early childhood

### Build with blocks! Are you interested in building with LEGO® bricks? Aurora Hills Library is the place for it! Whether you're reclaiming a favorite activity from childhood, love visiting the LEGO® store, or wanting to see what the fuss is all about - you're welcome to join us! We have LEGO® bricks you can free build with, and plenty of space for you to work on an existing project. *Attendees can bring their own LEGO® sets if they want to work on a specific set, but we will have plenty of LEGO® bricks to arrange in any way you wish. For adult patrons only.* **REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED: By registering, you will receive event updates. Register at https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/16340428** *For more information, contact 703-228-5715.*

Discover the path to stress management, life's tranquility, and self-improvement through Heartfulness Meditation. Embrace relaxation, meditation, and emotional detoxification practices to unlock your best self. Join our free sessions every Wednesday at 730 PM at MD. Experience the profound benefits of these simple yet powerful practices. Commit to a few months of meditation and witness the transformative impact firsthand. We eagerly await your presence at these enlightening sessions.

Doubles Volleyball - Competitive BB-A level @Bluemont Park Let's get together to play some fun A level Doubles games at Bluemont. Format: Doubles COST: FREE Court Type: Outdoor grass Minimum Skill Requirements: A level (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) Attention: 1. This event is not always on a first come, first served basis. Those who can bring a net and ball, may get priority over others on the waitlist. 1. Since skill levels are self-reported, some attendees may not meet the expected level in reality, so we encourage you to choose a partner you can enjoy the game with, and since this is a competitive event, it is okay if you make a strong team and win all the games. 1. Since people arrive at different times, each group of 1. Players will set up and claim a net as they arrive, and may continue playing without rotating until all nets are set. ——— Smiley Social documents: [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/mobilebasic) [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco/mobilebasic) [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic)

**Wednesday Board Game Night -at 3 Gear Games** Join us for our weekly Wednesday board game night! Our group gathers regularly to play a variety of great tabletop board games. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to try something new, there's a spot for you at our table. Plus, it's a great opportunity to meet other like-minded people and form lasting connections. So come on out and join us for a night of fun and friendship! * **Date:** Every Wednesday Night * **Time**: 6pm -9pm (may go as long as 10pm) * **Cost**: $6 per person( Pay on arrival) * **Place**: 3 Gear Games (25C Street, Laurel MD 20707) **Space is first come first serve** Join our other weekly board game night every Saturday from 1pm -10pm Visit our website to see more of our weekly and special events: [https://www.3gearstudios.com/](https://www.3gearstudios.com/) You are welcome to RSVP on Meetup, but please keep in mind that some of our regular attendees do not RSVP, so there will always be someone available to play. How awesome is that?

Come join us for bingo at Atlas Brew Works in Alexandria. It's free to play. Win prizes on every round, and the winner of the final round gets a $50 Atlas Brew Works gift card for your next visit! More information: https://atlasbrewworks.com/pages/events#calendar-c3cfc1a3-4344-434e-a1b2-fb876f819883 Parking: Wegmans has a parking garage (via the Stovall St entrance) and is next to Atlas Metro: Eisenhower Ave (yellow line)

Come out and join our group to play Bingo and have dinner with us. Test your luck and you may win a prize too! It's the start of summer and we will have a table outside if the weather is nice or inside if it's threatening rain. We have space for 12 people (that includes Diane and me). So RSVP early. Come and meet new friends and perhaps a love interest! They have a full menu so you can order dinner. We will do separate checks. I will charge a $6 fee to hold your place and this will pay for your non- alcoholic drinks. And if you can't make it for some reason last minute, consider it a donation to the group. And there's Free Parking! I look forward to seeing you at Quincy's in June.

\#\# A low\-cost\, 6\-week intermediate\-level Spanish course with the non\-profit organization\, the Global Language Network\. Ready to dive into the world of Spanish? Join our fun and interactive class designed especially for those new to the language. **Details** Spanish Explorer with Abby Wednesdays from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET April 15th to May 13th, June 3rd In-person, Farragut Square DC Ready to learn? **Register [HERE](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform).** **Additional Information** * GLN classes are open to everyone over 18 years of age. * Have a credit or stipend to apply to your payment? Learn more about our credit, stipend, and refund policy on the [Pricing & Course Levels page.](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels) **About GLN** We are a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to "Use Language as a Tool to Help Fix Our World." Since 2015 we have been rated #1 Best Language Classes in Washington, DC by Yelp! We are so happy and grateful to have you join our network and we appreciate your support of our mission.

