Organizing

Craving a midweek reset? Slide into Burgers, Board Games & Chill - our weekly Tuesday night hangout where the buns are toasted, the vibes are relaxed, and the conversation’s always juicy. ​We’ve added **11** new board games — come by, play a few rounds, and help with new ideas! ​Check the latest burger review from Daniel Food Diary > **[https://danielfooddiary.com/2025/05/15/opensourced](https://danielfooddiary.com/2025/05/15/opensourced)** ​ Come solo or bring a friend. It’s low-pressure, good food, and great company — perfect if you’re new in town, working nearby, or just need a breather from the grind. **Venue:** Open Sourced **Website:** [www.opensourced.so](http://www.opensourced.so) **Date:** Tuesday **Time:** 6.30pm-9pm **Location:** 10A Perak Road, Singapore 208131 **Bonus:** Free tatter tots upgrade with every burger

*Only for Fully Vaccinated* 3 tables booked • $4 payment/pax is required • Preferred payment by PayNow to my mobile 96200515 • Pass it to me during/after the game. Participants: Preferably from lower Intermediate to upper Intermediate level; No age limit. REMARKS: In sport wear and bring your own bat. Balls and net are provided. Please update your RSVP at least one day before so the members who are on the waiting list won't be deprived of the chance to participate. For those who are in the waitlist, please do cancel your waitlist to not joining if you decided not going. Reason for the waitlist may automatically be RSVPed when any RSVPed member cancelled to not joining and you would become depriving those who are in the waitlist too if you did not turn up for the TT meetup. Thanks for your understanding and support!

Fellow board game and card game lovers, looking for a place to play MTG Commander? Or looking to learn how to play Magic The Gathering? Come join us this Tuesday and have a fun filled, fireball swinging, dragons casting night! Bring your own commander deck (any bracket) or just bring yourself and your friends if you’re coming to learn how to play! All Gender welcomed! Venue: Unsalted By Lazy Potato Address: 17A Jalan Klapa #02-01 S(199329) Time: 7pm til late Entry: $6 What you get: 1 Magic the Gatheringerinf Play Booster Pack + 1 canned drink Bonus: Lucky Draw for everyone

## Details **🎉 Geek Out, Stress Out: *Lite Edition* 🎲** Looking for a fun, low-pressure way to get into board games? *Geek Out, Stress Out: Lite* is all about **easy-to-learn, laugh-out-loud fun** with party games, social deduction, and welcoming gateway games. Whether you're brand new to tabletop games or just in the mood for something light and social, this night is designed for **casual gamers, first-timers**, and anyone who wants to enjoy games without the heavy rules or competition. Come hang out, play, and discover games that are as fun to learn as they are to play. No experience needed—just bring your good vibes and maybe a friend or two! **Venue:** Geekster **Time:** 7pm to 11pm (Every Tue) **Address:** 100 Lorong 23 Geylang #03-02 S388398 (Near to Aljunied MRT, take the shorter path at Atrix Bulding) **Fee:** Option A: Roll 2 dice and the sum will be the entry fee Option B: S$8 per entry Both options come with ONE complimentary drink **🎲 Play Arena Rules 🎲** 1️⃣ Max capacity: 30 people (excluding Geekster). RSVP is first come, first served. If you can’t make it, please de-RSVP so others on the waitlist can join. ✅🔄 2️⃣ Be respectful—no excessive noise or aggressive behavior. 🚫🎭 3️⃣ You’re welcome to bring your own games! Just make sure they’re ***clean*** and ***mold-free***. Comment below with what you're bringing. 😊🎲 4️⃣ Handle all games with care. Damage to Geekster’s games may incur a replacement fee. 💸⚠️ 5️⃣ No outside food or drinks (except plain water). Keep food and drinks away from games. 🚱🍔 6️⃣ Feeling unwell? Please stay home. Hosts may deny entry if needed. 🤒❌ 7️⃣ Keep an eye on your belongings; management isn’t responsible for lost items. 🎒👀 8️⃣ Theft = police report + permanent ban. 🚔🚨 Please join our **Telegram** group here for more details/updates: [https://t.me/+6r-3vSQcxwNjZjM1](https://t.me/+6r-3vSQcxwNjZjM1) **CONNECT WITH US!** 📌 Follow us on [IG](https://www.instagram.com/geekster.sg/) 📌 Join our newsletter on our [website](https://www.geekster.sg/)

