Longevity

**Spirituelle Gespräche** *„Solange, du in deinem Bewusstseinszustand, dem sicheren Ort in deinem Herzen, bleibst, kann dich keine äußere Angst oder Kraft verletzen.“* Harald Klemp, *Spirituelle Weisheit zum Überwinden von Angst“,* S. 4

You like singing? We’re going to sing some fun tags & tunes and explore the musical style of Barbershop. This is for those curious and eager to explore their vocal talents. It’s an opportunity for anyone to drop in, try their hand at singing Barbershop Harmony and become part of a relaxed musical atmosphere. Bring some water for your voice. Bring a friend. Let’s have some fun and ring those chords! No fee, donations requested. Deutsch / Englisch

**Ice bathing together at Treptower Park and surroundings – regular & reliable ☀️❄️** Exact time and date - we schedule together! Meetup once a week! Hello everyone, I’m looking for a like-minded person (or a small group) who would like to go ice bathing together once a week on a regular basis – preferably at Treptower Park and the surrounding area. The day and time are flexible for me; what matters most to me is reliability and consistency. I’ve been ice bathing for several years and value this practice greatly: as an energising time in nature, as a shared act of overcoming oneself, and as something that is noticeably beneficial for both body and mind. For me, it has positive effects on health, sleep, and recovery – and it’s a wonderful way to start the next week feeling light, uplifted, and content. After four years, my previous ice-bathing partner is unfortunately no longer able to join, so I’m now happy to meet new people. I’m open and enjoy coordinating flexibly. If you already have experience, or if you’re curious and would like to try it out in a committed way, feel free to get in touch. I’m looking forward to the exchange and to arriving together in the cold water. Warm regards, Till

**👋 Hello Strangers! —** For all players and chess-curious folks out there who want to chill, make friends, and enjoy some chess: We are hosting a daily meetup in Mitte / Prenzlauerberg for all experience levels. It doesn't matter if you just watched the Queen's Gambit or if you have been playing regularly for a while. **Join us** — Daily from 7 pm till midnight. **Expected Behavior** — [Conduct](https://strangerchess.com/conduct/) **Pics** · [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/strangerchess/) / **Chat** · [Telegram](https://t.me/strangerchess) / **Web** · [Strangerchess.com](https://strangerchess.com/) (No need to bring anything, boards, clocks, etc. are provided)

