Smart Cities

Join us for the first gathering of **DC Digital Minds**, a new meetup for people interested in AI, consciousness, digital minds, the human-AI relationship, ethics, policy, and the strange new questions emerging at the frontier. This kickoff will be casual and friendly: no lecture, no homework, no need to arrive with settled views. Come get to know other curious people over Greek food at **Zorba’s Cafe,** share what drew you to the topic, and bring ideas for future meetups. Whether you’re a researcher, technologist, policy person, philosopher, writer, student, or just someone who keeps thinking “wait, what *are* these systems becoming?”, you’re welcome. We’ll use this first gathering to meet each other, compare interests, and start shaping what this group can become. **What to expect:** Informal conversation, introductions, food/drinks available for purchase, and a chance to suggest future topics and formats. **Where to find us:** Your group organizer, Jessie, will be upstairs and to the right as you reach the top of the stairs.

Come play some casual Commander at Crystal City! Bring your favorite decks for some pickup games, and feel free to bring your trade binders if you'd like! **We play at 2100 Crystal Drive** in Arlington, VA, 22202, which is a seating area that is right next to We, the Pizza in Crystal City. Detailed directions on how to get there: **Directions from the Metro:** If you're taking the Metro, exit at Crystal City. When you come up the first set of escalators, turn left to enter the underground shops and then turn left again after a brief walk. Cross the street, enter the next building, and the seating area will be on the left after passing the Minuteman Press Printing and Marketing shop. **Parking:** If you're driving, garage parking is free after 4 pm. Enter the garage on 2144 Crystal Drive. There will be elevators that take you up to the main level. If you have any questions, please join our Discord for the most up-to-date information: https://discord.gg/fBUWvrAVMv

[RSVP on Partiful](https://partiful.com/e/UCYdKHbiXcyGLGai3KJf?c=jn9txKC1) Join Network of South Asian Professionals at our monthly Third Thursday series on Thur, May 21, 6-9. Come to connect over careers or interests or just make some new friends. We ask guests to cover their own tab and we may continue the night with a walk to the wharf after the event. RSVP at our partful link to see who is coming. See you soon!

Please join us at Hill Center on Thursday, May 21st from 6:30pm-8:30pm for an Opening Reception showcasing new works from amazing local artists who are members of the the Capitol Hill Arts League. Juried by Nicky Cymrot, Director, Hill Center Galleries and Anne Barnes, Artist. There are always nice refreshments here. During the Opening Reception certificates will be presented for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honarable Mention Awards. All pieces of art may be purchased and will be on display throughout our Galleries and [online at Hill Center Galleries](https://www.hillcenterdc.org/artist/chal-2026/). The exhibitions run from May 7th through August 30th.

Today we are Steve's Lab. RSVP and you'll be sent the location. It's in Silver Spring. ***Join us for an evening in an electronics lab where we will attempt to run clean scans of graphene and gold samples, and then clean up that data with post processing.*** This is a high sensitivity experiment, and we do not plan on being successful so early. But we've had promising results lately - so we will be putting in the time. We are NOT meeting at our usual location, but rather at Steve's house/lab. If you RSVP, you will get a DM with the address but it's located in Silver Spring. We will attempt full, clean lab - clean tip repeated scanning tests to see what we can learn and improve. We will experiment with online attendees, but if all possible showing up in person is strongly encouraged. Online join link is: - [https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers](https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers) Our community is building (and documenting for other teams) how to build a scanning tunneling microscope using a mix of common and 3D printed parts. This will allow us to scan and visualize a single atom - an ambitious we are doing over the course of a few months. The MoCo Makers community is one of the most innovative and competent groups in Maryland, and we've done everything from [publishing cancer research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38136356/), to [launching products](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gotim/cozy-curvy-multi-contour-pillow), [winning grants](https://covidinfocommons.datascience.columbia.edu/awards/2014255), and inspiring thousands. Now our biggest challenge yet has appeared. We are building a Scanning Tunneling Microscope, that will allow us to scan and visualize single atoms. To get a better idea of what we are doing, see our reference project here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g) All starting CAD, code, and reference files should exist. However, let's be the first Maker community to document the build process and share it with learners around the world. We will be publishing our work here -[ https://hackaday.io/project/202816-qt-panda](https://hackaday.io/project/202816-qt-panda) If you need a ride, let us know.

