Sustainable Transportation

Build, fund & scale your startup with a proven roadmap. Learn to validate ideas, get users & become investor-ready. Limited seats—join now! . **\*\* [EVENTBRITE RSVP MANDATORY TO ATTEND THIS EVENT](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988681372519)** Click Here - [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988681372519](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988681372519) . **This program is for you if:** **Stage 1 — Idea:** You have a startup idea but no clear path from concept to MVP. You need a validated sequence before you spend a dollar or hour in the wrong direction. . **Stage 2 — MVP:** You have built your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and need proven strategies in Product Positioning, Sales & Marketing to get your first real traction. . **Stage 3 — Growth:** You are running a startup and want to achieve YoY growth, secure investment, and map your Exit strategies. . *This startup masterclass walks you through all of it, live and in-depth — whether you are still sitting on an idea, deep in the MVP phase, or already running a startup and stuck on growth, investment readiness, or Exit strategies.* . **\*\* [EVENTBRITE RSVP MANDATORY TO ATTEND THIS EVENT](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988681372519)** Click Here:- [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988681372519](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988681372519) . **THE AGENDA OF THIS EVENT:-** **1\. BUILDING A STARTUP BUSINESS** * No idea is too old — the market is always ready for it, when executed properly * How to execute your startup idea with minimal time, money, and effort * How to validate whether your startup idea will work — and what to do if it won't * The exact sequence every founder must follow before spending a single dollar **2\. MARKET RESEARCH & STATISTICS** * Why market research is non-negotiable — and how to do it for your startup * How to use Crowdsourcing to get the data you need, fast and at low cost * How to read Demographics to pinpoint exactly who will buy your product * How to build product and marketing strategies from real data, not assumptions **3\. MVP/POC \(MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT / PROOF OF CONCEPT / PROTOTYPE\)** * What your MVP should actually look like — and how to build it for free * How to test whether the market will accept your product before you invest heavily * How to define your Business Model, identify Early Adopters, and apply Iteration methods * How to generate your first real traction before you have a finished product **4\. PRODUCT & PRODUCT POSITIONING** * How to determine the real value customers will pay for — without hesitation * Whether your startup is B2B or B2C — or both — and what that means for your go-to-market * Whether Loss Leader Pricing applies to your model and how to use it correctly * How to build CTAs (Calls to Action) that convert interest into paying customers **5\. GO TO MARKET \(GTM\) STRATEGY** * How to let the market know what you are building — before you finish building it * How to lock in your First Mover Advantage (FMA) before competitors catch up * Whether Freemium or Gamification fits your startup model — and how to execute it * How to choose between a soft launch and a launch party — and build a Market Penetration strategy **6\. CUSTOMER ACQUISITION & RETENTION** * How to identify your ideal target audience and stop wasting budget on the wrong people * Customer Behaviour Modelling (CBM) — what it is and how to apply it to your startup * How to calculate CLV (Customer Lifetime Value) and use it to project MRR, ARR, and IRR * How CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost) interacts with CLV / LTV for sustainable recurring growth **7\. SALES & MARKETING STRATEGIES** * How to build a complete Sales & Marketing playbook — Direct, Indirect, Offline, and Digital * What actually motivates new customers to buy — and how to engineer that trigger * How to optimise SQLs and MQLs to increase conversion rates at every stage of the funnel * Why Advertorials, Growth Hacking, and PR are essential to hitting your MRR / ARR targets **8\. INVESTMENT READINESS \(STARTUP FUNDRAISING\)** * Why investors keep saying no — and the specific, fixable reasons behind it * How to Bootstrap, Crowdfund, and Equity Crowdfund your startup * Burn Rate, Cash Flow (positive and negative), Churn Rate, and IP (Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks) — explained * How to build a compelling Pitch Deck and Business Plan that earns real traction and fair Valuation. **9\. INVESTOR’S ANALYSIS OF YOUR STARTUP** * The simple questions every investor asks — and why most founders cannot answer them * How to read a Term Sheet and understand the clauses that affect you as a founder long-term * How a founder with 100 customers can raise $1 million — while another with 10,000 customers raises nothing * How to calculate and defend your pre-money and post-money Valuation **10\. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF YOUR STARTUP** * How to build an internal organisation structure that can actually execute your strategy * KAM (Key Account Management) and KPI frameworks — how to set them up from day one * How to build Evangelists inside your team and customer base — and when and how to Pivot * How to run a proper SWOT Analysis and turn it into an action plan **11\. COMMON ISSUES WITH STARTUPS & FOUNDERS** * Why your startup is not picking up — even after months of effort and real money spent * Why customer acquisition keeps breaking down and retention never sticks * How to overcome financial, operational, and customer problems simultaneously * What to do when your startup is on the verge of collapse — and how to find a way out * **\*\* [EVENTBRITE RSVP MANDATORY TO ATTEND THIS EVENT](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988681372519)** Click Here:- [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988681372519](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988681372519) . **ABOUT ME:** I am LAKSHMAN SINGH (Angel Investor, Startups Mentor, Fund Management) I have over a decade of hands-on experience in the global startup ecosystem. I have delivered 1,000+ one-on-one startup consultations, worked directly with founders across 110+ cities worldwide, and actively invests in and mentors early-stage startups. I also help founders through direct consultation, business audits, mentorship, angel investment and access to my global network. . **LinkedIn**: [https://linkedin.com/in/iamlakshmansingh](https://linkedin.com/in/iamlakshmansingh) **Website**: [https://www.lakshmansingh.com/](https://www.lakshmansingh.com/) **Email**: Connect@LakshmanSingh.com **Clientele**: [https://www.lakshmansingh.com/clientele](https://www.lakshmansingh.com/clientele) **Services**: [https://www.lakshmansingh.com/services](https://www.lakshmansingh.com/services) . **\*\* [EVENTBRITE RSVP MANDATORY TO ATTEND THIS EVENT](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988681372519)** Click Here:- [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988681372519](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988681372519) .

