Vegan and Vegetarian

Location & time: [asyouare](https://asyouaredc.com/) from noon 'til 2. Here's the menu: [Click & scroll down a page to see the menu](https://asyouaredc.com/pages/the-space) or at [Toast](https://www.toasttab.com/as-you-are/v3) As you are is a block from the Eastern Market Station on the Blue/Orange Lines. Afterwards, a stroll to [Little District Books](https://littledistrictbooks.com/) a few blocks south is a very good idea.

Join us for a rewarding day of volunteering at the [Hatton Animal Rescue Foundation](https://www.hattonanimalrescue.org), a sanctuary dedicated to special needs farmed-animals. Located in Glenelg, MD, just 10 minutes from Great Sage, the sanctuary offers a loving home to animals with special needs, disabilities, and seniors. **Event Details:** * **Date & Time:** Start time is 10 AM. You’re welcome to join us for as long as you can and it's OK if you arrive late. * **Location:** Hatton Animal Rescue Foundation, Glenelg, MD. * **Parking:** Please park on the grass on the left side of the driveway or on Kennard Drive. Carpooling is highly encouraged to minimize cars in the neighborhood and reduce our carbon footprint. Let us know if you'd like to carpool and where you're coming from. If you can meet at the park and ride on Brokenland Pkwy in Columbia, please mention that. **Volunteer Information:** * **Tasks:** Be prepared for tasks that might get dirty! Dress accordingly and bring gloves, a hat, and sun protection. Tasks vary in physical demand, so there will be something for everyone. * **Liability Waiver:** Please print and complete the liability waiver. Participation indicates understanding of the inherent risks involved in volunteer work. * https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gu77KjSn3uFTS5Dq2YSs6NZZ5ctYt3B7/view?usp=sharing * **Rain or Shine:** We volunteer rain or shine. In the event of lightning, we go indoors. Looking forward to a day of meaningful work and community spirit. Let’s make a positive impact together!

NETWORK OF LIGHT HEART TO HEART CELEBRATION VALENTINE'S DAY Saturday February 14, 2026 Dearest Friends, From my heart to your heart, you are so wonderful! Please know that I adore you. It has been my greatest pleasure to know God and be guided to create the Network of Light in 1979. And I have loved all my moments with you. At 87 years young, it is extremely hard for me to consider leaving you to go to a community living situation. That is why it has been almost impossible to get this Valentine's Day invitation out to you. The Network of Light is coming up on our 47th Anniversary!!! And yes indeed, we are once again celebrating Valentine's Day. Please do join us Saturday, February 14th. A Very Special Thanks to Tracy Trisko - Board member and my right hand for 26 years Bruce McBarnette - Light Giver and Coordinator of Sukyo Mahikari Padma Foye- Food and Kitchen Queen Phil Jones - Our Master Fire Builder and Board member I so very much appreciate everyone who has stepped forward as part of the Network of Light team and helped over all these years. With Love, Light, and Good Will to each of you! Lakshmi 5:00 pm - Time to Meet and Greet New and Old Friends 5:30 pm - Meditation and Heart to Heart Sharing led by Lakshmi Let's share Heart-to-Heart what is deeply true in us. Let's love each other more and more. 7:00 pm - Shared Food Dinner Please bring your favorite dinner dish to serve 8 guests 8:00 pm - Dancing and heart-filled/body moving music John Wubbenhorst (flutes, keyboards) and Tom Teasley (percussion) will celebrate the Network of Light with love and joy. Tom and John are truly world musicians having participated in many traditions east and west. Tom has toured the Mideast with the US State Department. John has spent many years in India studying with many masters, including the bansuri mater Hariprasad Chaurasia. Tom and John often improvise and play a unique ecletic brand of music that is captivating and healing. Because both Tom and John both have a world music vocabulary, their mustic canoot be defined, except for the pure joy please experience when they play. Come dance and listen to these world class musicians. "I am always thankful to music for leading deep into the heart and many spiritual adventures. When I release a record or record some music, I want it to reflect the ecstatic state of being I've felt with my music and spiritual masters. If that feeling is not there, then all the technique and musical sophistication mean nothing. And if that magic is there, even the playing of a few notes can say so much. This journey is not over!" John Wubbenhorst Tom Teasley is not just a percussionist - he's a one-man global orchestra. Renowned for his innovative approach to rhythm and sound, Tom fuses jazz, world music and contemporary influences into electrifying performances that defy borders. His music is a living conversation between ancient traditions and cutting-edge improvisation, captivating audiences with a sound that is as adventurous as it is deeply rooted. Free Light Sessions - Bruce McBarnette and Members of Sukyo Mahikari will be offering free 10 minute individual light sessions from 5 pm to 10 pm. Many people find the light to be rejuvenating, relaxing, and energizing. Receiving light regularly can dramatically transform your life. A very special evening at the The Network of Light 6304 30th Street NW Washington DC 20015 Please park on Tennyson Street and not in the cul-de-sac DONATION FROM THE HEART- Suggested $20 No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Please bring a dinner dish for 8 to share. Bring socks or slippers to wear as the Network of Light is "shoeless". The Network of Light | 6304 30th Street NW | Washington, DC 20015

