Parrots

PawsUP for David and Brick for originally suggesting this awesome meetup and our dogs love it! -Dumbarton Oaks/Montrose Park in Georgetown -Meet at the entrance off of R st, on the East side (closer to the cemetery) -Plenty of street parking in the area -Bring water and a ball for your Aussie This park is a very large open field, that is very dog friendly. Tons of space to run and chase. Most if not all dogs are off leash. Occasional runners and kids (there is a playground), so keep that in mind. There is also a trail inside with a stream that the dogs love to play in.

**NOTE: This is NOT a screening, please watch the movies before the discussion.** *"Approximately seven hours ago, some... thing attacked the city. I don't know what it is. If you found this tape, I mean if you're watching this right now, then you probably know more about it than I do."* Matt Reeves’ *Cloverfield* captures the feeling of a city realizing, in real time, that it is no longer safe. Framed through a handheld camera passed between friends, the film documents a single night in New York City as celebration gives way to sirens, collapsing streets, and an overwhelming sense of disorientation. Released in the shadow of 9/11, *Cloverfield* channels a specific kind of urban dread — the fear of sudden catastrophe, incomplete information, and the helplessness of watching familiar landmarks fall apart. By restricting the audience to fragments and firsthand panic, the film turns spectacle into anxiety, forcing us to experience disaster the way the characters do: confused, trapped, and desperate for answers that never fully arrive.

**$60/2\.5\-hour Class \| Class Limit: 5** Hamiltonian Artists Second Floor, Studio 2 [Registration Link ](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://trishaart.com/classes/p/drop-in-classes&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw07rgL9h-rFd3JRP7l9BSDN) In this introductory course, students will learn the history of Indian woodblock before using the technique for themselves to create a printed piece of fabric from start to finish. I will demonstrate the process before allowing students the opportunity to ask questions and practice. Various examples of patterns and motifs will be shared with the group that they can emulate for their own projects. We will provide a handkerchief for the final project, but students are encouraged to bring their own light-weight cotton objects to use instead.

Welcome to MindShift Gym! We're hosting free introductory classes on Saturday, January 17th for ages 6-99. Curious about parkour, aerial silks, dance, yoga, and more? Come play with us. ​ **Schedule** Click the class to be taken to its registration page. **Classes will fill up so please RSVP online to guarantee your spot.** All classes listed are introductory classes; NO experience needed. Classes are between 45min-1 hour. ​​ Intro to Parkour * 11am [Family (kids and adults ages 9+)](https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=424F72E8-E563-4FEB-BDF7-E65EAA89CDB5) * 12pm [Nano parkour (ages 6-8)](https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=B73041E7-26DB-4C10-AB2E-3E480C9B8918) * 1pm [Youth (ages 9-14)](https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=A41489AA-CFEB-4C12-B9A6-7B2FA0A3D7FF) * 2:30pm [Youth & Teens (ages 9-17)](https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=06CADFA0-BF66-4F09-99FF-19A3A0E4E219) * 2:30pm [Adults (ages 18+)](https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=3E6914FB-09FF-4837-A87F-CBAAD10649DC) * 3:30pm [Low-impact parkour (ages 35+)](https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=DF5565F6-2FF0-4736-AE6B-2EF807D51332) ​ Intro to Aerial Silks * 1pm [Teens & Adults (ages 15+)](https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=FE1AB527-3BEF-4E55-94EC-25528CC24918) * 2:15pm [Youth (ages 9-14)](https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=B33B2A88-19F4-4CEC-9ED1-EFF468F66E93) ​ Intro to Dance * 2pm [Intro to Ballet (ages 15+)](https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=C27E27E8-AFB8-4D02-B74B-15C8C319F6F5) * 3pm [Intro to Contemporary Dance (ages 15+)](https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=C65E2271-3901-4305-9DA1-E847146565C3) ​ Intro to Hammock Yoga * 12pm [Intro to Hammock Yoga (ages 18+)](https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=73498455-4CB2-46F4-AF5E-5D219CF29C5F)

