Environmental Issues

Kick off the New Year with a community grove happy hour. The first drink is on us! Community Grove is a place to discuss politics, utopian ideas, post neoliberalism, green tech, skill and tool sharing and a safe place to decompress from the stress that is living in DC.

If you're ready to grow your business through meaningful relationships and high-quality referrals, this event series is for you! We're a community of local small business professionals committed to building prosperity through authentic connection and collaboration. Join us for **genuine, no-pressure networking**—no fees, no pitches, no nonsense. Just good people, good conversations, and a few refreshments to keep things relaxed. Stay for a few minutes or the whole time—whatever works for you. **This event is completely free to attend**, but we kindly ask that you RSVP so we can plan accordingly. We can’t wait to connect with you!

Join us for a conversation with Desiree Dickerson of THNDR Games, where she’s helping build a new kind of gaming experience powered by Bitcoin and the Lightning Network. She’ll be joined by Taymur Khumush, a Human Capital Professional by day and a bitcoiner, lightning node operator & vibecoder by night. 0600-0700 - Meet & Greet, grab food & drink 0700-0800 - Fireside Chat + Q&A 0800-0830 - Wrap up 👉 [RSVP on LUMA](https://luma.com/sql8olur) ​Gaming is one of the largest industries in the world, and it already understands digital competition, incentives, and marketplaces. What it has historically lacked is fast, native money. Lightning changes that by removing friction around liquidity, payouts, and trust, making real-value play possible at global scale. ​We’ll explore THNDR’s approach to skill-based gaming, her perspective on the current state of Lightning and peer-to-peer payments, and why gaming may be one of the most natural places for real money on the internet to finally make sense. 👉 [RSVP on LUMA](https://luma.com/sql8olur) ​**About the Bitcoin District Initiative** ​The Bitcoin District Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to build a grassroots Bitcoin circular economy in Washington, DC through education, business onboarding, and community outreach programs. If you’d like to get involved or support the Initiative, visit [https://bitcoindistrictinitiative.org](https://bitcoindistrictinitiative.org/).

Come out every Wednesday from 6 to 9 to play Flesh and Blood TCG!

**Tired of surface-level conversations?** Join us for *Real Talk*—an evening of deep, real connection with strangers who are down to go there. We’ll meet at the church (we are a secular group), break into small groups, and draw questions from a deck of cards designed to spark vulnerable, honest conversations. ***Rules:*** 1. Don't debate politics. 2. Keep what is shared in the group within the group. 3. If you need to use your phone, step away from your group first. \*\*If you show up late, please hop into a group and don't interrupt the speaker. Just sit down in a group of your choice, and they'll bring you up to speed when whoever is talking finishes. Community of Christ church: 3526 Massachusetts Ave. PS—If you want to support the group (Meetup organizer fees, new card games, misc. materials) then you can buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/dillantaylor ^^This is 100% optional, and can be done on a one-time or monthly basis. But the meetup will always be free. Thanks! 🙏

DUPONT SPEAKS is a culturally and professionally diverse lunchtime club in the heart of Washington, DC. We meet from noon–1 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month, as well as the occasional 5th Wednesday. Our guiding principle is that we all have fun as we travel the road to better public speaking. That's why all of our meetings are filled with laughter and applause, as well as thoughtful speeches, evaluations and support. We hope to see — and hear — you soon! To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/dupontspeaks . http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/f/4/6/600_457832582.jpeg

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-washington-online-tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-washington-online-tickets-1912156614909?aff=oddtdtcreator) **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Anushtha - [+971504724873 ](http://wa.me/971504724873)( WhatsApp Only)

We get together to rescue trees from invasive plants twice a month, moving from place to place around Greater Clifton, wherever we spot a problem and have the landowners' permission. RSVP using [this sign-up form.](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeasjEcOQm5v8afwJdriU65Wj8-Q0DetQy4HRKiFNwgwFPy7Q/viewform?usp%3Ddialog&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1cfet73DRGhpOU4ltw9MoF) This time we will work in the Clifton Betterment Association property in the floodplain of Pope's Head Creek. (Set GPS for 7137 Main Streeet but cross the creek and turn into the big parking lot)

