Environmental Issues

As we transition into the vibrant energy of summer, it's time to release the old that is no longer serving you. Close chapters and cycles and welcome new beginnings. This unique one-on-one experience is not to be missed! With limited time and limited spaces available, Secure your spot now. Special Price: Only $111 for this complete package! * Session Includes Tarot Reading: Gain clarity and insight into your journey. * Mini Limpia: A Traditiaonal Cuaranderismo cleansing ritual with herbs to remove negative energies. * Sound Bath: Immerse yourself in healing vibrations that promote relaxation and inner peace. This special healing session is available from 5/25/2026-6/01/2026 Cleanse your energy and prepare for the abundant summer months ahead. [BOOK NOW](https://curanderasheart.com/book-now/ola/services/ending-spring-curanderismo-energy-cleansing-limpia)

We have heard our local actors share about their roads to success, now it's your turn! What were your successes this year? Bring your lunch and be prepared to share what worked for you this year. How do you define success? Let's celebrate our year of community building and pat each other on the back for what we accomplished as actors in the DMV. Don't worry if you aren't feeling the success vibe. Come and learn what others are doing to build their careers. The best thing about the acting community in DC is the support of the community. If you aren't able to attend, please feel free to share your successes with our Talent Roundtable co-chair, Alison Bauer at [abauer226@gmail.com](mailto:abauer226@gmail.com) and she will post for others to celebrate. This event is **IN PERSON** at the Hill Center's Amphitheatre. (Rain plan is to meet inside in the conference room) FREE for WIFV Members / $15 Public You MUST register here: https://www.wifv.org/calendar/#id=32506&cid=783&wid=401&type=Cal

*From the [publisher's website](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Cuba-(Winner-of-the-Pulitzer-Prize)/Ada-Ferrer/9781501154560):* **WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE IN HISTORY** **WINNER OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE IN HISTORY** **“Full of…lively insights and lucid prose” (*The Wall Street Journal*) an epic, sweeping history of Cuba and its complex ties to the United States—from before the arrival of Columbus to the present day—written by one of the world’s leading historians of Cuba.** In 1961, at the height of the Cold War, the United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, where a momentous revolution had taken power three years earlier. For more than half a century, the stand-off continued—through the tenure of ten American presidents and the fifty-year rule of Fidel Castro. His death in 2016, and the retirement of his brother and successor Raúl Castro in 2021, have spurred questions about the country’s future. Meanwhile, politics in Washington—Barack Obama’s opening to the island, Donald Trump’s reversal of that policy, and the election of Joe Biden—have made the relationship between the two nations a subject of debate once more. Now, award-winning historian Ada Ferrer delivers an “important” (*The Guardian*) and moving chronicle that demands a new reckoning with both the island’s past and its relationship with the United States. Spanning more than five centuries, *Cuba: An American History* provides us with a front-row seat as we witness the evolution of the modern nation, with its dramatic record of conquest and colonization, of slavery and freedom, of independence and revolutions made and unmade. Along the way, Ferrer explores the sometimes surprising, often troubled intimacy between the two countries, documenting not only the influence of the United States on Cuba but also the many ways the island has been a recurring presence in US affairs. This is a story that will give Americans unexpected insights into the history of their own nation and, in so doing, help them imagine a new relationship with Cuba; “readers will close [this] fascinating book with a sense of hope” (*The Economist*). Filled with rousing stories and characters, and drawing on more than thirty years of research in Cuba, Spain, and the United States—as well as the author’s own extensive travel to the island over the same period—this is a stunning and monumental account like no other. ***How to find us:*** We meet in the upstairs seating area at Zorba's in Dupont Circle. Look for a sign on a table with a picture of the book's cover on it. Links: **[Bookshop](https://bookshop.org/a/91030/9781501154560):** **By purchasing your book through this link, you help support local bookstores and defray the cost of DCIA's Meetup subscription.** [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Cuba-American-Dr-Ada-Ferrer/dp/1501154559) [Simon & Schuster](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Cuba-(Winner-of-the-Pulitzer-Prize)/Ada-Ferrer/9781501154560) [Wikipedia page about Ada Ferrer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ada_Ferrer)

