Wilderness Survival

Brisk, 3- 4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Aslin Beer Company in Logan Circle. We will head down 14th, loop around the Washington Monument and past the White House, and back on 15th to Aslin for drinks. Closest metro U Street.

**Join us for virtual hike leader training on Tuesday, May 5th 7-9pm. Space is limited!** **[Register Here](https://potomactrailclub.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/potomactrailclub/event.jsp?event=80&)** **\*Do not RSVP here on Meetup, it will not secure your registration. Must register at the link above.** PATC hike leader training is open to experienced hikers in the Mid-Atlantic who are current PATC members. Hike Leader Education courses are offered periodically online and in person. The goal is to provide PATC standards for hike leaders to support safe hiking. **Attaining certification is a 4 step process:** 1\. Take American Red Cross Basic First Aid online or in person\. 2\. Read the [PATC Hike Leaders Handbook](https://irp.cdn-website.com/a2272c1b/files/uploaded/HikeLeaderHandbookOct2025.pdf) 3\. Complete the Hike Leader Education course online or in person 4\. Lead 2 hikes to include planning route\, advertising hike\, vetting hikers\, and leading the hike with under the guidance and assessment of a certified hike leader\. 5\. Lead or co\-lead one hike independent of a mentor\. Class fee: $20.00 for PATC members. For non-members, one must become a PATC member before registering for the course. PATC membership for an individual is $50.00, annually. *\*The leader of the class will reach out a few days prior to send the zoom link.*

Everyone is welcome to join these classes on meditation and modern Buddhism. These classes include both meditations and teachings based on Buddha’s wisdom that can help us to stay peaceful, even in the most challenging times. Topics include the following: * Freeing Ourself from Stress * Understanding the Mind * Learning to Let Go of Negativity * The Keys to Stable & Lasting Change * Staying Positive No Matter What Happens * Freedom from Anger * Why This Day Matters * Forces for Positive Change **To Register:** Visit our class listings page at [MeditationMD.org](https://www.meditationmd.org/classes-retreats). You can also register at the door, arriving 15 min early. **This is an in-person class.** **Cost:** $12 ($8 students, seniors 62+, and unemployed). Free for Monthly Members. **Location:** Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045 **With Teacher Rick Ratigan** A long-time member of KMC Maryland, Rick has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism since 1999, and has been teaching for about 15 years. He is retired from the State of Maryland with a background in Social Services. He is a sincere meditator and Dharma practitioner and is well liked for his compassion and a good sense of humor. Rick’s classes are down-to-earth and practical. Visit our website: [www.MeditationMd.org](https://www.meditationmd.org/classes-retreats)

Climb to the top of South America for an out-of-this-world Bolivian experience — encounter awe-inspiring geography, cities rich in colonial history, and Indigenous culture. From La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, travel to the crest of the Andes and the middle of nowhere for three days of incredible off-road exploration of the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano. Take the road less travelled and meet locals for an immersive cultural experience that few travellers get to know. If you are looking for an authentic experience away from the tourist track, Bolivia is the perfect place for genuine adventure. Tour Start **LA PAZ** Tour End **LA PAZ** Destination BOLIVIA Itinerary Day01 **LA PAZ** Day02 **LA PAZ/SUCRE** Day03 SUCRE Day04 SUCRE Day05 SUCRE/POTOSÍ Day06 POTOSÍ/UYUNI Day07 UYUNI/SALT FLATS Day08 SALT FLATS Day09 SALT FLATS/LA PAZ Day10 LA PAZ Day11 TIWANAKU AND LAKE TITICACA Day12 LA PAZ Price: $3990 (Double Occupancy) $4590 (Single Occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes Hotels (8 nts) at lodge/basic hotels on Salar de Uyuni excursion (2 nts, multi-share), Overnight Sleeper Bus (1 nt). Breakfasts at hotel, 3 lunches, 2 dinners All transportation – Public bus, 4×4 vehicle, Internal plane. Experienced guide/Tour leader Activities as per the itinerary Price Excludes Flights Meals Personal Expenses Optional activities Travel insurance / Visa Tips \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/bolivia-discovery-12-days-uyuni-salt-flats-la-paz-sucre-lake-titicaca/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/bolivia-discovery-12-days-uyuni-salt-flats-la-paz-sucre-lake-titicaca/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696

Join us for Career Night to learn how our agency works, what we do, and how you can earn part-time or full-time income helping families with financial literacy and protection.