Our friends, please [register for FREE](https://calendly.com/innerpath-yog/sunset-yoga) before the event! Join us for a fun, relaxed yoga practice with a beautiful sunset as your backdrop — right by the Statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. Danilo and Tia guide Hatha/Vinyasa flow classes that blend breathing exercises, restorative postures, and active sequences to strengthen both body and mind. All levels are welcome. Classes are donation-based — pay what you can. Please bring a yoga mat or sarong and a water bottle. Follow us on Instagram @innerpath.yoga Come practice, breathe, and connect with our community. 🙏 Namaste.

**Join us for our QA meetup of the BrowserStack Meetup group Toronto.** **Session 1 :** **Next-Generation Airline Loyalty & Payment Ecosystem** by **Arin Goswami**
Senior Manager, Customer Experience System Development, IT-Porter Airlines **Session 2 : Testing AI-Driven Customer Resolution Systems: A QA Perspective** by **Wasana Panagoda**
QA Team Lead at Porter Airlines **Date & Time - June 10th, 6:00 PM** **Few notes:** **🔹 This will be an In-person event** **Mark your calendars and reserve your spot now! We can't wait to see you there!** **Note- RSVP doesn't confirm your seat, We will be sending the confirmation email one day prior to the Meetup to confirm your seat.** **" Want to stay connected with the QA community beyond the meetup? Join our BrowserStack Discord Server to get updates, continue discussions, and network with fellow QA professionals. Don't miss out—be part of the conversation! "** **[Click here to join our BrowserStack Discord Server](https://www.browserstack.com/discord?utm_source=landingpage&utm_medium=website&utm_platform=&utm_content=communityengagement&utm_campaign=Meetup-pro-members&utm_campaigncode=701OW00000JSpvzYAD&utm_term=Meetup-landing-page-invite)**