## Wo & Wann? **JEDEN MONTAG** findet die offene Lesebühne des Autorenforums Berlin statt (außer an Feiertagen) **BEGINN**: 20:00 Uhr **ANMELDUNG zum Lesen: ab 19:30 Uhr** beim Moderator des Abends – siehe [Termine](http://autorenforum-berlin.de/wordpress/termine/); Die Teilnahme an der Veranstaltung ist kostenlos. **SCHWARTZSCHE VILLA** **Großer Salon** Direkt am S/U Rathaus Steglitz Grunewaldstr. 55 Der offene Leseabend stellt das Herzstück des Autorenforums e.V. dar. Er steht nicht nur Mitgliedern, sondern grundsätzlich jedem Autor und jeder Autorin offen, der gerne einen unveröffentlichten Text vor Publikum präsentieren möchte. Auch Kritik kann jedermann üben. Wer lieber zuhören möchte, kann einfach am Montagabend um 20.00 in der Schwartzschen Villa erscheinen. Für Lesewillige gilt die unten stehende ausführliche Information (mündliche Anmeldung ab 19:30 Uhr). *Unfortunately at the moment, it's only possible to present German texts. Unpublished texts that are already translated into German are highly welcome!* ## Was erwartet Sie? Im Großen Salon der Schwartzsche Villa treffen Sie auf einen Kreis von Literaturbegeisterten, die Ihrem Text eine ernsthafte und fundierte Kritik spenden. Das Publikum wechselt. Es ist gemischt, geeint durch das Interesse an Texten. Die Autorinnen und Autoren des Abends lesen aus ihren bislang unveröffentlichten Kurzgeschichten, lyrischen Texten, Erzählungen, Romanen, manchmal auch aus Theaterstücken. Die Autoren stellen nicht sich selbst, sondern ihre Texte der Kritik. Wir verstehen uns als Arbeitsbühne. Deshalb wird bei uns nach den Lesungen nicht geklatscht. Die Texte werden nach der Lesung des Autors auf handwerkliche Stärken und Schwächen „abgeklopft“. Es geht im Forum daher nicht um weltanschauliche Debatten. Im Idealfall hat der Autor/die Autorin nach einer Lesung und der Kritik verstanden, wo die Stärken und Schwächen seines Textes liegen, woran es seinem Text noch fehlt, was er ändern sollte und wo er bei seiner Überarbeitung ansetzen kann. Der Abend endet gegen 22.00. Im Anschluss können Sie mit den Autoren im Café der Schwartzschen Villa noch ins Gespräch kommen und manches aus dem Literaturbetrieb erfahren. Wir sind im Kontakt auch mit namhaften Vertretern desselben. Also – nicht gleich verschwinden! Dranbleiben. Reden Sie mit den Forumianern! ## Sie möchten selbst lesen? Wenn Sie selbst im Autorenforum lesen wollen, gibt es einige Dinge zu beachten. Wir bitten Sie sehr herzlich, sich mindestens einmal vor Ihrer ersten Lesung bei uns mit unseren Gegebenheiten vertraut zu machen. Ihren Lesewunsch können Sie dann ab 19.30 Uhr (Einlass) bei der Moderatorin oder dem Moderator eines Leseabends anmelden. **Wir weisen ausdrücklich daraufhin, dass über die Annahme und Reihenfolge der Lesungen die jeweiligen Moderatoren entscheiden und es NICHT zwingend nach der Reihenfolge der Anmeldungen geht!** In der Regel reicht die Zeit nur für drei Autoren je Abend und die Nachfrage ist oft recht hoch. Falls Sie einen lyrischen Text vortragen möchten, bringen Sie bitte mindestens 10 (zehn) Kopien mit, damit Ihr Publikum mitlesen kann. Die Kopien erhalten Sie selbstverständlich zurück. # Wie üben wir Textkritik? Nach der Idee von Maik Turni ## **Anschleichen** **Wie wirkt der Text auf mich?** (Keine Angst vor Adjektiven! ) **Was habe ich gehört?** (Zusammenfassung (Nacherzählung)) **Was blieb unverstanden** (akustisch oder logisch) ## **Unter der Lupe** **Was ist das für ein Text?** (Prosa: Genre? Lyrik: Welche Art lyrischer Text?) **Thema** (Welches Thema berührt der Text? Hat der Autor sein Thema im Griff? Ist es überzeugend/plausibel/gut recherchiert, vielleicht sogar zu faktenreich?) **Figuren** (Wie wirken die Figuren? Wer ist die Hauptfigur? Welches Problem hat die Hauptfigur?) **Perspektive** (Wie verhält sich die Erzählperspektive zum Thema / zu den Figuren?) **Sprache** (Welche Bilder sind stimmig / welche nicht? Was lässt sich zum Rhythmus sagen? Sind die Sätze syntaktisch und grammatikalisch korrekt?) **Dramaturgie** (Schafft der Text es, Spannung zu erzeugen? In welcher Reihenfolge werden die Dinge erzählt?) **Bedeutung** (Gelingt es dem Autor, die Bedeutung, die er seinem Text geben will, auch im Leser entstehen zu lassen?) ## **Klarspüler** Fragen werden an den Text gestellt, nicht an den Autor! Daher sollte der Text antworten. ## **Weichspüler** Wird bei uns nicht verwendet. Aber es gilt: Nicht der Autor wird kritisiert, sondern der Text! Hart zum Text, sanft zum Autor!

