Cat Rescue

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. We're all ready to start hiking again and next week the Weather is warming. It looks like we will have 3 days of balmy (everything is relative) temperatures to start melting/ softening the snow for the Friday hike day. We will be hiking on cleared trails. There are still occasional patches of packed snow/ice so bring your poles. This is an enjoyable hike with beautiful lakes, wooded trails and even a snack/rest room break at a Starbucks. It is about an 7.8 mile hike with 358 feet of elevation gain around lakes and among the woodlands of Reston. We'll meet in front of the Starbucks at the South Lake Shopping Center at 8:45 am and hike through the Glade Stream Valley and then along Lake Audubon and Lake Thoreau. We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 mph while moving. You must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain. Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-d57db7d?u=i&sh=iypgzx

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. **Description:** This is a 7½ mile hike with \~200-feet of elevation gain on the Cross County Trail, from Rt 7 (near Colvin Mill Run) to the Washington and Old Dominion path and back. We will start on the Cross County Trail access road just north of route 7 near Colvin Run Mill. There are 2 stream crossings: one on rocks *(see picture above when it was uncrossable, it should be lower and crossable on Friday)* and the other on concrete pylons. **Dogs** are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **Leader:** Harvey Haines **Rating:** C (7¼ mi + 200 ft/400ft/mi = 7¾ equiv. mi. C-hikes range from 7-10 mi) **Maps:** A pdf map of this section of the CCT: [https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/05eVzFBePshItlpjqZzE4Q6og#cct-9-difficult-run-stream-valley_8.44.46_AM](https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/05eVzFBePshItlpjqZzE4Q6og#cct-9-difficult-run-stream-valley_8.44.46_AM) GAIA-GPS map of the trail: [https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=17.0/-77.2931/38.9696&pubLink=nT5xNso4Vt4cJS590reDYkXJ&trackId=da5ca300fac1600e2994ed97cc7756bb](https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=17.0/-77.2931/38.9696&pubLink=nT5xNso4Vt4cJS590reDYkXJ&trackId=da5ca300fac1600e2994ed97cc7756bb)

Every Friday in February, enjoy BOGO admission when you purchase your tickets at the door AND MENTION BOGO. For $15.95, one paid admission gets one guest into the park FREE. That means two people get a full park visit for the price of one. Simple. Fun. The best BOGO around. BOGO Fridays - Every Friday in February Tickets purchased at the door only $15.95 for two guests - One free guest per paid admission - YOU MUST MENTION BOGO WHEN PURCHASING YOUR TICKET! Grab a friend, bring the kids, or make it a family Friday and enjoy a full day at the park. No advance tickets required or available. Just show up and save.

# Happy Birthday, You’re Dead Written and Directed by Terry Smith Produced by Jerri Wiseman ***You are invited to a surprise birthday party for Candy Crush, a D-list actor. She’s the hottest ticket in town. But her birthday party isn’t the only surprise she will get tonight! Someone’s about to be murdered. Only you can prevent this from happening before it’s game over. To miss this would be a crime.*** February 13 at Firefly Cellars Winery in Hamilton (with dinner) Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton, VA 20158 6:30pm Doors and dinner buffet start 7:15pm Show starts There will be a 15-20-minute intermission. Tickets: $85 plus ticketing fee and sales tax includes the show, catered buffet dinner, dessert, and welcome drink. Menu: Baby Greens Salad with Feta Cheese, Roasted Apples, and Toasted Sunflower Seeds with House Ranch and Vinaigrette Dressings. Baked Lemon Sole with Pommery Cream Sauce. Grilled Sliced Steak with Braised Onion Demi-glace. Sauteed Mixed Vegetables. Whipped Potatoes. Rolls with Butter. Flourless Chocolate Cake. Unsweetened Tea. Coffee. Special meals can be accommodated with 48 hours’ notice. Wine will be available for separate purchase. ### [Buy tickets for Firefly Cellars. ](https://www.stagecoachtc.com/happy-birthday-youre-dead/) You must buy a ticket to attend. An RSVP here will not save you a seat.

Kevin Elwell of Get A Head Shot [https://getaheadshot.net/](https://getaheadshot.net/) will be donating his photography talents to help motivated job seekers by giving them professional headshots to use on LinkedIn and other sites. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/getaheadshot/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/getaheadshot/) After registering, you will receive a SignUp Genius to reserve your 15 minute slots. In preparation of this event, [https://getaheadshot.net/preparing-for-your-session/](https://getaheadshot.net/preparing-for-your-session/) At the end of this session, you will receive 1 Free Image to use. There are some people who (wisely) chose to purchase photographic touch ups and other services.

HSLC has many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever families! Come meet them at the Petco in Leesburg from Noon to 2:00pm on Saturday, February 14th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit [Humane Society of Loudoun County](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/) If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, [complete an application today](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/adoption-process/) to expedite the application process.