**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://tally.so/r/ZjaPO0), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 19:00-19:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the ‘official' start. * 19:15-19:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 19:25-20:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 20:45-21:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 21:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy is operated entirely on voluntary donations! If we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Donations are 100% voluntary, but they help us to bring the gift of deep conversation to people around the world. If you'd like to support, you can [donate here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-practical-philosophy)! (Practical Philosophy is a registered Canadian charity) 💛 **WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** 🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * ​What will we talk about? What's the topic? ​The topic for the week is shared every Sunday in the Whatsapp group. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/ZjaPO0). * Do I need to study or read anything to attend? No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required. * Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on? The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * Is it mostly men that attend? Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * Can I come alone? Of course you can, we encourage it :) * Can I be late? Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * Where do you meet? The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/ZjaPO0) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨ Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in over 25 countries and 50+ chapters, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ \*\*\* Join our [Whatsapp group](https://tally.so/r/ZjaPO0) 👈 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub) 👈 Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈

**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://tally.so/r/81LP4A), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 19:00-19:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the official start. * 19:15-19:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 19:25-20:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 20:45-21:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 21:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy is operated entirely on voluntary donations! If we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Donations are 100% voluntary, but they help us to bring the gift of deep conversation to people around the world. If you'd like to support, you can [donate here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-practical-philosophy)! (Practical Philosophy is a registered Canadian charity) **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** **🗣** “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * **Do I need to study or read anything to attend?** No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what you think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it. * **Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?** The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * **Is it mostly men that attend?** Surprisingly, no! Although often, philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * **Can I come alone?** Of course you can, we encourage it :) * **Can I be late?** Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * **Where do you meet?** The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/81LP4A) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY CLUB - Philosophy, everywhere. ✨** We started in Practical Philosophy back in 2021 and there are now 50+ chapters in over 25 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ **\*\*\*** **Join our [Mississauga Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/81LP4A) 👈** **Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈** **Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈**

Are you new to hiking or interested in getting started? Join us at the Evergreen Brick Works for a one hour session in the BMO Atrium from 12:30–1:30 pm for tips on what to pack, hiking with kids, transit hikes, and hiking with the Toronto Club, followed by a Q&A. Guided Hikes: We’re running two separate hikes from Evergreen Brick Works and will be at the Farmers Market all morning. Register here: https://torontobrucetrailclub.org/join-us-at-evergreen-brickworks-on-saturday-june-13

Enjoy the scenic views of the cliffs at Scarborough’s Bluffers Park and hike along the beach to the east. Meet at Kennedy Station on the bus platform for Route #201 Bluffers Park at 10:00 to take the bus scheduled to depart at 10:20 AM to arrive at the park approximately 20 minutes later. Taking transit is strongly recommended as the park gets very busy on the weekends. (free parking is available at Kennedy Station). Optional pub stop after the hike at the Dogfish Pub in the park. Great chicken wings! Please register on the Bruce Trail Conservancy Hike Schedule to appear on the waiver/registration list. [https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/urban-walk-bluffers-park-4/2026-06-14/](https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/urban-walk-bluffers-park-4/2026-06-14/)

# 60.4 km Don Mills Return to Organics Farm via Rouge Valley Trail. Strawberry picking ride. 1 PM to 7 PM 3 - 5 PM Organics Farm Route Map: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2818715341 Meet at Godstone park

Join our weekly figure drawing sessions where you will become familiar with human body anatomy, learn how to draw figures, and improve your sketching skills. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, we gather to practice figure drawing, develop artistic techniques, and connect with new friends who share a passion for art. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike.