Evening coffee/tea session followed by dinner later, to meet new friends, exchange and share different cultures in a group event - group experience sharing is one of the best way to know your new friends ;-) Hey everyone, we will be at the the tables right in front of the Old Chang Kee, at the outdoors! Hope to see you soon! Closest MRT is Bugis and City Hall. Event Etiquette: • Please understand that this is not a business networking group, and please don't sell MLM (multi level marketing) here. You may still exchange numbers but it will be at your own discretion. • The organizer has the right to ban members from attending events and from the group.

**[Location: Metropolitan YMCA]** **60 Stevens Road, Singapore 257854** Meeting Investment: S$55 (Refreshments included) **To register, use the form in the URL** https://fly.bniorigins.sg/visit • What we'll do The Purpose Let's network and connect businesses using a well-structured and efficient format. We meet to network and also learn new skills. It's not just about exchanging contact information, but we also share experiences and other business contacts to help each other grow. **A Guide for New Visitors** • BE ON TIME Our meeting starts at 8.00am sharp and ends at 9.30am. Please come at 7:45am for the networking session. • FARM & COLLABORATE We gather together not to hunt business deals from one another but rather to explore means and opportunities to build our businesses through referrals and collaborations together. We appreciate that you don't push your business to our members and other visitors. • PREPARE A 15-SECOND INTRODUCTION Don't worry, despite sitting through numerous meetings, some of us are still as nervous as you. Just share a little about yourself, what you do, and how you can collaborate with the people present. 15 seconds go by really quickly anyway. • STAY FOR OPEN NETWORKING Don't be in a hurry to rush off after 9.30am. Many of our members and visitors stay for open networking well after the meeting, so do stay on and mingle with us for another 30 minutes to an hour. • MOST IMPORTANTLY, COME WITH AN OPEN MIND What makes BNI unique and efficient is the system and structure in place for business owners like us. Come with an open mind and understand why we are willing to sign up for the chapter and meet every week at 7.45am.

No-agenda hangout for women to connect, chat, and vibe with like-minded people. It’s a safe, welcoming space to make new friends, share stories, and grow your circle—no pressure, just good energy. Entrance Fee: SGD10, comes with 1x complimentary drink, to be paid upon arrival. Subject: Notice of Entrance Fee Implementation Please be informed that with effect from 22 September 2025, an entrance fee of $10 will be chargeable to all participants payable upon arrival. The fee includes 1 complimentary canned drink. We thank you for your kind understanding and continued support. Best regards, Her Circle

Enjoy a specially curated vegan High Tea Set followed by a screening of The End of Meat as part of our Veganuary 2026 events. **🌱 Veganuary High Tea session & Movie** 📍 Eight Treasures, level 3 📆 Sunday, Jan 18 ⏰ 1.00pm-4.30pm (we will start the movie around 2.15pm) 🎬 The End of Meat (by Marc Pierschel) 💰 $28 per pax (via Eventbrite) [https://bit.ly/hightea-movie-veganuary26](https://bit.ly/hightea-movie-veganuary26) **Synopsis of The End of Meat** Philosophers, scientists, artists, and activists provide their insight and opinion on the role of animals in society, and investigate what a post-meat world would mean for the environment. **Savoury & Sweet High Tea set:** * Sandwich * Assortment of mini savory pies * Side salad * Selection of Desserts from our Popular Classic Rustic Vegan Bakes ### **Program:** * **1.00pm:** Enjoy a High Tea Set specially curated by Zenna * **2.15pm:** Watch The End of Meat * **3.45pm:** Post discussion * **4.30pm:** End of program NOTE: event ticketing is via Eventbrite (event is not free)

