Genetics

The blossoms are at their peak between March 29 and April 1. Feel free to visit at times that work for you. For directions, use the What3words app: https://what3words.com/enable.level.fortunate Also, feel free to go at other less crowded times, like during the week, and still upload your photos to the photo album of your best up to five photos. I prefer to park along Ohio Drive if it isn't blocked off. Otherwise, I park in the parking lot closer to the bridge. [https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'42.2%22N+77%C2%B002'16.1%22W/@38.8783851,-77.0403919,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.878381!4d-77.037817](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'42.2%22N+77%C2%B002'16.1%22W/@38.8783851,-77.0403919,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.878381!4d-77.037817) You need to have ParkMobile, and they charge from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM for $2.30 per hour. Enforced 7 days a week According to the National Park Service, on March 5, the current peak bloom predictions are between March 29 and April 1. [https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm) Every year, photographers from all over flock to the Tidal Basin to capture photos of the cherry blossoms at sunrise. This is a fantastic time to take photos when the only crowds are our fellow shutterbugs (hundreds of them). Bring Water, a Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

Spot Energy Chakra Healing with Sharon Sirkis Do you have a nagging ache or pain or wish you felt more present and grounded? Come experience a fast, effective, and different way of healing through the use of chakra symbology. A couple attendees during this event will have the opportunity to volunteer to get on the table for a healing/insight. Sharon will also be adding some new techniques to this month’s session. This event will immediately follow our 11am Singing Bowl Sound Bath Meditation. You are welcome to join for both. FACILITATOR BIO: Sharon Sirkis graduated from the University of MD in 1979 with a BS in Nursing. She is also a Reiki Master, a certified Chakra Energy Healing Practitioner, an accredited T’ai Chi Chih teacher, a Black Belt in kenpo karate, and a singer and firekeeper for Native American sweat lodge ceremony. Sharon was led to study and assist with numerous classes in Chakra Energy Healing since 1998. She has also studied extensively at T’ai Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts (now MUIH), with Rosalyn Bruyere, world renowned energy healer. Sharon sees healing as a big puzzle, and she finds that Spot Energy Chakra Healings including dialogue and insights are a much quicker and more effective piece of the puzzle. She agrees that healers are actually conduits for the energy that supports the body’s innate wisdom to heal itself, although she considers herself to be an active contributor. Sharon believes her background has helped make her an extremely strong and grounded healer, and also one who connects easily with clients because of her sense of humor and down-to-earth manner. FIRST TIMERS: All are welcome as long as you come with an open/positive mind and respectful heart. No prior experience is necessary. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out or crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (under 10 MPH) as to not stir any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway so it’s important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. COST: Suggested offering is $15-$30 With Love and Gratitude

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Digital Device Detox,”** a guide to breaking free from the addictive and destructive powers of social media and apps, with Jillian Tucker, licensed clinical social worker in private practice, adjunct professor of clinical social work at Columbia University and New York University, and therapist with nearly 15 years of experience in addiction treatment and behavioral change. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-digital-detox](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-digital-detox) .] Many of us have had the same experience: We’re trying to get things done and stay focused on the positive in our lives, but we can’t stop looking at a cell phone that tells us that we live in troubled times, that everyone else is better looking and having more fun, and that escape awaits in the worlds of Candy Crush or Pokémon Go. Maybe it’s time to find effective ways to loosen the grip of that cell phone and rediscover the happiness that comes with using digital devices less. Join Jillian Tucker, who previously has given several excellent Profs and Pints talks related to mental health, for a crash course on how to restore balance in your relationship with digital devices to ensure they’re simply tools you use rather than instruments through which other people use you. She’ll start by discussing social and mental-health trends connected to the use of digital devices. We’ll delve into the specific ways that their overuse can be biologically and psychologically harmful and leads to division, depression, anxiety and anguish on an individual and societal level. Professor Tucker also will look at why digital habits are hard to break, citing neuroscience and what we know about behavioral addiction. You’ll learn the many ways in which devices and apps are deliberately designed to be hard to stop using. You won’t be urged to just chuck your cell phone, though. After all, such devices can keep you socially connected, be sources of joy and learning, and even save your life if you need to summon help in an emergency. Instead, we’ll look at effective strategies for reducing digital device use, considering approaches that treat the overuse of such devices as “addiction” but moving beyond them to consider more nuanced ones as well. We’ll explore how to find our core motivation to change and how to carry out a change plan. We’ll consider how those who failed in past attempts to reduce digital-device use can overcome impasses in their effort to change their behavior. We’ll discuss ways to minimize the feelings of inconvenience and withdrawal that might come with reducing digital-device use, and we’ll discuss strategies for regaining the social skills and reviving the in-person strategies that our device use had compromised. You’ll learn how the same conditioning and power of habit that got us using our devices so much more also can be harnessed to help us use them much less. You’ll learn how to curate and enhance the positive aspects of digital devices, to help maintain them as a source of connection, joy, humor and learning and keep them from causing you unhappiness or stress. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Photo by Japanexperterna (Creative Commons).

