Legislation Awareness

Winter’s on the wane and signs of spring are popping up, making now a perfect time to appreciate the intermingling of the best of both seasons. Experience the beauty of bare tree architecture and the welcome sight of early bloomers on a stroll abounding with sensory delight at Green Spring Gardens, a local treasure. Tuning in with our senses, we’ll combine slow strolling with attentive pauses to deepen our connection with nature. Green Spring offers space for quiet enjoyment throughout the seasons, and is particularly noted for its collection of dozens of cultivated varieties of witch hazels of many colors. Their unusual flowers are among the earliest to open, often blooming amidst snow and ice, and they are in bloom now. There’s pussy willow (pictured) too. The health benefits of slowing down in quiet company among trees and plants with senses alert and aware are scientifically documented, but the best way to understand these benefits is to experience them yourself, preferably on a regular basis. IMPORTANT! The size of the group is limited! Please be sure to update your status asap on either the “going” or “wait list” if you sign up and find you can’t make it! Walking under 2 miles is mostly on natural, somewhat uneven surfaces, with a few short hills. Wear good walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring water (or tea) to drink. Park and meet near the open gate on Witch Hazel Rd at Green Spring Gardens 38.82428° N, 77.15808° W 4500-4504 Witch Hazel Rd, Alexandria, VA Please arrive by 8:45 to sign the required SCPRO waiver. SCPRO welcomes a $2. Donation. Add questions to comments, or contact the leader 7037725401

This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. PLEASE BRING YOUR SOFT/HARD COPY BUSINESS CARDS. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all specialize in one or two fields and be willing to engage others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't specialize in the other person's required discipline\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your specializations\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to learn more from your experience\. 11. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).***

*This is another completely different event than ones we've previously held, covering a unique angle on the subject of communication.* Is "talking" the same as "effectively communicating"? Do you have a problem getting your ideas across to others? Does nervousness about talking get the better of you? Maybe you consider that it is who you are by nature. But if it was something natural, wouldn't you be happy and content with it? Maybe there is more to effectively communicating than just your personality. This live, in-person workshop explores the subject of communication and precise actions one can take to improve their communication... without changing their personality or being someone they are not. **You’ll likely relate if:** * You replay conversations later and think, *“That’s not what I meant.”* * You hesitate or overthink when it’s time to speak up. * Conversations drift into tension even when everyone has good intentions. * You want to connect better—but don’t want scripts or fake confidence. It’s a **guided, interactive workshop** where you’ll: * Learn why conversations break down in the first place * The most common problem people have in any struggle to have a conversation. It's not what you may think! * Practice being more present and composed in real time * Leave feeling more comfortable in conversations—without forcing anything Most people notice a difference **during the session itself**, not weeks later. **Who this is especially good for** * Thoughtful, introspective, or introverted people * Professionals who want clearer communication at work * Anyone navigating relationships, boundaries, or confidence * People tired of tips that don’t translate into real life You don’t need to be outgoing. You don’t need experience. You just need curiosity. This will be held in a group setting with light refreshments served. The location will be easy access for metro and bus stops. There is street parking available as well as a parking garage next to the building.

This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. PLEASE BRING YOUR SOFT/HARD COPY BUSINESS CARDS. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all specialize in one or two fields and be willing to engage others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't specialize in the other person's required discipline\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your specializations\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to learn more from your experience\. 11. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).***

First Fridays Art Walk is a monthly evening dedicated to creativity, connection, and community. Stroll through local galleries and studios, meet artists, enjoy rotating exhibitions, live art, and immersive experiences all while supporting the local arts scene. Come curious, stay inspired. Event details will be in the Ladies Group in WhatsApp. Join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/H533SlZi8h70XjkN6iSEws?mode=gi_t

Get ready for one of the most fun and legendary nights - **BINGO NIGHT is HERE**! We’re talking: Big energy. Big laughs . Big wins. And an even bigger Social Sips & Bites crew bringing the hype! Whether you’re the quiet strategist or the one who screams “BINGO!!!” before the last number even lands, this night is for YOU. We’ll play multiple rounds, cheer each other on, enjoy drinks, snacks, and nonstop fun. This is the perfect chance to meet new people, hang with friends, and make some epic memories. Bring your energy. Bring your luck. Bring your hype.

