Global Warming

​What if the American small farm could double as a high-tech power plant and farmers could become their own bank? Join us at PubKey DC for an exploration of a new frontier in rural land use. We’re sitting down with Mark Smith, CEO of [Carbon Country](https://www.carboncountry.us/), and Hunter Budd from the Digital Energy Council to break down a scalable model for the modern grower. [RSVP on LUMA](https://luma.com/fdvf8zd4) You’ll get an inside look at how integrating agrivoltaics (solar + grazing) with on-site Bitcoin mining creates a financial "flywheel" for regenerative agriculture. By monetizing excess energy and sequestering carbon through biochar, this model offers small farms a path toward energy independence and diversified revenue. Come find out how the intersection of Bitcoin and land stewardship is building a more resilient, decentralized grid—one pasture at a time. Read more about [Carbon Country on their website](https://www.carboncountry.us/). [RSVP on LUMA](https://luma.com/fdvf8zd4) ​**About the Bitcoin District Initiative** This event was organized by The Bitcoin District Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to build a grassroots Bitcoin circular economy in Washington, DC through education, business onboarding, and community outreach programs. If you’d like to get involved or support the Initiative, visit [https://bitcoindistrictinitiative.org](https://bitcoindistrictinitiative.org/).

Come play and learn with the best Warmachine and Hordes players in the world!

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Science of Making Friends,”** with Marisa G. Franco, assistant clinical professor of psychology at the University of Maryland’s Honors College and author of the *New York Times* best-seller *Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends.* Friends matter. They’ve been shown to improve mental and physical health, with one study of very happy people finding that their most defining characteristic was being socially connected. Yet friendship networks have been shrinking over the last few decades as people have coped with distraction, burnout, and chaos. It doesn’t help that we live in a society that often prizes romantic love at the expense of other relationships. How do we make and keep friends? What’s the secret to finding “your people” in an ever-more-fragmented world? Learn what science says about making friends in this interactive talk by Dr. Marisa Franco, a psychologist who has extensively researched human connection and systemic loneliness and whose book *Platonic* has been extensively lauded as a source of great practical advice. You’re never too old to make new friendships or deepen longstanding ones. Along with giving you an understanding of the scientific study of friendship, this talk will teach you practical steps you can take to build better connections with others to be happier and more fulfilled. (Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

**Calling all mid-week vibe seekers!** Let's gather for good food and tasty drinks (Happy Hour ends at 7PM) while enjyong the finger-snapping, toe-tapping patrons gracing us with their talents during Open Mic Night. *Will YOU take the mic?* **Date:** Wednesday, Feb 25th **Time:** 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM EDT **Location:** ️ **LISP Lounge** \| 6339 Allentown Road Temple Hills, MD 20748 ️ **Entry:** FREE **Parking:** Onsite, FREE All right, **BLACK EVERYWHERE,** let's enjoy good folks, good food, and good vibes!

Come kick back with the Black Code Collective! We'll be on the second floor by the main entrance in the mall!

We'll use this time to meet new GRASP members and catch up with those we already know! Look for GRASP table flyers and Eli's GRASP shirt to easily find the group. This restaurant is a fast-casual format meaning it's easy to order and pay individually! Adult beverages are available and you can expect entrees in the $15 range. Located in north Bethesda’s Pike District, Nando’s Pike & Rose restaurant is helping the people of Montgomery County find their spicy place, one piece of flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken at a time. Always fresh, never frozen, their chicken is marinated in PERi-PERi for 24-hours, and flame-grilled to order in the heat level of your choice. And a little secret you may not know…they partner with small-scale farmers in Southern Africa to source authentic PERi-PERi chilis. Nando's originated in a small town in South Africa in 1987 and has grown to include locations all across the globe, including this location in Pike & Rose, one of the region’s trendiest places to shop, dine, work, and live. Easily accessible by car, bike, or Metro, Nando’s Pike & Rose restaurant is an ideal spot for a GRASP meetup event! You won't want to miss the delicious PERi-PERi dishes in this creative and contemporary space.

Join NVBA bird guides Arielle and Gabrielle this Saturday for a rewarding morning of birding followed by an invasive species removal project at Monticello Park! Late winter is one of the best times to tackle invasive plants in our parks and backyards as there’s no poison ivy to worry about, roots are easier to pull, and visibility across the landscape is much improved. Because habitat loss is the leading cause of bird population declines, urbanized (and rapidly urbanizing) areas like Northern Virginia play a significant role. Through the *[Stretch Our Parks](https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/stretch-our-parks)* program, volunteers are working to reverse that trend! **Timing & activities:** The event begins at 9:00 AM with a peaceful bird walk to observe and learn about the park’s species. Around 10:00 AM, we’ll shift to hands-on habitat restoration, focusing on clearing invasive plants. The upper corner and along the fence line is in need of some maintenance to improve habitat health and open the area for wildlife. Attendees should wear hard-soled shoes and long sleeves. Gloves, binoculars, & tools will be available. *We ask that those who RSVP plan to attend both portions of the program to fully experience how habitat restoration benefits birds and birders alike.* **Interest form:** Let us know you’re joining us by filling out the google form **[[linked here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEdjDjYTfNFrLx4EjCVP429JP2jIgta_4BUu9_tgEtVi4edQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor)],** we will use this information to plan accordingly and send reminder messages! **Parking:** Street parking is available on Beverly Dr. There is no parking lot - please do not park on the driveway of the park as that's reserved for service vehicles.