This is a **casual, in-person Mavericks meetup** centered around movement rather than conversation alone. We’ll meet at a bouldering gym, climb at our own pace, take breaks, and let conversations happen naturally in between. There’s no training, no coaching, and no performance expectation. Bouldering is chosen deliberately: it’s simple, physical, and clears mental noise fast. You’re focused on the wall, your body, and the next move—which makes everything else drop into the background. This meetup is about: * moving your body * getting out of your head * spending time with people who don’t need constant explanation * letting connection happen without forcing depth You don’t need to be an experienced climber. If you’re comfortable trying things, resting when needed, and staying curious, you’ll be fine. 📍 **Where:** Ostbloc Hauptstraße 13, 10317 Berlin 🕒 **Duration:** Approx. 2 hours (come and go as it fits) 👥 **Group size:** Limited spots to keep it relaxed and manageable Bring comfortable clothes, climbing shoes if you have them (rentals are available), and a normal human level of social energy. No agenda. No outcome. Just movement, presence, and seeing how it unfolds.

Nice! You are looking for real long time friendship! You might have already lived in Berlin or other big cities and experienced the "Anonymous" culture for a while. Meeting random people over and over and never see the same person again! In order to find "Real Long Term Friendship" in Berlin, do as follows: * You should not care how many people are joining this meetup. You RVSP. Even if only one person is joining. Because if everyone are waiting for everyone else to RVSP, nobody joins and nobody finds a new friend. * You do not care how many people of the opposite sex are joining. You are looking for friends. Finding the best romantic partner in the world, while avoiding not very attractive others, can be your other goal, for another time. Here we are looking for Friends. Real ones. * You are going to risk a very precious property of yours: Your time! Yes, there are thousands of opportunities in Berlin, there might be a rock concert for free, a birthday party you might miss, an important person might call you and invite you spontaneously, but you never find new friends until you decide to risk your time and meet people anyway. "I will check my calendar and get back to you" also does not work. Commit your time and spend it. Trust me, you won't go bankrupt ;-) * You are ready to use your phone as a real phone! You might have been using your phone as a tablet to visit Instagram and Facebook and watch movies. But if you want to find friends, you must know that people might take your phone number and give you theirs. That means they will Call you! And you have to pick up the phone and answer it. If you want to find new friends, you must be ready to do something really hard for the first time after years: Call people first, and if they called you: Answer your phone! * You are going to meet some people twice! That's the point of friendship. We already can experience random encounters with random people in random places one at a time. But that is not called friendship. If you want friends, you must be ready to meet the same person more than once. If you agree with above, RVSP and COME! You will meet other people who think the same way. P.S: Now that you've read all the way down to here, I suggest you [watch this animation](https://player.vimeo.com/video/547249272?h=22f3dd0f6f).

Our friend **Dmitri Katz**, a 10 years+ long time friend and huge supporter of **STEM4Health**, **G4A**, **Digital Health**, and every **Innovation in Healthcare**, is organizing this event. I highly recommend to attend. Please register at https://luma.com/m47avlhj. AI is offering new opportunities to address persistent, high-impact societal challenges. In domains where social and human stakes are high, practical value will depend not only on technical performance, but on how well AI systems are aligned with ethical, institutional, and operational realities. Addressing this need requires sustained, cross-disciplinary collaboration grounded in real-world practice. To this end, **ÆTHOS Berlin** is building an interdisciplinary community of founders, researchers, practitioners, domain experts, and policymakers. ​In this workshop, we will discuss real-world care challenges and the constraints that shape responsible AI use. Participants are invited to contribute practical perspectives. ​**What we aim to produce:** ​The workshop will produce Challenge Briefs: short documents that describe (a) a concrete care problem, (b) its real-world impact, and (c) the key institutional, ethical, and practical constraints involved. Where it emerges naturally, the briefs may also note open directions for work, such as further research or approaches for AI implementation. The briefs will be published publicly after the event and shared as reference material for future research and innovation. ​**Workshop format (2 hours):** * ​Short, problem‑focused inputs from care‑domain experts, early‑stage startups, and other workshop attendees. * ​Small, mixed working groups * ​Each group drafts one brief using a simple structure: Problem · Impact · Constraints · Directions * ​Sharing and discussion ​**Why your participation matters:** * ​Help ensure that actual constraints shape how AI problems are defined * ​Bring institutional, ethical, and operational realities into the discussion early * ​Contribute to challenge definitions that shape the community’s future focus * ​Be acknowledged as a contributing participant in this first workshop ​ **What participation could involve:** * ​Share a real-world care‑domain challenge * ​Contributing to the drafting group * ​Bring a laptop if possible. ​This is an ÆTHOS community initiative. Participants are welcome to share what they are working on, but the focus will remain on problem framing rather than product pitching. If you have questions or would like to help with the workshop, please let us know. Warm Regards, Dmitri Katz ÆTHOS Initiative team [dmitrikatz23@gmail.com](mailto:dmitrikatz23@gmail.com) Place: Æthos Station, 3rd Floor, Lohmühlenstraße 65, Kreuzberg, Berlin

