Nutrition

**Click** [here ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/patio-social-for-neurodivergent-adults-tickets-1990579924138)**for non-members to register and submit your info for the activity.** **[Constellations ](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/constellations-membership)Patio Social + community lore activity** in Arlington, Virginia. This will be a relaxed patio social for neurodivergent adults (most will be 20s/30s) focused on conversation and meeting new people through a low-key activity. Participate in our “Community Lore” activity — a social scavenger hunt-style game designed to make mingling feel easier and spark better conversation. Before the event, attendees will submit a few fun facts, unusual skills, niche interests, and/or random details about themselves. We use these anonymous submissions to create the activity cards. When guests arrive, anyone who wants to participate will receive a card featuring fun facts submitted by other attendees. As you mingle throughout the evening, you’ll try to figure out which person matches each item on your card. We’ll have reserved patio seating, casual games, complimentary appetizers, and drinks available for the group. Alcoholic beverages and additional food or entrees can be purchased individually. While we do have reserved patio seating, this may not be the best fit for individuals who are highly sensitive to noise or busy environments. **Click [here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/patio-social-for-neurodivergent-adults-tickets-1990579924138 ) for non-members to register and submit your info for the activity.**

# 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: Fridays TIME: 7:30pm-9:30pm 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.\*\*\*\*

Every Friday night at 7:30pm you are welcome to attend the Covenant Life Church School of Holy Spirit. Whether you are just beginning in the prophetic or a seasoned saint, the Friday night School of the Holy Spirit provides the opportunity to be trained and exercised in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The sessions are taught by Apostle/Prophets Jeff & Linda Herbert who are ordained by Christian International. They are fully certified by CI to raise and train using the Manual for Ministering Spiritual Gifts and the Apostolic Prophetic Training series. Everyone who is willing will have the opportunity to pray for others during the activation times and will be used in their gifts. All sessions are free. Everyone is welcome. Childcare is not provided. For additional information: www.covenant-life-church.org

Come hungry for culture, community, and feijoada. The kick off to Afro-Bahia Fest starts here. Enjoy not only typical culinary dishes from Bahia, but also live music plus dancing. This will be a night you won't forget. Get your tickets now!

Speaker: Michelle Kleinhans is an avid native-plant gardener and nature lover who has transformed her conventional yard into a haven for wildlife. She will share with us fascinating facts about backyard fauna, explain why native plants are key to animal wellbeing and biodiversity, and steps you can take to protect local wildlife, even if you don't have a yard of your own. Finally, she will discuss how native-plant gardening relates to veganism and how one can practice animal-rights activism within the gardening community. Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

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

🔥 60-Minute Full-Body Circuit Training Workout ⏱️ Structure Overview We will meet at the volleyball court in Founders Park in Alexandria, VA Warm-up: 10 minutes Main Circuits: 40 minutes Finisher: 5 minutes Cool-down: 5 minutes 🟢 1. Dynamic Warm-Up (10 Minutes) Perform continuously, 30–45 seconds each: Jumping jacks Bodyweight squats Arm circles (forward/backward) Walking lunges Inch-worm walkouts High knees Glute bridges Push-ups (easy pace) Goal: Increase heart rate + activate major muscle groups. 🏋️ Main Workout (40 Minutes) Format: 3 Circuits 4 exercises per circuit 40 seconds work / 20 seconds rest Repeat each circuit 3 times before moving on Rest as long as you want between circuits Cool down 5 Min IMPORTANT!!!!! Liability statement: I understand that I am responsible for exercising at my own pace and within my own physical limits, and for monitoring my condition during participation. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation and agree that I attend entirely at my own risk. I hereby release and hold harmless the organizer, and affiliated parties from any and all liability, claims, or demands arising out of or related to any injury, medical condition, loss, or damage that may occur as a result of my participation.

We’ll sample the espresso at this Fairfax cafe next. There are some unique offerings on the menu, so let’s get together and compare notes. Enjoy your favorite drink or try something new. I love to start my weekends off this way. Come join us. (Please keep your RSVP updated if you know you won't be able to attend, so others who can join have the opportunity to. No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