This weekend is peak blossom. TIME IS TIME TO REACH THE JEFFERSON BASED ON WHEN AND WHERE YOU FIND PARKING. We will gather at the Jefferson Memorial at 11:30 am. From the memorial we will keep our traditional path if allowed all the way to the MLK starting around noon. Keep in mind parking and traffic can be a nightmare so we will try to go on the weekend the weather forecast looks best. I am tentatively putting it the same weekend as the 10 Miler since parking turns over as soon as the race ends. Please see cherry blossom festival info https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org to find maps and event schedules. There are options to buy parking ahead of time so please do so if you aren't willing to walk a good distance from the day of available spots! \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Notes to Capital Corgi Folks \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Normal public dog gathering rules apply (puppies must be older than 16 weeks and fully vaccinated, no dogs in heat, no aggressive dogs). Please remember this is a public event in a public place and we cannot control how popular this time and place will be. Please encourage children to ask for permission first to pet and don't be upset if someone declines to let your kids pet. Use common sense. Bring non-retractable leashes and lots of poop bags/water as there are not a lot of facilities and the ones available will be crowded with lines to enter once you get out onto the Tidal Basin. RSVP the number of CORGIS attending here on either Meetup Ap or Facebook group event page to avoid double counting.

🌈✨ Come One, Come All to the 18th Annual Holi Hungama! ✨🌈 Join us as we celebrate the Festival of Holi with vibrant gulal (colored powder), delicious food & drinks, and LOTS of fun at this family-friendly event! 📅 March 29th ⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 📍 Quincy Park (Picnic Area), Arlington Wear your best whites and get ready to get colorful! Bring your friends, bring your kids — the more the merrier! 🎉 🚗 Ample street & park lot parking available 🚇 Just a few blocks from Virginia Square Metro (Orange Line) What to Bring: 🌸 Gulal (colored powder) — available at Indian grocery stores or Amazon 🥗 A food or non-alcoholic drink item (per park rules) 🪑 Picnic blankets/lawn chairs 🎯 Outdoor games 📸 Cameras (keep them in a plastic bag!) 🧴 Towel + change of clothes 💧 Water balloons & water guns 💡 Pro Tip: Apply baby oil or Vaseline on your skin beforehand to make color removal easier. Nail polish helps prevent staining on nails! Want to Help? We’d love extra hands with: • Event setup (moving benches, tablecloths) • Keeping the park clean during the event • Cleanup & packing up afterward Let’s make this Holi brighter than ever! 🌈✨ See you there!