The city of Laurel has reopened the community centers! GCOM Laurel will be happening again Thursday night! We’ll be gaming from 6-9pm. Masks are still required and if you’re not feeling well, get better and join us next week. We’re at the Robert J DiPietro center!

Let's explore Kingman Island again. **Route:** * Start at Stadium-Armory Metro station * Walk to Kingman Island and traverse the length of the island * Return to Stadium-Armory Metro station **Millage:** 3.4 mi **Start/End Location:** Stadium - Armory Metro Station **Map:** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/EGo96sJc4HhBbgQq9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/EGo96sJc4HhBbgQq9) **Time:** 6 pm - 8:00 pm **Terrain:** This will be mostly flat, with some trail walking on Kingman Island itself. We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early, because we will leave without you. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. We're always looking for new leaders who can showcase their neighborhood or any cool places they know, so please reach out either at an event or on meetup if you are interested. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group walking (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

Our first Technoverts meetup had a great turnout, so we're doing it again, this time with an optional conversation theme: **How people are actually using AI in everyday work and life**. This is not a panel or presentation, and I do not have a fixed agenda, it's just a relaxed coffee conversation for people in tech (or tech-adjacent fields) who are curious about practical AI use cases, useful tools, workflow hacks, weird experiments, and what's generally helping people right now. *Topics might include:* * AI tools people actually use at work * Productivity and automation * Prompting successes and failures * Writing, coding, research, analytics and creative use cases * What feels overhyped vs. genuinely useful. No expertise is required. It's completely fine to come mostly curious, skeptical, or just interested in meeting thoughtful people in tech. *What to expect:* * Low pressure conversation * A mix of tech talk and normal conversation Location: (Subject to change as I do more research) High Point Pub Tyson's Whole Foods, 1635 Boro Pl. (This is the cafe space on the second floor of the Whole Foods at the Boro, Tysons. Parking is free in the garage with validation). Time: 11 am (this is when the cafe opens). Everyone covers their own coffee/snacks. I'll arrive early and grab a table and will post details about location in the event discussion. Address: 1635 Boro Pl. Whole Foods 2nd Floor Cafe

As one of our attendees kindly pointed out [thank you Mary!] Bakers Daughter is no longer open so we are moving this event to For Five Coffee in City Center. Please check the address below so that you can find us! [https://www.forfivecoffee.com/location/for-five-coffee-city-center/](https://www.forfivecoffee.com/location/for-five-coffee-city-center/)

Coffee & Bitcoin is coming to ***Old Town Alexandria @ King St Metro*** **[Bitcoin District](https://bitcoindistrict.org/)** is a community of Bitcoiners living & working in the greater DMV metro area. Join us for a "Coffee & Bitcoin" meetup where we'll talk about what's happening in the world of Bitcoin. We highly encourage anyone who is new to Bitcoin or just a little curious to come and ask questions... don't be shy! 🚗 Nearby street & public garage parking 🚆 From DC, Take the YELLOW line to King St-Old Town Metro **Our events are *Bitcoin focused* and we generally avoid discussing other coins & tokens. Nothing discussed during this meetup is financial advice. Always do your own research.**

🍷♠️❤️ A Spades Special - A Night of Cards & "Casual" Conversation 🍷♠️❤️ Thank you for all those who participated in our Speak & Spades Night on April 10! We are hosting another event at the same venue in Downtown Silver Spring - Comma's Food Hall inside City Place Mall. This time, it will be more about the game - a traditional night of Spades play, lots of laughs, and Friday fun. ♠️ Spades games will be the main event, from 6pm to 10pm! Play cards, eat, drink, & socialize! Enjoy drink specials and variety of reasonably-priced restaurant options. ❤️ Optional: If interested, conversation cards will be available in the room all evening. No formal discussion or official program is planned. Just engage in open, casual conversations about a variety of topics with those who may want to talk as well. No pressure. Singles and couples are invited! Get matched with a partner onsite. All skill levels are welcome. The fun starts at 6pm! 🍷 Happy Hour Specials all night! 🎶 Live music will be playing 🚗 Parking available in Ellsworth Garage (connected to the venue through the Skywalk) 📷 See the photo section for details 🌜Join us for a night of CARDS....with a little bit of conversation, if you like! Either way, you won't forget it!🌛 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