❤️Herzlich willkommen zu unserem **wöchentlichen** Treffen "Das GLÜCK 🍀 neu starten" Gesund glücklich bis ins hohe Alter Ich freue mich, Euch zu unserer wöchentlichen Vortragsreihe und unserem Netzwerktreffen an einen wunderschönen Ort einladen zu können. "Die **GLÜCKs:WERKstatt**" am Dämmeritzsee Ein Vortrag mit wechselnden Themen zeigt, wie wir unser Lebensgefühl "Glücklich sein" wieder selbst verbessern können. Wir gehen in dem Vortrag auf die 3 Grundbereiche eines glücklichen Lebens ein: **Gesundheit**: Fitness, Vitalität, anti aging **Geld**: Finanzelles Wohlbefinden **Gemeinschaft** : Verbundenheit, gemeinsam GLÜCK kreieren und erreichen Ihr könnt Fragen stellen, eigene Geschichten erzählen und Kontakte knüpfen. Wir genießen miteinander außerdem die wunderschöne Aussicht auf den Dämmeritzsee, nette Gespräche und leckeres Fingerfood (Wer mag, bringt fürs Buffet eine Kleinigkeit mit, gerne gesund 😉) Wir freuen uns, wenn ihr euch wohl fühlt 😍 _(5€ Unkosten-Beitrag für Räume, Getränke, Orga usw., per Paypal oder auch vor Ort)_ Anmeldung über meetup oder besser bei mir unter **01784676193** Wir freuen uns auf euch Das GlücksTeam Und Eure Glücksbeauftragte 🍀💃 Carola Hinz