**Hey everyone, we’ve exciting news for our next workshop, June 6th. Lesley Younge, local poet and author, will be a guest speaker. It’ll start right at noon so come early (I’ll be there so come keep me company). It’ll be at our typical spot, CapOne Café at 7th & H, from 12-1, followed by the usual poetry sharing and feedback.** **Below is her bio, plus where you can find her online.** **Lesley Younge is an educator and writer from Silver Spring, Maryland. Her work has appeared in Poetry, Callaloo, Bay to Shore, West Trade Review, MQR Mixtape, Full Bleed and others. She debuted as an author in 2023 with two books for young people. Nearer My Freedom (co-authored with her mentor Monica Edinger) is an award winning YA verse novel remix of British abolitionist Olaudah Equiano’s seminal autobiography. A-Train Allen, her first picture book, was an inaugural Own Voices, Own Stories Grand Prize Winner awarded by Sleeping Bear Press. Two children’s books on the nonviolent life of Reverend James M. Lawson are forthcoming.** **Originally from Los Angeles California, she attended New York University and Bank Street College of Education, where she discovered a passion for supporting young people’s learning. She currently teaches middle school English in Washington D.C. This is her 20th year in the classroom.** **Lesley is a fellow of Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Hurston/Wright Foundation, and Anaphora Literary Arts. She blogs and shares resources at teacherlesley.com** **[https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/lesley-younge](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/lesley-younge)** **[https://writer.org/organizer/lesley-younge/](https://writer.org/organizer/lesley-younge/)** **We look forward to seeing you there!** Here're the usual notes about the rest of the workshop: Next, we **share our work and offer feedback**. Depending on attendance, everyone gets \~10 minutes to use as they like. (No need to share, though; you’re welcome to come even if you prefer just to listen.) We maintain a **Discord server** to help share our work and communicate outside our bi-weekly meet-ups. If you haven’t used Discord before, take a moment to download it and create an account before arriving. When we meet you on Saturday, we will add you to our server, the “DC Poetry Workshop”, and can help you navigate the app if you have questions. Finally, if you plan on sharing a poem, consider how you will do so. Some options include: * Print 5-10 copies to distribute in person * Take and share screenshots in the Discord chat. * Copy the poem into a google doc, change sharing settings to “anyone with link”, and copy the google doc link into the Discord chat. Most importantly, we’re excited to meet you! Catch you on Saturday, Diego / Cayden / Nate / Otasha / Lia / An

# What About Artificial Sweeteners? When: Sunday, June 7, 2026. 11AM, Doors open at 10:45 for coffee Where: Green Hedges School, 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA 22180 Margaretha Backers-Netherton, RN BSN, will review the history, uses, benefits and negative effects of these widely used chemicals. Please join us for Sunday Platform at Green Hedges School, Vienna, VA After the meeting, we plan to go out to lunch together at Vienna Thai restaurant. For those who cannot come in person, this is the zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85147568797?pwd=2TQNpZPubvub435R7H9cEaKWrTWgaS.1 **Margaretha Backers-Netherton, RN BSN** Falls Church, VA Margaretha is a board certified member of the National Society of Health Coaches. She holds degrees in Biology, Education and Nursing and has experience as an ER, Home Health and Wellness Nurse. She works with employees of various business and organizations to improve their health and presents programs at various communities and veg fests throughout the country. She has been a vegan for over 30 years and holds a Plant Based Nutrition Certification from Cornell, certified as a Food for Life Instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, has a Master Fitness Certification from the Cooper Institute and has two daughters and a grandson. We will be collecting for **City Wildlife**. If anyone has gently used linens, towels or cloths the animals always need them. If anyone has furs they're ashamed to have, they are welcome to turn them in for the rescued animals to bed in. They're always in need of recycled newspapers also. Doors open at 10:45 for coffee. Come early get coffee!

**When:** Saturday\, June 13th \| 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM **Where:** [1124 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206](https://twodollarradiohq.com/about-us) Looking for a night of meaningful connection and great vegan food? Join us at [Two Dollar Radio Headquarters](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgFEAI) for a special community gathering! **What’s on the menu?** While [2$R](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgGEAI) typically serves a selection of [house-made sandwiches](https://twodollarradiohq.com/weekly-food) and vegan pastries, they are creating a **special menu** specifically for our event. You can also grab a coffee, tea, or a drink from their [full bar](https://twodollarradiohq.com/) of cocktails and beer. **The Main Event:** * **Play:** Bring a favorite game from home to share or dive into the ones available at the shop. * **Connect:** Meet new and old friends in a space that values independent culture and plant-based living. * **Support:** Help us champion a local, family-owned vegan business that doubles as a powerhouse [indie book publisher](https://twodollarradio.com/pages/headquarters). **Parking Instructions:** * **Street Parking:** There is free public street parking available on both sides of Parsons Avenue and on the surrounding residential side streets. * **Lot Parking:** The [Columbus Metropolitan Library](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/126262ks5&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgKEAM) lot (1113 Parsons Ave) is located directly across the street and is available for guest use **only after the library has closed**. On Saturdays, the lot is typically available starting at 6:00 PM. * **Bike Parking:** For those cycling, there is a bike rack conveniently located at the corner of Cline and Parsons.

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg

**Let’s meet for pizza 1st at Mikey’s Late Night Slice which is connected to Pins! Then we will bowl (no heavy balls involved)**

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Join us Sunday, June 7th at 10am for a gentle beginner-friendly yoga flow in Goodale park with Victoria, one of our very own vegan community members and certified yoga teacher! Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a long time practitioner, this class is designed to help you slow down, stretch, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Expect a relaxed, accessible flow focused on easing tension, moving mindfully, and leaving you feeling a little more grounded. All levels welcome! Bring water and a yoga mat (or towel if you don’t have a mat). A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated, but payment is absolutely not required to attend and enjoy class. A Venmo QR code will be available on-site for anyone who would like to contribute. The class duration will be one hour from 10-11am. After class, we’ll head to Woodhouse Vegan for anyone who wants to keep the good vibes going over food and conversation 🌱

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!