Let's learn Vibe Coding! Welcome to our [KSUG.AI Americas](https://us1.ksug.ai) meetup! **Latest promotions** discovered by our community! * **40%** OFF **[Kubernetes](https://lf.ksug.ai/)** Sitewide - Code: **TECHTALENT26AI** * **20%** OFF **[FinOps](https://ksug.ai/finops/?ref=meetup)** Certs Code: **KSAI_20** * Missed **65%** off [LF / CNCF](https://lf.ksug.ai/)? [Get Notified](https://ksug.ai/?notify&ref=meetup) for next BIG drop! * **25%** OFF **[FinOps](https://ksug.ai/discount?tab=events&ref=meetup)**[ X](https://ksug.ai/discount?tab=events&ref=meetup) San Diego Code: **KSAIX26899** The real shift is happening with agentic DevOps workflows using tools like Claude Code and the OpenAI Codex App — systems that can reason across repositories, plan multi-step changes, modify infrastructure, and operate much closer to how real engineers actually build. This session is designed for both beginners and practitioners. You’ll walk away with practical patterns for: • workflow design • context management • infrastructure changes • reducing unstructured “vibe coding” • building more reliable AI-assisted engineering workflows Honestly, not using agentic tooling in DevOps today is starting to feel a bit like refusing to use the internet in 2003. This isn’t about hype. It’s about leverage. And it’s an incredible time to be a builder — especially if you build with agents. 🍕 Come by at 5:30 PM for pizza and chats. 🎤 Presentation starts at 6:00 PM. **Volunteers / Sponsors / Speakers:** [KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meetup) is actively seeking speakers & sponsors to support our KubeSmart & AI community. Whether it is by offering venue spaces, providing food, or financial support. Sponsors will not only speak at our meetups, receive prominent recognition, but also gain exposure to our extensive membership base of 200,000+ Cloud Native + AI enthusiasts globally. [Volunteering](https://volunteer.ksug.ai/), [Submit Topics](https://speaker.ksug.ai/), [Sponsor Us](https://sponsor.ksug.ai/)! 🚀 **Let's be [kubestrong](https://www.linkedin.com/company/kubestrong/)!** 🎉 Please take a note this event is organized by our peers. We thought it's useful to our members. Join **[#Discord](https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua)** for latest update 👉 [https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua](https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua) 🔖 𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬: ☸ **30%** OFF [#CNCF Certs](https://cka.ksug.ai/) \- code **30K8SUG** ☸ 20% OFF **[FinOps](https://ksug.ai/finops)** Certs - Code: **KSAI_20** 𝟐𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎+ follow **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/discount/?ref=meetup)** 🔥 [https://github.com/ksug-ai](https://github.com/ksug-ai) ✅ Learn 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⚡ ✅ Certify 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 💰 ✅ Grow 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 💪 [KSUG.AI - KubeSmart & AI User Group](https://linkedin.com/company/k8sug) *By registering, you consent to the management of your personal information in accordance with KSUG.AI Meetup's [Privacy Policy](https://k8sug.ai/privacy). Additionally, you agree that our sponsors may contact you.* **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meetup)** is an independent community and not affiliated with or endorsed by CNCF. Kubernetes, K8s, Kubestronaut are registered trademarks of The Linux Foundation.

**\~Please [SIGN UP here](https://calendly.com/breathinginnature/yoga-in-nature) for free before the class\~** [Click here for a map of the exact location](https://goo.gl/maps/x1YMV41Bmhcf7chb6). My community classes in High Park are by donation, for all bodies, and no experience is required. What is yoga? We combine breath, movement and awareness, all in the healing nature of High Park. **What to bring?** * Yoga mat (optional - the grass is nice to yoga on) * Water * Weather-appropriate clothing/ blanket for relaxation We yoga rain or shine. There is shelter if we need it. [Exact location](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9424Zn5G1Xf4kTEj7), close the the High Park Forest School by the North Gate (short walk from High Park Subway station, Bloor and High Park intersection). My classes are by donation, or pay what you can. It's also drop-in, so feel free to just show up. Donations can be made at the class in person, via our [Breathing in Nature Gift Economy](https://www.breathinginnature.com/gift-economy/) or e-transfer to nici@breathinginnature.com. On average folks donate between $5-$30 per class. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. 416.885.0583 If you are wondering who I am and what I do, feel free to check out my my [website](https://www.breathinginnature.com/), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/breathinginnature/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/nicole.bohr) page, [my bio](https://www.breathinginnature.com/about/), or [my LinkedIn](www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleczerwinski/).