Has your Significant Other ever leaned over and whispered in your ear, “feel like [wink, wink] *Terraforming Mars?*” Maybe you’ve followed a trail of rose petals to your bedroom to find your partner inviting you to enjoy some *Kodama*. Or perhaps a little experimentation in your youth landed you in a mixed-group session of *Cockroach Poker*. Whatever your experience level, if you love games, you belong at the St. Valentine’s Day Melee! There’ll be board games, dice games, card games, tile games, and just about every other kind of game that can be played on a tabletop. You’re encouraged to bring some of your favorites (or ex-favorites as long as the breakup wasn’t too rancorous) and teach them to new players (who may love them more than you did), but feel free to come without any and play the games others bring. If you see one you’d like to try, there’ll be someone eager to teach you. If food be the music of love, dig in! Please bring something delicious to share: popular delicious items include bags of chips, pretzels, crackers, and cookies. Some people bring a package of doughnuts or cupcakes; these are always popular and disappear quickly. Savory snacks like olives, vegetables with dip, or cheese appeal to players who don’t want to spend the entire day snacking on sweets. A few creative types may even bring something homemade; these contributions are even more appreciated. A refrigerator is available to store drinks and other items that should be kept chilled. Official start time is 10:30am. You can come and go at any time, but your host appreciates anyone who arrives as early as 10:00am (the library’s opening time) to help with setup. Many hands make light work! Cleanup begins around 4:00pm (or whenever you decide that you can’t squeeze in one more game before the end of the event). Remember, whoever starts cleanup first gets the best choice of leftover snacks to take home! As always, leave the room clean and tidy. **Please observe these rules regarding cleanup at Beatley library:** * Please ensure that food scraps, crumbs, and bits of packaging are not strewn in the kitchen or auditorium. The library closes shortly after our event ends, so anything edible left on the floor or counters will attract vermin overnight. Night vermin are the worst! * Please fold most of the tables and stack them under the coat rack – a few may remain where they were used – but **DO NOT FOLD THE CHAIRS**. Leave them out in any configuration that lets people walk around them easily. Many chairs are needed for programs the following day, so by folding them you only make more work for the organizers. On the other hand, more than a few tables left standing only impede the next day’s activities.

We'll check out Emissary - Dupont Circle. Address: 2032 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036 After the coffee meetup, we will check out Pizzeria Paradiso for some sour and wild beers. Please have a picture profile so we can recognize you in the meetup. Please only sign up if you're sure about attending this meetup, and please update your RSVP as soon as possible if you need to cancel, thank you!

Guest Speaker: Haven King-Nobles, Executive Director of Fish Welfare Initiative Post-PAM Animal Action: TBD Haven King-Nobles is the cofounder and executive director of Fish Welfare Initiative, an organization that works in Asia to implement welfare improvements for our underwater cousins. His talk will focus on what activists should know about fish farming, how FWI helps fishes, and the strategic implications of all of this for our movement. 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.

