Environmental Issues

In March of 2026, the long-time staple of Kubernetes ingress controllers, ingress-nginx, will stop receiving security patches and regular updates. For many Kubernetes operators, this is a forcing function for us to migrate to a new solution that supports the newer Gateway API. The ecosystem of solutions in this space is large and complex, and operators find themselves weighing a myriad of options. In this talk, I hope to answer many questions that we have had to answer in this space, such as: * What are the advantages of Gateway API over the Ingress API? * Which Gateway API Solution should you use for different scenarios * Why not simply migrate to another ingress controller? * Where does the AWS Load Balancer Controller fit in this new ecosystem? * What does support for WAF, ALB, NLB, etc. look like going forward? **Timeline:** **6:00 PM** \- Doors Open\. Please be prepared to show ID that matches your registration\. **6:30 PM - 7:30 PM** \- Speaker **7:30 PM - 8:00 PM** \- Networking **8:00 PM** \- Event ends\. Conversation continues at Highline for anyone interested\.

Weekly Pioneer tournaments on Thursday nights! $5 entry and with prize support based on record and entry.

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

**Agenda :** * 4.45 to 5.00 PM ET: Food and Networking * 5.00 to 5.50 PM ET: "Data Science & Machine Learning with Microsoft Fabric" Hello Everyone! Please join us for our March 12th edition of the AI-ML MeetUp. **Please note this is an in-person meeting and light refreshments/food will be provided. You will need a government-issued ID to enter the facility.** **Title:** Data Science & Machine Learning with Microsoft Fabric **Description:** Explore Microsoft Fabric’s integrated Data Science experience across ideation, preprocessing, modeling, & deployment. Learn how to ingest and prepare data via OneLake and Lakehouse, leverage Notebooks, Data Wrangler, Spark, SynapseML, MLflow for experimentation, & operationalize predictions with batch scoring and Power BI direct integration. Also, learn to build generative AI Q&A systems using Fabric Data Agents. **Location:** The meeting will be hosted in the Applied Information Sciences ( AIS ) office in Reston, at 11440 Commerce Park Dr # 600 · Reston, VA. The location is also right off the Silver Line metro's Wiehle-Reston Metro Station. **Parking:** Parking is paid and can be validated at the AIS office reception. We will meet in Room Lake Anne. We hope to see you all there!!!!

**Pre-Registration is REQUIRED. RSVP here - [https://luma.com/6twkovvg](https://luma.com/6twkovvg)** ## ODSC AI x Snowflake Present: AI Innovation in the Capital **Our premier Washington D.C. AI Meetup of March 2026!** Skip the usual AI hype and join us in the District for an evening of technical deep dives and high-level networking. We’re bringing together **D.C. builders, data scientists, and engineers** to discuss how to bridge the gap between AI experimentation and enterprise-grade deployment. Come for the networking, stay for the expert insights from the Snowflake team, and leave with a sharper strategy for scaling AI in 2026. ## The Session **Topic: Engineering the Future of Enterprise AI (Title TBA)** *Official topic and abstract coming soon!* While the specific title is under wraps, **Matt Harris** typically explores the intersection of high-performance data architecture and generative AI. Expect a session focused on how organizations can leverage Snowflake’s evolving ecosystem to build secure, scalable, and governed AI applications that go beyond the chat box and into core business logic. **Speaker:** Matt Harris, Principal AI Strategy Architect (FSI at Snowflake [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-d-harris/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-d-harris/) Matt is a veteran in the data space, serving as a Principal Solutions Engineer at Snowflake. He specializes in helping complex organizations transform their data architecture into a competitive advantage. With deep expertise in the Snowflake Data Cloud, Matt focuses on making advanced data science and AI accessible, governed, and ready for production environments. ## Why Attend? * **Network with the Best:** Connect with AI practitioners and data leaders in the D.C. tech and public sector ecosystem. * **High-End Experience:** Enjoy bites and refreshments in a professional, collaborative environment. * **Exclusive Insights:** Get a direct line to Snowflake’s technical leadership on where enterprise AI is headed next. ## Agenda * **6:00 PM – 6:30 PM:** Networking & Bites/Drinks * **6:30 PM – 7:15 PM:** Presentation by Matt Harris, Principal Solutions Engineer at Snowflake * **7:15 PM – 7:30 PM:** Interactive Q&A * **7:30 PM – 8:00 PM:** Networking & Closing **Venue:** Mindspace, 1301 K Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20005 **RSVP now to secure your spot!** ## Useful Links * **Free access to more talks/trainings:** [Ai+ Training platform](https://aiplus.training/) * **ODSC Blog:** [https://opendatascience.com/](https://opendatascience.com/) * **Join the Community:** [Slack Channel](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://odsc.ai/slack) * **Code of Conduct:** [https://odsc.ai/code-of-conduct/](https://odsc.ai/code-of-conduct/)

**Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 7:00pm-7:30pm** Join us for a calming **guided evening meditation** designed to help you **release stress**, **quiet the mind**, and **restore inner peace**, even if you’ve never meditated before. * **Time:** 7:00–7:30 PM * **Format:** Gentle guidance + quiet time + peaceful reflection * **Perfect for:** Beginners and experienced meditators * **What to bring:** Just yourself **Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter.** * **Reserve your spot** (recommended) * **Free Event - Donations Appreciated** * **Bring a friend. First-timers welcome!** * **Arrive early to settle in. Doors open at 6:30 PM.**

Does it feel like the world is ending? Stop doomscrolling and try some vigorous outdoor activity! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, March 15 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

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.

Enter the elite New Orleans fashion industry! Meet beautiful people. Headhunt talent. Battle underworld thugs, high fashion, and corrupt cops. Runners needed. Light refreshments provided. SRM 2083-10: Wasted Talent is a SR 6e mission set in New Orleans. As always new players are welcome and all materials will be provided.

Sven Sinclair will discuss the recent arms race in partisan gerrymandering that has been in the news a lot, but it is just a symptom of more fundamental flaws in our electoral system. This talk, based on his recent essay "[A SWEET Cure for Gerrymandering](https://svenosaurus.substack.com/p/a-sweet-cure-for-gerrymandering?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true)," will discuss those flaws, obstacles to fixing them, and a new proposal for a workable solution. Sven Sinclair is a member of NOVES for over two decades, is an economist and actuary who has been interested in electoral math and design of electoral systems since the last century. Children and young children welcome! When: Sunday, March 15, 2026 Coffee available at 10:45 AM, Speaker begins at 11:00 AM Where: Green Hedges School 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-patricks-bar-crawl-tickets-1296411324169](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-patricks-bar-crawl-tickets-1296411324169)). RSVPing only on the Meetup page, doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. ABOUT THE EVENT For the luck of the Irish, put on some green and join us for the St. Patrick's Bar Crawl, with lots o'Shenanigans near and dear to you. The infamous Leprechaun Lap is back with cover-free access to Dupont’s best bars, clubs and rooftops, featuring drinks specials, DJs, signature party favors, and free giveaways. After all, when friends keep moving, the party keeps going. Eat, Drink, Be Irish and a whole lot of malarkey. Warning we may be prone to Shenanigans and Malarkey:) It is time to party like Irish, until all the beer is gone. Cold Green Beer and Loads o'Good Cheers! All you need is your Irish Stroll wristband and you’ll be set to sip on exclusive drink specials all over Dupont Circle! Time: 2pm-10pm (ticket pick up is from 2-5pm) Registration is from 2PM-5PM. You'll receive your wristband and Swags. If you can't make it by 5pm have a friend present your ticket and pick everything up for you. But the party and specials continue till 10PM! **There will be a lot of people. Use the comment box of the Meetup to coordinate amongst the group.** **This is also a wicked 'MeRtUp' with a saving! 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!** **Enter the Promo Code 'MERTUP' to redeem your 20% discount!** **(**[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-patricks-bar-crawl-tickets-1296411324169](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-patricks-bar-crawl-tickets-1296411324169)**)** FAQs : REGISTRATION Registration is from 2PM-5PM. You'll receive your wristband and swags. If you can't make it by 5pm have a friend present your ticket and pick everything up for you. TICKETS You MUST print a copy of your ticket or have with you or on your phone. Tickets are transferable and not refundable. You can give your ticket to a friend to use if you cannot attend the event. ROUTE You’re able to go to any of the participating bars at your leisure after you register! A map will be sent to all participants the day of the event. DRESS CODE : We recommend wearing green or you may get pinched by a leprechaun! Costume prizes for the most festively dressed participant. ID Government issued ID is required! It will be checked at every participating bar that you choose to go to. All participants must be 21 years old or older. STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Reach out to info@merevents.com Payment Instructions : 1\. Login to see the 'Get Tickets' 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 : Go to Settings. Scroll down to Safari and click on it. Select Block Pop-ups and turn it off. For Google Chrome Users : Open Google Chrome. Click on the three dots and you will see many options. Click on Settings. Scroll down to content settings. 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 organizer a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. \*For further info, refer the Eventbrite Invite. We may have already answered one of your questions, see our FAQs.

