Elm

## Details - Please read all below before you sign up **Cost:** Free **Court Type:** Outdoor Grass **Level:** B/BB/A **Transportation:** Parking will be right by the grass. **What to bring:** at least 3 bottles of water and a ball/net if you have one. **10 persons per net max** **Host's Philosophy on this event:** The purpose of this meetup is to create a fun and supportive environment where we can improve our skills, enjoy competitive games, and connect socially. While we do aim to play seriously and challenge ourselves, the focus is more on growth and enjoyment than simply winning at all costs. That’s why the title doesn’t include “competitive” or “social”—we want a healthy mix of both. We do expect a mindset geared toward learning and getting better over time. That said, this event isn’t intended for total beginners; an understanding of the game is expected so that everyone can contribute to meaningful and engaging matches. The host holds the right to remove you from the game if they believe that you are at a C level(absolute beginner). If you can't pass to the setter, for example, you are a beginner. **Skill Level:** 1. **If you want to know your level, please see the link below:** [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit) **YouTube:** The games may be recorded and uploaded to our channel here: Let the host know if you have an issue with this. [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626) **ATTENDANCE:** **Player Selection:** Regulars > League Members > Your Vibe > Skills > \*Your Attendance Ratio > New Members \* If you have 3 events attended and 6 events you dropped off, you may or may not be invited. Anyone with a drop-off level of -.50 or lower. The host takes attendance very seriously. Please remove yourself from the event (if you can't make it) as early as possible to allow others to join. You will be marked as a ***no-show*** if you don't show up to the event, including removing yourself 60 min or less before the event start time. [Smiley Social Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/edit) **Q&A** *Bringing your dog or cat is welcome and encouraged.-* Can I come if I don't know how to play? \*No, you may not. The host does teach a beginner's volleyball class that you may attend on Saturdays. \*\*Can I be late or leave early? *The host expects you to be there **on time** and leave on time. If you need to come late or leave early, please let the host know ahead of time.-* Can I come even if I am not on the going list? \*No, sorry \*NO SMOKING (anything) **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

[*Brian is facilitating this week*] The Jungian shadow is an unconscious, hidden archetype representing the repressed, inferior, or disowned aspects of the personality. It contains socially unacceptable impulses, such as anger, greed, and selfishness, but can also include unlived positive traits and creative potential. -Wikipedia **QUOTES**: "One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious." "Everyone carries a shadow, and the less it is embodied in the individual's conscious life, the blacker and denser it is." "That which you most need will be found where you least want to look." -Carl Jung **QUESTION**: Do you agree that "*that which you most need will be found where you least want to look*"? Why or why not? Why do you not want to look there? \-\-\-\-\- ***“I am struck with how rare it is to find a few good friends on the path. It is easy to find people who simply want to sit and be entertained by teachers, or who want to sit and entertain by playing the role of teacher. In other words, the quest for affirmation often outweighs the quest for truth.*** ***Yet you may have one or two good friends, and definitely have one or two waiting to be discovered. Find them; be thankful.”*** ***— Shawn Nevins*** 'What will make me happy in life?' ... 'Am I my thoughts?' ... 'What is Enlightenment?' ... We meet every week to ask questions like these in the pursuit of Self-Knowledge and Truth. We are interested in topics like: Zen, stoicism, spirituality, psychology, mindfulness, Nisargadatta, non-violent communication, Socrates, existential philosophy, Alan Watts, taoism, Eckhart Tolle, meditation, Ramana Maharshi, etc. But we are not affiliated with any dogma, philosophy, or religion. Our goal each meeting is to serve as mirrors for one another using question-based inquiry in a safe environment. In a session, every participant takes turns discussing the week's question or topic, and the group asks reflective questions without any agenda besides trying to understand the person's beliefs. A few other guiding principles of our group: * No one is obligated to share * Be honest with yourself and others * Do not try to convince others to believe or think as you do * Keep the focus on the person being questioned We meet at the [Bethesda Library](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GWMozF8zpY1m1PY26) every Monday. The library is a 5 minute walk from the Bethesda Metro on the Red Line, approx 25 minute Metro ride from Metro Center and Gallery Place stations. The library has a a parking lot with metered parking for $1/hour. \*\*\* WE WILL BE IN MEETING ROOM 3 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ----- THE MEETING ROOM IS IN THE BACK OF THE LIBRARY \*\*\* Please contact us with any questions!