**NOTE: There is construction going on at the Tidal Basin (Tidal Basin Seawall Project) so while there still will be Cherry Blossoms, they will be more at the FDR/MLK area of the Tidal Basin (I think). I will recon this soon to get a better idea.** Put yourself on the waiting list if interested!! I will clear the waiting list as Organizers (Helpers) sign up for the ride. **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride Summary:** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Cherry Blossom Ride 2026 * START LOC: Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) * START PARKING: Any Parking Garage (Free on Weekends) * ARRIVAL: 11:00 a.m. * SPEECH: 11:15 a.m. * ROLLING: 11:30 a.m. * LEVEL: Beginner * DISTANCE: 12 miles * PACE: 12+ mph * TERRAIN: Bike Trails (minor Streets) * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: TBD **NOTES:** * 1 Hour (APPROX) wandering time at the Cherry Blossoms. * Bring a bike lock. * Bring a camera. * Bring a snack. **National Park Service (NPS) Peak Bloom Estimate:** March 29th- April 1st **Capital Weather Gang (Washington Post):** April 3rd - April 7th **NBC StormTeam4:** March 30 - April 5 **WUSA9:** April 2 **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++++** It's Back!!! Come join us for a leisurely ride to enjoy the 2026 Cherry Blossom season. The ride will begin at the Shirlington Library where we will take the 4 Mile Run Trail to connect to the Mt. Vernon Trail. We will then head north and make our first traditional "brief" regrouping stop at Gravelly Point (to see the planes take off or land). We will then continue north again and cross the 14th St. bridge (George Mason Bridge). Depending on how the Tidal Basin Construction is going, we will either ride to the Jefferson Memorial and lock up our bikes, or we will head over to the FDR Memorial. This is To Be Determined (TBD). Regardless, we will hang out for an hour (APPROX) which will give everyone time to walk around the cherry blossoms area and take pictures. VERY IMPORTANT NOTES: 1. Bring a bike lock. 2. Bring a camera. 3. Bring a snack. **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Bloom** **++++++++++++++++++++++** • [http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/bloom-watch/](http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/bloom-watch/) • [https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm) • [https://cherryblossomwatch.com/](https://cherryblossomwatch.com/) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Shirlington Library 4200 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) We will meet in front of the Shirlington Library by the fountains. There is plenty of parking available in the parking garages (all free on the weekends). **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride after the Ride:** **++++++++++++++++++++++** Damn Good Burger Co. 4251 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206 **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.

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

​​**Let's discuss a ted talk video while taking a walk at Capital Crescent Trail Near Bethesda.** **To receive future event updates, register on Luma:** [https://luma.com/tv3fhasq](https://luma.com/tv3fhasq) Have you had your daily dose of fun? It's not just enjoyable, it's also essential for your health and happiness, says science journalist Catherine Price. She proposes a new definition of fun -- what she calls "true fun" -- and shares easy, evidence-backed ways to weave playfulness, flow and connection into your everyday life. ​​​​Here is how it works: * ​​​​​​​Prior to the event: **Please watch this YouTube video:** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMBJrvEwv8s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMBJrvEwv8s) * ​During the event: * ​​3:30pm-3:45pm: meet outside of [Chopt Salad](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ThxMNixG2TG4T32X6) (Bethesda Row end of Capital Crescent Trail) for group introduction. * ​3:45pm-4:45pm: Take a walk at Capital Crescent Trail (laps between Bethesda Row and Little Falls Parkway) and Discuss. * ​(Walking Route Link: [https://scenic-walk.com/#/b712c5fa ](https://scenic-walk.com/#/b712c5fa)(During the hike, the organizer will live broadcast current location, so that people who arrive late can catch up via the [Scenic Walk Link](https://scenic-walk.com/#/b712c5fa)). * ​4:45pm - 5pm: Group Conclusion outside of Chopt Salad. *** ​​​​Discussion Questions During Walk: \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 1. **True fun is a visceral feeling of being illuminated from within rather than just a leisure activity. How can we better distinguish between activities that merely pass the time and those that truly make us feel radiant?** 2. **Playfulness involves a lighthearted attitude of doing things for their own sake without worrying about the outcome. How might our community change if we collectively lowered our guards and let go of the need for perfection?** 3. **Most peak fun memories involve a shared experience that helps us feel united with others. In a polarized world, how can the pursuit of fun serve as a bridge to connect us as human beings?** 4. **Fun requires a state of flow where we are so engaged that we lose track of time. What environments can we create together that naturally encourage us to be fully present and focused on the moment?** 5. **Prioritizing fun acts as a legitimate health intervention by reducing stress and promoting social bonding. How would we shift our schedules if we viewed joyful moments as essential to our physical and mental well-being?** 6. **Constant digital distractions interrupt our flow and prevent us from forming real-world connections. What boundaries can we set with our devices to ensure we remain available for spontaneous moments of joy?** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events: 1. Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question) 2. Listen to understand, not to respond. 3. Be open-minded and value differences.

