Aquariums

Our local amphibians and reptiles are both susceptible to habitat destruction and pollutants and can often be victims of being misunderstood. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introductory look at our local amphibians and reptiles, what our citizens can do to help protect their habitats, and what related programs are available through Loudoun Wildlife to help monitor populations and increase community awareness of these often overlooked and fragile species. This presentation takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

Hi thrifters! Happy New Year! This month, we'll be collecting kids' clothes for Clothesline in Arlington, thanks to POCs Ben and Sharalyn. This awesome org focuses on getting free clothing to local kids facing economic hardships, and in particular makes sure they're all set for school. Grab a friend or two and make it a party! You can find the list of what they can and can't use here: https://www.clotheslinearlington.org/donate/ Their biggest current needs are for: \- Boys' pants in sizes Y6 \- Y16 \- Joggers/sweatpants for young men\, sizes S\-XL \- PJ bottoms for young men\, sizes S\-XL \- Kids' winter coats \(I know we just took a ton to LSSNCA\, but if you find something\.\.\.\) \- Sneakers in excellent condition Please make sure that clothes are in great condition for the kiddos, and as always, many thanks for participating. Dropoff info for items at Arlington Central Library on 31 Jan is in the posting. Ping me with questions! Happy thrifting and thanks again for doing it for a good cause!

Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. **Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free.** Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC's astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don't forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

February is Black History Month, so we've curated a list of documentaries to choose from that celebrates and honors this moment. (All films are available for free on Kanopy \*\*except\*\* Descendant.) Please vote for which film to watch when you RSVP from the following choices: * *Hale County This Morning This Evening* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlOeSyl-zZk * *MLK/FBI* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvfxzht9KUA * *Woman in Motion* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir8YhnEjab4 * *Wade in the Water* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQwZzF1vIrE * *Descendant* (\*\*Netflix only!!\*\*) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M8ESS9hSAQ Feel free to bring a snack or drink to share! ***Make sure to watch the film ahead of time*** and come prepared to discuss. We will not be screening the film at the meeting! What to expect the day of: * Please try to arrive on time * Meet new friends over some drinks & snacks (feel free to bring something to share!) * The host will lay some group rules and facilitate our discussion * Leave with some new insights and new friends! FYI - the free version of MeetUp limits me to 10 RSVPS, but if you're #1-5 on the waitlist please feel free to join us anyway.

**Planting Seeds of Peace** What happens in this theater of life is the result of actions planted in the past. Let us now plant seeds of peace to create a life of serenity. Wed., Jan. 28th, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/OelS7](https://shorturl.at/OelS7)

• What we'll do Learn how to take great pictures BEFORE you go on that expensive trip! And we will teach you how to use your camera IN THE FIELD, not in a classroom! Join our standard Monuments and Memorials workshop, offered Wednesdays and Saturdays, in which the instructor takes you to some of DC’s most popular attractions: White House, Lafayette Park, the Einstein, Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Three Servicemen Memorials, and finally to Union Station, where you learn to make all the moving people DISAPPEAR! Remember, it was Confucius who said: "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do, and I understand." At Washington Photo Safari, we help you "do " and understand! That is why our motto is "See. Click. Learn." This $71 Safari (a 20% discount from the regular $89 price) begins with a 45-minute travel photography orientation, giving you basic tips in composition, F-stops and shutter speeds, portraiture, and interior photography. While you are taking pictures, you receive hands-on guidance on how to make those images even better! Advanced and smartphone photographers will appreciate the instructor’s extensive knowledge of the best camera angles in DC. This is suggested as a preliminary course before taking special safaris. Open to any photographers at any skill level with any camera, phone, or tablet. Transportation from site to site is provided by the instructor. • What to bring camera and all lenses • Important to know travel, architectural, portrait and street photography techniques

Our local amphibians and reptiles are both susceptible to habitat destruction and pollutants and can often be victims of being misunderstood. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introductory look at our local amphibians and reptiles, what our citizens can do to help protect their habitats, and what related programs are available through Loudoun Wildlife to help monitor populations and increase community awareness of these often overlooked and fragile species. This presentation takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. *Registration requested (https://loudounwildlife.org/event/amphibian-monitoring-kickoff/).*