Environmental Issues

*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.* 6.8 miles with 127 feet elevation gain. **Let's celebrate Memorial Day weekend by hiking to see some of the wonderful monuments and memorials on and around the National Mall.** The National Mall in DC is full of many beautiful monuments and memorials. One could spend many days exploring them all. On this trek, we will focus on the National Mall and Tidal Basin area The pace will be about 2.0-2.5 mph to allow time to enjoy the sights, take photos, and reflect on our national history as we honor the fallen. We are meeting at the Smithsonian Castle Haupt Garden. I'll be in the back (south side) of the Castle at the Haupt Garden sitting on a bench enjoying the view, so find me thereabouts. This area faces Independence Ave. Our trek will take us to a number of locations including NMAI Native American Veterans Memorial, Eisenhower Memorial, Ulysses Grant Memorial, Peace Memorial, National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Constitution Gardens, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Franklin Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial. **Best way to get to the Smithsonian Castle:** ***Metro: Best option -The Smithsonian Castle is very close to the Smithsonian Metro Station*** (see [https://goo.gl/maps/aT5Y6Wwte7P2](https://goo.gl/maps/aT5Y6Wwte7P2)), ***be sure to exit to the National Mall side.*** Alternatively you can go to the L'Enfant Metro. Another option is the National Archives metro which is a fairly short walk to the Castle. If you would really rather drive, there is metered street parking available both on Jefferson Dr. (on the front side of the castle) or the Haupt Garden side at 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560. Please note that parking can be difficult to find on a nice weekend holiday. There are several public restrooms along our route. Bring some hydration and snacks as you desire. The route is basically level. Most of the hike will be on paved surfaces so wear comfortable walking shoes. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) NOTE: There may be some restrictions regarding dog access such as inside the Lincoln & Jefferson Memorials, so please check in advance of bringing your dog. They are certainly welcome outside. Meet at the Castle 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 10:00am. We will plan on an optional rehydration after the hike for those interested. Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

Help with candidate petitioning to get us on the Ballot! If your available for a few hours in the morning or afternoon we can use help at the Falls Church Memorial Day Festival and Parade to get signatures for our 8th Congressional District Candidate Shelli Arnoldi. Start times for Morning would be at 10:00 am or Afternoon between Noon- 1pm. Invest as much time as you want /can with the holiday. RSVP below and our Chair will get in touch with more details. It's also a great event to enjoy during and afterwards! Details below: [Memorial Day Parade & Festival | Falls Church, VA](https://www.fallschurchva.gov/645/Memorial-Day-Festival-Parade)

Come watch College Men's Lacrosse Finals here at the Arlington Drafthouse!! FREE ADMISSION! Under 21 must be with a parent PLEASE REGISTER SO WE CAN HAVE A COUNT!!!

[Click To Learn More About & Get Your Tickets](https://aagc.africa/?mc_cid=294c8e0d0d&mc_eid=UNIQID) This May in Accra, as part of Africa Day celebrations, the Timeless Women of Wonder Foundation (TWOWF) is convening leaders, investors, policymakers, and operators from across sectors in Africa through the Accelerate Africa’s Growth Connect (AAGC)—a platform designed not just for dialogue, but for partnerships and tangible outcomes. If you’re looking to explore investment and trade opportunities, build meaningful relationships on the continent, or deepen your engagement with Africa’s growth story, this is your invitation into the room where that becomes possible. AAGC sits at the intersection of influence, access, and execution—bringing together those actively shaping Africa’s economic transformation and global competitiveness. What makes it stand out isn’t just who is in the room— it’s what the room is built to enable. Across two powerful days, you’ll gain direct proximity to: -Policymakers and government leaders shaping national agendas -Investors and business leaders unlocking capital and opportunity -Innovators and entrepreneurs building across key sectors -A global network aligned around growth, collaboration, and impact -Curated deal rooms connecting capital with real opportunities From high-level dialogue to investor forums, curated networking, and deal rooms — this is where ideas evolve into partnerships, and partnerships translate into impact. [Click To Learn More About & Get Your Tickets](https://aagc.africa/?mc_cid=294c8e0d0d&mc_eid=UNIQID)