Join our vibrant volunteer community at Wildlings Forest School Singapore, **Dempsey Hill**, where we come together on the **2nd, 3rd, and 4th Thursdays of every month** to nurture our gardens and regenerate our forest trails that support our unique learning environment. #### Why Join? * It’s absolutely free! * Gain hands-on knowledge from our passionate team as we share resources and expertise. * Enjoy fresh produce and the fruits of your labour. * Help restore and enhance our forest trails, making them safe, sustainable, and magical for all who explore them. * Support environmental education by shaping the natural spaces where children thrive. * Beautify and enrich Wildlings to create a vibrant habitat for wildlife biodiversity. * Promote eco-conscious living by engaging in meaningful, sustainable practices. #### Who Can Participate? * Adults and students aged 16 and above. Young people aged 12–15 may join with an accompanying adult. * Local residents and community members. * Anyone passionate about nature, wellness, or sustainability. * Parents of Wildlings Forest School students (Hornbills and Eagles groups; Sunbirds are a little too young for this one!). * Aspiring Forest School Leaders and outdoor educators. * Nature enthusiasts and hobbyists from all walks of life. #### What Does Each Session Offer? * **Warm Welcome**: Start your morning by sampling fresh produce straight from our gardens. * **Interactive Learning**: Begin with a thematic talk, then explore the gardens and forest trails through a guided walk and observation session. * **Hands-On Work**: Get involved with physical gardening tasks, trail conservation efforts, and ongoing sustainability projects. * **Group Reflections**: Wrap up with thoughtful group reflections and a friendly farewell.

**Who Is This Session For:** Beginner tennis players with no experience or play for less than 1 year. Intermediate tennis players who also know basic strokes, forehand, backhand. Suitable for both **working adults and kids** who want to learn tennis on their own time. Private classes allow you to pick up tennis fast. The coach’s attention is 100% on you, making each class highly tailored to suit you. **What You'll Learn:** \- Foundational tennis skills\, footwork\, forehand and backhand strokes\, volley and serve \- Learn progressively\, in stages\, to adapt and improve on these basic skills \- Spar with players of similar standard \- Learn tennis from qualified and experienced coach \- At least 2 years of coaching experience **What To Prepare:** Water bottle, sports attire, tennis racket will be provided to you :) **Number Of Pax:** 1 on 1 Class - $90/class Pair Class - $110/class ($55/pax) **Form Your Own Group With Friends & Family!** Group of 3 - $135/class ($45/pax) Group of 4 - $160/class ($40/pax) **Wet Weather Policy:** Reschedule in case of rain, 1h before lesson **\*If your condominium has a tennis court or you live near a public tennis court, we can arrange to meet you at your preferred location.** **Time:** Flexible timing, at your convenience Please PM or Whatsapp Gabriel ([8401 4648](https://wa.me/6584014648)) if you are interested! 😊 ➡️ [https://wa.me/6584014648](https://wa.me/6584014648) **We Also Have Group Classes At Other Popular Locations** River Valley, Buona Vista, Tampines, Punggol, Upper Thomson, Stadium, Farrer Park, Kembangan, Choa Chu Kang, Lorong Chuan, Senja Cashew CC, Bukit Batok and many more! **View All Our Tennis Classes Islandwide! 👇** [https://sporthitch.com/tennis/](https://sporthitch.com/tennis/) **View All Our Adult Group Tennis Classes! 👇** [https://sporthitch.com/tennis-group-lessons/](https://sporthitch.com/tennis-group-lessons/) **Arrange For Adult Private Tennis Classes! 👇** [https://sporthitch.com/adult-private-tennis-classes-singapore/](https://sporthitch.com/adult-private-tennis-classes-singapore/) **Arrange For Kids Private Tennis Classes! 👇** [https://sporthitch.com/kids-private-tennis-classes-singapore/](https://sporthitch.com/kids-private-tennis-classes-singapore/)

We want women to have a safe place to drink, chill, and meet new folks. For 679 Thursday: * Men: $10 per entry with a beer/$13 per entry with 1 cocktail or mocktail/ $25 per entry with 1 food and 1 beer or movktail or cocktail * Women: free entry. 1FOR1 beer/cocktail/mocktail/wine. 20% off food menu. Great if sparks fly, if not, have a good time.

