao, we will open our hearts, set our intentions and awaken the sacred space for the shamanic journeys. **Guided Shamanic Journey**: Often, these include guided visualization into the realms of Earth Magic and include other elementals. Others include bringing in energetic systems such as trance posture, drumming, rattles as we access deeper states of awareness, inner healing, and spiritual connection. Occasionally, we are guided to bring in other support tools such as crystals, flower essence, sacred herbs, light breathwork etc. All are welcome as long as you come with an open mind and respectful heart. **WHAT TO BRING**: Please bring a mug (for cacao), along with a pen and journal to help reflect what arises in your journeys. If you have a special blanket or amulet, you are welcome to bring that as well. RSVP is requested so we properly accommodate and spaces are limited to ensure an intimate experience. Reserve your spot today and embrace the journey of self-discovery and community connection. **FIRST TIMERS**: No prior experience necessary. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out or crystal shop. **IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS**: The address is 15406 Riding Stable rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (under 10 MPH) as to not stir any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway so it’s important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. **COST**: A Suggested scale based on your comfort level of $20-30. If you would like to contribute in another way, please reach out to us in advance to inquire. With Love & gratitude

This guided ceremony will begin with Cacao; followed by two meditative shamanic Journeys. If the weather is nice, this will be held outdoors around the fire in our large fire circle. If not, we will move it to our fire indoors. We do not announce the style or direction of our journeys ahead of time as we wait to be guided with spirit and the soul of the group arriving. Some journeys take us to the lower worlds and some have us meeting with spirits from higher realms. We typically start with inviting in the spirit of Cacao to help open our hearts and then follow with two guided journeys, each with time after to journal and share. **Transformative Cacao Ceremony:** This will be a journey into the heart guided by the healing power of sacred cacao. Rooted in ancient traditions, this ceremonial experience honors and offers a safe, nurturing space for reflection, connection, and renewal. With Cacao, we will open our hearts, set our intentions and awaken the sacred space for the shamanic journeys. **Guided Shamanic Journey**: Often, these include guided visualization into the realms of Earth Magic and include other elementals. Others include bringing in energetic systems such as trance posture, drumming, rattles as we access deeper states of awareness, inner healing, and spiritual connection. Occasionally, we are guided to bring in other support tools such as crystals, flower essence, sacred herbs, light breathwork etc. All are welcome as long as you come with an open mind and respectful heart. **WHAT TO BRING**: Please bring a mug (for cacao), along with a pen and journal to help reflect what arises in your journeys. If you have a special blanket or amulet, you are welcome to bring that as well. RSVP is requested so we properly accommodate and spaces are limited to ensure an intimate experience. Reserve your spot today and embrace the journey of self-discovery and community connection. **FIRST TIMERS**: No prior experience necessary. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out or crystal shop. **IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS**: The address is 15406 Riding Stable rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (under 10 MPH) as to not stir any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway so it’s important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. **COST**: A Suggested scale based on your comfort level of $20-30. If you would like to contribute in another way, please reach out to us in advance to inquire. With Love & gratitude

Ready for a little ocean air and a break from the routine? Join Social Sips & Bites for a relaxed weekend visit to the Ocean City Beach , think sunshine, salty air, casual walks, great food, and even better company. This is an easygoing getaway where you can come for the beach, the conversations, or just the change of scenery. Whether you want to dip your toes in the water, enjoy a long walk along the shore, or hang out and unwind, this trip is all about enjoying the moment together. If you’re interested, let us know and we’ll share more details soon.

Join William and Steve for small group brainstorming. Maximum 12 people for event.

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.**

**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.**

Welcome to Sunday Connection, a monthly **movement class and community potluck**. Join master teacher Ann Kite **in person on Sundays at 1:00 PM** at Carderock Springs Swim & Tennis Club. Dance is both an individual and shared experience. You’re welcome to interact as much or as little as you’d like. Please arrive with heartfelt respect for yourself and everyone on the floor. **Potluck** Bring a dish to share, plus a plate, fork, and cup to keep it simple and low-waste. If bringing food isn’t easy this week, just bring yourself. Your presence is the real nourishment. **Purchase tickets here:** https://www.annkite.com/sundays

Socialize, mingle and dance the night away, your memorable one, rubbing your shoulder with DC's party snobs. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO ENJOY THE EVENT. 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. ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** **This is also a wicked 'MeRtUp'!** **What is MERTUP?:) Mer + Meetup = Mertup.** **Mer is known as the Meetup guy. He likes to connect people and his fans coined that name for him. So, at his events, everyone will become a Wing Person to everyone:) When you get get there, we will introduce you to someone and you will be responsible to introduce that person to another person. That is MERTUP!** We will have specials, including our usual suspect MERtini:) Dress code : Weekend Casual Event is free and 21+ * Come one, come all; YOU COULD FLY SOLO TOO:) This is the most friendliest event you have ever attended! * Feel free to invite your friends. They don't necessarily have to be a member * Ideal for either you are new in town or not, to make friends and acquaintances * RSVP on Meetup is required. That is how we check you in. * We will have a registration station and check you in. Cover is $20. **But it is FREE with RSVP.** **Fellas, it is hard to pass on this!** **DEETS :** **Cover is $20. But it is FREE with RSVP.** ***\*Registration/PREGAME : 8:00PM-9:00PM*** ***You'll receive your wristband . If you can't make it by 10pm TEXT/EMAIL YOUR QR CODE to a friend, so that they can pick everything up for you.*** ***Also, you can text us at (202) 368-1878, after 10pm. So that we would let you know which club we are at.*** ***But the party continues till 3AM!*** **YOU NEED OUR WRISTBANDS FOR A FREE ENTRY AT THE CLUBS.** ***\- Celebrate your birthday or your moments \(Graduation\, Anniversary\, Promotion\, Retirement\, Bachelorette/Bridal parties\,\.\.\.\.etc\) in life with us\!*** ***\- For bottle specials\, table reservation and girls night out TEXT 202\-368\-1878\.*** ***\~\~\~\~\~CHECK-IN DETAILS\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~*** ***1\. You need our wristband to get the VIP Entrance\.*** ***2\. Photo ID: Everyone will be required to have a valid photo ID with them in order to enter\. If you forget your ID\, you will not be allowed in\.*** Payment Instructions : 1\. Click on the ticket link and '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 it 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. http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/5/6/600_434918742.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/1/3/6/600_418768982.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/9/c/600_434918812.jpeg

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.)

Community Backyards Workshop Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) * Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 * Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM * Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. Feel free to come whether or not you've started or finished the book. • Small snacks will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group.

Community Backyards Workshop .Community Backyards Workshop - Westerville Join us for the Westerville Community Backyards workshop! This is a FREE class on how you can protect our waterways and environment with small changes in your gardening habits. We will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but not required. * Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082 * Date and time: Sat, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM * Organizer: Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h2w5ms8 **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!