Free before 11:30PM with RSVP [Click Here To Register NOW](https://AfroasisFridays.eventbrite.com/?aff=AFDCMU) The wait is over. DC's newest weekly Afro-diaspora nightlife experience is officially here — and we're opening the doors for the very first time. **Afroasis Fridays** is not just a party. It's a feeling. A weekly rhythmical escape built for the culture, by the culture — where the city's most stylish, culturally tapped-in crowd comes to move, connect, and celebrate. And tonight? We're just getting started. Step inside **The Oasis at The Continent DC** — and experience something the DMV has never had before. An elevated, late-night sanctuary where the music never stops and the energy only builds. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, a graduation, a promotion, an independence, or just giving yourself the Friday you deserve — this is your spot. Every week. Expect the very best Afro-international DJs in the DMV taking you through the full spectrum — **Afrobeats. Amapiano. Dancehall. Reggaeton. Soca. Kompa. Zouk. Hip Hop.** Trending hits. Timeless classics. No breaks in energy. Just pure rhythm from open to close. And because this isn't just any venue — it's **The Continent DC** — the full experience goes beyond the dance floor. Start your night with an intimate African dining experience in the restaurant before the party pulls you in, or celebrate in style with your crew over authentic African bites and cocktails while the music moves you. It's a full night out, under one roof, with no need to go anywhere else. 🕙 **Free entry before 11:30 PM** 📍 The Oasis at The Continent DC 🗓 Every Friday *Welcome to Afroasis. You've been looking for this.*

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** Like it or not, AI agents are now capable of turning a quickly written paragraph of requirements into a pull request that is ready to be integrated into real-world production applications and it's now our responsibility to make sure AI doesn't go rogue and take down prod - or corrupt our data by misunderstanding the requirements or our existing schemas. In this session we'll explore strategies to protect our codebases through unit and integration testing, documentation, and code review along with additional ways of providing context and guard rails to our AI agents as they carry out the work we've assigned them to do. By the time we're done, you'll have a firm grasp of the problem and understand some helpful options for protecting your codebase from vibe coding mishaps getting YOLOed into prod. **YouTube Link** TBD

Click Here For More Videos: [https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17vTa7EuwG/](https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17vTa7EuwG/) The Biggest Salsa Night to hit your mid-week is happening at Latin City Wednesdays. Get the feel of the Latin Beat as your hips and feet groove the right way. Viva Dance Columbus (2809 Festival Lane Dublin, OH 43017) 830pm-930pm Cuban Salsa Lessons 930pm-Midnight Open Latin Dance Party 15 With Lesson 10 Just Open Dance Free Parking, No Need to Bring a dance partner, No Sandals Please and Plenty of Space to Move Around.

PLEASE NOTE!!! This event will be In-Person for our very 1st Improving collab! If you know the [Columbus Unity group](https://www.meetup.com/columbus-unity-user-group/) location, we'll be at the same place. This is our 1st event and are doing a soft launch with limited attendance. 1st come 1st serve. If you want to be there and we fill up, please email me at [info@thecogg.com](mailto:info@thecogg.com) and I'll be in touch. All street parking is free on Sundays but you can also pay to park in any of the local garages. See image of [parking map here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mr9_LFIggbs-0_Zd3AJTGNqEhgMf2TzQ/view?usp=sharing). \-\-\- On the last Sunday of the month, we're having our usual end-of-the-month social gathering with our GameDev Meetup meeting. There will be announcements and presentations followed by some social networking Let's continue the conversations with good vibes and friends. All are welcomed from all ages and backgrounds to this public event. If we can, we'll be streaming or uploading the video later via our COGG YouTube channel here: [https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams) (Also please do subscribe if you have not done so!) No game development experience required! If you are interested in doing a 20 minute game development related presentation, please fill out our form online here: [https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1](https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1) Or e-mail us at info@thecogg.com with the following: Your Name, Company/Affiliation, Name of Your Game/Topic, Description, Tech Needs, and Your Contact. Be sure to check out our Discord for real time news updates: [https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ](https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ)

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