Naturally Curly Hair

Come join your **DTs friends** for Thursday Night Happy Hour at **Breakers Sky Lounge**. Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or coming solo and meeting new ones, this is an easy, welcoming way to unwind. We gather in the **spacious, open lounge near the entrance**, with plenty of seating and room to mingle. It’s relaxed, comfortable, and perfect for conversation. Breakers offers a **full bar with table service** and a **casual menu** of snacks and favorites. ✨ **No RSVP needed. Optional dinner afterward, as usual.** On occasion, Happy Hour plans may need to change. We’ll share updates as soon as we’re able. Come relax, connect, and **find your tribe** with DTs. 💙🍸

The **Spotted Salamanders** are coming! Join VOF staff at the South Section of the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve to look for these amazing fossorial amphibious critters. This special behind-the-scenes adventure invites visitors to view this year's salamander surfacing event. Meet at the contact station in the parking lot; the ditches and puddles along Beverly Mill Drive are where we will see the salamanders. The Spotted Salamander, ***Ambystoma maculatum,*** and other amphibians emerge from their burrows when conditions are just right. Usually, that's on a rainy night around 40 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer, at the end of winter. This is an event that moves with the weather, so the notice is short to have the most accurate prediction possible. For fun, here are the nights they have emerged in the past few years: 2025: March 5th 2024: February 12th 2023: February 19th This is a family-friendly event, and we invite everyone who wants to learn about the cycles of these secretive salamanders. Please note this is an after-dark event, so we highly recommend you bring flashlights and head lamps, along with sturdy waterproof shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Expect rain! **This event is subject to move / repeat if the salamanders decide to emerge on a different day or if the weather conditions become too hazardous. Watch the Meetup Page for Updates!** Please email Deneith Reif at [dreif@vof.org](mailto:dreif@vof.org) for any questions you may have. As a friendly reminder, no dogs are permitted on the preserve. ##

We do the Unlimited bowling for $21.99 shoes included. You can bowl as many games as you like.

Check us out at http://6713.toastmastersclubs.org/ Email us at officers-6713@toastmastersclubs.org OR, call us at 703-967-1415 The meeting promptly starts at 12:00 PM. The agenda comprise of: • Pledge of Allegiance, • Toastmaster of the Evening leads the meeting, • Thought of the Day, • Joke of the Day, • Formal Speakers, • Table Topics, • General Evaluation & Evaluation of Speakers, • Timers Report, • Selection of Best Speaker, Table Topic, and Evaluator, • Adjourn

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

NOVA Adventurers League Campaign: *Baldur's Gate - Descent into Avernus, Session 12* * Based on previous playthrough, expect a total of \~13 sessions. * Players that start the campaign will have priority reservations. * Use of downtime for leveling is strongly discouraged. * **This campaign is full and is closed to new signups at this time.** This event is hosted using the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition Adventurers League rules. Becoming a member in our Discord and accepting our Code of Conduct is required for play at all of our events. You must join and accept the Discord rules before signing up to any MeetUp events. These rules include but are not limited to: * Assigning your name and pronouns as your server nickname; * Confirming your age as 18 or older; * Participating in a respectful environment for both our AL DMs and your fellow players. **[Join our Discord!](https://discord.gg/mG24YCk7wj) Attending this event indicates that you agree to follow NOVA Adventurer’s League’s Code of Conduct, which can be found in the #code-of-conduct channel on our Discord.** If you do not join the Discord and accept these rules prior to signing up for an event, you may be removed from the MeetUp event or be required to join the Discord and agree to the Code of Conduct at the game table prior to playing.

Join Neurodivergent District for a night of camaraderie over karaoke. We are excited to celebrate the 30th birthday of one of our members and hosts, Patrick R. We have a 6:30 reservation with limited seating. If you arrive later, you may not have a seat. We're still happy to have you come and join us. This venue can be **loud and overstimulating** for some, so please feel free to bring supports that help (earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, taking breaks outside, etc.). And no pressure to sing — you’re welcome to cheer others on and/or just come to socialize. **Please note:** you’re responsible for any food/drink charges you accrue. We look forward to seeing you.