The [The Ark of Compassion (AOC)](https://theaoc.org/) and [Veg Society of DC (VSDC)](https://vsdc.org/) invite you to join us for a Compassionate Conversation™ on Saturday, February 1st to celebrate Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, a holiday rooted in renewal, gratitude, and reverence for the natural world. **Talk Title: Tu B’Shvat - Jewish New Year for Trees** **Speaker: John Netzel, founder of Peaceful Fields Sanctuary** • Location: [Siena’s Vegetarian Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant](https://sienasrestaurant.com/food-menu) • Address: 4840 Boiling Brook Pkwy, North Bethesda, MD 20852 • Date and Time: Sunday, February 1st, 2:00–4:00 PM • Cost/Food: Order at the table (no set ticket price) Our guest speaker is John Netzel, founder of [Peaceful Fields Sanctuary](https://peacefulfieldssanctuary.org/) and longtime vegan advocate. John’s work is grounded in Jewish values such as tikkun olam (repairing the world), compassion for all living beings, and mindful stewardship of creation. His story bridges faith, ethics, and action, offering a powerful reflection on how plant-based living connects with Tu B’Shvat’s deeper spiritual themes. In this uplifting conversation, John will share: • How Jewish teachings inspired him to build a sanctuary for rescued farmed animals
 • The connection between compassion, environmental care, and Tu B’Shvat’s call to honor the earth
 • What we can learn from animals about responsibility, community, and kindness
 • How plant-forward choices can deepen our practice of tikkun olam No prior knowledge of Judaism or veganism is required. This event is open to everyone who enjoys good food, meaningful conversation, and learning from diverse perspectives. **Why This Event Matters** Tu B’Shvat invites us to reflect on: • Our relationship with the earth
 • Our responsibility to protect creation
 • Our gratitude for the abundance of the natural world By pairing this holiday with a plant-based meal and a conversation led by a sanctuary founder living out Jewish compassion in action, we hope to create a meaningful bridge between tradition, ethics, and modern food choices. **About the Venue** We’ll gather at [Siena’s](https://sienasrestaurant.com/), a beloved kosher vegetarian Italian-Mediterranean restaurant and community gem. Attendees may order directly from Siena’s extensive vegan menu, which includes: • Fresh salads
 • Homemade pizza and pasta
 • Mediterranean favorites
 • Plant-based options and easy modifications Siena’s warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to honor Tu B’Shvat’s themes of renewal, nourishment, and connection. Questions? Contact CompassionConvos@theaoc.org **[The Ark of Compassion](https://theaoc.org/) (AOC)** is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare through education, outreach, and partnerships that inspire beneficial change for all life. Founded on the belief that compassion should extend to every living being, The Ark of Compassion bridges faith-based and secular communities to explore how our choices, traditions, and systems impact animals, people, and the planet. It creates inclusive spaces for conversation and action, helping launch events and ideas that bring people together. By turning meaningful moments into sustainable movements, AOC amplifies compassion into lasting change. Its mission is inspired by faith, shaped by empathy and reason, and powered by a vision of a future in which animals, people, and the planet flourish together. --- **[The Veg Society of the District of Columbia](https://vsdc.org/) (VSDC)** is the nation’s oldest continuously operating 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization promoting an all-plant diet and vegan lifestyle through education, community-building, and social activities throughout the DC metro area. VSDC believes in treating all people, animals, and the planet with respect and kindness. We are committed to creating a more compassionate and caring world. We do this by creating a community of like-minded people who are on the path to an all-plant diet and vegan lifestyle. Whoever you are, and wherever you are on this path, we offer resources and fellowship to support you. We make your journey easier, more enjoyable and meaningful.

[Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/) (VSDC) is pleased to join with [The Ark of Compassion ](https://theaoc.org/)(AOC) to co-host Compassionate Conversations™ on Sunday, Feb. 1 at [Siena's Vegetarian Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant](https://sienasrestaurant.com/). **Talk Title: Tu B’Shvat - Jewish New Year for Trees** **Speaker: John Netzel, founder of [Peaceful Fields Sanctuary](https://peacefulfieldssanctuary.org/)** **Event Description** Our guest speaker is John Netzel, founder of [Peaceful Fields Sanctuary](https://peacefulfieldssanctuary.org/) and longtime vegan advocate. John’s work is grounded in Jewish values such as tikkun olam (repairing the world), compassion for all living beings, and mindful stewardship of creation. His story bridges faith, ethics, and action, offering a powerful reflection on how plant-based living connects with Tu B’Shvat’s deeper spiritual themes. In this uplifting conversation, John will share: • How Jewish teachings inspired him to build a sanctuary for rescued farmed animals
 • The connection between compassion, environmental care, and Tu B’Shvat’s call to honor the earth
 • What we can learn from animals about responsibility, community, and kindness
 • How plant-forward choices can deepen our practice of tikkun olam No prior knowledge of Judaism or veganism is required. This event is open to everyone who enjoys good food, meaningful conversation, and learning from diverse perspectives. **Why This Event Matters** Tu B’Shvat invites us to reflect on: • Our relationship with the earth
 • Our responsibility to protect creation
 • Our gratitude for the abundance of the natural world By pairing this holiday with a plant-based meal and a conversation led by a sanctuary founder living out Jewish compassion in action, we hope to create a meaningful bridge between tradition, ethics, and modern food choices. **About the Venue** We’ll gather at [Siena’s](https://sienasrestaurant.com/), a beloved kosher vegetarian Italian-Mediterranean restaurant and community gem. Attendees may order directly from Siena’s extensive [vegan menu](https://sienasrestaurant.com/food-menu). . Questions? Contact [info@theaoc.org](mailto:info@theaoc.org) or Aashish Bhimani at [703-231-0291](tel:7032310291) (text preferred). **•** **Cost/Food: Order at the counter (no set ticket price)** **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes. **[The Ark of Compassion](https://theaoc.org/)** (AOC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare through education, outreach, and partnerships that inspire beneficial change for all life. Founded on the belief that compassion should extend to every living being, The Ark of Compassion bridges faith-based and secular communities to explore how our choices, traditions, and systems impact animals, people, and the planet. It creates inclusive spaces for conversation and action, helping launch events and ideas that bring people together. By turning meaningful moments into sustainable movements, AOC amplifies compassion into lasting change. Its mission is inspired by faith, shaped by empathy and reason, and powered by a vision of a future in which animals, people, and the planet flourish together. **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.**

Please join us in closing out [Veganuary](https://veganuary.com/en-us/) with a delicious brunch at the all-vegan Pow Pow's H Street location. To secure your seat, you must [reserve your time slot here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veganuary-close-out-brunch-saturday-131-tickets-1981245108453)--space is limited. *Note: RSVP'ing on this meetup page alone does not get you a seat at Pow Pow.* We will celebrate while enjoying classic American diner favorites—reimagined 100% plant-based by Chef Riccio. **Get ready for:** * Fluffy Pistachio and Nutella Creme Pancakes * Crispy Fried Chick’n & Belgium Waffles * Classic Diner “Egg, Bacon & Sausage” Sunrise Breakfast * Home Fries & Crispy Hashbrowns * Loaded Breakfast Burritos * House-made Egg Breakfast Sandwiches * Bubbie’s famous Milkshakes * Drip Coffee, Juice, Hot Chocolate and Nitro Cold Brew Lattes * Bloody Mary Mocktail Bar * Plus more Space is limited & they do sell out → **[RSVP REQUIRED](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veganuary-close-out-brunch-saturday-131-tickets-1981245108453)** Reserve your spot now! ***Everyone will order what they want and pay the restaurant directly.*** **About [Veganuary](https://veganuary.com/en-us/)** Since Veganuary was started in 2014, millions of people have [signed up ](https://veganuary.com/en-us/try-vegan/)to take the vegan pledge for the month of January, and now Veganuary has participants in almost every country in the world. Throughout the year, Veganuary encourages and supports people and businesses alike to move to a plant-based diet as a way of protecting the environment, preventing animal suffering, and improving the health of millions of people. [Signing up](https://veganuary.com/en-us/try-vegan/) provides a celebrity cookbook, 31 days of recipes, and vegan coaching emails! Please share with friends and family. **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for the restaurant and others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes.. **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.**

Guest Speakers: Liqin and Frank from United Poultry Concerns Post-PAM Animal Action: TBD Chickens and Turkeys: Who Are They and Why Should We Care? This presentation by Liqin Cao and Franklin Wade of United Poultry Concerns will reveal that chickens and turkeys are intelligent, emotional, and social beings with strong family bonds and natural behaviors. It contrasts their rich inner lives with the suffering they endure in modern animal agriculture, urging greater compassion and respect toward them. 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.

