Pittsburgh

Enjoy Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Williamstown Beach beach, a Williamstown Sunday ***Craft*** Market in historical heritage side. With short break at Kiosk or Cafe near beach during walk. During walk (or towards ends of walk, but not Meetup end) visit *Sunday Craft Market* near Gem Pier, on shops & historic buildings side of Williamstown. Forecast TBA (16C & rain if Sun; 22C partly cloudy if change to this Saturday). Meet Outside Williamstown Station (last station on the the line\*). Under Big Tree just Outside Station entrance. (Is only 1 Platform here). Meet 12:30-12:40pm. My Phone 0402816644; Best to phone/text. We'll be walking past Williamstown Beach Station during walk, if any persons wish to join us, but not for the Full Meetup/Walk. 2 mins by train back to Williamstown Station (if u drove), or 15 mins walk. Route/plan may vary depending on temp (if gets quite hot, we'll go to village side, with plenty shaded places); OR if weather changes. We may walk early or later during walk to Sunday *Craft* Market (open till 4); all Craft Market items are Created, Handmade, Home Grown or Baked. (*Different market & different location - Alongside Nelson Place/Near Gem Pier - to one we went to last time)* We'll spend about 30-45 minutes there — Check out stalls, grab a coffee or cold drink. And some food, or treats :) to take home. Bring shopping bag or something to put any purchases, if you do, in. If we do market near towards end of walk; after *official Meetup end, we can go to best, most range, icecream & sorbet place in Melbourne.* For those who wish to leave; is easy 7 mins walk to Williamstown Station. Another option, *for yourself,* info re Williamstown to St Kilda Ferry is below As well as visit to Market we'll walk to & through the Park like Botanic Gardens. We'll stop here briefly. Also Toilets less busy & bit cleaner available here, than along beach. (No Toilets at Market, but some at Station/Meet Point) We'll also walk along the foreshore path near the beach. Group can choose to stop at the on foreshore kiosk/cafe — if weather is pleasant & not too breezy or fresh or too hot (__C forecast), OR to go to proper but casual cafe, with beach & bay views. After our almost final stop, we can walk to/via either Williamstown Beach Station (or, Williamstown Station). Those who drove can easily get train 1 station back to Williamstown Stn, if have a myki, OR credit card (new) Option tap may be also available. Or if some people wish, can walk back to Williamstown Station, BUT it will mean, total duration of event will be longer than posted/scheduled. OR, after Meetup/Walk & Cafe some may like to take Ferry to St Kilda — $22 one-way (/$34 return if wish to, if Home is in Williamstown area). I've put duration as generous 2.5 hours (to allow for longer time at market, & at kiosk OR cafe). But we can finish earlier, if you wish. Total actual walking time/distance: approx 75-90 minutes/4-5 kms. Remember to wear hat, sunscreen & bring water. This Walk/Wander is also posted on/combined with 2 more groups; event/meetup is Open to all (18+ - under 18s may attend with an adult). A train arrives at 12:26. Intention is walk to start by/before 12:45pm! If are late getting there; or on next train (arrives 12:46) please post comment on Meetup. I'll post comment which way we go, to start. But may not respond promptly to comment msg, as may be pointing out some items & explaining re them My Phone 0402816644. Best to phone/text, than msg me via Meetup. Public Transport: Take (direct) Train from Flinders St Station or Southern Cross Station, to Williamstown Station. Or take a train from (the new) Town Hall Station or State Library Station, & change at Footscray Station, to Platform 6 for Williamstown Line train. \*If unfamiliar with the Williamstown Line, last 3 stations are: North Williamstown, Williamstown Beach, Williamstown Station/line ends. Mentioning, as some general public get off train at Williamstown Beach Station when meant to go Williamstown Station. Parking/Driving: Recommend parking in Hammer St, & then walk around corner (along Ann St), to Williamstown Station area. There's a few only unrestricted parking spots directly outside the Station, but doubtful if a good place to park, for a few hours. There's the Railway travelers carparking area 35 metres from the station. Finding Me/Us: Exit Williamstown Station (only 1 exit/1 platform) & look to the left, where there's a big tree. Or if drove, go to Ann St (on north side of Station) & walk past Station. [\*Please Note: I posted/edited/copy-modified quickly details (from last walk in Williamstown); please check details in a day or 2, for any alterations]. (And I will condense so easier to read it all).