**Women Over 40: Understanding Our Natural Transitions with Ayurveda** This seminar is for all women over or approaching 40. Understand the changes that your body, mind and spirit will inevitably go through, and how you can prepare for the transition to a new stage of life. Dr. Jain will give you the real picture of perimenopause and beyond, what it entails and what it means from an Ayurvedic perspective, and share concerning truths about our medical system's approach to supporting women during this important time. This is rare information not to be found in any AI bot. Dr. Amita shares deep, ancient knowledge that is practical, sensible and critical for our long-term well being. ***About Dr. Amita Jain***\*: Dr. Jain is a Doctor of Ayurveda, Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor, and the Founder of [Vedic Health Inc](https://www.vedichealth.org/ "https://www.vedichealth.org/"). in Rockville, MD. With over 20 years of experience in Ayurveda and yoga, she holds a Doctor of Ayurveda degree from Sai Ayurvedic College, clinical training from Swasthyam Ayurvedic Hospital in Kerala, and a certification in Hatha Yoga from SVYASA Yoga Research University in Bangalore. She has helped countless individuals heal from chronic conditions, trained thousands in Yoga and Ayurveda, and is a passionate advocate for affordable and accessible holistic healthcare. Her primary focus is working with chronic and complicated health problems western medicine has been ineffective. Sun., Feb.. 22nd, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/2qhPl](https://shorturl.at/2qhPl)

This is the first of several meetings on *Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic*, by Matthew Stewart. For this meeting, please try to read the first three chapters (pages 1-129 in the paperback). **Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?** America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy, Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient, pagan, and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza, Lucretius, and other great philosophers, Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God,” “the pursuit of happiness,” and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began. [LINK](https://a.co/d/bkTWJNb) I hope to see you there! Fred

Hello Everybody! Join us this Saturday at 11 AM at the Fairfax Wegmans as we continue our Bible study and discussions. Recently, we've been studying the "types" (patterns or pictures) of Jesus in the Old Testament in chronological order starting with creation. We will go all the way to David as a type of Jesus the King. As anyone who's attended before knows, we have open discussions. Our goal is always to grow in our love, knowledge, and relationship with Jesus and to have fellowship. We invite the presence of the Holy Spirit as we meet together and we've had some great conversations and revelations. Please join us as we continue our Bible study and prayers. God bless you all, Mihail

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Hidden Cleopatra,”** an excavation through myth and slander to uncover the real Egyptian queen, with Jacquelyn Williamson, an Egyptologist and associate professor of archaeology and ancient art at George Mason University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/hidden-cleopatra](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/hidden-cleopatra) .] Depictions of Cleopatra are abundant in popular culture. A long list of painters have depicted her, Marilyn Monroe and Kim Kardashian have posed as her, and Vivien Leigh and Elizabeth Taylor famously portrayed her in Hollywood films. At the end of the day, however, what most of us think we know about Cleopatra is wrong, the product of the ancient Rome’s “fake news” and anti-Egypt propaganda. Learn about the real Cleopatra—and how our understanding of her came to be so distorted—with Professor Jacquelyn Williamson, scholar of women and power in ancient Egypt, teacher of courses on ancient Egyptian art and archaeology, and author of *Nefertiti’s Sun Temple: A New Cult Complex at Tell el-Amarna.* Dr. Williamson will walk us through how the first Roman emperor, Octavian, created the distorted image of Cleopatra as seductress that we know today as part of his political scheming to defeat his rival Antony and end the Roman Republic once and for all. Cleopatra has been the subject of debate and controversy ever since. William Shakespeare later relied on ancient Roman sources such as Horace and Plutarch in writing *Antony and Cleopatra*, and his play helped give rise to countless other works offering a distorted picture of her. Professor Williamson argues that “Cleopatra was a human being, like you and I,” and “deserves the dignity of being represented as accurately as possible.” Her efforts to set the record straight have met frustration, however—after being extensively interviewed for the recent Netflix historical docuseries Queen Cleopatra, she concluded that it, too, had missed the mark. You’ll gain a much deeper appreciation of the challenges of researching and accurately depicting the ancient past from Dr. Williamson, who also has taught at Harvard, Brandeis, and the University of California at Berkeley and is involved with an ongoing archaeological investigation of Queen Nefertiti’s sun temple. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Layla Taj portrays Cleopatra VII as part of an Egyptian Cultural Performing Arts Society production. (Photo by Amos Gvili / Wikimedia Commons.)

