Outdoors

Come to check out our hackerspace, talk to people and learn some new things, maybe use the tools for a short while, or just sit down with a laptop and do some work in a quiet place. Also a good time to sign up for a membership! We will have tea and coffee, likely also cookies. Come whenever from 19:00 till 22:00 - we might even be open until 24:00! If there's a problem (i.e. doors not open), call 28701072.

„Riga Tech Dinner“ ir klātienes pasākums tiem, kuriem parasti ir dziļas pārdomas, daudz jautājumu un ideju, ar kurām dalīties. Ikviens ir aicināts piedalīties diskusijās vai vienkārši klausīties! Pasākuma valoda: runāsim latviski. **Šī pasākuma īpašie viesi:** * **Egita Rudzīte** \- Valsts digitālās attīstības aģentūras direktora vietniece \- "Valsts pārvaldē ar digitālajiem jautājumiem es strādāju jau kopš savas pirmās darba dienas\, kad uzsāku darba gaitas\, mācoties RTU 2\.kursā 2000\.gadā\. Man tuvas tēmas ir starpiestāžu datu apmaiņa un ērti\, saprotami e\-pakalpojumi iedzīvotājiem\. Valsts pārvaldē strādāju ar misijas apziņu un cerību par efektīvu un digitāli prasmīgu Latvijas valsts pārvaldi\." * [Jānis Ziediņš](https://www.linkedin.com/in/janisziedins/) \- Direktora vietnieks digitālās attīstības jautājumos @ KISC \- Ikdienā strādā ar valsts digitālajām platformām\, mākslīgā intelekta ieviešanu un datu pārvaldību publiskajā sektorā\. Interesē praktiski\, sabiedrībai noderīgi tehnoloģiju risinājumi\, kas savieno kultūru\, datus un MI\. **Par pasākumu** Jūs varbūt domājat: "Kāda ir šāda pasākuma vērtība? Kāpēc nepietiek ar citiem esošajiem biznesa tīklošanas pasākumiem?" Galvenā atšķirība ir tā, ka mēs tiekamies, baudām vakariņas un apspriežam visu, kas mums interesē. Tas ir pasākums tehnoloģiju nozares profesionāļiem, lai apmainītos ar idejām un attīstītos. Īpašie viesi pastāstīs nedaudz par sevi un darīs visu iespējamo, lai uzsāktu diskusiju, ja telpā iestātos neveikla klusuma brīdis. Tomēr atceramies, ka “Runāšana – sudrabs, klusēšana – zelts”. Šis ir arī labs laiks, lai padomātu un klausītos sarunās, kuras parasti neuzsāktu ne mājās, ne darbā. **Saziņa un kanāli:** Pievienojieties mums WhatsApp:[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GYDCBI5ca2BBvmgDVjA3fM)[https://chat.whatsapp.com/GYDCBI5ca2BBvmgDVjA3fM](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GYDCBI5ca2BBvmgDVjA3fM) Iepriekšējos pasākumus varat apskatīt [Techies of Baltics LinkedIn lapā](https://www.linkedin.com/company/riga-tech-dinner/). Pasākuma laikā mēs ierakstām īsas intervijas ar īpašajiem viesiem Riga Tech Cast podcastam. Sekojiet līdzi [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1pr3DU9Tu6GJZO67CuUj5Z), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLIQbshchl7uBmsPwkDNsDLt3l022o8V5) un citās populārās vietnēs. Ja vēlaties piedalīties, informējiet pasākuma vadītāju. **Prasības dalībniekiem:** * centies neiekavēties * iepazīstiniet ar sevi * nepātrauciet citus * nāciet ar tukšu vēderu un samaksājiet par savām vakariņām * neesi viegli aizkaitināms, ja esi izsalcis * šī nav ballīte. Tomēr glāze vīna var nedaudz atbrīvot mēli * ja negri runāt, tad nerunā. Bet ierasties tīklošanās pasākumā un nepasacīt ne vārda ir kā skatīties veikalu skatlogus un neko nenopirkt * pasākuma dalības maksu samaksājiet skaidrā naudā uz vietas. Nav iespējams veikt maksājumu tiešsaistē * vissvarīgākais ir atvērts prāts un iekļaujoša attieksme pret visiem * RSVP – ierodieties vai savlaicīgi atjauniniet savu statusu, ja nevarat ierasties **Kāpēc ir pasākuma dalības maksa?** \- mums pasākumā vienmēr ir 2 īpaši viesi\. Viņi ir saņēmuši īpašu ielūgumu pievienoties mums\. Mums vajadzētu segt viņu vakariņu izdevumus kā vismazāko\, ko varam darīt\, papildus pateicībai\. Pasākuma dalības maksa ir fonds šim nolūkam\. **Pasākuma vadītājs:** Uldis Karlovs-Karlovskis ir [IT eksperts](https://uldiskarlovskarlovskis.com/) ar 20 gadu daudzveidīgu pieredzi un MI uzņēmuma [MoonMoon](https://moonmoon.lv/) vadītājs. Viņš ir sertificēts DevOps līderis, kopienas „DevOps & AI Latvia” valdes priekšsēdētājs, „Dzīvais Rīgas Teātris” direktors un lektors BDA, Rīgas Tehniskajā universitātē un Rīgas Biznesa skolā. *'Lūdzu, ņemiet vērā, ka pasākuma laikā bez brīdinājuma tiks uzņemtas fotogrāfijas un video. Kopiena var izmantot šos materiālus mārketinga un publicitātes nolūkos savās publikācijās, tīmekļa vietnē un sociālajos tīklos vai jebkurā trešās puses publikācijā.'*

