Sierra Club

Gathered is a group of youth and young adults that was originally created in 2021. We our a movement that's purpose is to gather our generation at the foot of the cross and openly worship in Spirit and in truth. We hold our Worship Night every first Wednesday of each month, Food and Drink will be provided. Hope to see you there!

I plan to complete the AT PA section during this summer so I try to some every week. I hope that some of you can join me. This trip will be about 78.5 miles (15/27.5/15/23) Here is the itinerary: We will meet at 3.30 pm on Thursday at Grosvenor-Strathmore metro parking area (https://maps.app.goo.gl/RfWpd3f8LSg1dM9w7). Then we will drive to [PA Rt 443 Parking](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B028'54.8%22N+76%C2%B033'02.7%22W/@40.481898,-76.5533109,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d40.481898!4d-76.550736?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDYyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and shuttle back to [Pine Grove Furnace State Park area](https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tLP1TcwMiszrDIxYLRSNaiwsEy2NDAxSElNBIMkK4OKtDQDs1SL1KS0NLM047SUJC_Zgsy8VIX0ovyyVIW00qK8xORUheKSxJJUhYLEomwAAOQavw&q=pine+grove+furnace+state+park&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS886US886&oq=pine+grove&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqFQgBEC4YQxivARjHARiABBiKBRiOBTIGCAAQRRg5MhUIARAuGEMYrwEYxwEYgAQYigUYjgUyDQgCEAAYkQIYgAQYigUyDQgDEAAYkQIYgAQYigUyEAgEEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQYjgUyEAgFEC4YkQIYsQMYgAQYigUyEwgGEAAYgwEYkQIYsQMYgAQYigUyDQgHEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQyDQgIEC4YrwEYxwEYgATSAQgyNTYzajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#sv=CAwSaQoGbGNsX3B2EicKA3B2cRIgT2hZd2VEQTZNSGhtWmpBMlpUaGxZbVptTm1ZelptUmkSIgoBcRIdcGluZSBncm92ZSBmdXJuYWNlIHN0YXRlIHBhcmsaEmxvY2FsLXBsYWNlLXZpZXdlchgKIM6or7cB) (about 80 minute drive: [drive direction](https://maps.app.goo.gl/kdqZKfQ7P6ZpvZm77)) . Day 1: We will hike 15 miles from Pine Grove to Alec Kennedy Shelter Day 2: We will hike to Cove Mountain Shelter 27.5 miles Day 3: We will Hike to either Peter Mtn Shelter ( 15 miles) Day 4: We will hike 23 miles to [PA Rt 443 Parking](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B028'54.8%22N+76%C2%B033'02.7%22W/@40.481898,-76.5533109,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d40.481898!4d-76.550736?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDYyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). I need to be back by 3 pm on Saturday so we will have to start hiking out early (\~5:30 am). This trip is for veteran member only due to the high mileage. You can learn about membership ranks [here](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/membership/). Read about DCUL's trip ranks [here](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/tripranks/). **Waiver**: By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)) **Carpool**: As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile. Total driving distance is around 290 miles, so all non-drivers should expect to pay $29 or so to their driver.

This is an opportunity for volunteers to support a professional mechanic as he guides customers working on their own bikes. If you know how to do some basic repairs, that's a plus, but even if you don't, you can greet customers and manage who gets helped next. Feel free to attend for only a portion of the time if you can't be there the whole three hours. Please note that this event is not usually an opportunity to learn about bicycle repair, since the mechanic tends to be very busy helping customers, especially during the warmer months. But it's a great way to contribute to Velocity, since almost all the funding for the volunteer program comes from the work done at the shops.