Hello! Happy New Year! Chase away the winter blahs and beat the New Year's blues with the company of your fellow autists at Cleveland Park Library! Located at 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW in Washington, DC, this library is in a safe and thriving neighborhood just two blocks from the Cleveland Park Metro on the Red Line. Bringing games is optional. We'll be meeting in the large second-floor conference room. HOUSEKEEPING RULES Per library policy, eating is prohibited, but covered drinks are permitted. Per fire code, only 20 RSVPs are allowed. If the list gets to 20, additional RSVPs will move to the waitlist. Please do not take pictures of people without permission. Due to space and liability concerns, people under 18 are not permitted. AFTER MEETUP On the waitlist? Don't worry! You are welcome to join us at Fat Pete's afterwards. It is located at 3407 Connecticut Ave. NW, just across the street and a block over from the library. The owner has made an arrangement where I call him and let him know we're coming over. He then tells me if the place is quiet or noisy. This way, sensory sensitivities are met. The place also has a wide variety of extremely good food and is handicapped-accessible. HEALTH AND SAFETY Since this is the middle of winter, I will keep an eye on the weather. If there are ice/sleet/snow accumulation/winter mix, I am cancelling the event. I am also testing for COVID the morning of the event. Yes, it's still here. If I am well and test negative, I'll be there. If I am sick and/or test positive, I'm staying home. I'm sharing the results in either case. HOW TO GET THERE DC is notoriously hard to drive in. Parking is even worse - almost impossible to find and way too expensive. Taking the Metro or a rideshare is much easier. Cleveland Park Library is located at 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW two blocks away from Cleveland Park Metro on the Red Line. Once you enter the library, go to the second floor. Then go through the glass double doors to the adult books section. We're meeting in the large conference room next to the balcony. If you have trouble finding us, please call or text me at 202-802-3238. See you soon, Jenny

Kickstart your year with Total Body Sculpt! Join us for an invigorating full-body workout designed to help you achieve your New Year’s fitness goals. This dynamic class will help set the tone for a healthier and stronger you. Level: All. Ages 13 & up; FREE **Lake Arbor Community Center** **[REGISTER THROUGH PARKS DIRECT](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=Pe0W6P6S0B17294F1R3B1Q4Q5D3Z5E58055O425I561C5I4R6G510H005P4N521J724Q4V6L02705P6N4S1A4Q60544B055T4S5D5V1K5O5Y5556196U3W5C4X6D734V56&age=0.25&age=0.5&age=0.75&age=1&age=2&age=3&age=4&age=5&age=6&age=7&age=8&age=9&age=10&age=11&age=12&age=13&age=14&age=15&age=16&age=17&age=Adult&age=Senior&primarycode=17681-179A&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&showwithavailable=No&spotsavailable=&beginyear=&instructor=&dayoption=All&display=Detail&module=AR&multiselectlist_value=&arwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes)** For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email [wellness@pgparks.com](http://wellness@pgparks.com/)

Our next book for Rockville Vegans Book Club is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. This book is available for free in both audiobook and eBook on Hoopla.. You can log into Hoopla using your library card information. Currently I have the Meetup location set to Pike Kitchen. This is a vegan friendly food hall in Rockville with a lot of indoor seating available. Purchasing a food/drink would be optional. This location may change as I continue to explore options that can hold our group indoors. And please feel free to message me with location suggestions. Happy reading and looking forward to discussing the book with you all January 17th.

***We have now resumed in-person meetups!*** We are a group of tarot practitioners and enthusiasts who are looking to practice and expand our tarot skills through both collaborative discussion and hands-on practice. Everyone is welcome regardless of skill level, even if you've never picked up a deck in your life! Each month we'll have a topic to discuss together, and when that discussion wraps up the session is opened up to any questions people might have about tarot. We also often break up into smaller groups to practice giving readings to each other. (The giving and receiving of readings are both completely voluntary, so please don't feel pressured!) Having a tarot deck is not required. (If you're looking for recommendations for a first deck, we'll be more than happy to help!) Some have found it helpful to bring pen and paper for notes as well. No fee, however snacks, donations for the tea fund, and gifts of practical items for the shop (toilet paper, paper towels, etc) are always welcome. Use of workshop space agreement at Sticks and Stones: 1. Feel free to arrange and decorate the space before your event, and make sure before you go to leave it as you found it. 2. Hot water and tea are provided by the store and you are welcome to help yourselves. We accept donations in the form of money, tea, paper products (tissues, paper towels, toilet paper) dish soap, etc, to help pay for this free service. 3. You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks to your event (no alcohol.) It is suggested that you bring any utensils and plates if needed, however we might have some available from previous donations if you forget. 4. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, in all areas of the store. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian present to take any of the workshops/classes. 5. Sticks and Stones respects each and everyone’s spiritual path; we do not discriminate based on race, religion, sexuality, political views, etc. Please be kind and respectful with your discussions, as we have many people from all faiths entering our store during business hours.