Walk in the footsteps of George Washington, and see his tavern, church and townhouse! Also see Historic Boundary Stones for Virginia. We'll walk along the scenic Potomac River Waterfront, and thru Old Town Alexandria and several parks. The 5km trail is a guided group walk. Trails featured are 5 or 10 km (3.1 or 6.2 miles). Both have limited elevation gain. This is a post conference walk that's part of the 50th anniversary celebration of AVA. The walk is $2 for guests to defray expenses for our sport and $4 for AVA walk credit. Please bring correct change in cash (we can't do e-payment). We featured curated walks led by experienced members. Dogs and children are welcome but those under 18 must have a guardian present. Arrive by 12:45 am to register so we can leave by 1:00 pm. In Old Town Alexandria we can have a snack. Dogs and children are welcome but those under 18 must have a guardian present. Look for walk hosts Steve Brown and Rob Grunewald by their cars. Questions or issues on the day of the event? Contact Rob Grunewald at: [Grunewar@yahoo.com](http://Grunewar@yahoo.com) or 703-303-5543. Other Walks: See NVV website [NorthernVirginiaVolksmarchers.club](http://NorthernVirginiaVolksmarchers.club) Hope to see you there!

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 is a 5 mile hike with 550' elevation gain on various trails in Great Falls Park Virginia. Maneuvering on some rocks is required. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving. Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) [Rating: D](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Meet: At the Great Falls Park parking lot. Arrive at 8:45am, hike starts at 9:00am. 38.998198, -77.255878 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/m5LGdmjqFtLfEUAfA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/m5LGdmjqFtLfEUAfA) Park Entry Fee: $20.00 or free with a park pass. AllTrails Map for hike: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/great-falls-park-5-miles-c0e9053?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/great-falls-park-5-miles-c0e9053?u=i&sh=7cs7ov)

Join us for an exciting evening of Chinese Mahjong, where players of all skill levles are invited to come together for fun, laughter, and friendly competition! **Please bring $5 to play!** Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, this event is designed to foster a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can learn, play and enjoy the timeless game of Mahjong. **Game plan** Each attendee needs to bring $5 cash to play. **$1 per game:** Each player will contribute a dollar for every game we play. Don't worry; the winner gets to keep their dollar! **$3 per game for Wright to Read:** The remaining $3 from each game will go into our collection jar. At the end of the year, we'll donate these funds to **Wright to Read** which has been providing services in the city of Alexandria for over 45 years. Wright to Read recruits, trains, and supports volunteer tutor-mentors who support elementary-aged children enrolled in ACPS who have been identified as needing additional support in reading. More info here: https://www.campagnacenter.org/program/wright-to-read/ We raised $535 in 2025 (Goal was $500) 2026 goal is $600 Let's make our mahjong nights not only fun, but also impactful! **Per usual book club nights,** **attendees are also asked to please bring one of the following:** 1. A wine or beverage of choice 2. A cheese & cracker or alternate nosh of choice Host will provide glasses, wine opener, plates & napkins. **What to Expect:** \- Friendly games with players of varying experience \- A brief introduction to the rules for beginners \- Opportunities to meet new people and connect with fellow enthusiasts \- Light snacks and refreshments to keep you energized Don't miss the chance to dive into the world of Mahjong. Bring your friends or come solo - everyone is welcome! We'll reconfirm RSVP's again before the event to avoid no-shows and allow those on the waitlist an opportunity to join. We look forward to a fantastic night filled with strategy, skill and socializing! **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. \*\* The small non-refundable registration fee helps us share the cost associated with the Meet-Up platform ($360/yr) and reduces the likelihood of no-shows, allowing us to better plan our events and accommodate all participants. Meetup charges $0.51 and Paypal charges $0.53 on the $2 registration fee. Thanks in advance for your understanding!\*\*

