Democratic Party

This is a unique event. More than 20 embassies from countries that have French speakers will have booths with incredible home-made food and interesting wines and beer. The catch is that it's always packed, but there is always plenty of food. So if you like to sample all kinds of foods, enjoy dancing, and don't mind the crowds and the splurge (around $60 including food, and drinks for the first two hours), it is a yummy, fun-filled party with a distinct French accent! I waited a couple days to post to make sure tickets are still available. It usually sells out pretty quickly. **\*\*Here is [the link](https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/2026lgf?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MAR26eMLaGrandeFete3.2.26&utm_content=version_A&promo=287221) to buy the tickets.\*\*** Also it's not a walk-around-with-the-group kind of event, though we will try to meet up later in the evening when the live musical entertainment starts. Just too crowded. The key is to get in line outside as early as possible - by 6 pm if you can. That will give you about 30 minutes of access to all the food booths before it gets nuts. The annual month-long Francophonie Cultural Festival spotlights the music, art, literature, film, cuisine, and customs of French-speaking countries and regions from across the globe. One of the celebration’s highlights, La Grande Fête is always *magnifique*, and this year’s bash is no exception. The don’t-miss event is your passport for a world tour of francophone cultures. Starting at 7 p.m., sample food and drink from more than 20 embassies as you explore each nation’s unique attractions and traditions. Participating organizations and countries include France, Belgium, Guinea, Canada, Gabon, Kosovo, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, French-American Chamber of Commerce, Tunisia, Québec, Central African Republic, Alliance Française of Washington, DC, Democratic Republic of the Congo—and that’s just the start of the growing list. This year’s live entertainment features TBD.

Performing all of your favorite pop-punk and emo songs from the late 90s through the new millennium. Your favorite songs by Artists like: Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, Blink-182, New Found Glory, Green Day, Good Charlotte, Sum 41, Fall Out Boy, Yellow Card, The Used, Brand New and everything in between! https://therechermd.

Come check out the Carter Farm Band at Tommy Joe's. Fantastic group of musicians playing the softer side of classic rock music. Admission is free, the food is great, and the crowd will be fun!

Come celebrate the golden anniversary of the showcase transit of Washington, the Metrorail! We'll be traveling back and forth over the original stretch of the Red line that opened on March 27, 1976, distributing [t-shirts](https://transitenthusiastsdc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/t-shirt-order-form.pdf), balloons and stickers. Once we've spread our cheer, we'll retire to the Metro Bar just outside the Rhode Island Avenue station to reminisce and celebrate more. Join us! **NOTE**: Our "official" celebration begins at 4:30. We may add a noontime celebration if there is enough interest. Please email me at williamrice63@gmail.com if you'd like to participate in the earlier event. **ALSO NOTE**: WMATA has of this writing not yet announced what it is doing to celebrate. We will monitor its communications and keep you updated if we adjust our activities to accommodate the agency's plans.

Reserve a spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lgbtq-community-happy-hour-dik-bar-tickets-1979649544077?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. DIK Bar is located upstairs. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that historic **[DIK Bar](https://www.dupontitaliankitchen.com/dik-bar/)** (aka Windows) is hosting Go Gay DC! Get ready for another gathering of members of the LGBTQ+ Community! About 20 LGBTQ+ folk from all over the DMV and world are expected. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Arrive anytime that's convenient for you! Most attendees will likely arrive by 7:00 p.m. You're welcome regardless of where you live. Bring friends and meet new people. This is the place to be. This LGBTQ and Allies community-wide social provides everyone a chance to socialize, network, and share community spirit in a spacious setting. This event is being boosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com/)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com/) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com/) At this exciting event, you'll even get to meet Go Gay DC's Founder **[TJ Flavell](http://www.tjflavell.com)**! Fabulous people from all over the world are expected. Name tags will be provided. It's FREE to attend; cash bar. There will be a bartender on duty; cash or credit card is fine. Casual attire is fine; this will be a relaxing and fun time. The event is free to attend but registration is highly recommended to get in. [See the happy hour menu](https://www.dupontitaliankitchen.com/Bar-Menu/). Dupont Italian Kitchen has been serving delicious Italian cuisine for over 30 years. But it’s so much more than just another Italian restaurant. It’s a second home to a loyal crowd of regulars, a hangout spot for LGBTQ+ residents and their families, and a beloved part of the 17th Street community. It’s one of the District’s top spots for people watching—where you can enjoy a Mimosa or Sangria on the patio as the crowds pass by. But perhaps most importantly, it’s one of the rare restaurants left in DC that retains a small-town feel—where the customers and staff know each other on a first-name basis. Invite your friends. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. (Note to handicapped There is unfortunately no elevator.) 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) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies nonbinary non-binary