Join us for a discussion of ***The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet* by John Green.** Here's the summary: The Anthropocene is the current geological age, in which human activity has profoundly shaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this remarkable symphony of essays adapted and expanded from his ground-breaking, critically acclaimed podcast, John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet - from the QWERTY keyboard and Halley's Comet to Penguins of Madagascar - on a five-star scale. Complex and rich with detail, the Anthropocene's reviews have been praised as 'observations that double as exercises in memoiristic empathy', with over 10 million lifetime downloads. John Green's gift for storytelling shines throughout this artfully curated collection about the shared human experience; it includes beloved essays along with six all-new pieces exclusive to the book. **Let’s meet at Caboose Commons in Fairfax to enjoy some good discussion and meet new friends.**

**A 3-Part Webinar Series on Resilience; Practical Tools to Build Personal Readiness, Community Resiliency & Political Action to Make Polluters Pay** **July 1\, 8\, & 15 \| [Virtual Event](https://www.mobilize.us/greenpeace/event/939065/?utm_source=meetup) \| Free to Attend** Wildfires. Floods. Extreme heat. Power outages. Climate disasters aren’t hypothetical anymore; they’re here. But preparedness isn’t just about surviving the next emergency. It’s about building stronger neighborhoods, deeper connections, and the collective power to demand the policies that truly protect us. This 3-part virtual series will help you move from feeling overwhelmed… to feeling ready and empowered. **What You’ll Gain:** * Practical tools to build your personal and household emergency plan * Guidance on assembling a go-bag that actually works * Insight into community resilience and mutual aid * A pathway to advocate for policies like Make Polluters Pay — because true preparedness includes prevention **Session Lineup:** **July 1 – Get Ready: Personal & Household Prepardness** Learn the essentials of building a go-bag, creating an emergency plan, and reducing panic when disaster strikes. **July 8 – Get Connected: Community Resilience** Disasters don’t just test individuals, they test communities. We’ll explore mutual aid, neighborhood readiness, and how to strengthen local networks. **July 15 – Get Powerful: From Preparedness to Policy** No preparedness plan is complete without advocating for the policies that protect us all. Learn how to turn your lived experience into meaningful action. Extreme heat is the deadliest form of climate disaster in the U.S. Insurance costs are skyrocketing. Communities are being left to fend for themselves. Preparedness isn’t just personal, it’s political. And we are strongest when we prepare together. **Join us July 1, 8, and 15.** **Sign up here to secure your spot:** **[https://www.mobilize.us/greenpeace/event/939065/?utm_source=meetup](https://www.mobilize.us/greenpeace/event/939065/?utm_source=meetup)** \-\-\- *This webinar is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional emergency, medical, or legal advice. Participation is voluntary, and you are encouraged to take care of yourself and step away if needed.*

Please join us for Bike Ride looping around DC and Bethesda area. We will meet new Pierce Mill in Rock Creek park and ride north on Beach Drive. This is a very scenic ride on the road which is mostly closed to vehicular traffic. After crossing over to Maryland, we might switch riding on the Rock Creek Trail if the traffic is heavy on Beach Drive. We will exit the Rock Creek park near Cedar Ln, heading South next to NIH towards Bethesda Downtown. Most of the hard part of the ride should be done by now. In Bethesda we will have a break at Rooted3. After the break we will take the Capital Crescent trail towards Georgetown. This is downhill so it will be a breeze. In Georgetown we will catch the Rock Creek park trail (again!) to go North towards our starting point. Meeting point: [Pierce Barn/Mill at Rock Creek Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uVWXSL47Ki8AcY7R9) Meeting time: 7:45am Route: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yj6rEaBgi24XsV9E7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yj6rEaBgi24XsV9E7) Length: 24 miles Difficulty level: moderate/strenuous Elevation change: 410 ft up and 413 ft down Bike time: \~2.5 hours at moderate pace (\~10 mph) Total time: \~4 hours (including stops). Biking surface: paved Route type: mostly paved trails, some roads Breaks: multiple possible - we can decide en route: [Rooted 3 at Bethesda](https://www.rooted3.com/) [South Block at Georgetown](https://www.southblock.com/) **Metro Accessibility**: Pierce Mill at Rockville park is easily accessible via the Cleveland Park or Van Ness metro stations on Red line Weather: we will not be riding in rain or windy conditions so stay tuned for Comments on this page. *For important updates, regularly monitor the "Comments" section on this page (below).* *Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.* \*When you sign up to join, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC Activity Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/). *Please also view and abide by the RULES listed below* RULES * Pets are not allowed * Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during this event. * Practice safe biking habits including: * Wearing a bike helmet * Keeping a safe distance between each other (bikes don't have brake lights and tailgating can easily result in crashes) * Avoid side by side riding unless the road gives us ample opportunity 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 so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/) 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! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

