Bamboo

**Backabush is heading off over the late May bank holiday weekend to hike the magical region of the Mullerthal, often referred to as Luxembourg's Little Switzerland!** Cost - £339 per person in small twin share room or £409 single occupancy. Group size - 18. Accommodation (4 nights) - Holiday cabins. The Mullerthal region of Luxembourg is delightful landscape of ancient forests and rolling hills criss-crossed by fast flowing streams which cut deep and narrow gorges. The sandstone geology is peppered with caves, ravines and mysterious rock formations **ACCOMMODATION:** We will stay in comfortable holiday cabins with self catering kitchens and twin share or single occupancy bedrooms. Located in lovely little Berdorf village we are perfectly located to explore this magical region. Our accommodation is situated only 6km from the medieval town of Echternach, on a vast plateaux above the valleys of the Black Ernz, the Sure and the Aesbach forest. Don't miss the chance to hike this little know wonder of Luxembourg! **ITINERARY:** Friday 22 May - We will meet at the accommodation and can check in from anytime from 3PM. Saturday 23 May - Section of the Mullerthal Trail Route 1. This hike interweaves various elements of the beautiful landscape. Rocks, forests, sweeping views and meadows will offer us a delightful outdoor experience. Sunday 24 May - Section of the Mullerthal Trail Route 2. Today's hike leads us deep into the heart of Luxembourg's Little Switzerland and presents spectacular rock formations that fire the imagination. Monday 25 May - Section of the Mullerthal Trail Route 3. Our final hiking day reveals enormous rock formations and enchants with picturesque stream valleys and romantic castles. Tuesday 26 May - We need to check out of the cabins by 10AM. *Hiking plans may need to be altered depending on weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.* **DIFFICULTY:** A moderate level of hiking fitness is required to cross terrain that will be uneven and rocky in places. We may be hiking over 12 miles with over 600m of cumulative ascent. **WHAT IS INCLUDED:** - 4 nights twin-share or single occupancy accommodation in holiday cabins shared between 3 people in each cabin. - A full itinerary of hikes. - Trip organiser. Mountain Leader and outdoor first aid certified. - Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 2018. **WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:** - Flights (see below). - Meals. Our holiday cabins have self catering kitchens plus there are also restaurants, cafes and a supermarket in the area. - Entry fees. - Travel Insurance. **RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:** There are numerous convenient flights to Luxembourg from multiple London airports (Heathrow, City and Stansted) with British Airways, Luxair and Ryanair. Please use Skyscanner to find the most suitable flights for you. Public transport is free in Luxembourg and it will be easy to take the bus from Luxembourg Airport to our accommodation in Berdorf (we will share detailed travel information closer to the date). **HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:** To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. **Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip**. Please use **Mullerthal** as your payment reference. The account details are: Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS Sort Code: 090127 Account Number: 22440622 The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/edit?usp=sharing) Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. **IMPORTANT NOTE:** We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.

**Backabush is heading off over the late May bank holiday weekend to hike the magical region of the Mullerthal, often referred to as Luxembourg's Little Switzerland!** Cost - £339 per person in small twin share room or £409 single occupancy. Group size - 15. Accommodation (4 nights) - Holiday cabins. The Mullerthal region of Luxembourg is delightful landscape of ancient forests and rolling hills criss-crossed by fast flowing streams which cut deep and narrow gorges. The sandstone geology is peppered with caves, ravines and mysterious rock formations **ACCOMMODATION:** We will stay in comfortable holiday cabins with self catering kitchens and twin share or single occupancy bedrooms. Located in lovely little Berdorf village we are perfectly located to explore this magical region. Our accommodation is situated only 6km from the medieval town of Echternach, on a vast plateaux above the valleys of the Black Ernz, the Sure and the Aesbach forest. Don't miss the chance to hike this little know wonder of Luxembourg! **ITINERARY:** Friday 22 May - We will meet at the accommodation and can check in from anytime from 3PM. Saturday 23 May - Section of the Mullerthal Trail Route 1. This hike interweaves various elements of the beautiful landscape. Rocks, forests, sweeping views and meadows will offer us a delightful outdoor experience. Sunday 24 May - Section of the Mullerthal Trail Route 2. Today's hike leads us deep into the heart of Luxembourg's Little Switzerland and presents spectacular rock formations that fire the imagination. Monday 25 May - Section of the Mullerthal Trail Route 3. Our final hiking day reveals enormous rock formations and enchants with picturesque stream valleys and romantic castles. Tuesday 26 May - We need to check out of the cabins by 10AM. *Hiking plans may need to be altered depending on weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.* **DIFFICULTY:** A moderate level of hiking fitness is required to cross terrain that will be uneven and rocky in places. We may be hiking over 12 miles with over 600m of cumulative ascent. **WHAT IS INCLUDED:** * 4 nights twin-share or single occupancy accommodation in holiday cabins shared between 3 people in each cabin. * A full itinerary of hikes. * Trip organiser. Mountain Leader and outdoor first aid certified. * Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992. **WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:** * Flights (see below). * Meals. Our holiday cabins have self catering kitchens plus there are also restaurants, cafes and a supermarket in the area. * Entry fees. * Travel Insurance. **RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:** There are numerous convenient flights to Luxembourg from multiple London airports (Heathrow, City and Stansted) with British Airways, Luxair and Ryanair. Please use Skyscanner to find the most suitable flights for you. Public transport is free in Luxembourg and it will be easy to take the bus from Luxembourg Airport to our accommodation in Berdorf (we will share detailed travel information closer to the date). **HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:** To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. **Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip**. Please use **Mullerthal** as your payment reference. The account details are: Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS Sort Code: 090127 Account Number: 22440622 The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/edit?usp=sharing)