# Cacao comes from a tree that has been used by Mexican, Central and South American indigenous cultures for spirituality and healing purposes. The main characteristic of this sacred medicine is opening the heart. During this ceremony we will practice the sacred ritual of drinking ceremonial grade cacao in its purest form to open our hearts to invite ancestral healing. Ceremony will be followed by a soothing and relaxing sound healing for you to bathe in the sounds of vibrational instruments. Everyone is welcome to join this ceremony. In this Curanderismo Cacao Ceremony with Sacred Cacao we will respectfully honor the spirit of Cacao in the traditional ways from the Yucatan Peninsula. Ceremony will be lead by Jenny Perez a Curandera and Shamanic Healer who has worked together with her teacher and elders to facilitate Cacao Ceremonies in the most respectful way , honoring the spirit of Cacao and Los Abuelos de la tradicion (The Elders of the curanderismo tradition and guardians of the sacred cacao).\*\*\*No photography, video recording, or recording of any kind is permited during the ceremony without prior written and aproved authorization. No part of this ceremony or its entirety may be replicated or claimed as your own without legal writen concent from Jenny, Curanderas Heart, and her legal team. Failure to comply will result in legal action by Curanderas Heart legal team. Be respecful of this tradition and all the elders involved in making it possible to preserve this tradition and its sacred ways\*\*\*. Start hydrating yourself a day before the Ceremony \*\*IMPORTANT NOTE:\*\* It is possible to experience some side effects such as nausea, sweating, headache, and nervousness with overconsumption of cacao. Please consult with your doctor before consuming ceremonial Cacao. This ceremony is not for people who are pregnant and/or have a heart condition or if taking SSRIs medications. What you may experience during this ceremony: Heart Opening and Heart Expansion Connection with your heart and emotions Transformation Chakra Balancing Deep healing of emotional wounds, grief, and traumas Ability to connect to your higher self, and ancestors. Improve emotional balance. Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace Ability to create self-love and improve relationships. What to bring: Your own water bottle Comfortable clothes to lay down An Eye Mask or bandanda if you have one Your own yoga mat or use one at the studio Your own blanket or use one at the studio Optional:A small offering for the altar such as a piece of fruit or flower About Jenny Perez Curandera: Jenny is a full time Curandera and Shamanic Healer. Her core values are to LIVE IN HARMONY with great spirit, the elements, nature, animals and people. DO NO HARM TO OTHER PEOPLE, PLANTS OR ANIMALS. In the traditional Curanderismo that Jenny practices the foundation is LOVE AND RESPECT to the spirit world, towards animals,plants, people,free will and the elders who guard the curanderismo tradition (Los Abulitos de la tradicion). Private bookings are available for ancestral healings,energy clearing , energy balancing and tarot readings. If you would like to book a private energy session or tarot reading before/after ceremony send an email to [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) or text (703)531-7046 ( Visit our site for more information on our upcoming ancestral healing ceremonies, trauma release ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, women circles, breathwork sessions and energy clearing ceremonies to bring balance to mind, body and spirit) Stay connected via IG @curanderasheart Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with food options and street parking. Space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe. Due to limited space pre registration and arriving on time is very important. DATE: MONDAY 5/25/2026 TIME: 1pm-3pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS CLOSED IT MEANS SESSION IS ALREADY IN PROCESS AND IT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SESSION IS OVER. Energy Exchange: $88 Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit5 Arlington VA 22205 Info: WWW.CURANDERASHEART.COM [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) 703\. 531\.7046 call or text What you may experience during this session: Improve emotional balance, Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace. Ability to create self-love and improve relationships \*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: Due to the extensive time and effort that it takes to prepare the sacred Cacao there are no refunds for missed or cancelled reservations.\*\*\*\*

Come on out to our monthly Park Club, this time at Huntley Meadows! We'll take a pleasant late late May stroll through the wetlands and woods, with your fellow Environmentally conscious folks, which was gifted to Fairfax County by President Gerald Ford in 1975 after a long and storied history starting with George Mason (yes, that George Mason). The park is home to abundant wildlife and is known for attracting many birds, amphibians, and plants that are considered less common in the region. Secondary-growth forest sprinkled with several small, native-grass and wildflower meadows surround much of the wetland habitat. If you've never been, it's not to be missed!

Reboot Hour is a feel-good, drop-in happy hour for meeting great people, playing a few games, and resetting your week. **Come stressed, leave refreshed. Donate old tech too!** This is the **anti-event**: no agenda, no speakers, no pressure. Just good people + games + conversation. Quick community note: eWaste Warriors has been getting noticed — **Rob Link was named a RealLIST Connectors DC 2026 Top 20 Connector**. You’ll feel that energy in the room: a lot of those “connector” folks show up here to meet people and pull others in. **Optional bonus (1 minute): bring 1 working device** (phone/tablet/laptop/etc.). Donating feels good because it helps real people and keeps good tech in circulation. Accepted: phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, AR/VR headsets, game consoles, headphones. Not accepted: screens, CRTs, appliances, loose batteries. **When/Where:** Tue, May 26 • **5:00–7:30 PM** (drop in anytime) Carpool Ballston — 900 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA (Ballston Metro)

How about unbeatable Happy Hour, just for our group, on a weekend night? This is mainly a social event and it is organized in joint with my other meetups. We usually draw a big crowed and you might want to get hold of me, at the event, to know, where the green group is. We invite guest speakers on our Happy Hours, from time to time. If you are interested to speak on any green and sustainable issues, please let us know. We will arrange a forum for you.