Sister Event! - Frontrunners, the Mid-Atlantic's AI conference! You're invited to the Frontrunners AI conference, March 27th, in Arlington, VA at GMU's Van Metre Hall. Frontrunners will be a single day tech conference this year featuring AI and data topics. You can read all about Frontrunners here: [Frontrunners](https://frontrunners.tech/) If you want to speak at Frontrunners, submit your talk here: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedNNa4N64vgfsvAtGcBngKJrtd3h1_x0T019GTW-rSwCj0jQ/viewform](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedNNa4N64vgfsvAtGcBngKJrtd3h1_x0T019GTW-rSwCj0jQ/viewform) This is a paid event, so you will have to register at the Frontrunners AI site or at the direct registration link is as follows (but please also RSVP on this meetup to help us reach others): [https://frontrunners.ticketspice.com/frontrunners-2026](https://frontrunners.ticketspice.com/frontrunners-2026) Thanks. We hope to see you there.

Please come celebrate at our Signature Gathering Kick-off Party for Initiative 86! Join us at this historic venue to enjoy Troy's Pizza, hear from guest speakers like DC Council candidate Dr. Oye Owolewa and learn about how to help end force-feeding in DC! Come grab your shirt, clipboard and petitioning supplies and sign up for your first shifts with us! Please RSVP here: https://stampede.proanimal.org/event/1771948474043x670321768175763500

**Blossom: Spring Cherry Blossom Kickoff Party 🌸🎶** Let's celebrate the start of spring in style! Join us for an outdoor patio party at Dirty Habit in downtown D.C-great vibes, great music, and great company. **WHAT TO EXPECT:** 🎶 **Music:** Hip-hop, R&B, reggae, oldies, and new hits spun by a live DJ 🌸 **Setting:** Outdoor patio at Dirty Habit 🍹 **Vibes:** Food, drinks, cigars (if that's your thing), and lots of people ready to celebrate 🎯 **Crowd:** Mature vibes \| 35 & Up 💰 **Tickets:** FREE right now (non-table reservations), but prices will increase soon-grab yours early! 🎟️ **Get your tickets here:** [Blossom Spring Cherry Blossom Kickoff Event](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blossom-spring-cherry-blossom-kickoff-event-tickets-1984049058142) **GETTING THERE:** 🚇 **Metro:** Gallery Place-Chinatown or Metro Center (both walkable) 🚗 **Driving:** Street parking + nearby garages available **MEETUP LOGISTICS:** I'll create a GroupMe chat for everyone attending so we can coordinate and meet up at the event. RSVP here, and I'll add you! Spring is here, the cherry blossoms are blooming, and the vibes are unmatched. Let's make this Sunday one to remember! 💜👑

Come help us end force-feeding in DC! Join us for petitioning training for Initiative 86! Please be sure to RSVP here! https://stampede.proanimal.org/events 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.

