Beekeeping

Hello again! After a long hiatus, the Monday meet up at Nanny O’Briens is back! We’ll have some games to play, but feel free to bring your favorites as well. Stop by for a game and a drink, and say hello! We’ll be in the back room. Other info: Nanny O'Brien's is allowing us to use their back room for some board game socializing. Please reciprocate their generosity by purchasing food and drinks. Free street parking starts at 6:30 in most areas (make sure to read the signs). If you're taking the metro, take the red line to Cleveland Park and walk two blocks southwest on Connecticut (we are located next to CVS).

This our weekly game night event! We start at 6pm so that we can get dinner from Aslin Taproom. Come join us and maybe meet some new friends as we play games ranging from Fluxx to Ricochet Robots to Ticket to Ride to Saboteur to Cards Against Humanity (and many others). Bring your games or try the games that our regulars bring! That pesky covid thing is still around. Feel free to wear a mask. I have extra masks if you don't feel comfortable without one.

Welcome to our new home at the historic Tivoli Theater! Please check our details for access to the space on [our website](https://www.hacdc.org/visit/). Join the discord for questions / help getting in (use channel #let-me-in) [https://discord.gg/dNjuNhNmeT](https://discord.gg/dNjuNhNmeT)

[Book Your Classes by Clicking This Link! ](https://crowndancestudio.com/group-classes/) Kick off your week from **11:00 AM to 12:00 PM wit**h focusing on the smooth, elegant foundations of Ballroom dance. This session is perfect for seniors and families looking to improve posture and balance through the Waltz, Foxtrot, and Tango in a low-pressure, welcoming environment. Price: $25 Drop-in, Membership **DOES NOT** include this class!

**Important: you must go to the Poplar Spring website to [register](https://www.classy.org/team/811995) for the race and [join Team VSDC.](https://www.classy.org/team/811995) (It is very helpful to RSVP here on Meetup as well, for communication purposes.)** Join [Team VSDC](https://www.classy.org/team/811995) as we support the [Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary Annual 5K Run for the Animals and 1-Mile Fun Walk ](https://www.animalsanctuary.org/events/)on Sunday, May 17th. All funds raised will go towards [Poplar Spring's](https://www.animalsanctuary.org/) lifesaving work every day. The funds will care for and feed the farm animals who live at Poplar Spring and educate the public about compassion towards all animals. The VSDC has been a participant in this event for many years. Registration Fee for both the Run and Walk by April 5, 2026: $28.00 April 5 – May 16, 2025: $30.00 Race Day: $35 To join the Team VSDC register [here.](https://www.classy.org/team/811995) More[ info on the 5k run and fun walk is here.](https://www.classy.org/event/poplar-spring-animal-sanctuarys-run-for-the-animals-2026/e766174) If you register on this page, be sure to select "Join a Team" and [choose Team VSDC](https://www.classy.org/team/811995)! There is also a virtual race option that takes place anytime during the week of May 17th. For important updates regularly monitor the "comments" section below. Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP. **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.**

"From the marvelous range of often-overlooked wines of the Loire Valley to the elegant Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs of Burgundy, we will explore the greatest wine making regions in France. We will simplify French wines so that you can master our wine aisles and any restaurant wine list with confidence." I have enjoyed these wine classes a few times in the past, and have found them to be educational and entertaining. Cheese and crackers are provided along with the tastings. PRICE: $20 To purchase your ticket, go **[HERE](https://www.totalwine.com/class/vive-la-france/alexandria/virginia/e/ec742260)**. This class is being held at the Potomac Yard location.

Join Team Rockville Vegan's for the Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary's Run for the Animals 5K!! This annual event is a great way to run in a fully vegan race (that means no worrying about the post race snacks... you can eat ALL of them!) and hang out with local vegans! The race has options for both runners and walkers! There is also a virtual event if you are unable to be there on a Sunday morning. You can join our team here: [https://pro.gofundme.com/team/818034](https://pro.gofundme.com/team/818034) **Please note that you must join the team and register for the race in order to participate.** RSVPing to this event only lets us know that you are interested. **We will not be at the entrance off of Arcola, please make sure you use this address for your GPS:** Wheaton Regional Park 2000 Shorefield Road Wheaton, MD US 20902 (Shorefield Road is off Georgia Avenue.)

**Tired of surface-level conversations?** Join us for *Ditch the Small Talk*—an evening of deep, real connection with strangers who are down to go there. We’ll meet in the grass in front of the cathedral, break into small groups, and draw questions from a deck of cards designed to spark vulnerable, honest conversations. How it works: Draw a card and ask a question. Listen. Don't coach or give advice without permission. Try to ask follow-up questions when people share. You can spend 1 minute on a question or 1 hour, just go with the flow. **If you show up late, please don't interrupt the speaker. Just sit down in a group of your choice and they'll bring you up to speed when whoever is talking finishes. Bring a blanket or chair if you don't want to sit in the grass. *** Rules*** 1. Don't debate politics 2. Keep what is shared in the group within the group 3. If you need to use your phone, step away from your group first

April showers bring May flowers! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, May 17 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

**NEW GAME LOCATION at The** Let's play board games. Not the ones your ancestors played but the really cool ones of the new millennium. We play everything from fun, social games to light to heavy strategy games. Don't know how to play? Not a problem - we're happy to teach. It's a great chance to learn new games or play your favorites with non-competitive people who like to laugh. You can build a railroad, eradicate a plague, or explore the far reaches of the galaxy in one evening. While many will bring their own games, you can show up gameless and still play. We play at the Ballston Quarter mall basement food court on Wednesday from 6:30-10:00. It's within walking distance from the Ballston metro and there's parking in the garage for $1. **Find us at the tables to the right when you get off the elevators to the lower level.** Look for a group that has containers and carrying bags with multiple games.

The Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary 5k (& 1 miler) for runners or walkers will be in-person with a virtual option (run or walk on your own). Please join us either to participate or to cheer! **Date/Time:** Sunday May 17th/8:00AM 5k (8:10ish 1 mile start time) **Place:** Wheaton Regional Park 2000 Shorefield Road Wheaton, MD 20902 (**Shorefield Road is off Georgia Avenue. It is NOT the park entrance off Arcola Avenue.)** (OR for virtual-run wherever you want!) **Register:** Register [online](https://www.classy.org/event/poplar-spring-animal-sanctuarys-run-for-the-animals-2026/e766174/register/new/select-tickets) OR as early as 6:30am at registration table at the event (\*\*make sure to choose team vegan-powered when you register\*\*). I recommend registering online. **Price/Donation:** $28 through 4/4, $30 4/5-5/16, $35 on 5/17 (race day) [Team Website](https://www.classy.org/team/812481) This is for runners AND walkers of all levels (actually you can do absolutely nothing if you sign up virtually and we won't even know!) In all seriousness, this is a great way to get motivated. You're improving your fitness and supporting a good cause while meeting some great people! We have had a Vegan-Powered team for many years. I re-posted a past Poplar Spring pic as the featured photo. All donations and entry fees go to the Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, which rescues and rehabilitates abused and neglected animals. Even if you can't attend, you can still donate. They rely 100% on public funds. This is an amazing event with amazing people and the funds raised go to an amazing cause! **MATCHING DONATIONS** Poplar Spring was given $15,000 in matching donations. DOUBLING your donation! Please share this with your family and friends. Your involvement is critical to Poplar Spring’s success. Click [HERE](https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/7076844) to donate. By the way, the food provided afterwards is all vegan! This is rare and definitely very appreciated! Schedule (optional for everyone!) 7:55 meet in front of start line for "pre" group picture (make sure to indicate Vegan-powered as your team when you sign up!) 8:00 5k start time (after your finish meet near finish line to cheer on others & check your posted run time for accuracy & that they included you on VP team.) 9ish Meet at food table then walk to Poplar Spring sign for group picture then walk over together to listen to awards announcements Come on out and we'll have a great time, while supporting a worthy cause in the process...Hope you can make it! Stephanie PS-Are you interested in training for the 5k together and/or an accountability group? If so, please mention this in the comments. PSS-I created a VP Strava Group, join for free [HERE](https://www.strava.com/clubs/1116318) PSSS-Check out the [Vegan Powered Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/VeganPowered)

**NOTICE: The park is open until 8:45 PM for Sunset Closing** [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunset-in-the-gardens-845pm-closing](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunset-in-the-gardens-845pm-closing) **Sunset is 8:25 PM** Fees: $5 for ages 6-17 & ages 55+, $9 for ages 18-54, and free for ages 5 & under We will meet at the visitor center. Bring Water, Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards There is no specific route in this park. Folks are free to wander around the trails in the park at their own pace. Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y For dinner, after the field trip around 8:30 PM, we will head to Anita's New Mexico Style Restaurant, 521 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3T7gw87tjvVuwDT96 Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature. [https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/](https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, 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.

Rockville Vegans will be picking up trash on the outside of Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary as part of their adopt-a-highway program. Poplar will provide all the supplies - gloves, bags, and visibility vests. We will be parking just inside the gate as you enter the farm property.

Friends, it's time to head back to Sunset Hills to enjoy an afternoon sipping wine and enjoying this lovely winery. We will be sitting at a table under the pavilion, where there is also live music. "Once a working Amish farm, Sunset Hills Vineyard offers old-world charm with spectacular sunsets and mountain views, ample lawn areas to spread out and enjoy, and a stunning restored Amish barn surrounded by beautiful vineyards." [WEBSITE](https://www.sunsethillsvineyard.com/Your-Visit) [FOOD MENU](https://www.sunsethillsvineyard.com/Menus/Food-Menu) As an FYI - their warm ciabatta bread is especially yummy! Outside food is allowed under the pavilion if you'd prefer. If bring sharables, please leave a message as to what you are bringing so we don't have duplicates. As an FYI - their warm ciabatta bread is especially yummy! I will need to limit this to 8 ppl. to avoid paying for a reservation. So please keep your RSVP's updated so that others can enjoy your spot if unable to attend.

Herbs and the natural world are the foundation of many rituals, spells, and other workings in the craft. In a new series by Carmilla of "Dark Magic for Dummies," we go back to basics, learning all we can about the powerful plants just under our feet. In a new format for Sticks and Stones, bring your plants for a group repotting session while we learn about the magical properties of our favorite Houseplants! Various soil, fertilizer, substrates, old pots, and more will be avaible to those who need it. please feel free to bring extras you may have to donate if you feel so inclined. Carmilla is an art historian, academic, and practicing witch for over six years. Taught by Grannymoon in herbology, crystals, and many other tenets of the craft, much of that time has been spent practically, with years of client experience and spellworking under her belt. Fee: $35 No admittance under 18. DISCLAIMER: In no way is this class supplemental for medical advice, treatment, or care. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of any kind, please seek medical attention. All herbalism in this class is entirely for spiritual and entertainment purposes only.

Happy Cinco de Mayo on Veintiuno de Mayo! Moving our Mexican holiday celebration to May 21. Also changing the venue to Camino Real of New Market!This will take us down Fort Valley Road and over the 211 switchbacks at Thorntons Gap. Running late? Lost? Have to cancel at the last minute? Call or text Jack at 571-639-9913.