This is a three-day event, and we will MeetUp for the Saturday event. There are two events, the first is held on the National Archives lawn. It's from 9am-noon and It's a dog friendly celebration blends community fun with red, white, and blue spirit for humans and furry friends alike. Guests will enjoy interactive booths from local and national organizations, including the ASPCA and Mars, Incorporated brands, music, pet-themed caricatures, face painting, selfie stations, treat and swag giveaways, and a Patriotic Pooch Contest, so don’t forget to dress your dog in their patriotic finest! [Proof of a current rabies vaccination](https://archivesfoundation.org/pet-registration-yappy-hour/) is required for all dogs attending. Tickets are offered for free on the link below. The next event event is the same day called **Salute to Service 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. ET** In honor of the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army and Navy and 82nd anniversary of D-Day, this tribute celebrates service members past and present. Guests will enjoy live performances by military bands, step inside a Vietnam War Army helicopter, and participate in hands-on activities that connect them to stories of service found within the National Archives. United States Navy Memorial President and CEO Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr., USN (Ret) will emcee the event. I'll be there at the first event, stay tuned to the messages as to the exact location, as I have no idea how the area will look. https://archivesfoundation.org/spirit-of-independence-festival/

Volunteers are needed at the Community Garage Sale, organized by the Arlington Civitans! **This event is both a volunteer opportunity and an important fundraiser for the Jaycees** \- the Civitans pay our organization for every volunteer hour\! On Friday night\, volunteers help with setup of the snack bar\, posting signage\, and other duties as needed\. This event is held on the **first weekend of each month** between April and November. (volunteers are also needed for cleanup on Saturday afternoon - see separate Meetup event) As a bonus, if you volunteer for at least 5 hours at the Civitans garage sales, you are eligible for a **FREE Arlington Jaycees Annual Membership**! The Garage Sale is held in the Parking Garage located behind Washington & Liberty High School. It is a **10 minute walk from the Ballston-MU metro station**. **Parking** is available on level A of the garage or on North 15th Street, between Quincy and Stafford Streets, and along Quincy Street. **Walk into the parking garage and proceed to the Level B** **concession stand** \-\- ask for Martin\, Cathy\, or Paul\. Make sure to sign in\. Please wear sturdy \(closed toe\) shoes\, and bring work gloves if you have them\. Also dress for the weather as this event takes place rain or shine\. Proceeds from the monthly garage sale (from sales at the concession stand and vendor fees) benefit the Arlington Civitans, a non-profit organization committed to helping people with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit the [Arlington Civitans](http://civitan.org/) website. \*\*You must be between 21 and 40 years old to qualify for membership in the Arlington Jaycees, but volunteers of all ages are welcome. ***The Arlington Jaycees*** *(part of Junior Chamber International) is the premier nonprofit in Arlington that provides young people (ages 21-40) with opportunities for personal & professional growth, business networking, community involvement and social engagement in the Arlington Community and worldwide. Our mission is **leadership development through community service**. Check out our website [www.arljaycees.org](https://arljaycees.org/) to learn more and to become a member of this amazing organization!*

Tree Walk 10-11:30 AM Come for all or part of the tree walk Bon Air Park Meet at flagpole in the rose garden

Volunteers are needed at the Community Garage Sale organized by the Arlington Civitans! **This event is both a volunteer opportunity and an important fundraiser for the Jaycees** \- the Civitans pay our organization for every volunteer hour\! Volunteers assist in tear\-down and clean\-up after the sale ends\, starting at 1pm \(volunteers are also needed for setup on Friday night \- see separate Meetup event\)\. If you can't stay the whole time\, that's OK\! Any time you can contribute is appreciated\. This event is held on the first Saturday of each month between April and November\. As a bonus, if you volunteer for at least 5 hours at the Civitans garage sales, you are eligible for a **FREE Arlington Jaycees Annual Membership**! The Garage Sale is held in the Parking Garage located behind Washington & Liberty High School. It is a **10 minute walk from the Ballston-MU metro station**. **Parking** is available on level A of the garage or on North 15th Street, between Quincy and Stafford Streets, and along Quincy Street. **Walk into the parking garage and proceed to the Level B** **concession stand** \-\- ask for Martin\, Cathy\, or Paul\. Make sure to sign in\. Please wear sturdy \(closed toe\) shoes\, and bring work gloves if you have them\. Also dress for the weather as this event takes place rain or shine\. Proceeds from the monthly garage sale (from sales at the concession stand and vendor fees) benefit the Arlington Civitans, a non-profit organization committed to helping people with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit the [Arlington Civitans](http://civitan.org/) website. \*\*You must be between 21 and 40 years old to qualify for membership in the Arlington Jaycees, but volunteers of all ages are welcome. ***The Arlington Jaycees*** *(part of Junior Chamber International) is the premier nonprofit in Arlington that provides young people (ages 21-40) with opportunities for personal & professional growth, business networking, community involvement and social engagement in the Arlington Community and worldwide. Our mission is **leadership development through community service**. Check out our website [www.arljaycees.org](https://arljaycees.org/) to learn more and to become a member of this amazing organization!*