### ECSTATIC DANCE LONDON presents: ## 🌎CACAO DANCE TRIBE: **Afro House & World Beats Ecstatic Dance + Cacao Ceremony** **(DJ & live percussion set)** **Friday Night \| 7:45PM–10:15PM** **Fruit Social: 10:15PM–10:45PM** **Tufnell Park, London** Immerse yourself in an **ecstatic dance journey** infused with **Afro House rhythms, world beats, and live percussion**. Move freely, connect deeply, and let the music take you on a powerful journey of embodiment, release and ecstasy. We’ll open the evening with a dance movement warmup, then shift to a **heart-opening raw vegan cacao ceremony** and positive intention setting ritual, tuning in together before the main dance Wave begins. **Please note:** an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket. To reserve your place please book via eventbrite. Thank you x **🎫Tickets:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ecstatic-dance-london-cacao-dance-tribe-wellness-rave-cacao-ceremony-tickets-498619222517](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ecstatic-dance-london-cacao-dance-tribe-wellness-rave-cacao-ceremony-tickets-498619222517) **🌟 Join the Mailing list for EVENT UPDATES & DISCOUNTS:** [https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london](https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london) **📣Join our WhatsApp Community:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IuJVuQiUmENDJGD7bhYRZr?mode=ems_copy_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IuJVuQiUmENDJGD7bhYRZr?mode=ems_copy_t) **✨Follow us on Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london?igsh=MXFmdm01NzRtd2xndg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london?igsh=MXFmdm01NzRtd2xndg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) **What to Expect?** ✨ Uplifting **Afro House**, **Brazilian grooves**, and **organic world rhythms** 🥁 **Live percussion** bringing fire and soul to the dancefloor 🍫 **Raw ceremonial cacao** to open your heart and elevate your energy 💃 Freestyle, expressive movement & moving meditation 🍉 **Optional fruit social** afterwards to nourish and connect No alcohol, no drugs, just rhythm, breath, and community. This is one of London’s most loved **sober Friday night dance experiences**, where you can shake off the week’s stress and celebrate life through movement. ### About Cacao Dance Tribe Founded in 2017, **Cacao Dance Tribe** was one of the world’s first **Cacao Ceremony + Ecstatic Dance** events, originally held in Camden. After a pause during the pandemic, we’re thrilled to have **revived the tribe in Tufnell Park since 2023,** co-created by the **Ecstatic Dance London** community, pioneers of the UK’s sober dance movement since 2009. No dance experience needed — everyone is welcome. We also offer limited **free crew spaces** — scroll below for details and sign-up. **Music Vibe:** Afro House \| World Beats \| Brazilian \| Organic Rhythms

**We are using Playwaze to manage booking and payment. Please go to the link below to book. Make sure you check the date you want to attend and book and pay for the correct date:** [Playwaze - Session Dashboard](https://playwaze.com/lcwbc-badminton-club/3yupmsu7wwt/session-getdashboard) **Do not book or join waitlist here on Meetup as it will charge you additional fee.** **The number of attendees shown here is not accurate. The actual number is shown on Playwaze.** **Thank you** **Brian Ng**

Location: Ark Walworth Academy Shorncliffe Rd, London SE1 5UJ There will be 24 hours cancellation policy. If you can't make it please update your RSVP 24 hours before the session. Anytime under 24 hours and you will be responsible for paying for the session. The session fee is £15 per 3 hours make a payment to: Monzo Personal account Alvin John Rompe Sort code: 04-00-04 acct number: 29786770

