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[Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/) (VSDC) is pleased to join with [The Ark of Compassion ](https://theaoc.org/)(AOC) to co-host Compassionate Conversations™ on Sunday, Feb. 1 at [Siena's Vegetarian Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant](https://sienasrestaurant.com/). **Talk Title: Tu B’Shvat - Jewish New Year for Trees** **Speaker: John Netzel, founder of [Peaceful Fields Sanctuary](https://peacefulfieldssanctuary.org/)** **Event Description** Our guest speaker is John Netzel, founder of [Peaceful Fields Sanctuary](https://peacefulfieldssanctuary.org/) and longtime vegan advocate. John’s work is grounded in Jewish values such as tikkun olam (repairing the world), compassion for all living beings, and mindful stewardship of creation. His story bridges faith, ethics, and action, offering a powerful reflection on how plant-based living connects with Tu B’Shvat’s deeper spiritual themes. In this uplifting conversation, John will share: • How Jewish teachings inspired him to build a sanctuary for rescued farmed animals
 • The connection between compassion, environmental care, and Tu B’Shvat’s call to honor the earth
 • What we can learn from animals about responsibility, community, and kindness
 • How plant-forward choices can deepen our practice of tikkun olam No prior knowledge of Judaism or veganism is required. This event is open to everyone who enjoys good food, meaningful conversation, and learning from diverse perspectives. **Why This Event Matters** Tu B’Shvat invites us to reflect on: • Our relationship with the earth
 • Our responsibility to protect creation
 • Our gratitude for the abundance of the natural world By pairing this holiday with a plant-based meal and a conversation led by a sanctuary founder living out Jewish compassion in action, we hope to create a meaningful bridge between tradition, ethics, and modern food choices. **About the Venue** We’ll gather at [Siena’s](https://sienasrestaurant.com/), a beloved kosher vegetarian Italian-Mediterranean restaurant and community gem. Attendees may order directly from Siena’s extensive [vegan menu](https://sienasrestaurant.com/food-menu). . Questions? Contact [info@theaoc.org](mailto:info@theaoc.org) or Aashish Bhimani at [703-231-0291](tel:7032310291) (text preferred). **•** **Cost/Food: Order at the counter (no set ticket price)** **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes. **[The Ark of Compassion](https://theaoc.org/)** (AOC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare through education, outreach, and partnerships that inspire beneficial change for all life. Founded on the belief that compassion should extend to every living being, The Ark of Compassion bridges faith-based and secular communities to explore how our choices, traditions, and systems impact animals, people, and the planet. It creates inclusive spaces for conversation and action, helping launch events and ideas that bring people together. By turning meaningful moments into sustainable movements, AOC amplifies compassion into lasting change. Its mission is inspired by faith, shaped by empathy and reason, and powered by a vision of a future in which animals, people, and the planet flourish together. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

DC Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. It's community-led and community-run by devs, for devs. People of all skill levels attend. Whether you’re dev-curious, aspiring, or a professional developer, we’d love to have you! Come chat or learn to code on a Sunday afternoon with coffee and cool-inclusive people. Bring your laptop! We typically meet every month on the weekend. **Join our online community!** For all things Tech in DC and to get latest updates and tech events from the DMV area, join the [DCTech Slack](https://dctech.chat/). All DC Code & Coffee announcements are in the #dccodecoffee channel **How it works** Near the beginning of the event, we do an introduction circle. You say your name, what you can help others with, and what you would like help with. You can also share job opportunities. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized. **Event Host and Directions** TEMPORARY LOCATION! We'll be meeting at West End Library for February.

Let's see Mercy at the 2:30pm show at Regal Gallery Place. Not entirely a Chris Pratt fan but Rebecca Ferguson is a draw. Your host will be in seat E5.

Oasis recording artist LESSON ZERO plays The Evening Star Cafe's Number 9 Lounge, 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va. Saturday, January 31 from 8:00 to 10:00 PM. Admission is free and street parking is available. For more information, see [www.youtube.com/lessonzero](http://www.youtube.com/lessonzero "http://www.youtube.com/lessonzero") and [www.reverbnation.com/lessonzero.](http://www.reverbnation.com/lessonzero. "http://www.reverbnation.com/lessonzero.")