Join us for an all plant-based meal at the always popular Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant in Vienna, VA. We've made a reservation for 20 attendees, so don't delay in RSVPing as this will fill up. You can preview Sunflower's menu [here. ](https://www.crystalsunflower.com/menu) Parking is available in the restaurant's lot and the Vienna Metro station is 1.6 miles away. Rides may be available from attendees with cars so please communicate needs/availability in the comments below. Please note that there is no outdoor dining at this venue and that this is an indoor event. **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes. **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.**

…Transform Our Lives, Work, and World (2024) by Jamie Metzl, 432 pages [Genetics] • Paperback • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: [https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=615082](https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=615082) Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review “In Superconvergence, Jamie Metzl takes readers on a magical journey through the science of the intersecting genetics, biotech, and AI revolutions, deeply explores the implications, and challenges us to think creatively and proactively about what comes next. Very few books are absolute must-reads. This is one.”―Siddhartha Mukherjee, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University and author of The Gene: An Intimate History "During the 25 years I have known Jamie Metzl, he has always been ahead of the curve. There is no one better to help us understand and prepare for the fast-approaching technological revolutions. Superconvergence is brilliant. I can't recommend it more strongly."―Sanjay Gupta MD, bestseller author, neurosurgeon, and Emmy-award winning chief medical correspondent (CNN) "Our world is defined by our science and technology—whether we like it or not. The question now is not whether to use these powers, but how best to use them. In Superconvergence, Jamie Metzl takes us on a journey through the new capabilities that are radically transforming ecosystems inside us and around us, challenging each of us to get personally involved with building the future we want."―Beth Shapiro, University of California Santa Cruz evolutionary biologist and author of Life as We Made It: How 50,000 Years of Human Innovation Refined―and Redefined―Nature "In a fine counter-blast to the pessimism of today, Jamie Metzl lays out just how spectacular the future of humanity and planet can be if we harness innovation responsibly and imaginatively to create what he calls the 'spiral of progress.'"―Matt Ridley, author of How Innovation Works, and co-author of Viral: The search for the Origin of Covid-19 “A page-turning journey through space and time that shows us how our lives will be changed by imminent technological advances we once only dreamed of.”―David Sinclair, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, and author of Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To “The superconvergence of the genetics, biotechnology, and AI revolutions provides spectacular opportunities for building a better world. It also represents an almost limitless investment opportunity. We were excited to collaborate with Jamie Metzl, one of the world's great experts on how these aspirations can best be realized, including in capital markets. Superconvergence is a master class for imagining, investing in, and building a future we'd like to inhabit."―Jeremy Schwartz, Global Chief Investment Officer, WisdomTree “A clear examination of a transitional moment in the story of life on Earth…. Metzl capably describes recent developments in genetics and biotech and looks at how AI is providing an analytical engine of unprecedented power…. An important book in which the author sets out a path for the future based on his experience and expertise.”―Kirkus “Erudite, optimistic, and timely.”―Science Magazine "[In Superconvergence] Mr. Metzl has identified an important truth: that the convergence of new technologies is galvanizing us to reimagine how to meet urgent challenges in medicine and the environment. It’s a compelling opportunity—provided we manage to sidestep self-induced catastrophes along the way."―The Wall Street Journal ### About the Author Jamie Metzl is a leading technology and healthcare futurist and the founder and chair of OneShared.World. He is the author of Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity and four other books and was a member of the World Health Organization expert advisory committee on human genome editing. Jamie previously served in the U.S. National Security Council, State Department, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee and with the United Nations in Cambodia. His work has been featured by most major media organizations around the world, including 60 Minutes, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Fox, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, the Times of London, Le Monde, and Paris Match, and his podcast interviews with Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, and others have reached tens of millions of listeners. He lives in New York City. Visit Jamiemetzl.com.