## Details **♟️ Geek Out, Stress Out 🎯** Ready to flex that board game brain? This night is for the seasoned gamers, the engine-builders, the tableau tacticians, and the worker placement pros. We're diving into the deeper end of the tabletop pool—**strategy games that challenge, engage, and maybe even melt your brain (in a good way).** Whether you're plotting your next move in a Euro classic or trying out a hot new release, this is your space to **go big on games** and connect with fellow strategy lovers. Bring your A-game, bring your favorite titles to share, and let’s get into the good stuff. **Venue:** Geekster **Time:** 7pm to 11pm (Every Thu) **Address:** 100 Lorong 23 Geylang #03-02 S388398 (Near to Aljunied MRT, take the shorter path at Atrix Bulding) **Fee:** Option A: Roll 2 dice and the sum will be the entry fee Option B: S$8 per entry Both options come with ONE complimentary drink **🎲 Play Arena Rules 🎲** 1️⃣ Max capacity: 30 people (excluding Geekster). RSVP is first come, first served. If you can’t make it, please de-RSVP so others on the waitlist can join. ✅🔄 2️⃣ Be respectful—no excessive noise or aggressive behavior. 🚫🎭 3️⃣ You’re welcome to bring your own games! Just make sure they’re ***clean*** and ***mold-free***. Comment below with what you're bringing. 😊🎲 4️⃣ Handle all games with care. Damage to Geekster’s games may incur a replacement fee. 💸⚠️ 5️⃣ No outside food or drinks (except plain water). Keep food and drinks away from games. 🚱🍔 6️⃣ Feeling unwell? Please stay home. Hosts may deny entry if needed. 🤒❌ 7️⃣ Keep an eye on your belongings; management isn’t responsible for lost items. 🎒👀 8️⃣ Theft = police report + permanent ban. 🚔🚨 Please join our **Telegram** group here for more details/updates: [https://t.me/+6r-3vSQcxwNjZjM1](https://t.me/+6r-3vSQcxwNjZjM1) **CONNECT WITH US!** 📌 Follow us on [IG](https://www.instagram.com/geekster.sg/) 📌 Join our newsletter on our [website](https://www.geekster.sg/)

Join the [Veg Society of DC (VSDC)](vsdc.org) for Veganuary's pro-animal/vegan-themed Movie Watch Party on Saturday, January 31 at 3:00 pm in Fairfax VA. Socializing with vegan food beforehand and discussion about the movie afterwards is planned. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION FOR DETAILS OF HOW THIS MONTH'S MOVIE WATCH PARTY WILL BE DIFFERENT, INCLUDING A 3 PM START TIME. This month's movie is Wicked Part 1. (The next Movie Watch Party will screen Wicked Part II, which should be available on streaming by then). *Wicked* has a strong animal rights theme, portraying Elphaba's fight against the oppression and silencing of talking animals in Oz, mirroring real-world animal exploitation and systemic injustice. The movie is 2 hours and 40 minutes long. *About Veganuary: "Our vision is simple; we want a vegan world. A world without animal farms and slaughterhouses. A world where food production does not decimate forests, pollute rivers and oceans, exacerbate climate change, and drive wild animal populations to extinction." Veganuary has inspired and supported millions of people to try vegan since 2014 – with participants from almost every country in the world. They have worked with businesses to drive up vegan options in shops and restaurants, and have made veganism more visible and accessible through their work with national and international media.* The VSDC member hosts’ home in Fairfax has a small home theater that can accommodate around 20 people. This regular event is a fun way to learn, discuss, and meet vegans and vegan-curious people (Thanks to Mindy Kursban and David Kwiatkowski for hosting!). FEE: The $10 fee will cover the hosts' expenses for the event, including food, beverages, and other associated costs. If there are any proceeds beyond these costs, which we don't expect, they will go towards VSDC's work to fulfill its mission. In order to ensure the success of the evening and limit late cancellations, **the fee is refundable until 5 days before the event.** BECAUSE THERE IS A FEE FOR THIS EVENT, MEETUP DOES NOT ALLOW FOR A WAITLIST ONCE THE RSVPs ARE FULL. IF IT IS FULL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CHECK MEETUP OCCASIONALLY TO SEE IF ANYONE HAS CHANGED THEIR RSVP. FOOD: For our afternoon movie watch party, we’ll have mostly snack-style foods. And to kick off the year on a healthy note, this month’s spread will be mostly—though not entirely—raw. Feel free to bring any vegan food or beverages to share; your contribution doesn’t need to be raw. WHO: All VSDC and Meetup members are invited. Bringing a non-vegan friend is encouraged. WHEN: Saturday, January 31 **at 3:00 pm**\*\*\*. Because of the length of the movie, we will start the movie at 3:00 pm and watch the first 1 1/2 hours. Then we will have a short break for food and socializing and watch the remainder of the movie. WHERE: The home is in Fairfax VA 22033, near Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. It is 8 miles from the closest metro at either Vienna or Reston (Uber or Lyft would be necessary). **For safety and security reasons, the exact location will be emailed privately via Meetup about 2 days in advance to those who have rsvp'd Yes.** Please make sure your email is current in Meetup, your Meetup settings allow organizer messages, and check your spam if you don't receive the message. PARKING: There is plenty of free parking within a 3-minute walk of the home. \*You must register via this page to attend the event.\* A Pay Pal account is required to pay the $10. Because there is a cost for the event, Meetup doesn't have a waitlist for the movie. **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.**