Standard rally scoring to 15. Skill level should BB and up. See you out there! Only 1 court 135 Crescent Rd greenbelt Md Use St. Hughes Churches parking lot Bring a ball if you have one and water to stay hydrated.

This is the third hike along the original boundary line between the nation’s capital, Virginia, and Maryland. See stones placed every mile along the boundary survey line in 1792. These stones are the first federal monuments in the nation’s capital. Initially, we will hike a short distance along the Capital Crescent Trail to view NW Stone 4, which is on Delcarlia Reservoir grounds. We will come back to our meeting location and hike north along Norton Street and Loughboro Road (restroom opportunity at Sibley Hospital) to Delcarlia Parkway. We will hike a short distance along Delcarlia Parkway and then on Spring Valley neighborhood streets to Warren Place and Delcarlia Parkway, where we will get you as close as we can to the location of NW Stone 5, which is also on Delcarlia Reservoir grounds. We will hike Spring Valley neighborhood streets to Massachusetts Avenue and Western Avenue at Westmorland Circle, and then on sidewalks along Western Avenue (NW stones 6, 7, and 8 are in front yards along Western Avenue), on trails through the northern portion of Rock Creek Park(NW 9 is adjacent to the park), and on sidewalks along streets in Silver Spring (North corner stone is just south of East-West Highway, west of 16th Street) to the Silver Spring Metro Station. Total distance is approximately 10.5 miles. We will meet 9:30 am, Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the connector trail to the Capital Crescent Trail (Norton Street and Potomac Avenue NW). Parking is available in the area. Public transportation to and from the hike works. If you drive, you can take metro and a bus back to your vehicle. Occasional restroom opportunities are available along the hike route. Bring water, lunch or snacks, and dress for the weather. Sun protection (such as hat & sunglasses) is recommended if the weather is sunny or partly sunny. All participants must sign a liability waiver at the start. SCPRO requests a voluntary donation of $2 per person to help support our all-volunteer program. You need not be a Sierra Club member to participate, but if you'd like to join, go to: [http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia).

Friends Join Us for a Transformative Two-Day Workshop on Authentic Relating on Feb 28th and March 1st. ART Level 1! Authentic Relating is about creating deeper, more meaningful connections by being open, honest, and present with others. In this workshop, you will learn practical tools to communicate more effectively, understand and express your true self, and cultivate empathy and trust in your relationships. **What to Expect:** * **Interactive Exercises:** Engage in a variety of activities designed to help you practice authentic relating principles. * **Group Discussions:** Share experiences and insights in a safe and supportive environment. * **Personal Growth:** Discover new ways to connect with yourself and others on a deeper level. Please RSVP to secure your spot, as space is limited. To learn more please click the link below. You can register online by going here: [https://authenticrelating.co/product/level-1-washington-dc-feb2026/](https://authenticrelating.co/product/level-1-washington-dc-feb2026/) *Enroll before January 28th and get 100 dollars off.*

Join us for a pleasant and relatively gentle hike on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. The highlight of this hike is the David Lesser Shelter, which features a swing, large seating and picnic areas and other minor attractions. The trail has only a moderate amount of elevation. However, we consider this hike moderately challenging due to its length. We’ll move at a steady 2-3 mph pace with a break at the aforementioned Lesser Shelter, which is also our turn-around point. We'll take other quick breaks on the trail as needed. Please carry a minimum of 1 to 1.5L of water with you. After the hike we will go to nearby Harvest Gap Brewery. Meet time & location: We'll meet at 8:15 am at the East Falls Church (EFC) metro station to consolidate into as few cars as possible given the limited parking at the trailhead. The trailhead is about an hour from EFC. Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/appalachian-trail-keys-gap-to-david-lesser-memorial-shelter Brewery (also has food): https://harvestgap.com/ CARPOOLING: We encourage those with cars to be willing to carpool - you're the ones who make LMH great! If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information: (1) Number of seats (2) Meeting location (3) Meeting time As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas. By signing up for this event, you acknowledge and agree that Late Morning Hikers, its volunteer organizers, and drivers who volunteer to carpool are not responsible or liable for accidents, injuries, damage, or losses that may occur while traveling to or from the hike. Late Morning Hikers does not condone or encourage impaired driving. Drivers are expected to follow applicable laws and make responsible transportation choices. We look forward to hiking with you! BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model ([http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm](http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.html)). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction. We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service ([https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost](https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)) LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link ([https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0))

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

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.