**Bringing presence to the moments that matter most!** Life moves fast and it’s easy to live on autopilot. This uplifting, practical workshop invites participants from all backgrounds to explore how mindfulness can bring greater calm, clarity, and connection into everyday life. We’ll explore how to be more present in daily routines, communicate with more intention in relationships, and respond to stress with steadiness instead of reactivity. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll leave with tools you can use immediately, at home, at work, and in the moments in between. **Key Takeaways:** o Simple mindfulness practices for real-life situations (work, home, commuting, conversations) o Greater emotional balance, resilience, and self-awareness o Increased clarity and focus for everyday decision-making o Supportive habits that strengthen mindful living over time o A deeper sense of inner peace and connection with yourself and others Saturday, March 7th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM. Held at the Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/QEBc1](https://shorturl.at/QEBc1) | | | --- | |

To help us estimate attendance and to see the venue address, please RSVP on Luma!: https://luma.com/af0yjzz6 *A free, public workshop—no technical background needed* ​Artificial intelligence is no longer just getting better at narrow tasks—it’s beginning to look *general*. Many researchers believe we’re entering the early stages of the **AGI transition**: a period where AI systems start to match or exceed human abilities across a wide range of domains. ​This workshop explores what AGI actually means, how to think about it intuitively (without hype or jargon), and what this transition could mean for your job, your relationships, and your day-to-day life—much sooner than most people expect. ​Together, we’ll explore questions like: ​**What is AGI?** ​How do experts define artificial general intelligence, and how is it different from today’s AI tools? ​**Work & Jobs:** ​Which kinds of jobs are already being automated or transformed—and which ones experts believe are most likely to remain resilient? ​**Human Connection:** ​How is AI starting to replace or supplement roles once filled by coworkers, friends, tutors, therapists, and companions? ​**Robots & the Physical World:** ​What happens when advanced AI is paired with rapidly improving robotics—and which parts of the economy could change next? ​**What you’ll get:** * ​A clear, beginner-friendly explanation of AGI and why it matters * ​Real-world examples of how AI is already reshaping work and social life * ​Live demos that highlight both impressive capabilities and emerging risks * ​Interactive discussion and exercises to test your own intuitions about the future ​Come ready to grapple with one of the biggest transitions humanity may ever face—a shift that could redefine not just how we work, but how we relate to each other, find meaning, and navigate a world increasingly shaped by intelligent machines.

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available. It also is being staged at Penn Social in DC on March 17th, and tickets remain available then.** [Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Ireland’s Fight for Freedom,”** with Kevin Matthews, assistant professor of history at George Mason University and former London correspondent for Vatican Radio reporting on British and Irish news. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-ireland-freedom](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-ireland-freedom) .] After centuries of struggle, Irish men and women won their freedom from Great Britain after waging a war that set the pattern for all other independence struggles of the 20th century. But there was a price—the partition of their country, a split setting the stage for the Northern Ireland “Troubles” that didn’t end until 1998. Gain a deeper understanding of Ireland and its history with Professor Kevin Matthews, a historian and frequent Smithsonian Associates speaker who had served as a journalist covering the last stages of the Troubles in Ireland in the early and mid 1990s. He’ll discuss in depth how the Irish won independence in a two-year war between 1919 and 1921, covering topics as the role women played in the conflict, the life and tactics of the revolutionary leader Michael Collins, and the Irish development of “urban guerilla warfare” using small, highly mobile armed units called “flying columns.” Most important, this talk will examine how the conflict between Irish nationalists and Irish unionists led to Ireland’s division and later conflict. From the Easter Rising to the Good Friday Agreement, from Bloody Sunday to Brexit, this conflict has never quite gone away. As the Irish poet, William Butler Yeats once wrote: Now and in time to be, Wherever green is worn, Are changed, changed utterly: A terrible beauty is born. Professor Matthews will explore how the Irish fought to a standstill what was then the mightiest empire in the world and how, more than he could have known, Yeats’ prediction still rings true today. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Members of the Irish Republican Army’s West Connemara Flying Column in 1921. (Public Domain photo.)