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

Join VSDC and enjoy a meal at Dulce Crepes in Potomac, MD! They just opened and offer a huge vegan menu featuring handcrafted sweet and savory crepes, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors in every bite. Out of respect for others, while eating with VSDC, please order and consume vegan food only, even if that is not your norm. **Celebrating Veganuary** Veganuary encourages people worldwide to try going vegan for January and beyond to protect the environment, prevent animal suffering, and improve human health. VSDC invites you to [explore the challenge](https://veganuary.com/en-us/try-vegan/) and get a celebrity cookbook, 31 days of recipes, and vegan coaching emails! Please share with friends and family. **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.**

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 Business Presentation** **Featuring Eric Wojtkun of Focal Point Coaching** **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our **January 14th 1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Eric Wojtkun**, founder of **Focal Point Coaching**, for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and preparing businesses to thrive before challenges arise. **About the Presenter** Eric brings a rare and compelling background to entrepreneurship. An **Army BRAT, Army Veteran, and FBI Agent**, Eric has lived in 17 places, served two overseas deployments (Bosnia and Kosovo), and worked across nearly every major FBI discipline — from violent and white-collar crime to cyber, counterintelligence, crisis response, and national security. After decades of leadership in high-stakes environments, Eric launched **Focal Point Coaching** to focus on what mattered most to him throughout his career: **helping people and organizations build resilience in the face of change and adversity**. Through executive coaching and team development, Eric helps leaders move from survival mode into what he calls **“BEAST mode”** — prepared, confident, and proactive. His exclusive resilience-focused coaching framework supports leadership, teams, processes, culture, and cyber readiness before a crisis occurs. **Where Eric Is Seeking Community Feedback** * How do you effectively market **resilience preparation** *before* a critical incident occurs? * What helps leaders and business owners clearly understand the **ROI of resilience coaching**? * How can resilience training be integrated into the flow of **normal business operations**? * What motivates leaders to prepare mentally and emotionally for the inevitable challenges of business? **Who Should Attend** Eric is especially eager to connect with: * Small to mid-sized business owners in the **hospitality industry** * Leaders responsible for teams, culture, and operations * Entrepreneurs experienced in scaling service-based businesses * Anyone interested in leadership, preparedness, and sustainable growth Come ready to listen, learn, and offer meaningful insight to support a founder building something impactful. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