An inspiring, high-energy meeting of public speaking, connection, and personal growth in the heart of Berlin. **Mercury Toastmasters Berlin** invites you to our weekly meeting at our new home at **Das Center, Potsdamer Platz**, in the stunning **Historic Imperial Breakfast Hall**. *Experience the **power of prepared speeches** loaded with bold ideas, participate in our **dynamic Impromptu Session**, and **gain valuable insights** during our feedback segment.* *Leave with practical tools, fresh ideas, and renewed inspiration.* *Whether you want to speak up at work, boost your presence, or just meet inspiring people, you’ll feel at home at Mercury Toastmasters Berlin.* *** **[What to Expect:](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/find-toastmasters-meetings-in-berlin/)** ✨ A supportive space to speak, grow, and connect 🎤 Engaging prepared speeches ⚡ Fun, fast-paced impromptu speaking challenges 💬 Feedback session you can actually use 🌍 A friendly, international crowd (around 25–30 people) **Schedule** (times may vary) ⏰ 19:15 - Doors open & networking 🎙️ 19:30 - Prepared Speeches 🏓 20:35 - Impromptu Session (Guest welcome to join) ↩️ 21:00 - Constructive feedback 💬 21:30 - Food, drinks & relaxed socializing **No experience needed.** ***Come curious. Leave energized.*** *** **🤙 [Hear it from our members:](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eRtvR9DRNqU9WZQn7)** *“You can sharpen your public speaking skills and gain tons of confidence, while having fun and making new friends. Mercury is well-structured, fun, and affordable.”* — *Therese Pitt* *“Mercury gave me a safe place to speak, create, and grow. I love the multicultural vibe and supportive community. It’s the best place to learn and have fun.”* — *Krisztina Linka* *** **[Did You Know?](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/about-mercury-toastmasters-berlin/)** Toastmasters is where people go to get better at speaking—and grow into confident communicators and leaders. Today [Toastmasters ](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/about-mercury-toastmasters-berlin/)has 350,000+ members across 16,000 clubs in 143 countries. And [Mercury](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/find-toastmasters-meetings-in-berlin/) is one of the best places to experience it. So bring your curiosity, your energy—and just be yourself. Whether you’re just starting or ready to level up, there’s a place for you here. *** **[Wondering what you get as a member?](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/membership-mercury-toastmasters-berlin/)** Think expert feedback, real-world speaking practice, and a supportive crew that’s got your back. [See you Wednesday night! 🎉](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/find-toastmasters-meetings-in-berlin/)

siehe Gruppenbeschreibung.

Erlerne Meditations- und Entspannungsverfahren kennen und sorge damit für mehr Bewusstheit und Stressreduktion in deinem Alltag.

**For registration for this class see: [https://www.kang-center.de/taekwondo-berlin/#taekwondo-kurse-berlin](https://www.kang-center.de/taekwondo-berlin/#taekwondo-kurse-berlin)** We are an international group (speaking English, German and Korean), enthusiastic and ambitious learning the art of traditional Taekwon-Do, meaning full perfection and power but no contact. Our grandmaster Kang, Shin-Gyu is a student of famous grandmaster Kwon, Jae-Hwa, so that we can learn from the originals. Sounds sophisticated? It is - and also a lot of fun! Most of us are between 20 an 30 years old, half of them male and half female. But we welcome anybody any age! As a beginner you need nothing more than some comfortable sportswear. See you in Class!

This seminar is for all women over or approaching 40. Understand the changes that your body, mind and spirit will inevitably go through, and how you can prepare for the transition to a new stage of life. Dr. Jain will give you the real picture of peri-menopause and beyond, what it entails and what it means from an Ayurvedic perspective, and share concerning truths about our medical system's approach to supporting women during this important time. This is rare information not to be found in any AI bot. Dr. Jain shares deep, ancient knowledge that is practical, sensible and critical for our long-term well-being. ***About Dr. Amita Jain:*** *Dr. Jain is a Doctor of Ayurveda, Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor, and the Founder of [Vedic Health Inc.](https://www.vedichealth.org/) in Rockville, MD. With over 20 years of experience in Ayurveda and yoga, she holds a Doctor of Ayurveda degree from Sai Ayurvedic College, clinical training from Swasthyam Ayurvedic Hospital in Kerala, and a certification in Hatha Yoga from SVYASA Yoga Research University in Bangalore.* *She has helped countless individuals heal from chronic conditions, trained thousands in Yoga and Ayurveda, and is a passionate advocate for affordable and accessible holistic healthcare. Her primary focus is working with chronic and complicated health problems western medicine has been ineffective.* Sunday, February 22nd, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris Center, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/FbcXO](https://shorturl.at/FbcXO)