We are continuing the conversation of who Jesus Christ is to each one of us personally. It has been very interesting so far and the cafe is a cosy, truly Latvian venue. We meet every first and third Tuesday of the month.This conversation is open to all backgrounds, cultures and experiences! We'll be there from 5-7 but you are welcome to come any time during the two hours. Hope to see you there!

Podczas najbliższego spotkania zapraszamy Was do refleksji nad synergią w rodzinie. Porozmawiamy o tym, że każdy z nas – nie tylko dziecko – jest w procesie wzrastania. Jako rodzice jesteśmy nie tylko wychowawcami naszych dzieci, ale również… samych siebie. To, jak reagujemy, jak komunikujemy się i jak przeżywamy emocje, wpływa nie tylko na nasze dzieci. Pokazuje też, na ile sami jesteśmy w kontakcie ze swoimi talentami, historią i tym, co w nas żywe. To spotkanie będzie zaproszeniem do zatrzymania się — i spojrzenia głębiej: na dziecko, na siebie i na Waszą relację. Goście spotkania: Iza i Piotr Antosiewicz – małżeństwo z ponad 30-letnim doświadczeniem, autorzy książki „Synergia talentów”. Choć oboje pracują w obszarze talentów, każde z nich wnosi inną, uzupełniającą się perspektywę: 🔹 Iza – specjalizuje się w odkrywaniu i rozwijaniu mocnych stron, pomagając zobaczyć to, co w człowieku naturalne i wartościowe 🔹 Piotr – koncentruje się na komunikacji, szczególnie w nurcie Porozumienia bez Przemocy (NVC), wspierając budowanie relacji opartych na zrozumieniu i autentycznym dialogu To połączenie dwóch światów – talentów i komunikacji – daje praktyczne narzędzia do mądrego wychowania i budowania bliskości w rodzinie.

"Oh, product and engineering work really well together here." — someone at every company, in every all-hands, ever. But do they, though? **This event is for EMs, PMs, Product Designers who want to make their workstyle actionable.** The product world has spent years arguing that PMs, designers, and engineers should be in the room together from day one instead of handing work down a conveyor belt like it's a factory floor. It's one of the most talked-about ideas in how we build products, but also one of the hardest to actually pull off 🤷 This edition of OmniTalks is about what it looks like when it works. We call it the trifecta — a Product Manager, a Product Designer, and an Engineering Manager, have picked an already shipped feature and will deliver three perspectives on how it got built. Three people from Omnisend's Forms’ team will each take the stage and walk you through the same project — what they were trying to solve and how the three of them stayed aligned *(or didn't🤷).* **Agenda** * 17:30 — Doors open. * 18:00 — The trifecta takes the stage in relay, walks you through the project from three different perspectives (this part will be streamed online) * 19:30 — Networking * 21:00 — Extending the evening? Alaus Studija is very close to our office 🍻 **The Trifecta** Augustina Reipšlėger, Staff Product Designer Povilas Žvirblis, Engineering Manager Paulius Preikšaitis, Product Manager This is a hybrid event and will be streamed online. 📷 Photos will be taken at the event