Greetings, Let's meet again (not exclusive to introverts, advocates, and/or empaths) for another Last Saturday of the Month **Advocates PreGame Dinner** at the Wharf DC SW Waterfront. **There is no obligation to dine or spend money if you RSVP as this is a free meet up event centered on building community, project development, purpose, partnerships, promoting advocacy, supporting others in various life goals, and conversing with those who share similar values and vision.** Topics include but are not limited to currently reading books, business partnerships, entrepreneurship, finances, relationships, conflict resolution, community service, health (e.g., habits, routines, self-defeating behavior, accountability), philosophy, metaphysics, and spirituality. **Restaurants and entertainment venues at the Wharf include but are not limited:** * **12 Stories Rooftop Lounge**--Hip Hop & R & B (usually opens at **6:00pm to 2:00am** for drinks, music, & food) * **Officina Italian Cuisine & Lounge** (**Great Energy Group hosts Saturday Night Hip Hop & R & B** weekly from **10:00pm to 3:00am**; **see link below)** * Live-K Karaoke (open until 3:00am) * **Restaurants/Entertainment Venues:** Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen (black/minority owned establishment), Fogo de Chao Brazillian Steak House (location of Dec 2024 dinner; vegan and plant based options available), Pappanonnock Oyster Bar, KinFolk Southern Kitchen, Bistro du Jour French Cusine, Mi Vida Mexican Restaurant; Zooz Cocktail Garden (Lounge & Bar), Charlie Whiskey's Lounge & Bar, La Vie Lounge and Restaurant; Politics & Prose Bookstore. **Additional Hip Hop and R & B Restaurants & Lounges across the DMV:** * The Gathering Spot NW DC (TGS; black owned co-working/networking space) * Eaton NW DC (Eaton Hotel/Wild Days Rooftop Lounge; vintage creatives space) * Gaia Supper Club NW DC * The Continent NW DC * Kitchen & Kocktails NW DC * AI Warehouse NE DC (MVEMNT DC's 90's/2000's Hip Hop & R&B Party Venue) * The Park 14th NW DC * Sost Lounge NW DC (Shaw/Howard/U Street Corridor) Realm NW DC * Shanklin Hall Lounge NW DC (Adams Morgan) * JoJo's Jazz Cafe & Lounge NW DC The Diner NW DC (Adams Morgan; 24/7) **All are welcome to attend to include those of various backgrounds and ethnicities.** There is no set time to arrive so feel free to come as you please/arrange with others any specific plans. Parking Garages available, Waterfront Metro within 2 blocks of the Wharf, **ride share encouraged. If there are any questions or comments regarding this meeting, or if you would like to facilitate/co-facilitate (optional),** please do not hesitate to message via meet-up messages or phone at anytime, thank you. Note: Feel free to post/suggest, in the event chat/comment section, any **alternative Last Saturday of the Month evening/near future (e.g., March, April) events** (e.g., different dining locations, prescheduled events) if you would like to connect/PreGame with others regarding various activities in the DMV, thank you. **Great Energy Group Saturday Nights at the Wharf DC (25+):** https://www.greatenergygroup.com/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Alicia (202) 627-0361 Sunday March 1st, 2026 12:00pm (update)

The Oscar Awards Ceremony is one of the best ceremonies, where fashion designers show off their talent. Let us watch it together. The full list of nominations for the 2017 Oscars (http://oscar.go.com/nominees). Every nominee, every category, every detail you need is right here. What was nominated for Best Picture (http://oscar.go.com/nominees/best-picture)? Arrival, Fences, Hacksaw Ridge, Hell or High Water, Hidden Figures, La La Land, Lion, Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight all secured Best Picture nominations. The nominees for Actor in a Leading Role (http://oscar.go.com/news/nominations/best-actor-nominations-2017-oscars) include Casey Affleck, Andrew Garfield, Ryan Gosling, Viggo Mortensen and Denzel Washington. For Actress in a Leading Role (http://oscar.go.com/news/nominations/best-actress-nominations-2017-oscars), Isabelle Huppert, Ruth Negga, Natalie Portman, Emma Stone and Meryl Streep were nominated. Check out the complete list of nominations below. Let the glitz, glamour and prestige begin! Watch The Oscars LIVE! OSCAR SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26 7e|4p on ABC. Ruth Negga is an Ethiopian-Irish actress who has appeared in the films Capital Letters (2004) (also released as Trafficked in some countries), Isolation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isolation_(2005_film)) (2005), Breakfast on Pluto (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakfast_on_Pluto_(film)) (2005), Warcraft (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft_(film)) (2016) and Loving (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loving_(2016_film)) (2016). She has also played roles in television, such as in the BBC (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC)'s mini-series (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini-series) Criminal Justice (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_Justice_(TV_series)), RTÉ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RT%C3%89)'s Love/Hate (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love/Hate_(TV_series)), E4 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E4_(channel))'s Misfits (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misfits_(TV_series)), and ABC (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Broadcasting_Company)'s Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel%27s_Agents_of_S.H.I.E.L.D.). In 2016, she began a starring role as Tulip O'Hare in AMC (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC_(TV_channel))'s Preacher (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preacher_(TV_series)). For her portrayal of Mildred Loving (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loving_v._Virginia) in Loving (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loving_(2016_film)), Negga was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Actress), Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Globe_Award_for_Best_Actress_in_a_Motion_Picture_-_Drama), Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Spirit_Award_for_Best_Female_Lead), Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actress (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critics%27_Choice_Movie_Award_for_Best_Actress), and a BAFTA Rising Star Award (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BAFTA_Rising_Star_Award). http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/f/b/600_458018907.jpeg We will have the whole venue by ourselves, with a humongous projection screen and several TVs. Drinks and food specials (5-7pm) : - Domestic Beers and Wings Pairings $ 1 0 - Mer-Tini $ 8 - Bottle Service (Bottle of Ciroc with Chicken Platter) $ 250 http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/9/e/f/600_446699887.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/c/8/e/600_442471886.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/c/b/9/600_442471929.jpeg METRO & PARKING INFO : Stonefish Grill is a short block away from Farragut North Metro Station (take the L St. exit) and two blocks from Farragut West (take 18th St. exit). Street parking might be difficult. But there are parking garages around. http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/d/1/e/600_442472030.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/d/4/e/600_442472078.jpeg