A Starfinder Society Scenario designed for 1st- through 2nd-level characters, playable in 2-3 hours. When a nascent godling called the Newborn was birthed from the planet Aucturn, chunks of its planetary womb and embryonic fluids were cast across the Pact Worlds, showering the nearby planets of Apostae and Bretheda, and careening through open space. Most of this debris—called aucturnite—collected in a haunted ice field at outer rim of the system called the Gelid Edge. For all its dangers, the Gelid Edge is a frontier of new discoveries and forbidden knowledge, and many Newborn evangelists, anomaly hunters, and occult researchers have flocked to the region to learn its secrets. Among them is Dreamlink Laboratories, a research facility that used aucturnite to create a dreamscape purportedly born from the thoughts of the Newborn. Using this dreamscape, Dreamlink Labs has pinpointed the location of a site they believe is important to the Newborn, though they lack the experience to perform an on-site exploration alone. It’s up to the Starfinder Society to escort an enthusiastic scientist from Dreamlink Labs to investigate this “holy” site! **Content note**: This scenario contains themes related to graphic depictions of disease and surreal settings intended to invoke disgust. Before you begin, understand that player consent (including that of the Game Master) is vital to a safe and fun play experience for everyone. You should talk with your players before beginning the adventure and modify descriptions of the narrative as appropriate. Written by Rue Dickey.

## 🌆 Thrive: A Curated Singles Night (Ages 28–42) **Part of the *Cuffed by Cupid* Match Series** 💘 A four-event winter singles series leading up to Valentine’s Day. 🗓 **Saturday, January 31** ⏰ **8:00 – 10:00 PM** 📍 **Eighteenth Street Lounge — Washington, DC** *** You’re building your career. Your community. Yourself. And maybe you’re also ready to meet people who are doing the same — and actually *get it*. **Thrive** is a curated singles night for people in their late 20s to early 40s who want more than surface-level banter. This event is intentional, relaxed, and thoughtfully structured to help real conversations happen naturally. We use our **Matchbox compatibility quiz** to guide up to three curated matches throughout the night — no speed dating, no awkward games, and no pressure to perform. After hosting **12+ events for over 373 guests**, we’ve refined the flow, questions, and hosting so the experience feels smooth, social, and genuinely enjoyable. *** ### 🎟️ IMPORTANT: Tickets Required RSVPing “Yes” on Meetup does **not** guarantee entry. All attendees must purchase a ticket on Eventbrite to attend. (The ticket link will be shared in the event comments and confirmation message.) *** ### 💫 How It Works • Arrive, grab a drink, and complete a short compatibility quiz on your phone • Our Matchbox system uses values, goals, and personality to curate up to **3 matches** • Matches are revealed in relaxed rounds throughout the evening • Plenty of time to mingle with the full group before and after This is structured enough to make meeting people easy — and relaxed enough to feel natural. *** ### ⏰ Event Schedule **8:00 PM** – Arrival & check-in **8:15 PM** – Compatibility quiz opens **8:45 PM** – Matches revealed **9:00 PM** – Match #1 **9:20 PM** – Match #2 **9:40 PM** – Match #3 **10:00 PM** – Open mingling 👉 Please arrive by **8:30 PM** to be included in matchmaking. *** ### 👗 Dress Code Smart casual to semi-formal. Sweaters, boots, blazers, jumpsuits — look polished, feel comfortable, and come as yourself. *** ### 📋 What You’ll Need • A smartphone with internet access • Arrival by 8:30 PM • An open mindset — we’ll handle the rest *** ### 🛡️ Safety, Access & Policies • Venue is upstairs with **limited accessibility (stairs only)** • This is a **safe, respectful, and inclusive space** • Disruptive behavior or harassment will result in removal • Photos and video may be taken for community promotion • Refunds available up to **4 days before the event** (Eventbrite policy applies) *** ### 💬 Why Thrive Works You’re not here to waste time — but you’re also not rushing it. Thrive is designed for people who care about depth, direction, and meeting others in a similar phase of life. 📸 Follow along: **@dmv.experiences**

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gf89PPYe3RMAK6Z7SGf5or)]] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