Calling all Crew Members! 🚢 BBaddies On A Track! We will be meeting at 6am to hit the track. We will do a warm up and then a few drills and sprints on the track! We will also have fun and be in community!

(Bus hike) Wildflower Hike III: Enjoy the Springtime in Shenandoah Forest. This hike includes wildflowers, wonderful views, a peaceful waterfall, and bright blue skies (we hope). Long hikers start at the intersection of Dickey Ridge trail at Skyline Drive and follow Dickey Ridge trail to Fox Hollow trail, where they will ponder an old cemetery as they loop around to Dickey Ridge trail. Meanwhile Moderate hikers start at the Dickey Ridge Visitor center and go south on the Dickey Ridge Trail. They join long hikers at Fox Hollow trail and all hikers follow Dickey Ridge trail to Sneed Farm Road. Moderate hikers cross the road and continue on the Dickey Ridge trail, passing views of the Shenandoah valley below. Long hikers will go left on Sneed Farm Road and take the Snead Farm Loop Trail, passing farm ruins on their right, as they loop around to the Dickey Ridge trail where they will join moderate hikers. All hikers will continue on the Dickey Ridge trail to a parking lot where they will go down the gravel road to Lands Run waterfall about a half mile from Skyline Drive. After enjoying the waterfall, all hikers backtrack on the Dickey Ridge Trail to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. Est.: 12.0 miles, 2200 ft. elevation and 8.5 miles, 1400 ft. elevation. There are optional hikes that include an Extra Long hike of 14 miles and shorter moderate hikes ranging from 0-7.5 miles. PATC map 9. Fare: $33 plus park fee or pass. VA Hikes. ***Map and hike description are posted under Photos*** **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. **RESERVATIONS** Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. Space permitting, walk-ons are permitted at the second pick-up point. Your hike fee will be paid to one of the hike leaders in either cash or check (we're working on Venmo / Zelle). **FIRST-TIME HIKERS** If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. **CANCELLATION POLICY** Cancellations sometimes play havoc with our hiker accountability as the hike leaders print out the rider list from the MeetUp sign-up website. If the RSVP is not complete or up-to-date, neither is our check-in list. To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less the MeetUp $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on the MeetUp website before NOON on the Friday **before the hike**. If you change your RSVP afterwards, no refunds will be issued. While Metro/carpool/trailhead hike cancellations will not be issued a financial refund, hikers on either bus or trailhead hikes are implored to change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at either bus stops or the trailhead. **COVID, RSV, or seasonal FLU precautions** . . . Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

**IMPORTANT - READ** This is a by law 10 person limit capacity trip, If you are NOT 100% committed please do NOT RSV **Rain - Shine or Snow is a go** This time we will be visiting the North area; The Dolly Sods Wilderness — originally simply Dolly Sods — is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) and one of the most desirable trekking areas for the free bird and adventure spirit. Dolly Sods is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and lifeforms normally found much farther north in Canada. To the north, the distinctive landscape of "the Sods" is characterized by stunted (“flagged”) trees, wind-carved boulders, heath barrens, grassy meadows created in the last century by logging and fires, and sphagnum bogs that are much older. To the south, a dense cove forest occupies the branched canyon excavated by the North Fork of Red Creek. The name derives from an 18th century German homesteading family — the Dahles — and a local term for an open mountaintop meadow — a "sods". **State:** West Virginia **Counties:** Grant, Randolph, Tucker **Elevation:** 3,734 ft (1,138.1 m) **Coordinates:** 39.066062, -79.301616 **Trail details:** Friday night we will hike about 1.5 miles and camp around Bears Rock and Dobbin Grade trail intersection (wild camp), next day morning (Saturday) we will break camp and head North-West following Bear Rocks to Beaver View trail (TR523 on map) to Dobbin Grade trail (TR526) to Rocky Ridge trail (TR524) to Breathed Mountain trail (TR553) to Red Creek trail heading north to the intersection of Breathed Mountain trail and to our next camping location, enjoy the local cascades and swimming pool, take dinner. Next morning (Sunday) head north on Red Creek trail to Upper Red Creek trail (TR509) and from there to Dobbin Grade and back to Bears Rock trail = 15-16 miles round trek **Gear list, What you need to bring:** 1.) Tent - Sleeping pad - 20F Sleeping bag 2.) 2 pieces rain suit 3.) 3 extra pair of socks - 1 will stay on the car 4.) Backpacking stove + pot/cup/dish/spoon 5.) Dehydrate food 6.) Bottle or similar for drinking water 7.) Snacks/sandwich/power bar or equivalent, etc. 8.) Saturday and Sunday we will refuel from a stream. 9.) Water/beach shoes + small towel for stream crossing. 11.) Warm jacket, hat and water proof globes 12.) Water proof shoes-boots 13.) Extra pair of shoes (stay in the car) 14.) Gaiter **General meetup location:** Vienna Metro Station - 7:30pm **Time driving:** 3 hr. each way **Google driving direction from Vienna metro:** https://goo.gl/maps/1yXxQrnDbK9sKhcz6 **CARPOOL:** Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends by just posting a message!!