### **[Disclaimer] To ensure a complete sign-up for this event, please make sure to RSVP on the Friends of The Mount Vernon Trail Original Volunteer sign-up page on Eventbrite [here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vegetation-trimming-near-gravelly-point-registration-1981534777862).** Virginia Forward Party members and friends will have an opportunity to help out their community by joining the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail on Saturday, March 28th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM cleaning up Gravelly Point. Here are some important details regarding this upcoming community volunteer opportunity: #### **Overview** Volunteers will remove vegetation growing into the trail north of Gravelly Point. The Friends of Mount Vernon Trail will be improving the trail north of Gravelly Point. #### **Volunteers may perform some of the following work:** * Using pruners and loppers to cut vegetation * Using hand saws to cut tree branches * Sweeping or using a leaf blower * Hauling away vegetation * Picking up trash #### **What to Bring:** * Water * Gloves (We'll have some to borrow) * Long sleeves and long pants (we sometimes encounter poison ivy) **[Bonus] If 10+ Forward Party members and friends RSVP for this event, then the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail will give the Party a shout-out on their social media platforms to help spread the word about us!**

Please join the [Veg Society of DC (VSDC)](vsdc.org) with your fellow LGBTQ+ veg and veg-curious folks for a springtime stroll to take in some of the beautiful cherry blossoms on Capitol Hill while making some new friends. We'll be **meeting at the [Union Station metro](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/union-station.cfm) exit at the front of the building at First St. NE and Columbus Cir. NE *at 12pm, and will leave by 12:15pm,*** to slowly stroll through cherry blossoms at Lower Senate Park. From there, we'll make our way over to view a very old cherry blossom tree (one of the originally gifted trees) located on the grounds of the Library of Congress. We will then walk to Eastern Market area to enjoy browsing the outdoor market vendors and maybe grab some vegan food and/or coffee, depending on how the group feels. The total distance we will be walking is under two miles. After the event concludes, people can take the metro from [Eastern Market](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/eastern-market.cfm) or make their own way back to Union Station (which would add additional distance to their walk). *[In the event of rain, we will instead meet at 12pm at the [U.S. Botanical Gardens](https://www.usbg.gov/) ([Capitol South metro](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/capitol-south.cfm) is a short walk away) and see some indoor flowers. The host will post an urgent Comment on this event page if we are moving to the indoor venue.]* **When** Sunday, March 29, from 12pm to 3pm **Transportation** Union Station is on the red line and Eastern Market is on the Orange/Blue/Silver lines. There is also street parking, though very limited near Union Station, as well as several garages, including one at Union Station. ***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.**