**The rules are simple:** Take photographs **Each and Every Day** and post your best **ONE** (1) shot of the day - **EACH DAY** for **February**. If you happen to miss a day or two (life happens), it is **OK** to catch up and upload the photos for the days missed or just skip those days. **Please don't post over 2 to 3 at a time**. This is part of the learning process. **DO NOT POST TO THE ALBUM *UNTIL* AFTER 2/1/2026**. Please use a browser like Chrome and the Meetup.com website to post the images as **the Meetup app does not handle albums very well**. Towards the top-left of the page is a link to **Add Photos** for uploading your photo to the album. **CONFIRM** **that your photo was Added to the correct Album.** Remember to post your **best photo (JUST ONE)** you took every day each day on that day! **DO NOT POST PHOTOS FROM ANY OTHER TIME!** If you have time to post an older image, you can take a new image and post it. Be creative. Please **add a caption** to know how far you are in the process. After you upload the image you took that day, find your photo at the end of the album, and edit the caption to state the day and total number of days in the month like this 1/28 You can add the title of the image if you wish. A good title can make a photo! So, your photo for the **January 1st** caption would be "**1/28: My great photo!**" \*\* Adding a caption helps you keep track of where you are in the month. It does help. The purpose is to have fun and get in the habit of shooting every day. Learn to use your camera. Read your manual and test out a new feature you have never used before. Sometimes picking a theme/project can help focus (pun intended), like flowers, your pet(s), a lens you haven't used in a while, or whatever your passion is. Or try something new... The **end date is 2/28/2026**. Meetup.com does not allow events to be longer than 2 weeks. Other images that were not taken by you will be removed. Please keep the images family-friendly. You need to be a member of the Virginia Beltway Photography Group. I look forward to seeing how far people go and grow as better photographers!

NO SUNDAY SKATE DUE TO POOR ROAD CONDITIONS! However, Some skaters are going to meet at Kraken (514 Rhode Island Ave NE) at around 11:00 Always fun!! For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see tomorrow at Kraken!

Join us for an hour of relaxing Yoga which. Cost: Free Level: Beginners What we will be doing: 1. This will be an hour long beginners flow yoga class. You are welcome to join if you are experienced or absolute beginner, just being interested is enough. Yoga is for everyone! 2. Through this meetup we will learn some yoga poses, breathing techniques, stretch our body, build strength. More importantly, we will try to learn about our body and find inner peace. Please: 1. don't get too full before practice but you can always bring snacks. 2. Please be on time, class will start on time. 3. Wear comfy clothes. 4. Bring your own mat or towel, water and YOURSELF. 5. UnRSVP if you can't make it. Disclaimer: Please consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program, including yoga. Yoga involves physical movement and may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to listen to your body and modify poses as needed to accommodate your individual needs and abilities. By participating in this yoga class, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and well-being, and agree to release the instructor from any liability for injuries or damages that may occur during or after the class

A unique worship experience for adults looking to engage their mind, body, spirit, and taste buds! Sundays, 5PM Join us each Sunday for a guided time of stretching, meditation, and mindfulness (think Yoga Church) – followed by a free mocktail and conversation! It’s a great day to end one week – and begin another. No reservations needed; just show up. (Invite a friend!) [https://www.thevineva.org/stretch-sip](https://www.thevineva.org/stretch-sip?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR5PvfHVivaZWvu3F4k-dNoYLoXZ9EkAZKcaOcJ2fBP09QM_svyEG0tkZgIH-w_aem_GVuOBm_3I478NQM3Lkqe0A) 2501 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, VA 22027

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

While some are still meeting online, this is an in person event. Please note that we have attendees of all levels of speaking, including some native speakers. All are welcome! Also, as we meet at the same time and place each week, many don’t RSVP on the app, so we will likely have more attendees than noted here. Note: if you are asked to pay and upgrade the Meetup app, this is not necessary. You can ignore this and still attend our meetings.

Join us for an interactive Bombay Gin Cocktail Class at TownHall — a fun, social experience designed to bring people together over great drinks, great food, and great conversation. During the class, you’ll learn how to craft several different Bombay Gin cocktails, guided by a master mixologist in a relaxed, high-energy setting. This isn’t a lecture — it’s hands-on, engaging, and built to spark connection, laughter, and good vibes. Whether you come solo or with friends, this experience makes it easy to meet people, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, and unwind mid-week. ✨ What’s Included (A Ton 😁) • Multiple Bombay Gin cocktails • Interactive cocktail instruction • Food & appetizers sponsored by TownHall • A lively, social atmosphere 🍸 Sponsored by Bombay Gin 🍽 Food & appetizers sponsored by TownHall Must be 21+ to attend $20 fee per person 

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Columbus City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Hello everyone! For our first dinner together, we’re keeping things low-key and casual. Take a look at the menu and let us know what you think we want this to be easy, relaxed, and enjoyable for everyone. Quick housekeeping note: many restaurants require most of the party to be present before seating. No-shows impact the entire group, so if someone repeatedly commits and doesn’t show more than once, we’ll have to remove you from future dinners to keep things fair and smooth for everyone. Looking forward to a great night and even better conversations 🍽️✨