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

Peak Bloom Cherry Blossom DC History Tour, Trees to White House, March 29!! Starting from the Washington Monument at the height of the world-famous cherry blossom season, and skimming the Tidal Basin then heading to the White House’s Lafayette Square, this tour will look at the rich history of America's capital. MEET at the east side of the Washington Monument (the side facing the Capitol Building). NOT the Department of Commerce. App won't display the right site name. Nearest metros: Smithsonian & Metro Center. Driving to the venue is Not recommended during the festive season. It will be crowded; arrive in time. Length: 2 to 2.5 hours. We’ll walk from Washington's Monument to the White House & Lafayette Square. And discover: • Japan's great gift to America • The lost public beach--at the Tidal Basin! • The mysterious Jefferson Pier • The Marquis de Lafayette’s amazing & perilous associations with multiple American Presidents • Where the term "red tape" was invented • Disputes over the Jefferson Memorial • The Washington Monument riot • The city's grand philanthropists • Tales of the Lincoln Memorial • The scoundrel who betrayed Jefferson, killed Hamilton, and tried setting up his own country—with the head of the U.S. Army! • Designer of the White House • Assassination attempts on Presidents • A walk with President Lincoln. • The town's many female heroines • Cracking the secret codes of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan • The early Navy's greatest hero • The soldier who saved Jefferson from being hanged • The plot that saved Mt. Vernon • And more! Pre-register and prepay via-- Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peak-bloom-cherry-blossom-dc-history-tour-trees-to-white-house-march-29-tickets-1984701539732?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true Or PayPal, sending $22 to: paypal.me/EMoser460 You can also pay in cash, $22, at the tour's start. We’re highly rated on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html Your tour guide is a former speechwriter to the President of the United States, a former writer for Jay Leno’s “The Tonight Show”, & author of books on the hidden history of the White House, the Capitol Building, and Alexandria, Virginia: The White House's Unruly Neighborhood: https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= And: The Lost Capitol: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress-ebook/dp/B099JBSN9Q And a forthcoming book on Georgetown's history! Questions? Contact: 191.EP.JM.56@proton.me Think history is boring? Not on our tours! MEET at the east side of the Washington Monument (the side facing the Capitol Building). NOT the Department of Commerce. App won't display the right site name. Restaurants available for dinner afterwards, at the Old Ebbitt Grill, The Hamilton, et al. Celebrate the blossoming of spring and the Easter season with a fun, informative tour of America's most historic, scenic venues!

Please join the [Veg Society of DC (VSDC)](vsdc.org) with your fellow LGBTQ+ veg and veg-curious folks for a springtime stroll to take in some of the beautiful cherry blossoms on Capitol Hill while making some new friends. We'll be **meeting at the [Union Station metro](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/union-station.cfm) exit at the front of the building at First St. NE and Columbus Cir. NE *at 12pm, and will leave by 12:15pm,*** to slowly stroll through cherry blossoms at Lower Senate Park. From there, we'll make our way over to view a very old cherry blossom tree (one of the originally gifted trees) located on the grounds of the Library of Congress. We will then walk to Eastern Market area to enjoy browsing the outdoor market vendors and maybe grab some vegan food and/or coffee, depending on how the group feels. The total distance we will be walking is under two miles. After the event concludes, people can take the metro from [Eastern Market](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/eastern-market.cfm) or make their own way back to Union Station (which would add additional distance to their walk). *[In the event of rain, we will instead meet at 12pm at the [U.S. Botanical Gardens](https://www.usbg.gov/) ([Capitol South metro](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/capitol-south.cfm) is a short walk away) and see some indoor flowers. The host will post an urgent Comment on this event page if we are moving to the indoor venue.]* **When** Sunday, March 29, from 12pm to 3pm **Transportation** Union Station is on the red line and Eastern Market is on the Orange/Blue/Silver lines. There is also street parking, though very limited near Union Station, as well as several garages, including one at Union Station. ***About the group*** *Unless noted otherwise, VSDC's LGBTQ+ events are intended for queer/questioning folks who self-identify as LGBTQ+. The events are meant to serve as a safe space to share community with other self-identified queer or questioning LGBTQ+ vegan or vegan-curious people. However, we appreciate our allies and we plan to host "LGBTQ+ & ALLIES" events approximately quarterly - to welcome non-queer allies into our events in order to share community with our fellow vegans/veg curious VSDC participants. If the event is an "& ALLIES" event, it will be clearly identified as such in the name of the event. Any person who participates in an "& ALLIES" event must be supportive of LGBTQ+ persons, their lifestyle, and their gender expression; unsupportive or combative individuals will be removed from events and banned from future VSDC LGBTQ+ events. Please note that any and all questions related to gender/LGBTQ+ issues that may arise during either LGBTQ+ or LGBTQ+ & ALLIES events must be posed ONLY to event host, Susan, and not be asked of any other meetup participants in order to respect their privacy and promote their personal safety.* **Update Your RSVP** Please change your RSVP if you can no longer make it. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Come help us weed & compost at the EGG! The EGG, or Eileen Garnett Garden, is Hands On Harvests' demonstration garden in central Annandale's Eileen Garnett Civic Space at 7200 Columbia Pike. Many helped us start & maintain the EGG for the last two years, and we have donated 100's of pounds of produce to the local community and other food pantries. Great Opportunity to learn more about weeding/composting, understand the EGG community garden project, & give back to the community! HOH provides gloves, tools, refreshments and instruction. Just bring yourself & some water! Feel free to come & go as needed, Please sign up in link below. [Sign Up Genuis](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FADA923A5F8C61-62782759-gardening#/)