🍇 Summer Foraging Walk: Wild Wineberries Join us for a relaxed summer morning outdoors as we explore local trails in search of wild wineberries, a bright red seasonal berry that usually ripens in late June and early July. Wineberries are an introduced invasive plant, so harvesting them can be a satisfying way to gather food while also helping create more room for native plants to thrive. They’re also delicious and can be turned into syrup, jam, sauces, and other seasonal treats. This Meetup will be a blend of hiking, berry gathering, shared learning, and enjoying time in nature together. — 🌿 About the Event — We’ll walk trails in the Germantown area while looking for wineberry patches. Along the way, we can talk about foraging, plant identification, sustainability, and practical ways to use what the land provides. If all goes well, I hope to bring homemade wineberry syrup for a simple pre-hike soda tasting before we head out. — 🥾 Difficulty — This will be an off-trail excursion. I've found a good patch of wineberries which will require hiking through wild and rugged areas. Expect uneven ground, roots, thorns, and using deer paths. — 📍 Location — Germantown We'll meet at my house which will be sent to the attendees closer to the event. — 🕚 Time — 11:00 AM start Approximately 3 hours — 🎒 What to Bring — • Container or bag for berries • Water • Snack if desired • Comfortable walking shoes • Long pants or outdoor clothing needed • Boots — ⚠️ Good to Know — We’ll review identification together, but please only eat anything you personally feel fully confident about. As with any summer outing, expect thorns, brush, insects, and possible poison ivy. After the hike, it’s always wise to wash up and do a tick check at home. More information on wineberries at https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2024/06/04/wineberries-are-a-tasty-treat-and-a-lesson-in-invasive-species-management/ — 🌈 Group Vibe — This group is for gay men interested in nature, community, sustainability, homesteading skills, and spending meaningful time outdoors together. Beginners are absolutely welcome. Come enjoy a summer morning, meet good people, and see what we can gather.

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 to drum for rain! The drum circle will be at the Guru Rinpoche statue at the entrance to the Peace Park, across the street from the temple. We will be chanting sacred mantras as we drum, praying for abundant rain to ease the drought. All are welcome! Please bring any percussion instruments you have - the more the merrier! If you don't have any drums, there are typically extra available. Either way, you can chant along with everyone. In the event of inclement weather, we usually drum as long as we can before the storm starts, or wait it out and start a little late. We hold out until the last minute to cancel so if the weather seems iffy, keep an eye on our Facebook page for announcements. The DC region is currently experiencing moderate to severe drought. Many other regions of the world are also experiencing drought conditions. We will dedicate our prayers to bringing life-giving rain to all who need it!

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37593880 (38 miles, 40% gravel) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37642919 (22 miles, 44% gravel) Two routes: 38 or 22 miles. Picnic is in Purcellville with restaurants. Toilets at the beginning, middle and end of the trail. **NOTE: ADVANCED TRAIL. BRING EXTRA BATTERIES! THIS IS A FULL DAY SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURE.** The GPS routes can be found here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37593880 (38 miles, 40% gravel) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37642919 (22 miles, 44% gravel) Come join us for a ride through some unbelievably scenic roads between Middleburg and Purcellville, VA. Loudoun County has a lot of beautiful back roads, many of which are gravel. This route meanders through some of the best scenery that this area has to offer. Expect to see miles of stone fences, pastoral farmsteads, charming little towns, and sparkling streams that snake their way through the landscape. You are guaranteed to end this ride with a smile on your face, and tranquility in your soul. Road bikes with super skinny tires will not be appropriate for this ride; that being said, any other tire should be fine. The key to navigating gravel roads is to take your time, which you will want to do anyway, as you take in the scenery. We wait at intersections for slower riders to catch up, so there will be no pressure to go any faster than you are comfortable. There is a winery just across the road from the parking area, and a brewery just on the other side of Middleburg, should anyone feel inclined to grab a bite to eat and a drink, after the ride. Mile 0 to 7: Mickie Gordon Park to Hibbs Bridge Both routes are the same to this point. Hibbs Bridge is a double-arched stone bridge with a humped back built between 1810 and 1830 when the Snickers Gap Turnpike was being constructed on what is now the Snickersville Turnpike. Mile 7 to 9 (short route): Hibbs Bridge to Philomont General Store The shorter route's lunch stop is at the Philomont General Store, which is a neat old building that has a variety of food, ice cream, drink, and other general store items. It has a strong 1800's vibe to it. There is also a restroom nearby. Mile 9 to 22 (short route): Philomont General Store to Mickie Gordon Park This is exactly the same as Mile 25 to 38 on the longer route. Mile 7 to 18 (long route): Hibbs Bridge to Purcellville We'll break away from the short route and make our way to Purcellville, where there are many good options for food directly on the route, including a Subway and 7/11. If you like Thai food, Patama Thai Kitchen (next to Subway) is top notch. We'll break for lunch in Purcellville's Fireman's Park, which has picnic tables and restrooms. The park is just down the road from the eateries, so consider bringing your food with you to the park. Mile 18 to 25 (long route): Purcellville to Philomont General Store We'll gradually get back into it after our lunch stop, and enjoy more pleasant back roads as we make our way to our final break point. The Philomont General Store is a neat old building that has a variety of food, ice cream, drink, and other general store items. It has a strong 1800's vibe to it. There is also a restroom nearby. Mile 25 to 38 (long route): Philomont to Mickie Gordon Park We'll head back over Hibbs Bridge and make a quick right onto a gravel road, which will lead us to some of the most remote and serene parts of the ride. You just can't find roads like this in most places, and we are lucky that Loudoun County sees fit to leave them be. We'll arrive in Middleburg the back way, bike down East Washington Street, and make a right just after leaving town. We'll take some neighborhood roads to avoid route 50 as much as possible, then do a very short stint (0.2 mi) on 50 to get back to our parking area. **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as www.ebikelovers.com generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) **More information about using GPS files:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/](https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/) **More information about e-bike ranges:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/](https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/) **REGISTRATION FOR THIS RIDE IS YOUR AFFIRMATION THAT YOU ACCEPT THE TERMS OF THE DISCLAIMER BELOW.** **DISCLAIMER** **LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS.** **See for full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer**