Let’s get together for a short walk through park and neighborhood. Paved and unpaved trail

### **BIG Dreams ✨** **Soundscape Journey & Heart-Opening Cacao Ceremony** *An invitation to honor the call of your heart* 🐎 🗓 **Thursday, February 19th** ⏰ **7:00–8:45 PM** 📍 **Mind Body Paloma**, Oakton, VA (Full address shared after registration) Join us for a nourishing evening designed to support clarity, intention, and heart-centered connection during the Year of the Horse—a symbol of momentum, inner power, and aligned forward movement. We’ll begin with a **soundscape journey**, using calming sounds and vibrations to help the body relax, the mind settle, and awareness turn inward. This creates a receptive space where intentions can be felt and grounded, allowing your dreams to be gently anchored in the body. Following the soundscape, we’ll gather for a **heart-opening cacao ceremony** led by **Kristine Kelly**, a longevity chef and holistic nutrition coach with experience studying cacao and earth-based healing practices in wellness communities around the world. Participants will enjoy ceremonial-grade cacao prepared with intention, followed by guided reflection, journaling, and gentle conversation. This portion focuses on clarifying what you are choosing to nourish in your life and what you’re ready to release, so your dreams can unfold with greater alignment and ease. **This experience is ideal if you’re seeking:** • Heart-centered connection • A supportive space for reflection • Meaningful community • Intentions set without pressure • A calming, restorative evening 💫 **Cost:** $80 ✨ **Space is limited. Advance registration required.** 👉 **Register here:** https://events.humanitix.com/big-dreams-a-cacao-and-soundscape-event Learn more: 🌐 [www.mindbodypaloma.com](http://www.mindbodypaloma.com) 📸 Instagram: @mindbodypaloma

Have you been bitten by the curling bug — or are you just curious what all the sweeping is about? Join **Jen** for a **beginner-friendly Intro to Curling class** at **ION International Training Center** in Leesburg! This is a relaxed, first-timer-friendly experience — **no skating required** and absolutely no experience needed. Just come ready to try something new, laugh a little, and spend time with fellow DT members. *This is a welcoming, beginner-friendly event — women, trans, and nonbinary members are warmly encouraged to join.* *** ### **💳 Cost & registration (important!)** * This event has a **per-person cost** (recent classes have been about **$30**), paid directly through registration * **Registration is required** and handled by a third-party system * Please note: **RSVP’ing alone does not hold a spot** * This class is open to the general public, but we’re aiming for a **DT takeover night** * If registration fills up, we won’t be able to add additional participants *** ### **👟 What to wear** * **Closed-toe athletic shoes** (clean soles; no heels or open shoes) * **Warm, comfortable layers** — the ice rink is chilly * **Stretchy pants or jeans** you can bend and move in * Gloves are optional (some people like them for sweeping) *No skates or special equipment needed — everything else is provided.* *** ### **🥌 What to expect** * A **beginner-only, instructor-led class** * You’ll learn how to: * Move safely on the ice * Slide a curling stone (at your own comfort level) * Sweep effectively (yes, there may be enthusiastic yelling — it’s part of the fun) * No competition, no pressure — most people have **never curled before** If you can walk carefully, listen to instructions, and laugh when things go sideways, you’re fully qualified. *** ### **♿ Accessibility & comfort** * Multiple delivery styles are available (standing, partial slide, stabilizers) * Instructors regularly adapt for different comfort and ability levels * You can always take a break or sit out a round if needed *** ### **🍻 After the ice…** After class, we may head into **Leesburg** to grab a beverage and continue the fun! *** ### **🔗 Details & links** * **Register for the activity:** [https://share.google/1LHvVvguUylhWi65w](https://share.google/1LHvVvguUylhWi65w) * **About curling at ION:** [https://www.ionitc.com/curling](https://www.ionitc.com/curling?utm_source=chatgpt.com) * **Location map:** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/d6mLrK3tR4KFKyfg9?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/d6mLrK3tR4KFKyfg9?g_st=ic) * **Address:** 19201 Compass Creek Pkwy, Leesburg, VA 20175

Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production. You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at [Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov](mailto:Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov) to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or [sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore](https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/event-details/read-plant-grow-2026-02-24-18-30). ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

# ☕ Beneficial Brews: February Coffee/Lunch Hour at Moda Café & Restaurant (Chantilly) **When:** Saturday, February 28 **Time:** 2pm **Where:** **[Moda Café & Restaurant](https://modacafe.com)** 14513 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy #J, Chantilly, VA 20151 **Group Size Limit:** **Max 8 women** (intimate setting—RSVP early!) Join us for our February **Beneficial Brews Coffee/Lunch Hour**, a relaxed and nourishing meetup designed for meaningful conversation, connection, and community with like-minded women. ✨ **About [Moda Café & Restaurant](https://modacafe.com):** Moda Café & Restaurant is a hidden gem in Chantilly known for its warm atmosphere, beautifully plated meals, and cozy café-style charm. With a menu that blends comforting favorites and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired options, Moda is the perfect spot to slow down, enjoy a delicious meal, and share a refreshing mid-day break together. **What to expect:** This meetup is intentionally casual, welcoming, and uplifting—no pressure, no awkward networking, and no “having it all together” required. Just a supportive table of women who understand the demands of busy lives and value wellness, balance, and real connection. We’ll gather for coffee and/or lunch while enjoying conversation around rest, nourishment, and what it means to care for ourselves in the middle of everything we carry. You can expect: * Friendly introductions and relaxed conversation * A cozy café atmosphere perfect for unwinding * Optional reflection prompts to spark meaningful discussion * A supportive space to laugh, share, and feel seen Whether you’re a longtime member or brand new to the group, you are welcome here. 💛 **RSVP Accuracy Matters (Please Read):** Because this event is limited to **only 8 attendees**, RSVP accuracy is extremely important. If you RSVP “Yes,” please plan to attend. If something comes up (we understand life happens!), simply update your RSVP to “No” as soon as possible. When members RSVP and do not show, it is unfair to other women who wanted to attend and could have taken that spot. It also shows a lack of respect for the group and the venue, as often reservations have to be made, such as in this case. Please remember, two "No Shows" will result in removal from our group, and I don't want to see that happen to anyone. Our collective is built on kindness, consideration, and community—so please help us keep that culture strong. Members that attend events have a wonderful time, and I want each of you to have a fair opportunity to experience that. As always, come as you are—and leave feeling a little more grounded, refreshed, and connected. 💛

Can’t make it out in person? Join your **DTs friends** for our Weekly Virtual Happy Hour — a relaxed, welcoming space to unwind, chat, and connect from wherever you are. Whether you’re catching up with familiar faces or meeting new people for the first time, Virtual Happy Hour is all about easy conversation, shared laughs, and low-pressure connection. Bring your favorite drink, get comfortable, and drop in when you can. ✨ **No RSVP needed. Just click the link and join.** Come relax, connect, and **find your tribe** with DTs — from anywhere. 💙💻 Join in via Google Meet: [https://meet.google.com/jvc-ajhk-vci](https://meet.google.com/jvc-ajhk-vci)

**Join us for an insider's guide to achieving financial freedom through house hacking.** We will share proven strategies for turning your home into a powerful wealth-building tool. Discover multiple methods to successfully house hack your way to financial independence, including how to find the right property, choose the proper strategy, and own for less than renting. Come for the training, stay for the networking! ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Did you miss it?** [Watch all GRID Reston event playback on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOTh5kxLLJI1G3VH6Pqhlhu0uTA8yrdpi) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Join the GRID Facebook Community** [Join the online GRID community here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/gridinvestor) to post deals, ask questions, and connect with other investors across the globe.

It’s Ann’s birthday, which means one thing: we’re celebrating the only way we know how—live music, dancing, and great people!!! Bring your positive energy with you! It's also Joe R's Birthday! Double the birthdays! Double the fun! Join us for a high-energy night with Junkfood. If you know this band, you know it’s nonstop fun, and a packed dance floor. If you don’t know them, trust me — you will by the end of the night!!!