Open gaming at Panera! New players welcome. We have many games on hand or you can bring your own. We are happy to teach or learn one of yours.

Join us for a flat 2.6 mile hike along the Alum Creek Trail from the rear parking lot of the Easton Hilton Garden Inn to the Strawberry Farms Park and back. This scenic trail along Alum Creek is a gem. Come and hike it with us!

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

Central Ohio Radio Enthusiasts—CORE—is an informal community for anyone enthusiastic or curious about radio—whether you're new to radio and want to learn or you've been tinkering for years and want to share. Ham radio operators, GMRS users, Meshtastic fans, software-defined radio nerds, makers, and technical and non-technical folks are all welcome. No experience required or expected. This month we have **WiFi HaLow: Introduction and Practical Use** with **Alex Barbur**. Details are are [core.radio](https://core.radio).

***Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Wyandotte Winery!*** Discover where local wines are crafted, and gain insights into the making of small-batch wines. Learn about the interesting history of Wyandotte Winery and the unique aspects that make it a local gem. **Highlights:** • Guided tour of the wine cellar and details on our wine-making process • Historical overview of Wyandotte Winery - and updates on What's New at the winery! • Opportunity to taste our current wine selection • Ask questions and interact with the Wyandotte team **Start Times**: 1:00 PM, other times by request. **Cost:** $10 (includes 1 glass of wine). Pay at the door **Parking:** usually best to park one block down the road in the church parking lot. 2 minute walk. **Note:** Touring the cellar requires taking one flight of stairs. After your tour, feel free to join us for a Fired Up Pizza or winery small plate! Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just curious, this tour will enhance your appreciation for wine and small-batch winemaking. Cheers!!![🍷]()

**Connected Westerville Night of Networking** *April Edition: The Introduction Economy* You've been to the networking events. You've done the small talk. Collected the cards. Forgotten the names. And walked out feeling like you just wasted two hours of your life. The problem isn't you. It's the format. Most networking events put you in a room and tell you to figure it out. So everyone defaults to elevator pitches and business talk, and nothing real gets built. Here's the truth about networking that most people miss: Your network isn't just who you know. It's who thinks of you when they're talking to someone else. *That's* The Introduction Economy. And it only works when relationships are real. There's a reason people who come once keep coming back. It starts with seven minutes that feel nothing like networking. Then we open it up. Free networking. More conversations. More momentum. This is a room full of corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners, creatives, and career builders in the Westerville and Columbus area. The mix is the magic. You might never do business with everyone you meet tonight. But someone in this room will think of *you.* **By name**. So, the next time someone needs exactly what you do, you get the recommendation. **April 14th. RSVP now.** **When:** Tuesday\, April 14th \| 6:15 PM \-\- 8:00 PM **Where:** Vineyard Community Center \| 6000 Cooper Rd\, Westerville\, OH 43081

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Nothing yet. (You should volunteer). What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/