Centreville Toastmasters members are just like you. Whether you are overcoming your fear of public speaking, improving your skills or already an accomplished speaker you'll get encouraging thoughts on what you're doing well and how you may improve. That's not all you also have a variety of opportunities to strengthen your ability to lead groups. **Are you willing to attend a meeting and see what it is all about? Meeting Hybrid at** 4900 Stonecroft Blvd Chantilly **VA** or online. Contact VP Membership for online link at [vpm-8806@toastmastersclubs.org](mailto:vpm-8806@toastmastersclubs.org)

Doubles Volleyball - Competitive BB-A level @Bluemont Park Let's get together to play some fun A level Doubles games at Bluemont. Format: Doubles COST: FREE Court Type: Outdoor grass Minimum Skill Requirements: A level (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) Attention: 1. This event is not always on a first come, first served basis. Those who can bring a net and ball, may get priority over others on the waitlist. 1. Since skill levels are self-reported, some attendees may not meet the expected level in reality, so we encourage you to choose a partner you can enjoy the game with, and since this is a competitive event, it is okay if you make a strong team and win all the games. 1. Since people arrive at different times, each group of 1. Players will set up and claim a net as they arrive, and may continue playing without rotating until all nets are set. ——— Smiley Social documents: [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/mobilebasic) [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco/mobilebasic) [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic)

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 an 8 mile out and back hike to the Dickey Ridge Visitors center with approximately 1,400 feet of elevation gain. We are hiking from outside the Shenandoah National Park into the park to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center and then back out. We are NOT meeting at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. Speed: Our pace will vary from 2.0 to 2.5. The trail is well maintained with some short rocky areas. Leader: Gail Markulin (703) 402-5902 (C) Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Trailhead Parking: Parking is on the side of the road by the trailhead and before the Front Royal Entrance Station. If you have gone to the park entrance, you have gone too far. The Dickey Ridge trailhead is right by the parking area. [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dickey+Ridge+Trailhead/@38.9062115,-78.19661,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b5c5e0b5d9c4f1:0xee10b295aebb171d!8m2!3d38.9062115!4d-78.19661!16s%2Fg%2F1tfj411p?entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dickey+Ridge+Trailhead/@38.9062115,-78.19661,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b5c5e0b5d9c4f1:0xee10b295aebb171d!8m2!3d38.9062115!4d-78.19661!16s%2Fg%2F1tfj411p?entry=ttu) Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9am. Carpool Location: For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville Park & Ride, 14700 Lee Hwy in Centreville. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, [https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18](https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18) The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 7:50 AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 8:00AM. The leader will be at the Park & Ride. PLEASE NOTE: Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Suggested carpool fee is $6.00. Entry Fee: None Map for hike: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ofxLeFFmHZ90xZKEleK_S6YaTbLx4OzO/view](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ofxLeFFmHZ90xZKEleK_S6YaTbLx4OzO/view) **You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain.** Terrain: Well maintained trail with some rocky areas. Recommended Equipment: Insect repellent, Hiking boots or shoes, snack/lunch, 2 liters water, hiking poles if you use them

PLEASE READ AS THERE IS AN IMPORTANT RECENT CHANGE for the blind tasting at Maxwell Park only: prepayment will be required to attend. Please note that refunds for cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the event start time. (But please cancel as soon as you know.) Please bear with me as we navigate this new process. The real maximum number of attendees will remain at 14, but since the Meetup App won’t let me make it a requirement to pre-pay when you RSVP "Yes," I’m not going to set a cap on Meetup's RSVP list, and we will see how that goes. Because there is No linkage between the Meetup App and Maxwell’s prepayment link, you can’t rely on Meetup's RSVP feature to know if there are still spots available. You will only know with certainty that the attendee cap has been reached if you are rejected while trying to prepay. Here is the pre-pay link: [Monthly Blind Tasting Group 6/1/26](https://www.giftrocker.com/secure/Order/?h=3c253325) Let me know if you have any specific questions. Thank you for your patience as we transition to this new process! Maxwell Park is 4 blocks from the Mt. Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center. 🍷 RSVP Please: --**If your plans have changed, please change your RSVP to No.** *Note start time of 6:15 PM!* Please plan to arrive on time. 🍷 What is blind wine tasting? In a blind tasting you use your sense of smell, sight, and taste to try to deduce which variety(wine grape) is in your glass. 🍷 Do I need to be a wine professional? Definitely not - this group is experience diverse and we welcome both wine newbies and wine pros (and everyone else in between). 🍷 How does this work? --Please arrive slightly before 6:15pm to grab a seat. --Maxwell Park will serve us two wine flights: 3 white wines around 6:20 pm and 3 red wines around 7:30 pm. Each flight is $20. A 20% gratuity and tax is added to that. Food and other wines are also available for purchase. --We will discuss each flight as a group and try to reach somewhat of a consensus. Then comes the *big reveal* where we discover if our guesses were right. Full vaccination is required, masks are optional. Unfortunately, while we will try to be as careful as possible, we cannot promise that this will be 100% Covid risk free, please keep that in mind when deciding whether or not to attend. Stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid 19. Please keep an eye on this event for possible changes. Hope to see you there ! \~ Linda Lists of possible wines: [White Wine Varieties](https://www.mastersommeliers.org/sites/default/files/ES%20Tast-CMS%20Probable%20List%20of%20Examinable%20White%20Grape%20Varieties-NEW_2015.pdf) [Red Wine Varieties](https://www.mastersommeliers.org/sites/default/files/ES%20Tast-CMS%20Probable%20List%20of%20Examinable%20Red%20Grape%20Varieties-NEW_2015.pdf)