This hike is perfect for those who want to experience the joy and wonder of the Cherry Blossom season beyond the Tidal Basin by strolling through DC's hidden treasure, the National Arboretum, where the blossoms are already bursting out and are nearly at their peak. As we embark on this journey, we will first take a leisurely stroll through the National Grove of State Trees, where you'll see a stunning collection of trees representing each state in the United States. As we continue, we will pass through the Fern Valley Native Plant Collection, where we will immerse ourselves in the lush greenery and spot some of the unique fern species found in this area. The highlight of this trip, of course, are the Cherry Blossoms, spread out across 450 acres. Our itinerary will take us through the most breathtaking scenery of the Arboretum. When the cherry trees are in full bloom, they create a sea of pink and white petals. We will be surrounded by the delicate fragrance of the Cherry Blossoms as we hike through this magical if ephemeral wonderland. At the end of our hike, we will reach the iconic National Capitol Columns. These majestic columns, which once supported the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol, provide a picturesque spot for a rest and some stunning photo opportunities. This hike is perfect for nature enthusiasts and anyone who wants to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Cherry Blossom season. Come and explore the US National Arboretum and experience the magic of nature! Total length of this easy stroll is about 6 miles, most of it on paved roads and pathways. Bring plenty of beverages, lunch, bug spray, comfortable walking shoes, and the $5 Adventuring trip fee. Restrooms are available along the way. Since the Arboretum is not Metro-accessible, we'll carpool at 10 a.m. that Sunday morning from the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station. Those not participating in the carpool must use the Arboretum's New York Avenue entrance immediately east of Bladensburg Road. Park in either the large lot right at that entrance and walk to the Visitor Center, or continue driving to the smaller lot by the 24th & R Street NE gate; please note this gate is available only for cars exiting the grounds. Anyone taking a taxi/Uber/Lyft should ask to be dropped off at this gate, which is completely open to pedestrians. No matter how you get there, we will all rendezvous at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Visitor Center near the R Street gate. **Dogs: Allowed** **Fees: The Adventuring Trip Fee will be $5.** **What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, bagged lunch, and at least 2 liters of water.** **Park Information:** [National Arboretum](https://www.usna.usda.gov/) **NEW!** Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you **RSVP** to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release

Join us for a fun moderate 3.5 mile hike at the **National Arboretum** then vegan Ethiopian brunch at **Ethio Vegan** (1362 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002)! For the hike, we will meet in the parking lot next to the visitor center. Don't forget to bring your water bottle, and feel free to bring a vegan snack to share! **Parking**: There's a parking lot at the Arboretum and street parking at Ethio Vegan We do encourage carpooling. Feel free to leave a comment under this event to find someone to carpool with. Any questions, call/text Ajani at 202-528-4700 or Christine Marie at 443-252-3512

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 Upper 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. **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 National Park Service predicts the cherry blossoms will reach peak bloom on March 29, and the magnolias will hopefully still be hanging in there. Let's go for a walk around the National Mall in DC! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, in front of the gift shop, we'll walk west and north through the Enid Haupt Garden to the National Mall. From there we will continue west through the National Mall to make a counter-clockwise loop around the Tidal Basin, with a detour to see the magnolias in the George Mason Memorial, returning along Jefferson Ave through the Haupt Garden back to our starting point. * The total distance is just over 4.5 miles and should take about 2 hours, with maybe a little extra time to sight-see and take selfies. * The surface is paved and fairly level throughout. This is an easy walk. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/w3a426bf](https://tinyurl.com/w3a426bf) ❷ **How to get there:** * The Metro: The Eisenhower Memorial is located at 540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20202, just northeast of the Maryland Ave SW exit from L'Enfant Metro Station. From the Maryland Ave SW exit, walk one block ENE along Maryland Avenue SW to enter the memorial. The gift shop is a small building on the east side of the memorial. Use the Metro Trip Planner to plan your trip and check for alerts: https://www.wmata.com/ * Driving: The street address is 540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20202. There is paid parallel parking in the area. ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). The layered look is recommended. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 57F, with light SW winds and a very slight chance of showers. Updates here: [https://tinyurl.com/3u4k48pt](https://tinyurl.com/3u4k48pt) ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative Stuff:** * There are public restrooms at the Eisenhower Memorial and at several locations along our route. See the Google map. ❼ **Notes:** * Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, 540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20202. [https://www.nps.gov/ddem/index.htm](https://www.nps.gov/ddem/index.htm) * 2026 Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Forecasts: [https://cherryblossomwatch.com/peak-bloom-forecast/](https://cherryblossomwatch.com/peak-bloom-forecast/) * National Park Service Bloom Watch: [https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm)