The Northern Suburbs Eurogamers (NSEG) is a regular meetup held at [Croxton Park Hotel](https://www.croxtonparkhotel.com.au/) on selected Sundays (view the current year dates [below](https://meeples.org.au/nseg/#dates)). Running since 2012, NSEG is an established group, but we always love playing with new people. ### Where do we play? The meetup is held at Croxton Park Hotel. We meet in the Bistro, just near the fireplace, so it’s lovely and warm.  ### What sort of games do we play? We play: * Games for beginners (which we call gateway games) like Ticket To Ride, Carcassonne, Splendour, Small World and King of Tokyo. * Strategy (Euro) games like Power Grid, Lords of Waterdeep, Village, Imperial and Suburbia. * Thematic games (that involve lots of dice and role play) like Betrayal at House on the Hill and Dead of Winter. * Party Games (quick and easy games) like Resistance, Spyfall and Time’s Up. * Card Games like Love Letter, Uno, Fluxx, Bohanza, Red7, Fuji Flush, Munchkin. And much much more! If you have a game you love, bring it along and show us… maybe we’ve never heard of it and will love it too! We do a rules explanation before each game (unless everyone has played it before) so don’t worry if you’ve never played (or heard) of any of these games. ### How about food and Drinks? The Croxton’s kitchen has all the pub classics and tasty little bites… check out the [Menu](https://www.facebook.com/pg/CroxtonParkHotel/menu). The bar also serves drinks, both soft and hard… plus tea and coffee. ### Do I have to be a Melbourne Meeples Inc. Member to attend? No, though if you are not a member, we do ask that you pay a small donation (we suggest $3) to help cover the cost of the games library and the Melbourne Meeples Inc support structure. And you can always [become a member](http://meeples.org.au/membership/)! ### How to get there The Croxton is located at [407 High St, Thornbury](https://goo.gl/maps/s7yePRZ8meL2). * **By Car:** If you’re driving there is a carpark on the opposite side of the road. * **By Tram:** you can jump on the [Route 86](http://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/1881) and get off near Darebin Road (Stop #36) or Woolton Ave (Stop #37). * **By Train:** Croxton Railway Station is a brisk 400m walk away.

Enjoy Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Williamstown Beach beach, a Williamstown Sunday ***Craft*** Market in historical heritage side. With short break at Kiosk or Cafe near beach during walk. During walk (or towards ends of walk, but not Meetup end) visit *Sunday Craft Market* near Gem Pier, on shops & historic buildings side of Williamstown. Forecast 27C, partly cloudy, sunny at times. **Meet Outside Williamstown Station** (last station on the the line\*). Under Big Tree just Outside Station entrance. (Is only 1 Platform here). Meet 12:30-12:40pm. My Phone 0402816644; Best to phone/text. We'll be walking past Williamstown Beach Station during walk; if any persons wish to join us, but not for the Full Meetup/Walk; 2 mins by train back to Williamstown Station (if u drove), or 15 mins walk. Route/plan may vary depending on temp (if gets quite hot, we'll go to village side, with plenty shaded places); OR if weather changes. We may walk early or later during walk to Sunday *Craft* Market (open till 4); all Craft Market items are Created, Handmade, Home Grown or Baked. (*Different market & different location - Alongside Nelson Place/Near Gem Pier - to one we went to last time)* We'll spend about 30-45 minutes there — Check out stalls, grab a coffee or cold drink. And some food, or treats :) to take home. Bring shopping bag or something to put any purchases, if you do, in. If we do market near towards end of walk; after *official Meetup end, we can go to best, most range, icecream & sorbet place in Melbourne.* For those who wish to leave; is easy 7 mins walk to Williamstown Station. Another option, *for yourself,* info re Williamstown to St Kilda Ferry is below. As well as visit to Market we'll walk to & through the Park like Botanic Gardens. We'll stop here briefly. Also Toilets less busy & bit cleaner available here, than along beach. (No Toilets at Market, but some at Station/Meet Point) We'll also walk along the foreshore path near the beach. Group can choose to stop at the on foreshore kiosk/cafe — if weather is pleasant & not too breezy or fresh or too hot (__C forecast), OR to go to proper but casual cafe, with beach & bay views. After our almost final stop, we can walk to/via either Williamstown Beach Station (or, Williamstown Station). Those who drove can easily get train 1 station back to Williamstown Stn, if have a myki, OR (new) credit card Option tap may be also available. Or if some people wish, can walk back to Williamstown Station, BUT it will mean, total duration of event will be longer than posted/scheduled. OR, after Meetup/Walk & Cafe some may like to take Ferry to St Kilda — $22 one-way (/$34 return if wish to, if Home is in Williamstown area). [ANZAC Station & Metro Tunnel Line is great option, if in Inner South Suburbs/ Bayside east side Suburbs; to get Inner West, & Bayside West, suburbs, As can change at Footscray Station, to Williamstown train. Instead of crowded tram to CBD/to Southern Cross or Flinders St Stns]. Another option (Private Operator): Ferry from St Kilda to Williamstown [$22 one-way/34 return] then 12 mins/850m walk to Williamstown Stn] I've put duration as generous 2.5 hours (to allow for longer time at market, & at kiosk OR cafe). But we can finish earlier, if you wish. Total actual walking time/distance: approx 75 minutes/3.5-4 kms. Will be nice 21C Sunny; remember to wear hat, sunscreen & bring water. This Walk/Wander is also posted on/combined with 2 more groups; event/meetup is Open to all (18+ - under 18s may attend with an adult). Some attendees may not be single, & some may not be 30s-60s range — is demographics of one group this is on. & often Rsvps, to my events. Getting there: A train arrives at 12:26. If late or on next train (arrives 12:46), please post a comment on Meetup. If all rsvps arrive by 12:40 we'll leave. My Phone 0402816644. Best to phone/text, than msg me via Meetup. Public Transport. Take a Direct Train from Flinders St Station or Southern Cross Station, to Williamstown Station. (Williamstown trains wont go via City Loop, then). Or take a train from (the new) Town Hall Station or State Library Station, & change at Footscray Station, to Platform 6 for Williamstown Line train. \*If unfamiliar with the Williamstown Line, last 3 stations are: North Williamstown, Williamstown Beach, Williamstown Station/line ends. Mentioning, as some general public get off train at Williamstown Beach Station when meant to go Williamstown Station. Parking/Driving: Recommend parking in Hammer St, & then walk around corner (along Ann St), to Williamstown Station area. There's a few only unrestricted parking spots directly outside the Station, but doubtful if a good place to park, for a few hours. There's the Railway travelers carparking area 35 metres from the station. Finding Me/Us: Exit Williamstown Station (only 1 exit/1 platform) & look to the left, where there's a big tree. Or if drove, go to Ann St (on north side of Station) & walk past Station.