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available.** [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Ballistic Missile Defense Question,”** on the operation of a controversial defense system and the debate over its use, with Dean Wilkening, a physicist and defense system researcher formerly at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Stanford University’s Center for International Security, and the RAND Corporation. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-ballistic-missile](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-ballistic-missile) .] Ballistic missile defense has been a contentious political issue in the United States, especially after President Ronald Reagan’s 1983 speech calling for a “Star Wars” style barrier to Soviet nuclear weapons. Ballistic missile defense is also among the most expensive items in the Pentagon budget for research, development, test and evaluation, with funding estimated at $10.6 billion in 2026. Most recently, ballistic missiles have been making headlines as a result of Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack against Israel, Russia’s ballistic missile attacks against Ukraine, and President Trump’s call for America to be defended by a “Golden Dome” similar to Israel’s Iron Dome system. But is relying on ballistic missile defense (BMD) systems practical and wise? Hear that question tackled by Dean Wilkening, who recently retired from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, has spent much of his life studying a range of defense matters such as hypersonic weapons and ballistic missile defense, and who has published extensively and advised national boards and government agencies on his findings. Dr. Wilkening will discuss the technology underlying BMD systems, which seek to use precision guided munitions to essentially “hit a bullet with a bullet” to thwart attacks. You’ll learn about the support systems, including sensors and command and control systems, critical to making it all work. Then he’ll give an overview of the debate over ballistic missile defense systems, typically split along partisan lines. We’ll look at the evolving missile threat, which includes both conventional and nuclear ballistic missiles as well as hypersonic weapons, and the potential for armed conflict with Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. Dr. Wilkening will look at whether BMD systems meet the test of working technically, being able to survive attack, and being cost-effective at the margins. Finally, he’ll take on the big-picture question of whether ballistic missile defense is inherently “destabilizing.” Do they stimulate arms races? Do they actually make nuclear war more likely? (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A 2019 U.S. Army test of patriot missiles. (U.S. Department of Defense photo.)

Join us for a volunteer day helping the animals at Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in Potomac, MD. Before attending this event, you must sign a liability waiver. Please use this link https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/ The chores you will be doing are physical. You will be working on big projects that require many volunteers like removing old bedding, sanitizing stals and replacing with new bedding, along with the daily clean up chores. Wear boots and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Feel free to bring a filled water bottle. On sunny days a brimmed hat and sunglasses may be helpful. Sunscreen is also suggested. Please do not bring any food or yummy-smelling items on your body or in your bag as our animals love to eat and are on special diets. Out of respect for the animals, we do not allow any food with animal products to be consumed at Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary. Please ensure that all edible items are plant-based (no dairy, no cheese, no cow’s milk ice cream, no meat, no fish, no eggs). Thank you for your cooperation and respect for this. It is very important to us. There is a gift shop where you can browse and warm up during the event. Please post your pictures and tag Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and Rockville Vegans! We are limited to 30 volunteers, so please change your RSVP if you cannot attend. If there is interest, we may go out to eat in one of our local vegan restaurants afterward.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! For this event, we’ll help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents, wash dishes and clean surfaces at Fath Mission – Grant Kitchen. We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. Our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:15am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1, indicated in the attached map. On-site and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: \* LSS Volunteer Guidelines: Uploaded to photos. \* Parking Map Info: Uploaded to photos. \* LSS Faith Mission Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp46_6ay6iA \* Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/faith-mission-grant-kitchen-2025 IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With very few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others! Benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering provides a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Start the year surrounded by Love From the Earth—with delicious vegan eats, sweet treats, artisan goods, and a chance to win one of our raffle baskets filled with plant-based goodies. Support small businesses, enjoy great food, and spend a cozy day with the community. We will reserve a table for this group if there is enough interest. Just comment "interest" below. Don’t miss out—see you there! Check [event page](https://www.facebook.com/events/893838639773267/) for a vendor list.