A day in paradise. The PATC, in coordination with the Virginia Native Plant Society, will be conducting a invasive plant removal day at Thompson Wildlife Management area near Linden, Virginia from 10AM - 3:00 PM. This area is one of the most outstanding botanical sites in the Virginia Blue Ridge. Unfortunately, the native flora of Thompson is increasingly threatened by non-native invasive plant species. On March 21st, we'll concentrate our efforts on pulling garlic mustard (*Alliaria petioilata*) rosettes. No prior experience is necessary. Training will be provided on-site. Please bring seasonal appropriate clothing (never forget rain gear), gloves, water, a sack lunch and a small trowel if you have one. Be prepared to hike several miles and squat or bend over repeatedly - all with the satisfaction that you are helping to protect a truly special natural area. We will meet at the the first Thompson Wildlife parking area on the right just north of the Fox Meadow winery on Freezeland Rd. GPS Coordinates are 38.9397° N 78.039°W. Look for PATC sign. https://maps.app.goo.gl/xaPANbEa7awF6m36A Questions? Email Natural_Resource@patc.net From the east: Take I-66 West to exit18 (toward Markham). Left on VA-688 Right on VA-55W (4.2m). Right on State Rte 638 -Freezeland Rd. Parking lot will be on right (3.8m) From the west: Take I-66 East to exit 13 for VA-79 toward Linden/VA-55. Right onto VA-79S. Left onto VA-55E (1.3m). Left onto State Rte 638 – Freezeland Rd. Parking lot will be on right (3.8 m)

Join us for the Spring edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/895148649812928), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating vegan eats, handmade goods, and the beauty of the season. Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this new chapter reflects what the event has always been — a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 local vendors offering seasonal vegan eats, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products. Come support local makers, share good food, and celebrate the beginning of a new season with us. Admission is Free.

OpenClaw, NemoClaw, personal assistants, 24/7 agents. What does it all mean? How does it all work and what should we know about it? Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 25 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Discover Kiro, AWS’s innovative development environment that adapts to your workflow. Whether you prefer specification-driven development or a more intuitive, vibe-based approach, Kiro empowers you to build applications your way. In this session, speakers will explore Kiro’s core functionality and its evolution through re:Invent 2025, along with demonstrations of prompts used to create APIs, hooks, and steering documents. In the latter part of the session, watch as we build a complete example from scratch, showcasing Kiro’s agentic AI workflow in action for spec-driven development and vibe coding. What You'll Learn - Core Kiro concepts and development philosophy Feature evolution: pre and post re:Invent 2025 Practical examples: API creation, hooks, and steering docs Live coding demonstration with real-time problem solving Who Should Attend - Developers, solutions architects, and technical leaders interested in modern AWS development tools and AI-assisted coding workflows. **Speakers Bio:** Matthew Jorat: Matthew Jorat is a Customer Solutions Manager at AWS with nearly three decades of expertise in AI, cloud transformation, migration, modernization, IT, technology, and business. His career spans infrastructure engineer, solutions architect, security auditor, customer success director, support and services director, and operations officer. He was an early adopter of AWS services as a customer, and his current role at AWS uniquely blends his technical and business skills as he partners with executive teams to translate strategic priorities into measurable business outcomes through cloud adoption, AI implementation, and operational excellence. Matt leads end-to-end AI initiatives for enterprise customers, identifying high-impact use cases and maintaining relentless focus on measurable ROI. He holds eight AWS certifications and serves as Adjunct Professor at Franklin University teaching cloud computing and AWS architecture. His expertise encompasses GenAI, agentic AI systems, migration, modernization, and optimization strategies that drive transformation at scale. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/) Girish Bhatia: Girish Bhatia is a seasoned technology delivery leader with deep expertise in cross-domain program management. He holds multiple AWS certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate, and AWS Generative AI Practitioner, and is also an AWS Community Builder. Girish brings over two decades of experience in the information technology industry. Throughout his career, Girish has led major technology-driven business transformation from modernizing on-premises applications to driving large-scale cloud migrations. His work includes API-based integration platforms, data-center and mainframe modernization, and enterprise cloud adoption initiatives. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Girish works at a tech-forward fintech company. He is passionate about AWS serverless architectures, Generative AI and emerging cloud technologies. An avid learner and builder, he continues to explore and apply the latest innovations in AWS to help organizations accelerate their digital transformation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/[https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/) **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com