A few years back, Amazon created a new TV show about the Tom Clancy character Jack Ryan. Somewhat infamously, [Jack Ryan's Morning Commute](https://dcist.com/story/18/09/04/jack-ryans-commute-to-work-makes-ab/) makes no sense. So this walk is inspired by the route he should've taken Part 1 (9.5 miles) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/2pmXJaixbXQxnvfv8 1\. Foggy Bottom metro 2\. Potomac Boat club 3\. Chain Bridge 4\. Potomac Heritage Trail 5\. Turkey Run Trailhead Part 2 (\~2 miles) 6\. Turkey Run Trail \- https://www\.trailforks\.com/trails/turkey\-run\-trail\-759628/ 7\. Langley Fork Trail \- https://www\.trailforks\.com/trails/langley\-fork\-trail/ Part 3 (4 miles) - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/4n54jMK1q2xbefix5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4n54jMK1q2xbefix5) 8\. McLean Metro **Millage:** \~16.0 miles **Start Location:** Foggy Bottom Metro Station **End Location:** McLean Metro Station **Time:** 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM **Terrain:** This will be have a solid amount of uphill (\~700 feet) elevation gain) with a mix of paved, gravel, and trail surfaces

COST: Green Spring has a parking fee which we will collect together because they consider us a “group” with different fee rules. Therefore, DO NOT put parking fee in parking lot collection box. Instead, please bring some cash for the GROUP fee (dollar bills or a fiver) to our start point. DESCRIPTION: Join us on a slowish walk over gentle hills with stops (up to two miles in about two hours) at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria, to enjoy the waning wonders of winter (and even last autumn) and the signs of spring.(Unfortunately, the mulched trails and slopes are not wheelchair accessible nor suitable for those with walking difficulties.) Experience nature in a leisurely way, and awaken your senses. Before trees leaf out, we still get our longest scenic views, evergreens pop, and groups of bare trees are like sculpture gardens. Delight in the rush of spring water and colors and textures of early flowers. In the Glass House conservatory, preview what will become the colorful late-spring planted gardens. WHAT WE'LL DO: We will meander up to 2 miles in about 2 hours within Green Spring Gardens (with opportunities to stop, engage and wonder) and end up back at the visitors center. YOUR GUIDE: Adrienne Betancourt is an educator (with a career in adult education and college programs.) She completed the Maryland Natural Naturalist 60-hour course and has continued to study natural history, with experience leading programs and walks for kids, families, and adults. MEETING POINT: Drive to : 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312 Meet at 10:30 AM for a short introduction (that is, OUTSIDE main door of the Visitor's center in view of reception desk and restrooms and water inside). We start walking at 10:45 AM. PARKING: Medium-sized lot available. But do NOT put fees into parking box slots. Instead hold onto your cash for when we collect the required GROUP fee, please. WEATHER: Steady rain cancels event. We will add updates as needed. PREPARATION: * Sturdy comfortable footwear * Hiking poles (optional) * Comfortable layers * Water! * Snack and/or lunch if desired * Backpack * Sunblock * Bug spray * Optional: bring binoculars and your charged up cell phone for taking photos and using nature apps. WEBSITE & NEWSLETTER: [https://imaginebeingwell.org](https://imaginebeingwell.org/) [Click Here to Sign Up](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/newsletter-form/sign-up-for-the-imagine-well-being-newsletter) to join Imagine Well Being’s mailing list to stay informed on the latest news and upcoming events and retreats. LIABILITY RELEASE: With my RSVP, I hereby stipulate that I am physically sound to participate in this event. I understand and agree that all classes, gatherings, and workshops are undertaken at my sole risk and that Imagine Well Being guides and instructors shall not be liable for injuries or damages to my person or property arising out of or connected to any of these activities. I authorize Imagine Well Being guides and instructors to call 911 in the event that I appear to require emergency medical care and assume responsibility for all associated costs. I have carefully read this agreement and understand its contents. I agree that it is a complete release of liability for any injuries or damage that I may sustain due to Imagine classes, gatherings, and workshops.

