Positive Thinking

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)*.

**Stress Free Living: Create Calm from the Inside Out** Stress doesn’t have to be your default setting. This workshop offers a grounded, practical approach to cultivating inner calm and resilience in the face of life’s demands. Through mindfulness, breathwork, and nervous system regulation techniques, you’ll learn how to shift from stress to ease—without needing to escape your life. This is about building a sustainable inner sanctuary, no matter what’s happening around you. Key Takeaways: * Understand the root causes of stress and how it affects your body and mind. * Learn simple, effective tools to reduce stress in real time. * Build a personalized stress-reduction toolkit. * Cultivate a calm, centered presence in everyday life. Sun., Feb., 15th, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris Center, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/dvOpI](https://shorturl.at/dvOpI)

Cost: $10 \*Pay First and you're in :) $15 if received after 7:00pm *please note we need to plan accordingly. PAY BY VENMO // @no-panic-volleyball Or ZELLE // serve@nopanicvolleyball.com No Refunds, only credits. The event RSVP will close at 7:30pm. If there are not enough players by the closing time, the event will be cancelled. Fine tune your volleyball skills with your team in an all out positional still play. Bring a team or you will be put on one. If you request to play with people, RSVP with them.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – February 25 Business Presentation** **Featuring Jennifer Zitelli, Founder of ESL Thrive** **Wednesday\, February 25 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us at 1 Million Cups Loudoun as we welcome **Jennifer Zitelli**, founder of **ESL Thrive**, for a dynamic conversation focused on workforce communication, business growth, and supporting employees for long-term success. **About the Business** ESL Thrive provides **on-the-job English training designed specifically for business success**. Through customized instruction, Jennifer helps employees gain the language skills they need to communicate effectively, perform confidently, and thrive in their roles — ultimately strengthening the businesses they support. Her programs are tailored to meet the real-world needs of small businesses, ensuring employees learn practical workplace language that directly impacts productivity, team collaboration, and customer experience. **Who Jennifer Is Looking to Hear From** Jennifer is seeking feedback from business owners and leaders in industries such as: * Hospitality * Home services * Restaurants * Retail * Any business with employees whose first language is not English **Current Business Focus & Barriers** As ESL Thrive continues to grow, Jennifer is looking for insight around: * Overcoming barriers to business growth * Strengthening marketing strategy * Expanding business development efforts * Effectively reaching her target markets This is an excellent opportunity to share your perspective while supporting a business dedicated to empowering both employers and employees. **Why Attend?** * Learn about a service that directly impacts workplace success * Provide valuable feedback to a growing business * Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and community leaders * Be part of a collaborative, solutions-focused conversation **What is 1 Million Cups?** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **February 25 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about communication, workforce development, and business growth. We look forward to seeing you there!

**Come Join to Celebrate Charles Darwin's Birthday! Banana Splits will be served! Our Talk is** **Beyond the Bare Bones: What Human Evolution Means to You** The study of human evolution isn't merely an academic exercise in looking backward. It tells us who we are and the kinds of things we do. Hence, it can inform us about our impact on the environment and our future as a species. This presentation will be illustrated with revealing images from the Smithsonian's Hall of Human Origins. Our speaker, Fred Edwords served eleven years as the founding editor of the American Humanist Association’s *Creation/Evolution* journal, refuting creationism in print and on the debate platform. He also served fifteen years as the American Humanist Association's executive director and twelve years as editor of the *Humanist* magazine. This is an in-person meeting only. We serve coffee starting at 10:45. Come then and chat!

This is introductory meditation for people who wants to learn basics of meditation. It's a free event held every week and everyone is welcome to join.