Join us for a laid-back Sunday Brunch. The Brunch is All-You-Can-Eat buffet and a bottle of Champagne (750 ml) with Orange Juice. You make your own mimosa. Just only for $ 35.00 per person without tax & gratuity! It includes French toast, pancakes, waffles, omelettes made to order, Pasta, Salads, Roast Beef, Pork Ribs, oyster bar, cheese bar and Salmon, plenty of fresh fruit, yogurt, cakes, cookies, and pudding....mmmm! After brunch, we mingle and socialize. http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/8/e/8/600_400350952.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/c/e/e/600_400351982.jpeg

New year ✨️ try a new dance! The world famous instructor from Brazil Leticia Castro is here in DC to share her Lambada passion. This class will enchant you. Suitable for beginners and for folks familiar with other Brazilian dances. Leticia expertly leads this class to introduce you to Lambada! $15 Comfortable shoes suggested

Higher Grounds – Del Ray is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Del Ray who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Does it feel like the world is ending? Stop doomscrolling and try some vigorous outdoor activity! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, January 18 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

Samba with Educarte at Samba de Sarau Sunday January 18. Come out and join the fun with live music, lots of smiles and community 😊 check out Educarte's Instagram for more details.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration at [Young Birders Walk at Gilbert’s Corner - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/young-birders-gilberts-corner-jan/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a bird walk exclusively for young birders at [Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/gilberts-corner-regional-park) in Aldie. With a combination of scrub, brush, and meadow, this park is a great birding hotspot in southwestern Loudoun. Bring binoculars if you have them. *Note: This program is exclusively for young birders ages 10-18; a parent/guardian is welcome. **Registration required*** ***Questions:*** *Contact Young Birding Program Coordinator Patrick Lewis at [plewis@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:plewis@loudounwildlife.org).*

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration at [Birding Gilbert’s Corner - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-gilberts-corner-january/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a bird walk at the relatively new [Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/gilberts-corner-regional-park) in Aldie (see map below). With a combination of scrub, brush and meadow, this park is a great birding hotspot in southwestern Loudoun. *Limit 14. **Registration required.*** ***Questions:*** *Contact Joe Coleman at [jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org)*.

MindShift Gym has graciously offered to host our January meetup again! This event is technically free, but donations are strongly encouraged. MindShift has granted us access to their space at no cost to us, but at meaningful cost to *them*. Please consider helping them out a little, as you're able. For those of you who'd like to continue playing after this event is over, you'll have the option to stay for an additional (free) open gym session. To help MindShift get a sense of how many folks intend to come (and so that we can get your waiver taken care of ahead of time), please register for this event here: https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=260B7229-A645-43A9-BBE3-D768DEC17B16 We're looking forward to seeing you! This meetup is non-binary inclusive and open to all ability and skill levels. Whether it's your first time trying parkour or you've been training for years there will be fun challenges for everyone.

***Registration required at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy -*** [Birding Algonkian - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-algonkian-january/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at the Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun County. This bird walk takes place each month except December. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River, its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands and grassy areas combine to make it Loudoun’s top birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot.

Before exploring the various historic sites at one of the nation's oldest working plantations, we'll soak in the sunrise on the James River Beach while fossil hunting! Expect to walk only about 3 miles on this leisurely morning outing. On this trip, consider bringing your favorite warm drink. I don't expect to be working up too much of a sweat.

Birds of prey numbers increase dramatically each winter in the county as our resident birds are joined by many others. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to search for winter raptors. We will drive the back roads of Loudoun until dusk with frequent stops to find and identify the many hawks, hopefully an owl or two, and any other birds that overwinter here. Bring binoculars if you have them. *Limit 16.* ***Registration required.*** Registration for Searching for Birds of Prey Field Trip **https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birds-of-prey-field-trip/** ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*, if **registration is full,** ask to be added to the waitlist by emailing . Please include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available. My car can fit 3 additional people & I have spare binoculars. Or we can go separately. ###

Join Nextgen Birders for a fun-filled day of birding at **Lake Fairfax Park** followed by a board game session at the **Northern VA Bird Alliance (NVBA) HQ**! Feel free to join us for the **morning walk**, the **afternoon game session**, or **both**! ***Agenda:*** * **9:00 am - 11:00 am:** Birding around Lake Fairfax Park * **11:00 am - 1:00 pm:** Board games and trivia at NVBA HQ ***Morning Birding Detail*s** (Lake Fairfax Park) * **Meeting Spot:** Main parking lot (near the restrooms and playgrounds) * **Address:** 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190 * **The Walk:** We will walk a portion of the trail along the lakeshore, looking for waterfowl and other birds of interest. * **Trail Note:** The trail includes both paved and unpaved sections. We highly recommend wearing **closed-toed shoes**. ***Afternoon Board Game Details (NVBA HQ)*** * **Location:** National Wildlife Federation Building (approx. 12 mins drive from the park) * **Address:** 11100 Wildlife Center Dr suite 100, Reston, VA 20190 * **Games:** We will have multiple sets of **Wingspan** as well as bird-themed **trivia** and more! * **Refreshments:** Light snacks and drinks will be provided. You are welcome to bring a festive treat to share! ***Additional FAQs:*** * **Parking:** Parking is **free** at both Lake Fairfax Park and the NVBA HQ. * **Metro:** The closest Metro stop is **Wiehle-Reston East** (Silver Line). Please note that both locations are a sizeable walk from the Metro, so taking an Uber or bus from the stop is likely the easiest option. We look forward to seeing you there!