River Cleanups

The[ Simplicity Living Study Circle of Northern VA](https://www.coachingwithdanijk.com/blog/important-community-update-join-our-new-meetup-group-simplicity-living-circle-of-northern-va) meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Lacey Woods Park in Arlington, Virginia. **This is a rain or shine outdoor event.** This free community group offers a unique and empowering space for individuals seeking to live a simpler, more intentional life. Through participant-driven discussions and facilitated activities, our circle fosters connection, reflection, and mutual support. Hosted by members of the Simplicity Living Circle of Northern VA, we welcome those who are curious about simplicity, mindful living, and environmental care. Whether you are just beginning or deepening your journey, you are warmly invited into this inclusive and supportive space. Logistics: * Feel free to bring what’s part of your life: kids, dogs, food, and musical instruments are all welcome. * Arriving at the start gives you the fullest experience, since the opening activities help create the group’s shared connection. If you arrive later, it may feel harder to fully step into that once the group has already begun bonding. *Note: Our official Meetup group changed due to administrative complications. This new group is now our verified and active community hub, which you can confirm at our in-person events.*

Volunteers are needed for the **[51th Annual One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467688/?isFirstPublish=true)** (ODH). The ODH is a fully supported event that requires about 100 volunteers to put on and pull off. Volunteers must be enthusiastic, dependable, and hardy — showing up to work on time, *regardless of weather*. First-time volunteers get a free ODH T-shirt as a token of appreciation. Many volunteers are former ODH'ers paying back some of the help they received, and/or are family and friends of a hiker. If you are a veteran volunteer and want to reprise your role or would like to try something different, if you are an interested newbie, or if you just need more information about volunteering, email Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) — *Please do not instead RSVP, message, or comment.* Photo albums of previous ODH's: **[bit.ly/MWS-ODH](https://bit.ly/MWS-ODH)**. **1) SUPPORT-STATION VOLUNTEERS** are needed to man/woman stations that provide food, drink, and assistance to hikers. If you are interested, let us know your preference in terms of time of day and amount of time you are willing to help. The more flexible you are in terms of location and time, the better. Except for the first three stations (through Edwards Ferry), you do not have to stay for a station’s entire period of operation, although that is preferable, and — yes — many volunteers serve at more than one station. The stations are: * Old Anglers, 5 to 7:30 am * Seneca Creek, 7 to 11 am * Edwards Ferry, 9 am to 2 pm * Whites Ferry, 10 am to 3:30 pm * Monocacy, 11 am to 6 pm * Point of Rocks, 1 pm to 8 pm * Brunswick, 2:30 to 10 pm * At Harpers Ferry and Bolivar (5 pm to midnight), where volunteers are also needed to guide hikers along the towns’ route. If you are willing to take on especially challenging tasks, we need you! Let Mike know. **2) BIKE PATROLLERS** are needed to ride their bikes to check on hikers all along the (mostly) unpaved route, providing assistance as needed. Patrollers are needed from about 6:30 am to midnight. If you are interested, or for more information, email Bike Patrol Coordinator, Jeff Comer (Comer.Jeffrey@Gmail.com), or Mike. **3) FIRST AIDERS** that can administer first aid to hikers as needed at major support stations. If you have first-aid or medical training, we’d love your help. If you are interested, or for more information, email First-Aid Coordinator, Jason Hauf (LJHauf@Gmail.com), or Mike. For official updates about the ODH, join our email list by sending a blank message to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io . To learn more about the ODH, check out [onedayhike.org](https://www.onedayhike.org/). ***Year in and year out, volunteers are what make the ODH the great event that it is!***

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.
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Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions
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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?
​
Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles
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4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?
​
Optional Questions: AI & Being Human
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7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?
​
Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning
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10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?
​
Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche
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13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?
​
Optional Questions: Work & Purpose
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16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?
​
Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection
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19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?
​
Optional Questions: Time & Mortality
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22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?
​
Optional Questions: Society & Culture
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25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?
​
Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy
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28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