🎉 1980’s Glow in the Dark Theme Party 🎉 (Brah… the heated pool is OPEN… and yes, you’re getting in 😄) If you’ve ever wanted an excuse to wear neon, crank up 80’s music, and act like you’ve got zero responsibilities… this is your night. We’re turning the Happy Treehouse into a full-blown glow party with neon lights, throwback hits, and a crowd that actually came to have FUN. ✨ The heated pool is open… and let’s be honest… if you show up, you’re probably ending up in it. Just embrace it now. ✨ In-ground trampoline will be down in the pavilion… because why should kids have all the fun? ✨ Three fire pits going all night with everything you need for s’mores (yes, we’re doing this right) ✨ Neon lights, great music, and a vibe that makes it way too easy to relax and connect This is a potluck + BYOB, so bring a dish to share and your drink of choice. We’ve got the water bottles, the setup, and the space… you bring the flavor. Dress code? Go BIG or go home. Leg warmers, wild wigs, off-the-shoulder tops, crimped hair, neon necklaces and bracelets… if it glows or screams 80’s, you’re doing it right. No awkward energy. No standing around wondering what to do. Just music, laughter, and a group of people who are all in. If you’ve been looking for a night that actually feels different… This is it. Your happy hosts, Janine, Amanda and Nina 202-271-0922

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

**Bring your pups out for a day of activities celebrating our furry friends.** **Enjoy a dog park and splash pad, pet vendors, rescues with adoptable dogs, giveaways and more!** **Party with your dog and PenFed with canine caricature art, a foam party for dogs, the Automatic Treat Machine (ATM), giveaways and more! PenFed members will get a VIP gift while supplies last.** **Participating vendors list:** **Bark and Boarding** **Dyson** **Homeward Trails** **Impact Over Money Companions** **Isy's Ways** **Paw Mind Body** **Pet Wants** **Puppy Pawtique** **Sassy Woof** **VCA Southpaws** **Wooftrap Animal Rescue** **Woofie's mobile grooming** **Bellani Pets** **St. Roccos Treat Shop** **More coming soon!** **This event is open to the public and free to attend. Sponsored by PenFed.**

I have been studying the question of "self" online with Prof. Ellie Anderson and so I thought a prompt on the "self" might be interesting. Full confession: I had Claude create this prompt and I like it, so here goes: Imagine a thought experiment that merges two classic puzzles: > You undergo a procedure, performed neuron by neuron, in which every biological component of your brain is replaced with a functionally identical synthetic substitute. At each step, your behavior, memories, and personality remain unchanged. When the last neuron is swapped, is the consciousness experiencing the world still you? And — more pressingly — was there ever a continuous "you" to begin with? ### Questions to Wrestle With * If consciousness is purely physical, does the *gradual* nature of the replacement matter, or is it equivalent to being destroyed and rebuilt? * Could there be a "self" without continuity of experience — even moment to moment, while you sleep? On a more practical level, consider the simpler case first: **hemispherectomy** patients — people who have had an entire cerebral hemisphere surgically removed — often retain a strong sense of personal identity and continuity. This suggests "you" are not rigidly tied to specific physical material. But does that vindicate the synthetic neuron case, or merely show that identity is more *flexible* than we thought — not that it can survive *complete* substrate replacement? I used Claude so I could get this out today and let everyone have some time to consider it. Hope to see you at the Oracle. Sorry about the location change two weeks ago. That's what I get for trusting local weather predictions!

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.