Join us for Fundraiser Bingo, where fun meets community impact! Whether you’re coming out to support HSLC or simply want to play a few rounds of bingo, everyone is welcome! 🎉 Free to Attend 🍽️ Lost Barrel Brewing donates 10% of all food sales during the event to HSLC 🏆 Prizes to be won & fun guaranteed 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages welcome ⏰ Sundays | 4:30–6:30 PM Come hungry and thirsty, enjoy great company, and help support at-risk animals in our community—one bingo card at a time! About this month’s non-profit: Humane Society of Loudoun County HSLC is a foster-based, all-volunteer rescue that saves and improves the lives of vulnerable animals by providing care and placing adoptable animals into loving forever homes.

Please arrive early (no later than 7:30) to stretch out and warm up. Wear a black jersey and bring a pair of shin guards.

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.

Join us for the sweetest winter event of the season. Our Critters and Cookies event is a family-friendly experience filled with hands on fun, animal encounters, and plenty of treats to enjoy together. Your admission ticket includes access to all activities during the event. **What to Expect** • Valentine themed cookie decorating with fun toppings • Valentine card making station for kids to create something special • Indoor play area open for climbing, exploring, and burning off energy • Meet and greet animal experiences including – Bunnies in a basket – Rosie the porcupine with her Valentine flair • A fan favorite activity Name a Cockroach where kids can name a Madagascar hissing cockroach after someone they love or someone who bugs them Animal participation may vary depending on the animals’ comfort and mood. Our team always puts animal wellbeing first. This event is perfect for families looking for a fun winter outing, Valentine themed activities without pressure, and memorable moments with animals and cookies all in one place. Space is limited. Advance tickets are recommended.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration at [Birding Banshee - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-banshee-february/) Whether you’re a beginning birder or an expert, you’ll be thrilled by the many bird species you’ll find at **[Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve](http://www.loudounwildlife.org/Great_Places_Banshee_Reeks.htm)** south of Leesburg. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk at this birding hot spot. Bring binoculars if you have them. ***Registration required.*** \*\*\*Questions: \*\*\**Contact Joe Coleman at [jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org).*

We get together to rescue trees from invasive plants twice a month, moving from place to place around Greater Clifton, wherever we spot a problem and have the landowners' permission. RSVP using [this sign-up form.](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeasjEcOQm5v8afwJdriU65Wj8-Q0DetQy4HRKiFNwgwFPy7Q/viewform?usp%3Ddialog&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1cfet73DRGhpOU4ltw9MoF) This time we will work in the Clifton Betterment Association property in the floodplain of Pope's Head Creek. (Set GPS for 7137 Main Streeet but cross the creek and turn into the big parking lot)

**Note the address says SE but it should be SW** HSLC is excited to collaborate with October One Vineyard for a monthly Yappy Hour! To support our local animals, please bring a pet food donation and you’ll be entered into a raffle for free tastings and glasses! You can also purchase raffle tickets. Your monetary donations help cover much-needed medical expenses for homeless and at-risk animals. This event will be 5-8pm on the last Friday of every month at the October One Vineyard tasting shop in Downtown Leesburg. This event is free to the public, so stop by and raise a glass. HSLC will be on hand to answer questions and let you know about available animals. Let’s “cheer” up our local area animals in need!

Rockville Vegans will be picking up trash on the outside of Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary as part of their adopt-a-highway program. Poplar will provide all the supplies - gloves, bags, and visibility vests. We will be parking just inside the gate as you enter the farm property.

Join us for a volunteer day helping the animals at Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in Potomac, MD. Before attending this event, you must sign a liability waiver. Please use this link [https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/) The chores you will be doing are physical. You will be working on big projects that require many volunteers like removing old bedding, sanitizing stals and replacing with new bedding, along with the daily clean up chores. Wear boots and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Feel free to bring a filled water bottle. On sunny days a brimmed hat and sunglasses may be helpful. Sunscreen is also suggested. Please do not bring any food or yummy-smelling items on your body or in your bag as our animals love to eat and are on special diets. Out of respect for the animals, we do not allow any food with animal products to be consumed at Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary. Please ensure that all edible items are plant-based (no dairy, no cheese, no cow’s milk ice cream, no meat, no fish, no eggs). Thank you for your cooperation and respect for this. It is very important to us. There is a gift shop where you can browse and warm up during the event. Please post your pictures and tag Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and VSDC! Stick around at the end for a group photo behind the barn. If there is interest, we may go out to eat in one of our local vegan restaurants afterward. We are limited to 30 volunteers, so please change your RSVP if you cannot attend. Rosie's Farm Sanctuary is always in need of volunteers. If you want to volunteer with them outside of VSDC's volunteer days, make sure to visit [Rosies Farm Sanctuary ](https://rosiesfarmsanctuary.org/volunteer/) to sign up. By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

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)*.