Tree identification walk June 6th 10:00-11:30 am Bon Air Park Meet at the flagpole in the Rose garden 850 N Lexington St, Arlington, VA 22205 Learn about common Virginia native trees and how to identify them using the Virginia Department of Forestry’s identification guide. We will use the online pdf version. We will walk along flat paved paths and focus on the leaves and bark of 12 species. We will cultivate connection with each other and nature and enjoy a beautiful park.

Please join us for a 30 (or 20 mile) round trip bike ride along the picturesque Anacostia River Trail. There are two starting points available: [Lake Artemesia in Berwyn Heights, MD](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cLNfkkGEHhqCC75A7) (long route) or at [Bladensburg Waterfront Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5bTL5icqt3T7HU9i8) (short route). We will ride to Washington, DC's bustling Navy Yard neighborhood. At Navy Yard we will stop for a refreshment after which we will turn around and make our way back to our starting points. **LONG** **Route**: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/e1gTC2KG6ErEJ66m6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/e1gTC2KG6ErEJ66m6) Meeting time: **9:00 am** Meeting Point: [Parking lot at Lake Artemesia ](https://goo.gl/maps/6BA5SoNNHQfmBFNp8) Length: 30 miles Difficulty level: **hard** Elevation change: 105 ft up and 135 ft down Bike time: \~4 hours at moderate pace (\~10 mph) Total time: \~5 hours (including stops). Biking surface: All paved trail and city streets Note: please let the organizers know if you are opting for the short route. **SHORT** **Route**: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/JCAmpRc4bxskTzDj9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/JCAmpRc4bxskTzDj9) Meeting time: **9:30 am** Meeting Point: [Bladensburg Waterfront Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5bTL5icqt3T7HU9i8) Length: 20 Miles Difficulty level: Moderate Elevation change: 85 ft up and 89 ft down Bike time: \~3 hours at moderate pace (\~10 mph) Total time: \~4 hours (including stops). Biking surface: All paved trail and city streets **Metro Accessibility**: the trail should be accessible from two metro stations. Please note that these are **NOT** tried and tested - so please keep ample time to check them out. Also let the organizers know if you are opting for any of these so that the rendezvous can be coordinated. \- College Park on Green Line\. The trail should be reachable via this approximate [route](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cvyUNFzR7bP4fu3bA). Meeting time: 8:45 am. \- Deanwood on Orange Line\. This is station is neear Kennilworth Park\. The trail should be reachable via this approximate [route](https://maps.app.goo.gl/iHTwXHs5ae91gi5w5). Meeting time: 9:15 am. Break at mid point: [Toastique, Navy Yard](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YLrLWJYysxwiRQUMA) Weather: we will not be riding in rain or windy conditions so stay tuned for Comments on this page. *For important updates, regularly monitor the "Comments" section on this page (below).* *Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.* \*When you sign up to join, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC Activity Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/). *Please also view and abide by the RULES listed below* RULES * Pets are not allowed * Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during this event. * Practice safe biking habits including: * Wearing a bike helmet * Keeping a safe distance between each other (bikes don't have brake lights and tailgating can easily result in crashes) * Avoid side by side riding unless the road gives us ample opportunity By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/) 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! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

**Join Friends of Accotink Creek, Fairfax County Restoration Project, and neighbors of Americana Drive to get trash out of this location plagued by illegal dumping.** **We can expect to encounter large quantities of trash of all kinds, from bottles and cans, to tires, to construction debris. Come prepared to get tired and dirty!**

Speaker: Michelle Kleinhans is an avid native-plant gardener and nature lover who has transformed her conventional yard into a haven for wildlife. She will share with us fascinating facts about backyard fauna, explain why native plants are key to animal wellbeing and biodiversity, and steps you can take to protect local wildlife, even if you don't have a yard of your own. Finally, she will discuss how native-plant gardening relates to veganism and how one can practice animal-rights activism within the gardening community. 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.