The **One Day Hike** comprises two concurrent, non-competitive hikes of 100 and 50 kilometers that follow the C&O Canal towpath, and end at Bolivar, WV. The 100 km event (100K; 62.1 miles) starts at 3 AM from the Thompson Boat Center parking lot in Georgetown, DC; the 50 km event (50K; 31.1 miles) starts at 10 AM from Whites Ferry, MD. Both hikes proceed along the towpath, crossing the footbridge into Harpers Ferry after mile marker 60. The ODH has been held since 1974. During the hike, hikers pass through eight support stations, manned by volunteers (see [volunteering information](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/?isFirstPublish=true)), where they receive food and drink and, if necessary, first-aid assistance. While on the trail, they are monitored by volunteer bike patrols. Hikers must arrive at support stations by cut-off times or are required to drop out, and must finish by midnight. *ALL HIKERS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED.* Photo albums of previous ODH's: **[bit.ly/MWS-ODH](www.bit.ly/MWS-ODH)**. **REGISTRATION:** Registration costs $95 and is done on-line starting Wednesday, February 11, at 5 pm (5-time finishers may register early starting Sunday, February 1, at 5 pm). Note that registration closes when the 350-hiker limit (100K+50K) is attained, which can occur within a few hours. See registration [details](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1niIsqRVC8Zl72JzAvBonqlzg4TLWiaGH/view?usp=sharing). **UPDATES:** For hot-off-the-press, official updates regarding registration and other information, join the ODH email list by sending a blank message to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io. For general information, check out [OneDayHike.org](www.OneDayHike.org). **TRAINING HIKES:** The Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings ([SCPRO](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac)) organizes training hikes in the weeks leading up to the ODH. Although open to all, these hikes are specifically designed to prepare you for the ODH — they become progressively longer, they follow routes with relatively easy trails that are generally flat, and hikers walk at their individual paces. Longer training hikes also allow shorter options for 50K trainees. Doing these training hikes, or following a similar regimen on your own, is the best way to improve your chances of completing the ODH. Training hikes will be held from every Saturday from January 10 to the Saturday prior to the ODH. They are free, and are held at many venues in or near DC, so it’s a great way to explore this area on foot. On these hikes, you will get to meet other ODH hikers and learn their, or share your, tips on long-distance hiking. Each training hike's details will be posted on SCPRO's [Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac) page each week, as well as announced on the email list (see UPDATES above). **VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:** About 100 volunteers are required on hike day to help run the ODH. We need reliable, enthusiastic people to man the support stations, patrol the trail on bikes, and to provide first aid — all while encouraging hikers on their way. People with first-aid or medical experience are especially needed as first-aid volunteers. First-time volunteers receive an ODH T-shirt and the eternal gratitude of the hikers. If you are interested in volunteering, please see [volunteering information](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/?isFirstPublish=true), or contact Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com).

**What's Your Spiritual Footprint? (Free Event)** Some people believe that as long as we’re not hurting anyone else, that we can do as we like. But is it enough to simply “do no harm”? Or do we need to actively seek to “do good”? What about when it comes to our spiritual lives? Is our spirituality limited to our own personal growth and progress, or can we live in a way that our beliefs and actions make a positive impact on the world around us? When we think about ideas like sustainability and carbon footprints, we are thinking about the impact of our lives on our material environment. But what about our spiritual environment? Are we considering the spiritual footprints we are leaving behind? What would it look like to live conscious of the lasting impact of our choices and our spirituality on not just the world around us, but on future generations as well? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the lasting impact we each have on our communities. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how we can each contribute to the spiritual growth of the world around us, now and for generations to come. “*Turn all your thoughts towards bringing joy to hearts. Beware! Beware! Lest ye offend any heart!*” – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