◦Join us for a laid-back Sunday Brunch. The Brunch is All-You-Can-Eat buffet and a bottle of Champagne (750 ml) with Orange Juice. You make your own mimosa. Just only for $ 35.00 per person without tax & gratuity! It includes French toast, pancakes, waffles, omelettes made to order, Pasta, Salads, Roast Beef, Pork Ribs, oyster bar, cheese bar and Salmon, plenty of fresh fruit, yogurt, cakes, cookies, and pudding....mmmm! After brunch, we mingle and socialize. Closest Metro Station is Clarendon. Please take into account Metro's Weekend Track Work & Service Adjustments. Check it on http://www.wmata.com/ and plan accordingly.

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-and-sustainable-environment-happy-hour-tickets-882772264607](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-and-sustainable-environment-happy-hour-tickets-882772264607)[). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-sustainable-energy-environment-happy-hour-tickets-288764391067) ABOUT THE EVENT This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the Green, Sustainable Energy and Environment; to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in careers in the sector and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of green movement. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign areas for each represented INDUSTRIES AND SPECIALIZATIONS; and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular experience, you would like to exchange. Space is limited and advance ticket purchase is required. PLEASE BRING A BUSINESS CARD. ***Ticket price includes a Taco and House Margarita/House Wine/House Beer. Cash Bar afterwards (which means you pay as you go). Our signature drink Mer-Tini will be featured too:) Ask your bartenders.*** \- Come one\, come all; YOU CAN FLY SOLO TOO:\) This is the most friendliest event you have ever attended\! \- Feel free to invite your friends\. They don't necessarily have to be a member \- Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in life with us\. \- For bottle/table service email \(info@[merevents.co](http://merevents.co/)m) or text at (202) 368-1878. \- Event is 21\+ Payment Instructions : 1\. You should login from a PC to see the 'Pay Now' 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, proceed to the next page and scroll down to see "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card". Then turn off the button 'Save The Info and Create Your Paypal Account'*.*** 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 : 1\. Go to Settings\. 2\. Scroll down to Safari and click on it\. 3\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. For Google Chrome Users : 1\. Open Google Chrome\. 2\. Click on the three dots and you will see many options\. 3\. Click on Settings\. 4\. Scroll down to content settings\. 5\. 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. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event.

Top level Backgammon Tournament play. Have fun and improve your game. Free lessons to new and inexperienced players. Club been active over 40 years, posting on Meetup is new. Contact Director Larry Brown with any questions. 571-214-8298 or LuckyLarry1001@gmail.com

A fabulous Sunday Happy Hour with half-priced appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks, for a green convo. This is mainly a social event and it is organized in joint with my other meetups. We usually draw a large crowed and you might want to get hold of me, at the event, to know, where the green group is. We invite guest speakers on our Happy Hours, from time to time. If you are interested to speak on any green and sustainable issues, please let us know. We will arrange a forum for you. This is a perfect venue to mingle. The restaurant boasts an expansive outdoor patio, trendy lounge and contemporary dining area. A fusion of Sports Bar, Night Club and Hookah joint. All in one! GOOD PEEPS, GOOD GREENERS, GOOD FOOD, GOOD VIBE & GOOD LAID BACK SUNDAY. • Half Price Drafts; • $ 5 Domestic Bottled Beers • $5 Wines; • $5 House Drinks; • $6 Select Bar Bites; • $6 Mad Rose Margarita • $6 bar bites include: chicken quesadilla, burger sliders, wings, hummus and pita. METROING : Mad Rose is few steps from Clarendon Metro Station. However, please take into account Metro's Weekend Track Work & Service Adjustments. Check it on http://www.wmata.com/ and plan accordingly.

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

Community Backyards Workshop .Community Backyards Workshop - Westerville Join us for the Westerville Community Backyards workshop! This is a FREE class on how you can protect our waterways and environment with small changes in your gardening habits. We will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but not required. * Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082 * Date and time: Sat, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM * Organizer: Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h2w5ms8 **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

By popular demand, the group wanted to read and discuss the semi-autobiographical novel by Henri-Pierre Roche, that inspired the Truffaut movie we watched last year. The book is available through the Columbus Library's interlibrary loan system. They reported there are twenty-eight copies available in the state of Ohio. If you have a library card, you can file an interlibrary loan request here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/library-services/ . There are also used copies available on Amazon and eBay for under twenty dollars. You may want to rewatch the movie after reading the book, so we can compare and contrast in our discussion. The Columbus Library has four copies on DVD, and it's streaming on HBOMax.

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.