**IMPORTANT:** **Please be on time, as late arrivals might be turned away!** If you would like to join, please register here on meetup.com. Using this site is free for regular users. Good to know: * Depending on group size we might split up to two or more sub-groups. * The language of the event is English. * Age limit: 18 and over. * Photos of participants may be taken at the event and shared publicly on social media, including but not limited to meetup.com. By joining the event, you accept this condition. * Prices: the event itself is free of charge, but please purchase a drink or a meal at the bar. * Event-related announcements are made on meetup.com, so please check posts and messages regularly. If you have any questions, please contact me — I’ll be happy to help. *Background photo: [Renāte Šnore, Unsplash](https://x.gd/pLJwE) taken at Viesatas upesloku takas, Irlavas pagasts, Latvia.*

A small and exclusive group of friends running 5 km every Sunday at 10 am. Bring yourself, your running shoes and maybe a friend. We start in the center, medium pace run, then end up at a coffee shop. => Once you go on the waiting list, the moderator will approve/reject Instagram => https://www.instagram.com/rigasundayruns Whatsapp=> [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CF24r42CTn3GKtsNjdpEjG?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CF24r42CTn3GKtsNjdpEjG?mode=gi_t)

A weekly meetup for language lovers! Come practice new languages, meet great people, and enjoy a drink — whether it’s beer, tea, or coffee. Everyone’s welcome! 🤗 Main event platform is Facebook https://shorturl.at/nuHSB (so more people coming!) Address - Aldaru Street 9, FOB Bar

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** http://foundersrc.com/chats **Stay updated**: Instagram http://instagram.com/foundersrc/ Podcast http://podcast.foundersrc.com/ LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/ Strava http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC Website http://foundersrc.com/

We are continuing the conversation of who Jesus Christ is to each one of us personally. It has been very interesting so far and the cafe is a cosy, truly Latvian venue. We meet every first and third Tuesday of the month.This conversation is open to all backgrounds, cultures and experiences! We'll be there from 5-7 but you are welcome to come any time during the two hours. Hope to see you there!

Podczas najbliższego spotkania zapraszamy Was do refleksji nad synergią w rodzinie. Porozmawiamy o tym, że każdy z nas – nie tylko dziecko – jest w procesie wzrastania. Jako rodzice jesteśmy nie tylko wychowawcami naszych dzieci, ale również… samych siebie. To, jak reagujemy, jak komunikujemy się i jak przeżywamy emocje, wpływa nie tylko na nasze dzieci. Pokazuje też, na ile sami jesteśmy w kontakcie ze swoimi talentami, historią i tym, co w nas żywe. To spotkanie będzie zaproszeniem do zatrzymania się — i spojrzenia głębiej: na dziecko, na siebie i na Waszą relację. Goście spotkania: Iza i Piotr Antosiewicz – małżeństwo z ponad 30-letnim doświadczeniem, autorzy książki „Synergia talentów”. Choć oboje pracują w obszarze talentów, każde z nich wnosi inną, uzupełniającą się perspektywę: 🔹 Iza – specjalizuje się w odkrywaniu i rozwijaniu mocnych stron, pomagając zobaczyć to, co w człowieku naturalne i wartościowe 🔹 Piotr – koncentruje się na komunikacji, szczególnie w nurcie Porozumienia bez Przemocy (NVC), wspierając budowanie relacji opartych na zrozumieniu i autentycznym dialogu To połączenie dwóch światów – talentów i komunikacji – daje praktyczne narzędzia do mądrego wychowania i budowania bliskości w rodzinie.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

[Old School Groove](https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolGrooveBand/) \- Vintage rock\, southern rock\, blues\, reggae\. Originals mixed with 60s & 70s classics\. Getcha groove on\! **[Flint Station](https://www.theflintstation.com/)** is an old depot venue for drinks and live music. They usually have a **bbq food truck** on location. Feel free to bring your own takeout. I'll bring a basket of snacks. NO COVER *They're planning for a beautiful summer evening performance in the beer garden. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate...they will be upstairs in the old-time dance hall. Either way...it's going to be a night to remember!!* **PARKING**: either near the beer garden or across the street.