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 stalls, and replacing them with new bedding, along with the daily cleanup chores. Wear boots and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. The minimum age for young volunteers is 10 with a parent present. 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.**

Please be sure to RSVP here! [https://stampede.proanimal.org/events](https://stampede.proanimal.org/events) This is our one year PAMiversary and the last day to turn in signatures for Initiative 86. Today will be a celebration that marks one year of community, advocacy, compassion, and standing together in the fight for animal rights. Bring your favorite vegan dish and your appetite. In the face of so much cruelty to animals, it is hard to take a step back and think of the impact we have had. From major fashion conglomerates dropping fur, to getting a bill to remove foie gras from our city on the ballot, and to getting major grocery chains to get birds out of cages, we have made a massive impact on the world. Today is the day we celebrate all of the work we have done. And look forward to what's next. Today is also the last day to turn in signatures for initiative 86. Please bring all sheets you have left. After PAM, we could also use some help numbering the sheets and getting them ready to turn in to the Board of Elections. We will be turning them in on Monday. Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Open Shelter has teamed up again with Red White and Boom! Friday, July 3rd & we are looking for volunteers to run the event’s alcohol booths. Proceeds from sales go to the Open Shelter’s organization. There are two available shifts: 12-6p & 5-11p. There will be an ipad-like device to process transactions in addition to cash. Everything will be in bottles or cans, so transactions should be very easy. Must be 21+. There are multiple beverage stations along the Civic Center Bridge. The stations are covered and also have beverage trucks next to them, so volunteers can cool off in the trucks. As far as parking, it is suggested those who are coming from the east use the Columbus Commons Garage, and those from the west use the Belle Street Garage. Harry from the Open Shelter will be your contact. (614)562-2169 mailto:harry@theopenshelter.org More information about the event: https://redwhiteandboom.org/ More information about the organization: https://theopenshelter.org/

**Our July novel is: *Listen for the Lie* by Amy Tintera** **This month’s novel was named one of the best books of 2024. It’s a domestic thriller with crime, mystery, and murder, told from women’s perspectives. The story includes a detective, an unreliable narrator, and plenty of suspense. The book is 352 pages in print and 9 hours and 18 minutes on audiobook.** What if you thought you murdered your best friend? And if everyone else thought so too? And what if the truth doesn't matter? After Lucy is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood, everyone thinks she is a murderer. Lucy and Savvy were the golden girls of their small Texas town: pretty, smart, and enviable. Lucy married a dream guy with a big ring and an even bigger new home. Savvy was the social butterfly loved by all, and if you believe the rumors, especially popular with the men in town. It’s been years since that horrible night, a night Lucy can’t remember anything about, and she has since moved to LA and started a new life. But now the phenomenally huge hit true crime podcast "Listen for the Lie," and its too-good looking host Ben Owens, have decided to investigate Savvy’s murder for the show’s second season. Lucy is forced to return to the place she vowed never to set foot in again to solve her friend’s murder, even if she is the one that did it. The truth is out there, if we just listen.

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!

Join us for the Summer edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/1575999320350910/), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating vibrant vegan eats, handmade goods, and the fullness of the season. Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this gathering continues to grow as a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 + local vendors offering refreshing seasonal vegan dishes, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products. This is a welcoming space to slow down, connect, and enjoy the warmth and abundance of summer. Come support local makers, share good food, and celebrate the height of summer with us. Admission is Free.