Join us for a special Valentine’s Day dinner featuring housemade pastas, seasonal chef creations, and wine pairings curated for the occasion. $75 per person APPETIZERS: SEAFOOD PLATER:Oysters, shrimps, scallop crudo for 2ppl BURRATA & BEETS: gold and red beets, balsamic, pistachio crumble BEEF TARTARE ENTREES: ARTIC CHAR: fennel, orange, herb vinaigrette SHORT RIB: truffle mashed potato, baby carrots SQUID INK LINGUINE: scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari MUSHROOM RISOTTO (vegan) EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA (vegetarian) DOLCE: RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE MOUSSE STRAWBERRY TIRAMISU SORBETS

Beautiful because music. Classic vinyl album covers line the walls, with a vibe to match. They roast their own beans, which they supply to other local cafes. If I remember correctly, they don’t serve breakfast sandwiches, but get a fresh,warmed pastry and you’ll be happy.

I’m hosting a relaxed Sunday afternoon meetup for casual singles—and by “meetup,” I mean wine, beer, cocktails, and conversation, and seeing who you end up talking to for way longer than planned. No structure. No pressure. No forced fun. Just a cozy bar, good pours, and interesting people who also decided their couch could wait one night. 🍺🍷🍹🍺🍷🍹

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Washington.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

### **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 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 Curandera Shamanic Healer born into the Curanderismo Tradition. 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 **Details** Address: Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit#5 Arlington VA 22205 (We are located on the second floor above trade roots coffee shop. Must enter on the side of the building and go upstairs) Our studio is located in the westover village in Arlignton VA a walkable neighborhood with plenty of street parking.(Please arrive early to set up your spot we will start on time, space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe) Date: Sundays Energy Exchange: $88 register here or at www.curanderasheart.com Time 2pm-4pm (two hours long) Info: [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) 703\. 531\.7046 call or text \*\*\*\*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.\*\*\*\*

Part 1 of our celebration of the Year of the Horse starts with our Tet dinner at Present in Falls Church. Here's the link if you wish to peruse their menu: [https://presentrestaurant.com/menu](https://presentrestaurant.com/menu) We really want to try and fill out our tables with attendees, so we ask that you be diligent with managing your RSVPs. The RSVP mechanism will close 24 hours before the start of the event, so make your decisions by then so that we can give the restaurant an accurate head count! Disclaimer that we have to say even though we don't want to.........Just a heads up that we may have to give out "No Show" labels to those who don't follow our attendance protocol, but we know you don't want that Scarlet Letter, so don't let it be you! Also, please do not show up if you are not in the field of attendees! You will only anger the horse! As always, a bonus activity could follow if the mood is right! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

**When:** Saturday\, February 21 \| 5:00 PM – 8:00 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.

Join us on February 14th from 2–5 PM for a cozy and fun Valentine’s Day gathering! Start by grabbing lunch at **Portia’s Café**, then head next door to **The Cozy** for crafts, activities, and a relaxed space to celebrate the day together. **Date:** February 14 **Time:** 2:00–5:00 PM **Location:** The Cozy (next to Portia’s Café)

**🎬 Movie Meetup: Avatar: Fire and Ash + Pizza & Games at Pins! 🍕🎳** Join us for a fun, low-key outing at Easton! We’ll be seeing *Avatar: Fire and Ash* together and then heading over to Pins for Mikey’s Late Night Slice, games, and hanging out. **📍 Location:** Easton Town Center **🕓 Start Time:** 4:30 PM (please arrive a little early so we can get seats together) ⌛**Movie Duration**: 3 hours & 15min **After the movie:** We’ll walk (or drive) over to Pins Mechanical Co. to grab Mikey’s Late Night Slice and enjoy some games and social time. Feel free to come just for the hangout if you can’t make the movie! **What to expect** * Casual, friendly group * No pressure — come solo or bring friends * Stay as long (or short) as you’d like **Cost** * Movie ticket $15.99 (purchase individually) * Optional food/drinks after

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

We will have lunch at Cap City Diner in Gahanna at 12:00 then walk over to the theater afterwards. The Movie Solo Mio starts at 1:20.It will be posted when tickets available to purchase probably the week before then we’ll post our seat number so we can all sit together 😎