Hey LEAF (London East Asians & Friends) fam! Time for our monthly Night LEAF, where we get together at a pub for an evening of drinks, laughs, and good vibes with fellow East Asians and friends in London. **Who's welcome?** LEAF is a community for people with strong ties to East Asia, whether that's through heritage, having grown up or lived extensively in an East Asian country, or being a friend or family member of someone who has. All genders, ages, and sexualities welcome. **First time?** Don't stress! We're a friendly bunch. Look for the group with East Asian faces in our reserved area and just come say hi. Grab one of the organisers and we'll introduce you to people. Come whenever you can, no need to be on time! 💡 Night LEAF is our regular monthly pub meetup. During the summer months, we also run picnic gatherings in London's parks, so keep an eye out for those too! See you there! 🍺

Trying out something a bit different this week. Let's sketch inside the National Portrait Gallery! (Ive changed this from a Friday night late to Saturday instead) This is by far and away my favourite gallery in London so this one should be special :D Let's meet outside the entrance to the gallery at 13.00 I'll wait outside for a bit for any stragglers and then we can all meet again back outside at 15.00. Maybe we can grab a drink at the lovely Marquis pub afterwards! Nearest Tube Stop: Leicester Square/Charing Cross Completely free of charge, no need to sign up, bring a friend! Feel free to drop in for the whole two hours or just short while if you'd prefer. Look for the tall ginger fella sketching away as the central meetup spot, but feel free to roam as far and wide as you like and sketch anything you damn well please! Please bring your own sketchbooks and pens/pencils. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- About Sketchbook London Every week we will choose a location around the magnificent city of London and draw people, buildings, pigeons, bins, anything you want.... No payment, no pressure, no need to sign up, just show up and draw for a couple of hours. All levels, abilities and professions welcome, bring a friend! Zero pressure to interact, network, impress in any way, this is just a way to get out and about and appreciate the joy of urban sketching and all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit this thriving metropolis. I am a storyboard artist working in animation and I am happy to discuss sketching techniques or give feedback on any work but this is by no means an exclusive event for artists, all are welcome :)

**Introduction** In our busy city, it can be difficult to find time to slow down and smell the roses! Forest bathing offers you the chance to do just that. Over the course of 2 hours, you will be guided through a multi-sensory exploration of the natural world, giving you time to slow down, breathe, and find peace among the natural world. **What is forest bathing?** Forest bathing typically consists of slow walking, mindfulness practices, and resting (seated or lying down) in nature. Remember being a kid and just watching the branches overhead in the breeze? Originating in Japan in the 1980s, Shin-Rin Yoku or forest bathing, was created as a preventative response to climbing rates of stress in urban areas. Since then, many research studies have shown that even one hour a week spent engaging with nature can significantly reduce symptoms of stress. **What to expect:** * 2-hour duration * Small group size (maximum 6) * Multi-sensory activities * Sharing circle (optional) * Herbal tea offering * A guide to take care of you, so you can truly relax into the wonder of the natural world * Phone-free environment * Opportunity to chat and connect with others (if you would like to) * **Please note there are no toilets available** \- there are several cafes on Mile End Road with toilet facilities\. **What to bring:** * Warm clothes; even on a summer day, spending prolonged time in the shade can begin to feel chilly! * Shoes with a good grip, and that you don't mind getting dirty * A journal and pen * A mug (for tea if you fancy it!) * Any medications you might need, such as EpiPens or inhalers. **How much is it?** This experience is offered on a donation basis; this means you can decide what you can reasonably afford to give. To help you decide, we want to be transparent with our cost breakdown: * £8.50 - meets the recommended donation to Friends of THCP and contributes to important conservation work * £12 - covers the above and supports the guide at the minimum wage rate * £15-20 - pay it forward / supporter option. You are welcome to give less or more depending on your personal circumstances. **About your guide:** Hello! I'm Lizzie, a life-long nature lover. Having been gifted the Kingfisher Concise Field Guide to Animals & Plants of Britain and Europe at the tender age of five, it's perhaps unsurprising that I am happiest outdoors! After several years as a geography teacher and data analyst, I began my studentship as a Forest Bathing Practitioner with Nature and Therapy in June 2025. I have experienced the medicinal influence of nature in my own life when I've struggled with burnout and grief; it's a gift I am keen to share with others. If you have any questions, please do reach out. I look forward to welcoming you! **What next?** Sign up! Then, you will receive a participation form by email with a couple of questions about health and safety; please try to respond before the event, so we can go straight to the trees! Your answers will help us to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone and are encrypted. Our GDPR policy is available on request.

