Environmental Awareness

Come volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles so that they can be used again by the community! This event is open to new volunteers and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502 Mt Vernon Ave. Enter through the gray door next to a roll-down garage door. If you drive to the location, be sure to park in the street, not in the alleys or parking lots surrounding the warehouse. And wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver. Volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

Regular biweekly walk to find the birds and sights of Lake Artemesia.

Mindful movement and flow: This class is a slower moving, strengthening and balance building practice based on mindfulness. We will bring our intentions to the awareness of our bodies and our breath in movement or in longer held poses. We will explore different breathing techniques that help clear out physical, emotional or mental energies allowing a sense of peace within. The session is offered InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Whether you're taking your first dance step or have been a constant bachatero, join us for great music, food, and drinks! A free bachata dance class starts at 6:30 p.m., and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Please RSVP on [Action Network](https://actionnetwork.org/events/dsa-latin-dance-social-2/) to receive further updates on this event. \* \* \* This event is open to both DSA Members and supporters. Not a Member? Please consider [becoming a Member](https://dsausa.org/join?source=Metro%20DC). Fees are on a sliding scale according to what you feel you can afford.

**Do you want to play and grow with a band, without the commitment of starting a band? Join us for our Blues Jams. Great place to network with other musicians.** \*\*$10 for at the door\*\* \*\*Free for Singers and Drummers\*\* **\*Members Get in free and receive other benefits\*** **[Become a Member](https://patreon.com/DoctorStrings?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink)** **Beginner to Pro Blues jam 21+ only, BYOB. Every Thursday.** This is a smaller more practice focused event at my shop. **Open to everyone and is a learning experience for most.** Just bring your instrument(Electric), no need to bring an amp we have all of that. Do not bring a pedal board with a bunch of pedals. The amps are dialed in for blues, trust me it's all there. Drums are here already, very basic kit. If you want to bring cymbals or any other drum gear, please show up early to set up. Also please be aware that other people are going to play the kit as well.

Let's get together to play some fun BB level Quads games at Quincy Park. **Format**: Quads and Doubles **COST**: FREE **Court Type**: Outdoor grass **Minimum Skill Requirements**: Intermediate-BB (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

**Every six months, to honor the passing of the Vernal and Autumnal Equinox, the circle hosts a potluck at the pavilion in front of the fire pit. We don't keep track of who will bring what behind-the-scenes, so feel free to bring whatever you'd like!** **If you have any dietary restrictions and would like to attend, but worry there won't be anything you can eat, please reach out to Ethan or Ben and we'll make sure there's something available for you!** -- The[ Simplicity Living Study Circle of Northern VA](https://www.coachingwithdanijk.com/blog/important-community-update-join-our-new-meetup-group-simplicity-living-circle-of-northern-va) meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Lacey Woods Park in Arlington, Virginia. **\*This is a rain or shine outdoor event.** This free community group offers a unique and empowering space for individuals seeking to live a simpler, more intentional life. Through participant-driven discussions and facilitated activities, our circle fosters connection, reflection, and mutual support. Hosted by members of the Simplicity Living Circle of Northern VA, we welcome those who are curious about simplicity, mindful living, and environmental care. Whether you are just beginning or deepening your journey, you are warmly invited into this inclusive and supportive space. *Note: Our official Meetup group changed due to administrative complications. This new group is now our verified and active community hub, which you can confirm at our in-person events.*

A beginner-friendly workshop on advanced AI, government policy, and how this new technology is evolving and impacting society. ​​​​**Free and open to the public — no technical background required** ​​​​In previous workshops, we've seen how AI is a transformative technology like no other, for better or for worse. Beyond the technology itself, however, government regulations and societal norms will inform the impact AI has on our world. ​In this workshop, we will explore what policies have been proposed, which have been implemented and why, and what the impact has been so far. How can we use these lessons to maximize the promise and minimize the peril of AI? ​​​​**Over the course of the workshop, we’ll explore:** * ​**Concepts and Goals:** What problems should AI policies be trying to solve? * ​​​​**Different Kinds of AI Policies:** What policies have been proposed so far? What are the pros and cons? * ​​​​**Political Landscape:** How are financial incentives and conflicting ideologies influencing AI policy? * ​​​​**Case Studies:** What can we learn from what's been passed so far? ​​​​**What you’ll get:** * ​​​​A clear, non-technical introduction to core ideas from AI safety, AI governance, and existential risk research. * ​​​​Small-group discussions and thought experiments that connect AI risks to everyday life, institutions, and incentives. * ​​​​A better mental model for evaluating headlines, hype, and claims about AI progress. ​​​​**Format & vibe:** ​​​​This is not a lecture it is an interactive workshop designed to help people think clearly about a topic that is increasingly important and moving very quickly. ​​​​Whether you’re new to AI, casually interested, or deeply unsure what to believe, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of *why* many researchers take AI seriously—and *what’s actually at stake* if we get it wrong.