Volunteers are needed at the Community Garage Sale organized by the Arlington Civitans! **This event is both a volunteer opportunity and an important fundraiser for the Jaycees** \- the Civitans pay our organization for every volunteer hour\! Volunteers assist in tear\-down and clean\-up after the sale ends\, starting at 1pm \(volunteers are also needed for setup on Friday night \- see separate Meetup event\)\. If you can't stay the whole time\, that's OK\! Any time you can contribute is appreciated\. This event is held on the first Saturday of each month between April and November\. As a bonus, if you volunteer for at least 5 hours at the Civitans garage sales, you are eligible for a **FREE Arlington Jaycees Annual Membership**! The Garage Sale is held in the Parking Garage located behind Washington & Liberty High School. It is a **10 minute walk from the Ballston-MU metro station**. **Parking** is available on level A of the garage or on North 15th Street, between Quincy and Stafford Streets, and along Quincy Street. **Walk into the parking garage and proceed to the Level B** **concession stand** \-\- ask for Cathy or Paul\. Make sure to sign in\. Please wear sturdy \(closed toe\) shoes\, and bring work gloves if you have them\. Also dress for the weather as this event takes place rain or shine\. Proceeds from the monthly garage sale (from sales at the concession stand and vendor fees) benefit the Arlington Civitans, a non-profit organization committed to helping people with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit the [Arlington Civitans](http://civitan.org/) website. \*\*You must be between 21 and 40 years old to qualify for membership in the Arlington Jaycees. ***The Arlington Jaycees*** *(part of Junior Chamber International) is the premier nonprofit in Arlington that provides young people (ages 21-40) with opportunities for personal & professional growth, business networking, community involvement and social engagement in the Arlington Community and worldwide. Our mission is **leadership development through community service**. Check out our website [www.arljaycees.org](https://arljaycees.org/) to learn more and to become a member of this amazing organization!*

Walk 3 miles circle followed by brunch. Bring a bag and we can do our civic duty to cleanup as we pass trash

The schooner "Pride of Baltimore II" is coming to Old Town Alexandria this weekend! Let's park at Jones Point Park and walk up to the City Marina for a free deck tour! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From the old ship's rudder under Wilson Bridge we'll walk upstream about 2 miles along the Potomac shoreline to the City Marina, arriving about 2:00 PM. * Tickets aren't needed for the free deck tour of the schooner. * After the deck tour we will return to Jones Point Park along Union and Lee streets; about 1.2 miles. * Total distance is a little over 3 miles and the surface is flat and mostly paved. Assuming the deck tour takes half an hour, we should be finished not later than 3:00 pm. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/243e8yff](https://tinyurl.com/243e8yff) ❷ **How to get there:** The park entrance is at the south end of South Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria. From Highway 1 (either direction), take Franklin Street east to Royal Street, turn right and drive south 3 blocks until the street ends in front of Wilson Bridge. The park entrance is on your left. The street address is 1 Jones Point Drive, Alexandria, VA 22314. ❸ **What to bring:** Water and comfy shoes (flat, rubber-soled shoes are preferred aboard the boat). ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is mostly sunny and a high of 65F, with WNW winds at 11-12 mph. No rain in the forecast. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/yck2442z](https://tinyurl.com/yck2442z) **❺ Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** * There are restrooms at Jones Point Park, the Torpedo Factory, the Ramsay Visitor Center, and at commercial establishments along our way. * Parking at Jones Point Park is free and there is room for around 100 cars. DO NOT park along S Royal St at the entrance to the park! You may be towed!! ❼ **Notes:** * Jones Point Park, Jones Point Dr, Alexandria, VA 23242. [http://tinyurl.com/pbyq733](http://tinyurl.com/pbyq733) * Pride of Baltimore II 2026 Sailing Schedule, [https://pride2.org/come-aboard/](https://pride2.org/come-aboard/) *HT to Abby M. for the event photo!*

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?

Higher Grounds – Arlington 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 Arlington who are also seeking deeper conversations. Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions * What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? * When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? * What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles * Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? * What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? * How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human * What human experiences will AI never truly understand? * If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? * What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning * What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? * How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? * What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche * What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? * Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? * What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose * When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? * What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? * How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection * What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? * When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? * What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality * What are you running out of time to say or do? * How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? * What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? Suggested Questions: Society & Culture * What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? * Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? * What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy * What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? * When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? * What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

The forecast has gotten too windy to trek down the Anacostia River on Sunday, so I've postponed that one by a week. Instead, let's head to the reliably sheltered reservoir put-in at Brown's Bridge. As I'm writing this on Wednesday, we're getting a good long rainstorm that should raise the Patuxent plenty to get us upstream. We will put in at Brown's Bridge, make a left and paddle about 1.7 miles upstream. After a short break, we'll head back the way we came. We will surely see plenty of birds, but might also catch a glimpse of Musky or Bucky along the way too! This is event is suitable for kayaks and canoes (but not inflatables). WSSC does not allow paddle boards on their reservoirs and has been getting more serious about enforcement. If you've got a seat attachment for your SUP and can paddle it sitting down, I *think* you're in the clear. As always, you must WEAR, not just carry your life jacket/PFD. **WSSC requires a watershed use permit.** Permits are $6.25 per day or $72 for the year. I heard that they increased the fine for not having one to $100. You can purchase them online at: [https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces](https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces)