Do you want to meet new people in a relaxing chill atmosphere surrounded by new books? Do you dislike loud and smelly places like pubs and clubs? This is the event for you. Science and Philosophy Book Club is creating a new kind of meetup where people who love books and knowledge can meet new friends in a big book shop. We will explore around different sections of the book shop together as a group while making interesting conversations with each other. We will go to both fiction and non-fiction areas. If you feel shy and feel nervous to come alone, I will make sure you will feel comfortable and accomodate to your needs. I will help introduce you to others so you can go over the barrier of anxiety when approaching a new person. We will meet on the ground floor lounge area of Doubletree Hilton Hotel at 6 p.m. It is an amazing cosy bar with classy vibes. We will wait for everyone to show up while getting some drinks and socializing. At 7 p.m we will head to the Waterstones book store near Russel Square and UCL. After we explore the book store, we will come back to the hotel bar and stay there for the rest of the night. This event requires £5 donation to cover the venue fees. You can pay via cash or card. Thank you for helping the book club!

Brunch plans? Sorted. 🥂 Join me at UBA for a bottomless brunch (usually £68) is now 30% off – only £47.60 They've just relaunched their legendary Asian-inspired brunch, offering bold street food flavours, expertly crafted cocktails, and live DJs setting the soundtrack. Lock in your spot with a £3 RSVP Non refundable + £20 deposit (taken off your bill on the day). Good food, endless drinks, and even better vibes — you don’t want to miss this one. See Menu here https://ubarestaurant.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Brunch-Menu-x-Bottomless-1.pdf

Hi guys! Super excited to announce we'll be hosting our first West London Book Club meetup next week! 🎉📚 📅 Sunday 24th 📍 Hyde Park 🕑 2pm – 4pm 🆓 Free to attend It's a book swap — bring a favourite book you're happy to share and swap with someone else. We'll also be playing a round of Articulate, so come ready to have a laugh! Bring your own food and drinks and just come as you are. The more the merrier! **Running order:** 📖 Intros + book shares 🔄 Book swap 🎲 Articulate 😊 Chill, chat, connect

Para Ecuador, Max nos propone la lectura _Lengua ajena_ de Julia Rendón Abrahamson, (160 páginas). La autora forma parte del boom femenino literario de Ecuador. El libro trata los siguientes temas: la maternidad, la emigración, la vida de una madre soltera en Nueva York, y la dificultad de encontrar un lugar propio. Este libro añade una variedad temática a lo que llevamos leyendo hasta ahora.

Community Backyards Workshop Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) * Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 * Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM * Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. Feel free to come whether or not you've started or finished the book. • Small snacks will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group.

**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.

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!

**Our June novel is: *The Eights* by Joanna Miller** **This month’s novel is set during World War I. It’s a 20th-century historical fiction story about friendship and war, with coming-of-age elements and a slightly haunted tone. The book is 384 pages in print and 10 hours and 9 minutes on audiobook.** Oxford, 1920. For the first time in its one-thousand-year history, Oxford University officially admits female students. Burning with dreams of equality, four young women move into neighboring rooms in Corridor 8. Beatrice, Dora, Marianne, and Otto—collectively known as The Eights—come from all walks of life, each driven by their own motives, each holding tight to their secrets, and are thrown into an unlikely, unshakable friendship. Dora was never meant to go to university, but, after losing both her brother and her fiancé on the battlefield, has arrived in their place. Politically-minded Beatrice, daughter of a famous suffragette, sees Oxford as a chance to make her own way - and some friends her own age. Otto was a nurse during the war but is excited to return to her socialite lifestyle in Oxford where she hopes to find distraction from the memories that haunt her. And finally Marianne, the quiet, clever daughter of a village pastor, who has a shocking secret she must hide from everyone, even her new friends, if she is to succeed. Among the historic spires, and in the long shadow of the Great War, the four women must navigate and support one another in a turbulent world in which misogyny is rife, influenza is still a threat, and the ghosts of the Great War don’t always remain dead.

Community Backyards Workshop .Community Backyards Workshop - Westerville Join us for the Westerville Community Backyards workshop! This is a FREE class on how you can protect our waterways and environment with small changes in your gardening habits. We will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but not required. * Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082 * Date and time: Sat, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM * Organizer: Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h2w5ms8 **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days