This ride has three very short well packed gravel sections. You might not want to use 23 or 25 mm road bike tires. **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The Koffee Klatch Ride GAVI Bakery & Café, Sully Station * START LOC: Ellanor C Lawrence Park/Woodlands Stewardship Center, 5301 Walney Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 * START GPS: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/8DFBGfSaCN6GrKQk6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8DFBGfSaCN6GrKQk6) * START PARKING: At the Center's gravel parking lot -- Porta-Potty is back * ARRIVAL: 10:00 am * SPEECH: 10:10 am ***\*\*you must be present for the speech or no ride for you!\*\**** * ROLLING: 10:15 am * LEVEL: Medium * PACE: 11-13 mph (a "social" pace) * DISTANCE: 17.3 miles * TERRAIN: Trail / Street / Cyclepath * Ride With GPS Route: CBG_KOFFEEK_GAVI_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54108112](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54108112) **Notes:** * This ride is organized very "lean" * Pump your tires on the morning of the ride, please. * It is strongly suggested that you become a NoVA CBG RidewithGPS club member and download the route posted for each "Klatch". * Loading the route onto your Garmin (or other Nav device) is also acceptable. * **NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)** **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++** Welcome to The Koffee Klatch! These rides are normally based off the Arlington Loop, but this week we will go out West towards Centerville and do a 19.7 mile medium level ridden at a social pace (11-13 mph). We will ride East starting from the Ellanor C Lawrence/Woodlands Stewardship parking lot. We will take the I-66 Parallel Trail to the Big Rocky Run Trail at Fair Lakes. We have two gravel sections on Rocky Run. After passing by Ellanor Lawrence we hit Gavi at mile 10.8 in Sully Station. From there we loop over to the Cub Run Valley Stream Trail System. There is a short gravel section in Cub Run. The gravel sections are packed (may be a little softer after early week rain), but you might not want 23 or 25 mm road bike tires. You are not required to drink or even like coffee. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** We meet at the the **gravel parking lot** of the Ellanor C Lawrence Park/Woodlands Stewardship Center. [https://maps.app.goo.gl/8DFBGfSaCN6GrKQk6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8DFBGfSaCN6GrKQk6) Do NOT park in front of the lake across the street. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** This week's [GAVI Bakery & Café](https://www.gavicafe.com/) is the Ride WITHIN The Ride! 5107 Westfields Blvd Centreville, VA 20120 Located in Sully Station Shopping Center (at about mile 10.8 of the ride). **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above. .