Free Argentine Tango fundamentals classes weekly for OneLife McLean (Regency) members in McLean Virginia! Nonmembers may pay for the health club entrance at the door ($30) and use the club for the day, which includes the dance classes, use of the pool, weights, tennis, etc . . This series runs from 12 April through mid-June every Sunday 230-330. Following the tango class, there is a dance workout class from 330-430, also included. Drop-ins welcome, though we recommend coming early in the session if you are new to tango. If any questions, text Todd at 202-361-8633.

The[ Simplicity Living Circle of Northern VA](https://www.coachingwithdanijk.com/blog/important-community-update-join-our-new-meetup-group-simplicity-living-circle-of-northern-va) meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Lacey Woods Park in Arlington, Virginia. **\*This is a rain or shine outdoor event.** This free community group offers a unique and empowering space for individuals seeking to live a simpler, more intentional life. Through participant-driven discussions and facilitated activities, our circle fosters connection, reflection, and mutual support. Hosted by members of the Simplicity Living Circle of Northern VA, we welcome those who are curious about simplicity, mindful living, and environmental care. Whether you are just beginning or deepening your journey, you are warmly invited into this inclusive and supportive space. Logistics: * Feel free to bring what’s part of your life: kids, dogs, food, and musical instruments are all welcome. * Arriving at the start gives you the fullest experience, since the opening activities help create the group’s shared connection. If you arrive later, it may feel harder to fully step into that once the group has already begun bonding. *Note: Our official Meetup group changed due to administrative complications. This new group is now our verified and active community hub, which you can confirm at our in-person events.*

Hosted by Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District **Stream Team Sampling Events** Are you interested in the health of local rivers and streams? You can join the Licking County Soil and Water in a Stream Team assessment. These events are a night filled will fun in the water. We look at habitat, biology, and chemical parameters in waterways that indicate how healthy our water is! We would love to see you at one of these events! Family friendly. Free to attend. June Wildwood Park, Granville Where: 785 W Broadway, Granville, OH 43023 Date: 6/11/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. July Velvet Ice Cream, Ye Olde Mill Where:11324 Mount Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080 Date: 7/9/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.

The number of ticks and tick diseases in Ohio have quickly multiplied over the last 10 years. Dean Kreager discusses tick species, tick pathogens, tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention, and proper tick removal. Kreager is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension in Licking County * Lakewood Public Library (in Hebron)- May 26 at 7pm [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621) * Johnstown public library at 7:00 pm June 8 [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622) Free to attend, no RSVP needed

Garden to the Max Join the Inniswood Garden Society for their annual meeting and garden reception. Featured speaker, Teresa Woodard, will discuss maximalist gardening Having a maximalist garden is a bold aesthetic choice—yet it also brings vitality back to the earth, in an abundant expression of more. Garden to the Max celebrates gardens across the US that embrace maximalism through joy and wonder, nonstop blooms, and abundant layers 06/07/2026 Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Days: Sun Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S Hempstead Rd Westerville, OH, 43081 (614)508-8111 Location Map: Innis House.

In the year 2044, in the age of AI, a woman named Gabrielle (Seydoux) tries to purify her DNA by purging the inherited memories of her past lives. She (re)lives her life in 1910 Paris and 2014 Los Angeles, and as the procedure goes on, the lines between her worlds become blurred. These three timelines have a lot of connective tissue holding them together; certain symbols and motifs appear repeatedly, not to mention Mackay’s Louis, a figure whom Gabrielle seems drawn to in each lifetime. *The Beast / La Bête* can be streamed for free on Kanopy or the Criterion Channel. It's also available for rent on Amazon Prime, AppleTV and YouTube.

Topic to be announced. **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

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Join us Tuesday (6/2) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hundred Acre Woods in Westerville. This is a beautiful trail that is filled of hills and roots but a picturesque wooded landscape to hike. Wear your hiking boots if you have them. We will do 2 loops of the 1 mile trail.