Free at Bexley Library Adventures in Ecological Horticulture with Rebecca McMackin Wednesday, March 18 1:00pm - 2:30pm Gone are the days when a garden could be ornamental alone. We now recognize the impact that our land care practices have on the ecosystems around us, and can see the importance of encouraging biodiversity. Thankfully, we do not need to sacrifice beauty when we invite butterflies and songbirds into our gardens. Rebecca McMackin has cultivated gorgeous landscapes in the toughest environments possible: urban parks, school playgrounds, and the sidewalks of New York City. She will take lessons from her work at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and decades of research to share how those of us who are fortunate enough to care for land, can do it beautifully and ecologically. Rebecca McMackin is an ecologically obsessed horticulturist and garden designer. She writes, lectures, and teaches on ecological landscape management and pollination ecology, as well as designs the rare public garden. She is currently Lead Horticulturist for the American Horticultural Society, an Associate with the Harvard Divinity School’s Thinking with Plants and Fungi Initiative, and Consulting Arboretum Curator for Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY. Rebecca spent a decade as Director of Horticulture of Brooklyn Bridge Park, where she managed 85 acres of diverse parkland organically. Their research into cultivating urban biodiversity and ethical management strategies has influenced thousands of people and entire urban parks systems to adopt similar approaches. She has been published by and featured in the New York Times, Gardens Illustrated, on NPR and PBS. Her garden for the Brooklyn Museum recently won the PPA’s Award of Excellence and her TED Talk has been viewed over a million times. She holds M.Sc. from Columbia University and University of Victoria in landscape design and biology and recently completed the Loeb Fellowship at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. This program is presented in partnership with Rooted in Bexley and generously funded by the Bexley Community Foundation and Bexley Community Author Series Fund.

This is not an event, but an announcement that we are accepting new members. If you'd like to pursue joining our group, please write us at columbusmensgroup@gmail.com with a few paragraphs about yourself, what you'd like to experience in the group, and the contribution that you'd like to make. Thank you!

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. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. 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

By popular demand, we're reserving a special meeting to watch the Oscars at Studio 35...

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.

This 1967 film is widely regarded as one of the best American movies ever made. Now remembered almost as much for its Simon and Garfunkel music as its deadpan comedy and being the role that established Dustin Hoffman as the hottest actor in Hollywood. It became a cultural icon for capturing the spirit of 60s angst of a young man on the make, while garnering a batch of Oscar nominations. After watching the movie on your own, join us to relive (or experience!) those feelings at our discussion.

Hosted by Wild Ones Columbus How to Install a Bog Garden, with David Marsolo Saturday, March 14th, 2026 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Eastern Time) Innis House (Inniswoods Metro Park) , 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking A bog can serve the same functions as a traditional rain garden but has the advantages of being low maintenance, climate resilient and attractive for a much longer part of the year. David Marsolo is a long time Wild Ones member. He has been maintaining artificial bogs at his suburban Westerville home for about 20 years. He will describe how to install a bog and fill it with many interesting native plants including pollinator and host plants https://columbus.wildones.org/calendar-of-events-and-programs/?wo_event_id=11160