Please join us for an easy walk around Fairfax County's Burke Lake Park. The 4.7 mile flat, paved trail offers lovely views of the lake and a quiet contemplative place to enjoy a leisurely social hike. In honor of Veganuary, VSDC will be providing cookies and hot chocolate to share after the hike! This hike is rated as easy based on flat terrain and minimal obstacles. We'll be sharing the trail with other hikers, runners and bicyclists and ask that folks walk two abreast, allowing others to pass so that we can "share the road". Trail map: https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/BurkeLake/ Transportation: We’ll meet in the parking lot off of the Burke Lake Mini Golf course. From Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA, turn into the entrance to the park on Burke Lake Park Road, then make a left at the Information Center. There is a $10 fee for non-Fairfax County residents on weekends (April - October only). If you can offer a ride, please post in the “comments” section with metro station or other accessible location for pick up. Carpooling is a great way to meet people and help the environment! Dog friendly?: Yes. Please keep your dog leashed at all times. Bathroom Facilities/Water: Located at the Information Center at the start of the hike, and at the Marina at the end of the hike. Please carry plenty of water! Weather: If conditions pose a danger, we’ll cancel the hike and post a notice in the “comments” section. Be prepared! We suggest that hikers wear comfortable footwear and suitable clothing made from quick-dry, synthetic fabrics, as cotton can lead to uncomfortable blisters and life-threatening hypothermia in case of inclement weather. \*Please read The 10 Essentials of Hiking: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/ \* Pets: When hikes are organized in dog-friendly areas, hikers are invited to bring their pet(s). However, dogs are the sole responsibility of the owner(s) who brought them; should be up-to-date on their vaccinations & in possession of the relevant tags; and should be under the control of their owner(s) at all times. Dogs that demonstrate consistently aggressive or otherwise out-of-control behavior will be banned from future hikes. Owners should come prepared to dispose of their dogs’ waste in appropriate receptacles. Alcohol/Smoking/Intoxicants: Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during the hikes. *** **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes. **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.**

## 1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 ### Business Presentation Featuring Yomna Sarhan of L-Lab **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our January 14th **1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Yomna Sarhan**, founder of **L-Lab**, an innovative after-school enrichment program designed to transform how children learn and grow beyond the classroom. ### About the Presenter Yomna Sarhan brings a diverse and impressive background to her entrepreneurial journey. She is a former **project manager overseeing $8M+ in government contracts**, has led **multidisciplinary teams of more than 20 employees**, and is a **multilingual consultant** who has worked in over **10 countries**. Yomna also founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the **Society of Egyptian American Professionals**, reflecting her long-standing commitment to education and community development. ### About the Business L-Lab was born out of a personal experience. When Yomna’s daughter was entering kindergarten, she discovered a lack of high-quality, enriching after-school programs in Loudoun County. Many existing programs focused solely on supervision rather than meaningful learning—despite children spending 10–15 hours per week and families investing significant resources in aftercare. L-Lab is changing that narrative. L-Lab is an **after-school language immersion enrichment program** for elementary-aged children, blending: * STEAM-based learning * Social-emotional development * Montessori-inspired approaches In addition to after-school programming, L-Lab offers **full-day camps** during school breaks, including winter, spring, and teacher workdays. ### Where Yomna Is Now L-Lab is currently in the **launch/startup phase**, with the full after-school program beginning in early January and a winter break program running at the end of December. Yomna is focused on enrollment, program validation, and building a strong foundation for growth. ### Feedback Yomna Is Seeking from the Community Yomna is coming to the 1 Million Cups stage looking for thoughtful feedback and insight on key challenges, including: * How to **shift the mindset around after-school programs** from “time-filling childcare” to meaningful enrichment * The most strategic way to **scale after a successful pilot** (January–June): * Expanding curriculum into schools * Focusing on one location first * How to **find and retain high-quality part-time staff** aligned with L-Lab’s mission and values ### Who Should Attend Yomna would especially love to have: * Entrepreneurs with experience **scaling service-based businesses** * Founders who have **modified or diversified offerings as they grew** * Parents and guardians interested in education, enrichment, and after-school programming ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**