Join Service Design DC for a community movie night focused on learning, reflection, and connection through two keynote presentations from last year’s Service Design Global Conference. SDGC25 brought the global service design community together around the theme “Business Transformation by Design,” exploring how service design can influence strategy, operations, and customer experience across organizations. For this gathering, we’ll watch 2 selected talks from SDGC25, then open up a casual group discussion about what resonated, what feels relevant for our work now, and what these ideas might mean for service design practice in DC. The 2025 conference centered on service design’s role in helping organizations navigate cross-functional transformation, making these talks especially relevant for practitioners working across systems, teams, and change. **What to expect** * Watch 2 selected presentations from SDGC25 together. * Casual facilitated discussion after each talk. * Time to connect with other service design and adjacent practitioners in the DC area. **Evening Agenda** 6:00 P.M. - Doors Open + Socializing & Networking 6:30 P.M. - First talk highlights + conversation 7:15 P.M. - Second talk highlights + conversation 8:00 P.M. - Wrap up **Many thanks to our host and sponsor, MediaBarn!** *Mediabarn’s customer-centric philosophy defines who we are.* *In its simplest form, we are committed to applying Human-Centered Design (HCD) methods to understand customer needs, collect feedback, and use that feedback to improve services and products. Whether it’s for customers, citizens, or employees, our Experience Design Studio creates research-informed designs to improve the experience of every human involved.*

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, **[https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf)** and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "**I Accept"** to be permitted on the hike. **8.0 mile out and back hike along the [Cabin John Stream Valley Trail](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/cabin-john-stream-valley-park/cabin-john-stream-valley-trail/) with an approximate 400 feet of elevation gain.** **Description:** The **[Cabin John Stream Valley trail](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cabin-John-Stream-Valley-Trails-map-2023-0522-letter.pdf)** is a well-maintained trail, largely in wooded areas with some hills and short sections of sidewalk. This trail is located near major highways but still offers an unexpected sense of solitude and natural beauty. **Hike Pace**: Pace will be about **2.5 mph** while moving. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, insect repellant, sturdy hiking shoes and poles if you use them since there are rocky areas/tree roots. There are a few small stream crossings. **Fee:** None **Dogs:** dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)**. **Where to Meet:** We will meet in the **small parking lot** at **7401 Macarthur Boulevard, Cabin John, MD** **Coordinates: 38.973310, -77.150590** **[Coordinates LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KEpbb4AxwPTRFJue8?g_st=ic)** **I have a gray Honda Fit. The hatchback will be up. Consider carpooling if possible as the parking lot is limited.** **[MAP](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cabin-John-Stream-Valley-Trails-map-2023-0522-letter.pdf)** **Contact Info:** Any questions, please message me here or text me at 703 533 9231 Dawn K.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Connected Westerville Night of Networking flips the script on networking, with surprises and connections that'll make you say, "Who knew networking could be this much fun?!"

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.