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Feeling down? Sometimes depressed? Can't focus? Negativity & stress? Recent losses? Creativity in career and personal life hindered by mental blocks? Sometimes we never fully recover from traumatic experiences. Whether it was yesterday, last week or a year ago, traumatic experiences - a loss of a loved one, losing a job, a breakup - can leave you scarred. You talk about it and feel a little better, but it never goes away. After you hang up the phone, it's still there; the sadness, the cloud, the over-thinking, the worry, the guilt. You try to focus, but you're blocked. You try to look forward into new experiences, new relationships but a cloud is hanging over you, casting a shadow on what you once considered a bright, cheerful future. What happened to your courage? Your strength of character? You're 'why not' attitude? Whoever said 'time heals' must have had a special time machine, because after weeks, months, years, you're wondering - when exactly does that kick in? Sometimes it seems like drinking or drugs are the way to go. But they wear off, and now the problem is still there with added side effects from the drugs. At this free local Meetup event we will talk about: * What causes grief, anxiety and depression to become chronic. * Is it possible to regain your joy and happiness even after traumatic experiences? * How to break away from negativity and focus on the future * What are the steps to take to get control of your mind and your emotions? Learn about a safe, gentle, do-it-yourself counseling that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Let's explore safe, effective solutions for healing from traumatic experiences. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.

**Join us for a vegan morning at downtown Columbus's premier vegan diner!** * **Date:** Saturday, April 4th * **Time:** 11:00 AM * **Location:** [4th & State](https://www.4thandstate.com/) (152 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215) * **Type:** Community Dining / Brunch * **Cost:** Pay-as-you-go (Entrees typically range from $10–$20) *** **About the Event** Come catch up with fellow vegans and vegan-curious friends in the heart of downtown. 4th & State is a family-owned, "mod diner" known for its laid-back atmosphere and incredibly indulgent vegan comfort food. Whether you’re looking to discuss animal rights activism or just want to enjoy a milkshake with like-minded people, all are welcome! **The Food** This spot is **100% vegan** and offers a massive menu of diner classics. Highlights include: * **Signature Brunch:** The **Vrunchwrap**, pancakes, and French toast sticks. * **Comfort Classics:** Loaded fries, burgers, and their "hand-breaded tempeh chicky." * **Allergen Friendly:** They offer a dedicated **gluten-free** menu and are a **tree-nut-free** kitchen (with the exception of coconut oil). **Important Details** * **Seating & Reservations:** 4th & State typically does **not take reservations**, so please RSVP early so we can try to coordinate seating together. * **Parking:** There is free and paid street parking nearby, as well as several paid parking lots in the downtown area. * **Accessibility:** The restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating.

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) $15 for One Class $20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space.

Join us again this Saturday for drinks and sweets at this delicious Vegan co-op bakery. Mingle with likeminded Columbus Vegans. We will aim to sit outside after purchasing items and hopefully taking in cooperative weather. Special note on parking: Please try to park along Acton, Richards and/or Chatham streets so as to free up the lot at the back of the building for pick-up orders. Thank you. 😊 Patty Cake offers everything from cupcakes, cookies, cakes, muffins, whoopie pies, as well as gluten free goodies. They also have coffee, oat milk and cold brew

Welcome to the Art School - 20's & 30's artists Meetup group! This is a community for young artists who are passionate about exploring different mediums and techniques in the world of art. Whether you're a painter, sculptor, photographer, or mixed media artist, this group is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals, have a space to work on your craft, and showcase your work. Let's inspire and support each other on our artistic journeys! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned artist, all skill levels are welcome. Join us and unleash your creativity! This month we will be discussing **Frank Santoro**, an American cartoonist, painter, and comics critic known for his expressive lines, experimental page layouts, and vibrant use of color. His graphic novels—including *Storeyville*, *Pompeii*, and *Pittsburgh*—blend personal storytelling with innovative visual structure, often exploring memory, place, and relationships. In addition to his comics, Santoro has been an influential voice in comics education and criticism, co-founding the magazine *ComicsComics* and creating the **Santoro Correspondence Course for Comic Book Makers**, which has helped train and inspire a new generation of cartoonists. Afterwards, we will have time to work on our individual art projects, hang out, and if anyone is interested in feedback on their work, there will be time for that as well.