Join us for an in-person, educational workshop that redefines weight loss through a **holistic, whole-body approach**. Rather than focusing solely on the number on the scale, we explore what truly drives sustainable fat loss, muscle preservation, and long-term health. This workshop is ideal for those seeking a safe, sustainable approach to weight loss, who are tired of restrictive diets and weight cycling, who want to lose fat while preserving muscle, and who value education and understanding over quick fixes. **Event Details** **📅 Date:** March 5, 2026 **⏰ Time:** 5:30 – 7:00 PM **📍 Location:** Golden Health Holistics, 46161 Westlake Dr, Ste 330, Sterling, VA 20165 **In This Workshop, We’ll Cover:** * Why weight loss is more than calories in vs. calories out * How the body metabolizes food, and why it matters * Why the body stores fat, and why all fat is not the same * The impact of excess body fat on metabolic and overall health * The critical role of muscle in metabolism, aging, and longevity * What it means to balance body composition (not just lose weight) * How a holistic, supportive approach can help * Where modern weight management tools, including GLP-1 medications, fit in The **first 10 registered attendees** will receive a complimentary InBody body composition scan, along with a one-on-one review of the results with our health coach. Please RSVP by March 4, 2026 to secure your spot. Limited space is available!

*Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration requested at* [The Disappearance and Persistence of Bees (Virtual) - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/persistent-native-bees/) The demise and disappearance of bees is well documented, yet bees still persist. Wildlife biologist Sam Droege shares a more nuanced look at the current state of native bees based on his research. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

**Braver Angels holds workshops, debates, and public presentations designed to bridge the political divide we are experiencing in our country.** Our events help conservatives, liberals, and independents get past stereotypes and have civil conversations about current issues, helping open the way to productive problem-solving, mutual respect and understanding. We have an exciting discussion planned for February and we hope you will join us. It’s been only a month in 2026 and it seems that everyday there is some news or the other that sparks more controversy and creates more polarization than ever before. **A Case in Point:** In Minnesota, current events—specifically Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale federal immigration enforcement operation—have sparked a significant constitutional crisis involving the Second Amendment, the rule of law, and freedom of speech. **1\. Second Amendment \(Right to Bear Arms\)** The fatal shootings of Renee Good, a mother of two, and Alex Pretti, a nurse and concealed-carry permit holder, by federal agents in January 2026, has put the role of ICE, Freedom of Speech and Assembly, the Rule of Law and the Second Amendment at the center of the conflict. * **The Conflict:** Administration officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel, argued that carrying a firearm with multiple magazines to a protest implies violent intent and is not a protected right. * **The Backlash:** Gun rights groups like the [National Association for Gun Rights](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=54af438f89&e=500efeae3d) and the [Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=9b87a21916&e=500efeae3d) have condemned these statements, noting that Minnesota law explicitly allows permit holders to carry at protests. They argue that exercising one right (First Amendment protest) does not negate another (Second Amendment self-defense). **2\. Freedom of Speech and Assembly** The [ACLU of Minnesota](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=d306a09b8d&e=500efeae3d) and other advocates allege that federal agents are systematically suppressing dissent through force and targeted arrests. * **Renee Good:** The January 2026 killing of Renee Good by an [ICE agent](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=ddc5885c7c&e=500efeae3d) in Minneapolis raises critical constitutional issues regarding the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition on excessive force and unreasonable seizure. It tests the limits of federal officer immunity, specifically challenging claims of "[absolute immunity](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=55da441d59&e=500efeae3d)" under the [Supremacy Clause](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=90f0fb9009&e=500efeae3d). The case also spotlights the lack of legal mechanisms for holding federal agents accountable for violating civil rights. * **Journalist Arrests:** On January 30, 2026, journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were arrested on federal charges related to their coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a church. * **A Chilling Effect?