Announcement List for the Virginia Atheists & Agnostics

[Scott Newton <>]

VAAers,

We have 3 exciting announcements this week:

1) We have a meeting this Thursday 7pm at New Cabell 058: Our very own Alexa Monfort will be giving a talk about Mormonism. Here's her blurb:

"I am giving a talk this week on Mormonism, one of my favorite religions.  I will begin with the story of Joseph Smith, the founder of the religion, and then discuss the fascinating cosmological beliefs that underpin the Mormon worldview.  Most Americans don’t know very many specifics about the Mormon canon, which is strange considering that it the only major religion ever founded in the United States, and that there are over 13 million practitioners worldwide, and furthermore that it is one of the world’s fastest growing and newest religions."

2) This Friday from 12-4pm VAA is volunteering at The Haven! The Haven is an organization dedicated to helping the homeless (http://www.thehaven.org/). In conjunction with our fall philanthropy event (more details to come), we will be cleaning either the kitchen or day shelter (so wear clothes that can get dirty). If you can't come the whole time, that is OK! Contact Kelly at for more info and to sign up!

 

3) VAA Camping Trip next weekend = infinite fun! Click here to access the Doodle Poll. There are two steps to sign up: A) Enter your name into the Doodle Poll by TUESDAY of next week, and B) Be prepared to commit to paying around $10 so that we can take care of expenses like cabin rental, food, and other supplies. Info:

Where: PATC Pocossin Cabin in the Central section of Shenandoah National Park off of Skyline Drive close to Swift Run Gap (a more detailed set of directions will be given to drivers)

Hike in distance from the car to the cabin: .8 miles (a walk that will take about 20 minutes)

Departing: 11:00am Saturday November 15th

Returning to Charlottesville: Sunday afternoon ~1:00pm

What you will need:

·      Layers, you will freeze and whine without them: Warm jacket (down if you have it, if not any coat will do, the lighter weight the better), fleece or sweatshirt, comfortable clothing, long pants, long underwear (optional but recommended), and a winter hat

·      Sturdy shoes that you can hike in (hiking boots if you have them, sturdy boots or sneakers if not)

·      Warm socks - an extra pair

·      A water bottle (does not have to be full of water)

·      Toothbrush

·      A Ziploc with toilet paper in it

·      Rain jacket or nylon shell (it may not rain but this will nevertheless be helpful)

·      A backpack to put all of this in (if your backpack is uncomfortable when heavy, I have extras, even if it’s not, you may want to steal one from me anyways)

What you don’t absolutely need, but you should absolutely bring if you own these things:

·      Headlamp or flashlight

·      Plastic set of silverware and a plastic bowl

·      Sleeping bag or compactable blanket

·      Travel pillow

·      Deck of cards

If you have any questions, ask me (I am the one you call Scott) or Alexa! Long email... if you actually read the whole thing you get a smiley face :) 

--Scott