DC Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. It's community-led and community-run by devs, for devs. People of all skill levels attend. Whether you’re dev-curious, aspiring, or a professional developer, we’d love to have you! Come chat or learn to code on a Sunday afternoon with coffee and cool-inclusive people. Bring your laptop! We typically meet every month on the weekend. **Join our online community!** For all things Tech in DC and to get latest updates and tech events from the DMV area, join the [DCTech Slack](https://dctech.chat/). All DC Code & Coffee announcements are in the #dccodecoffee channel **How it works** Near the beginning of the event, we do an introduction circle. You say your name, what you can help others with, and what you would like help with. You can also share job opportunities. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized. **Event Host and Directions** We are meeting in the big meeting room at the back of the library.

This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. PLEASE BRING YOUR SOFT/HARD COPY BUSINESS CARDS. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all specialize in one or two fields and be willing to engage others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't specialize in the other person's required discipline\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your specializations\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to learn more from your experience\. 11. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).***

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Younkin Branch Library (Ashville) meeting space is now reserved for any and all interested in or enthused by playing a game of chess. The second Thursday of each month, 6:00pm to 7:50pm. First gathering is Thursday, May 11th. No fees. Chess sets provided; however, you may bring your own if you wish.

Tired of chronic pain that keeps coming back? Let’s try a different approach. If you’ve tried everything for pain without long-term success, I offer RAPID Neurofascial Reset and Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT). These are not traditional massages; they are neurological treatments that target the nervous system to break pain cycles at their source, rather than just relaxing muscles. RAPID releases deep tissue and nerve entrapments to stop pain Signals. More info about Rapid here: [https://columbusmassage.abmp.com/rapid-neurofascial-reset](https://columbusmassage.abmp.com/rapid-neurofascial-reset?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExMkVhMEN4dVhTU2tNOWF2YnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7w89gx_ENFccAE53E4YYwEYXbilnZMSol_nxxYAAN3uIGBcXb-41umrXkuyQ_aem_6pCwPXztbyPMI9Y3Unz5Fw) NKT acts as a "detective" to find out why a muscle is tight and corrects the cause. More info about NKT here: [https://columbusmassage.abmp.com/neurokinetic-therapy](https://columbusmassage.abmp.com/neurokinetic-therapy?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExMkVhMEN4dVhTU2tNOWF2YnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7w89gx_ENFccAE53E4YYwEYXbilnZMSol_nxxYAAN3uIGBcXb-41umrXkuyQ_aem_6pCwPXztbyPMI9Y3Unz5Fw) I’ve had great success with issues that massage often cannot resolve, including sciatica, neuropathy, arthritis, migraines, frozen shoulder, and restricted range of motion. Specialized "Mini" Session Details: Structure: 15 minutes of hands-on treatment + 15 minutes of Q&A (30 minutes total). Cost: $60 + tax ($64.80). Policy: Prepaid, non-cancelable, non-refundable and non-transferable. Bonus: If you book a full 3-session new client package during your mini-session, you’ll receive $60 off so that it is like getting your mini trial session for free. Note: Prices are increasing April 1st, 2026. Book in March to lock in the current rate! Ready to move without pain? Book your spot today! Call me at 614-353-7825

Window functions have nothing to do with the Windows operating system but provide a “window” to a result set when used in SQL queries. They are powerful, set-based methods to view data in unexpected ways. Window functions provide easy, set-based solutions to solve some common problems: * Using running totals * Performing operations in intervals * Identifying data gaps and islands * Performing aggregates without losing detail Many people are confused by window functions and do not know how to use them properly. This session will explore window functions, how they work, and how to use them. Demonstrations with several examples will solidify how window functions can simplify queries and make them more powerful.

Join us for a fun Saturday evening starting with dinner at Ranchero Kitchen at 6:30 PM, where we’ll be supporting an immigrant-owned local business. Pupusas: Beans, Potatoes, Veggie Homemade juices: Passionfruit, Tamarind, Horchata, Pineapple-cashew After dinner, we’ll head to Skate Zone 71 from 8:00–10:30 PM for skating, music, and good vibes. Come hungry and ready to roll! 😋🛼 Locations: Ranchero Kitchen 984 Morse Rd Columbus, OH 43229 (Same plaza as Ohio BMV license bureau) Skate Zone 71 4900 Evanswood Dr Columbus, OH 43229