** Organizations like [FIRE](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=db63d21e6b&e=500efeae3d) argue that federal investigations and grand jury subpoenas of state officials (including Governor Tim Walz) are intended to "chill" speech and discourage citizens from observing or filming law enforcement. **3\. The Rule of Law** The "rule of law" is currently being tested through a jurisdictional battle between state and federal authorities. * **Federalism and the 10th Amendment:** Minnesota's Attorney General and a coalition of cities have [filed a lawsuit](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=dd3fa783e5&e=500efeae3d) alleging that the federal government is "commandeering" local resources and violating the 10th Amendment by bypassing state authority. * **Accountability:** Groups such as the [Society for the Rule of Law](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=176c834bfb&e=500efeae3d) have criticized the administration for "dismissing core constitutional rights" and failing to provide evidence for claims that protesters are engaging in "riots" to justify the use of force. **Some Crises Make Strange Bedfellows:** The situation in Minnesota has become a notable **crossover issue**, creating an unusual alliance between progressives, libertarians, and mainstream conservatives who are increasingly uncomfortable with the federal government's tactics. Traditionally, gun rights are a conservative priority, but the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents has caused a rift. Groups like the Gun Owners of America and the National Association for Gun Rights joined progressives in criticizing the administration, arguing that a lawful gun owner should not be criminalized for exercising their rights during a protest. Republican governors have joined Democratic counterparts to urge federal accountability, arguing that the operation is a test case for federal "retribution" that could eventually target any state. Both sides have condemned the use of warrantless raids, the arrest of journalists, and the prevention of state investigators from accessing federal crime scenes. Libertarians and progressive legal advocates (like those at the [Public Rights Project](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=6e3eaeaafb&e=500efeae3d)) are unified in the belief that the federal government is "unconstitutionally coercing" local law enforcement and schools to serve a federal immigration agenda. Meanwhile, Republican-leaning pollster [Cygnal](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=e05c097435&e=500efeae3d) reports that deportation and ICE are overwhelmingly supported by voters. So, where do we go from here? While we, as individuals, can exercise our freedom of speech and participate in protests to advocate change, real change will require action from Congress. And we can do our part in telling Congress exactly what we think! **What We Hope to Accomplish this Evening:** After some brief introductions, we will breakout into groups (how many will depend on the number of attendees) to discuss this issue.The groups will be chosen randomly *(as this is a crossover issue)* and will report back to answer this question: ***What would you convey to your Member of Congress about Minneapolis?*** **Time:** * Introductions - 10 minutes * Discussions - 60 minutes * Report Back - 30 minutes * Closeout and Next Steps - 10 minutes **Where and When:** ***Date:*** Tuesday February 10, 2026 ***Time:*** 7:00pm (doors open at 6:30 – snacks and mingling) ***Venue:*** McLean Governmental Center [1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=f600773430&e=500efeae3d) For questions, message Jennifer Ibarra or email fairfax-va@braverangels.org. We hope to see you there! If you like you may also register on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-would-you-tell-congress-about-immigration-events-in-minneapolis-registration-1982075915419?aff=oddtdtcreator&discount=BRAVER), though registering on both platforms is not necessary. **[Help us counter division! Click here to make a donation to our local alliance.](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=29336f40c5&e=500efeae3d)**

Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production. You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at [Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov](mailto:Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov) to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or [sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore](https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/event-details/read-plant-grow-2026-02-24-18-30). ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

Leigh Ann Sutton, Reiki Master and Teacher, Access Bars Practitioner and Archangelic Light Master will host this event on the third Monday of the month. Open to any level healing and style practitioner. Come share your skills. Space is very limited (no more than 6 total) and masks will be required. Please add your name to the waitlist if full and be courteous in canceling if you cannot make it so someone else can join. Suggested Donation $10.00 Cross referenced under Exceptional Minds Open Hearts in Meet up. Check out my website for additional offerings and services https//www.exceptionalmindsopenhearts.com/

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy the weather! We meet Saturdays at 10am, halfway between the Reston *Container Store* and *Not Your Average Joes* (by the metal benches), leaving no later than 10:05. Every week, rain or shine, we start by walking along the Green Trail to reach Lake Anne Community Center. Once there, we pause for water/bio (often staying a few minutes extra from April-November, due to the local Farmer's Market), and then we circle Lake Anne and head back to our starting point. It's roughly 3-4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to *Not Your Average Joes* or another local restaurant for a quick drink/meal before tackling the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome, and we recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll walk rain or shine. Also, feel free to bring a friend! By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.