**[note: ‘registering’ here doesn’t get you a seat; go to [THIS LINK](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=Columbus-In-Person-Chapter-Meeting-Build-Your-Network-Get-Mentored-Night-14-2-3-2026) to download your guest pass or just let us know you’re coming]** At our in-person Columbus Chapter meetings, we love to get you next to local investors who aren’t just experienced but also supportive, collaborative, and ready to answer your questions. At February’s meeting, the whole 3 hours is about getting you face-to-face with our experienced local members for some local advice and mentoring. Here’s the whole agenda: 5:00 Free light dinner and networking tables, meet the vendors 6:00-6:15 Buy-Sell-Trade (Members) Guest Orientation (Non-Members) 6:15-8:00 p.m. **Build Relationships + Get Mentored Night!** We bet you’re figured out that the best way to profitably navigate a rapidly-changing market it to get with real people who already know how to find the deals, get them financed, get them fixed, and most importantly, get them sold or rented fast and profitably. That’s why we’re devoting a whole meeting to giving you the chance to build some real relationships with those experienced, supportive colleagues, ask them your ‘big picture’ questions, or even bring a deal that you’re working on to have them give their opinion. You’ll have the chance to sit with these mentors in small groups and make connections you want…we’ve got members who can answer questions on anything from getting financing to rehab to tenant issues, asset protection, wholesaling, shared housing, and more! If you’ve been intimidated by the success and knowledge of these folks (or just didn’t know who to go to for what questions), this is your chance to pick their brains in an easy, structured atmosphere where THAT’S WHY THEY’RE THERE! (If you’re more experienced yourself, how about showing up to BE a mentor for the night? After all, someone helped you when you got started…pass it on!) Members and first-time guests attend free; repeat guests are $35 (and for real, it’s cheaper to just join [HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/MembershipInfo.aspx) and get ALL the benefits of membership, including a free website for your business and 20 other educational and networking meetings every month than it is to keep paying that guest fee). Register below to reserve your seat! Members and first-time guests attend free; repeat guests are $35; Register at **[THIS LINK](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=Columbus-In-Person-Chapter-Meeting-Build-Your-Network-Get-Mentored-Night-14-2-3-2026)** to reserve your seat!

🎉 You’re Invited! 🍩 Join Columbus Vegan Meetup for a fun community gathering at Monster Baby Donuts, a vegan, peanut & gluten-free, local family-owned business that just opened their new storefront! They started as a beloved food truck, and now they have a permanent location. 📍 700 Bryden Rd, Columbus, OH 43205 🗓 Saturday, January 31 ⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Come enjoy amazing donuts, meet other vegans, and help grow our community with people who share your values. It’s a great opportunity to connect, support a local vegan business, and have a good time. 🥪🥗 The shop also has ready-to-go sandwiches and salads. 🚗 Ample parking in the back. Everyone is welcome — see you there! 🌱💚

Join us Saturday, 1/31 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for an evening at The Cozy at Portia’s Café. Come learn about this local, grassroots animal rights organization and our current campaigns. Whether you want to do more for animals or simply meet other activists and vegans, this is the place for you. Bring your friends — all animal lovers are welcome. Enjoy games, socializing, and meaningful connections with fellow vegans and animal advocates. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Feel free to purchase food from Portia’s if you’d like — it’s completely optional. Location: Portia’s Café 3083 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43202 The Cozy is located right next door.

This is a group for all ages for anyone who has been affected by having a loved one with a diagnosis of dementia. You can stay as little or as long as you wish. It is open house style. This is a very informal group. I will have purple flowers on the table where we are sitting. I look forward to meeting you!

Our group, KIND MEALS, will be picking up the tab for pizzas, at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT SLICE, on Sunday, February 8th from 12-2pm. We will be trying out MIKEY'S Vegan Fake-ass BBQ Chick'n pizza and Vegan Fake-ass Pepperoni pizza, as well as some other special vegan pizzas that are served there. All the vegan pizzas are covered with Selfish Cow vegan cheese. The pizza is free, drinks on your own. Join us to learn more about **[KIND MEALS](https://kindmealscolumbus.org)** (a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Cols. Ohio, providing hunger relief services to those in need). All of the food we serve is fresh and vegan! If you love working with community, being of service, looking to hang with some fun like-minded people, and just love to socialize on a Sunday afternoon, join us for some FREE vegan pizzas at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT on 4th and Main. Mikey said the more the merrier!