Join us for a volunteer day helping the animals at Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in Potomac, MD. Before attending this event, you must sign a liability waiver. Please use this link https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/ The chores you will be doing are physical. You will be working on big projects that require many volunteers like removing old bedding, sanitizing stals and replacing with new bedding, along with the daily clean up chores. Wear boots and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Feel free to bring a filled water bottle. On sunny days a brimmed hat and sunglasses may be helpful. Sunscreen is also suggested. Please do not bring any food or yummy-smelling items on your body or in your bag as our animals love to eat and are on special diets. Out of respect for the animals, we do not allow any food with animal products to be consumed at Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary. Please ensure that all edible items are plant-based (no dairy, no cheese, no cow’s milk ice cream, no meat, no fish, no eggs). Thank you for your cooperation and respect for this. It is very important to us. There is a gift shop where you can browse and warm up during the event. Please post your pictures and tag Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and Rockville Vegans! We are limited to 30 volunteers, so please change your RSVP if you cannot attend. If there is interest, we may go out to eat in one of our local vegan restaurants afterward.

This is an 18- or 30-mile hike that is out-and-back, at your own pace, and mostly along the paved **Mount Vernon Trail** (MVT). Expect to pass through parks, Old Town Alexandria, wetlands, forest, and some snazzy neighborhoods, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Potomac River, the capital city, Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and National Harbor, Maryland. (**[Map](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Mt-Vernon-Trail-map-508-2021.pdf).**) We will start at Gravely Point, north of and adjacent to Reagan National Airport. You will hike north on the MVT to Theodore Roosevelt Island, loop around the island, return to the MVT, and hike south, past Gravely Point. You will then walk to a turn-around point -- Jones Point Park for the short hikers and just before George Washington’s Estate at Mount Vernon for the long hikers -- before you head back to the starting point. You leave whenever you finish and you may shorten either hike by turning around sooner. **WHEN & WHERE** We will meet at 8 AM in the main **[parking lot](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/@38.8652345,-77.0405958,17.04z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b7b73d94c67cf5:0x676f0d088c10a255!2m2!1d-77.0404351!2d38.8645457!3e0?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** of Gravely Point. Note that cars can only access the parking lot from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The closest metro stations are at Reagan National Airport (1.2 miles) and Crystal City (1.3 miles). We will meet in the green space left of the parking lot. **WHAT TO BRING** Bring food and drink (short hike, 2 qts; long hike, 3 qts). You may bring food for lunch or stop at nearby eateries off the trail. This hike occurs rain or shine, cold or warm, so dress appropriately. However, in case of hazardous weather, please check here for last-minute changes before leaving for the hike. **LEADERS** Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) &
Dave Torraca (DTorraca@Gmail.com) **SIERRA CLUB**
 You may join the Sierra Club by clicking the "JOIN" button at the top of the Virginia Chapter’s **[homepage](https://www.sierraclub.org/virginia)**. Membership is not required for participation. **ONE DAY HIKE** Although open to all, this training hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the **[One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467688/)** (ODH)—100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal—on May 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s **[Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/)** for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see **[volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/)** and/or contact Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Gmail.com.

The Petalpalooza Festival is part of the Cherry Blossom Festival events in DC. With daylong activities throughout the day, join us at The Thompson Hotel Rooftop for a happy hour followed by fireworks that will be scene from the rooftop on Sat., Apr. 4th at 6pm. We will meet up at the rooftop. Petalpalooza is a daylong street fair of live music, dancing and art, taking place at the Capitol Riverfront close to the Washington Nationals’ ballpark. The fireworks will soar over the Anacostia River at 8:30pm. The Rooftop at Thompson Hotel is arguably the best place to see the fireworks.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? 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. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!