Information is posted for your enjoyment: **ATTEND AND ENJOY ON YOUR OWN.** Sunday, May 3, 2026, 3:00 PM [Tregaron Conservancy](https://www.washingtonperformingarts.org/venue/tregaron-conservancy/) **Tregaron Meadow Concert** Sunday, May 3, 2026 / 3:00 p.m. Tregaron Conservancy The city’s our stage! One of D.C.’s most scenic green spaces, Tregaron Conservancy, welcomes you for an afternoon jazz performances by Mars Arts D.C. artists. In the Meadow, the magic of live performances and the tranquility of nature come together for an unforgettable experience of sensory delights. Tregaron performances are free and great for all ages. Come early and bring your own chair/picnic basket to enjoy the music in this lovely outdoor setting. Artist details to be announced. Registration will be available in spring 2026.

***Starting Saturday, May 2nd NextGen will be hosting monthly bird outings on the first Saturday of the month!*** Locations and guides will vary per month. For our first monthly walk, we will visit Jones Point Park in Old Town, Alexandria for a spring bird walk. In early May, it's common to see the following at Jones Point: * **Migratory Songbirds (Warblers/Swallows):** Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Prothonotary Warbler, Black and white warbler, and early spring migrants like Gray Catbirds and Baltimore Orioles. * **Raptors:** Osprey (frequently fishing in the river), Bald Eagle, and the resident Peregrine Falcon. * **Waterbirds & Shorebirds:** Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Laughing Gulls, Ring-billed Gull, and various sandpipers (e.g., Least Sandpiper). * **Year-Round Residents:** Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee, and Downy Woodpecker. Quick Navigation Tips * **Park Location:** The park is tucked directly **underneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge**. * **Entrance:** The main pedestrian and vehicle entrance is at the end of **South Royal Street**. To get to **[Jones Point Park](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/03hk_s&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIAhAC)** via the DC Metro, your best route involves taking the **Blue** or **Yellow** lines to Alexandria and then completing the trip by bus or a scenic walk. 1\. Take the Metro to Alexandria * **Primary Station:** [King St-Old Town Metrorail Station](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/king-st-old-town.cfm) (Blue/Yellow Lines). * **Secondary Station:** [Huntington Station](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/1tf71tz3&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBBAG) (Yellow Line). 2\. Connect to the Park Since the park is about 1.5 to 2 miles from the nearest Metro stations, you have several transfer options: * **By Bus (Recommended):** * From **[King St-Old Town](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/030ryn&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBxAF)**, take the **DASH Bus Line 34**. It runs along South Royal Street and drops you near the southern edge of Old Town, which is a short walk to the park entrance. * The **Metrobus 11Y (Mt Vernon Express)** stops at Washington Street and South Street, only a two-minute walk from the park entrance. * **By Free Trolley:** * Take the [Free King Street Trolley](https://visitalexandria.com/plan/king-street-trolley/) from the King St-Old Town station to the **Waterfront** (at Union Street). From there, it is a scenic \~15-minute walk south along the waterfront to reach the park. * **By Walking or Biking:** * From **[King St-Old Town](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/030ryn&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBxAS)**, it is roughly a **25-minute walk** to the waterfront and nearly **60 minutes** (approx. 2.7 miles) to the park itself. * The **Mount Vernon Trail** passes directly through the park, making it a popular destination for cyclists starting from Old Town.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

We'll meet at the flagpole in the **Ridgeview Middle School** parking lot (4241 Rudy Rd). Parking there is fine on Sundays. From the school, we cross OH-315 and the Olentangy River via the **Olentangy Trail Pedestrian Bridge**, then walk past **Whetstone Pond** and through **Columbus Park of Roses**, turning back at the **Whetstone Branch of Columbus Metropolitan Library**. About 4 miles round trip, roughly 1.5 hours. Click [this Google Maps link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jPCyEUyA2st8uWks5?g_st=i) to view the route. All paces welcome. See you there.