**—— Details ——** We will meet at the starting point, take round trip around the Tan and a short stroll inside the botanical garden. BYO coffee/ water bottle. Dress for outdoor walk. Come along & simply say, "Hi, it's my first time joining the group event." or ask the organiser to introduce you. You can take it slow and start from there. If you enjoy the conversations, take the initative to invite others to hang out over a bite/ drink after. **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30 mins in advance. We will wait up to 15 mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start. **\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-** Change of plan or decide not to attend is absolutely okay. Please do update your RSVP to "NO", so others can have the opportunity to attend. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos 2 Friends is a Melbourne based community created for individuals who are looking to expand their social circle and form long term friendship overtime. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, hiking, sporting, chilling, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **\-\-\- Heylo App \-\-\-** We use Heylo App for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please download the Heylo app from the App store and let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the Heylo Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * take advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.

**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.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: This month John Lairson will share a notebook describing the Alpaca (Paper) Trading API and discuss different algorithms for evaluating stock trades. We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com

**💎 Personality-Matched Speed Dating for Local Burnaby Singles — No Venue Needed** You'll go through short private video dates with age-matched personality-sorted Burnaby locals, while a live host keeps things smooth throughout. As part of the process, a quick compatibility quiz is part of registration — that information feeds the matching to pair you with compatible Burnaby locals, so each round starts with genuine compatibility in mind. Once the evening wraps up, mutual connections are confirmed and shared — exclusively for mutual selections — and you are in control of what happens next. **Registration — choose your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Final step:** Clicking rsvp here is not the same as registering, so click your age range link above, complete the sign-up, and take the personality questions — spots are kept small by design so register promptly, and both are needed — the RSVP alone counts for nothing. --- **This is for you if:** - Members who live in Burnaby who have given up on the app treadmill that goes in circles and are serious about meeting someone. - Those in the Burnaby area bored of profiles instead of real people and prefer meeting people in person first. - Professionals living in Burnaby ready to move past matches that ghost after two messages and value real conversation over curated profiles. - Residents calling Burnaby home who have had enough of endless scrolling and zero real dates and prefer meeting people in person first. - Daters in the Burnaby area leaving behind conversations that fizzle before a first date and want to try something that actually works. **The process** 1. **Get started** – by using the link for your bracket above, then fill in the personality questions as part of registration, because registration and quiz together hold your seat. 2. **Click into Zoom** – via your Zoom registration link at the right time, no tech headaches involved since you just click and join, and round management is all on the host from there. 3. **Chat** – short timed video rounds with Burnaby singles curated for you by age and personality, as the host keeps everything smooth and well-timed, since every person you meet was matched to you on purpose. 4. **Find your matches** – we reveal mutual matches once the session ends, since only mutual matches exchange details and everything else stays private, and from there you follow up at whatever pace suits you. **Details** - **Format:** Fully hosted in a hosted Zoom session built around structured one-on-one video dates, age and personality sorted before the event begins. - **Where:** Entirely virtual — from whatever is most comfortable for you, no special equipment — just a device with a camera and internet, and you can join from your couch or anywhere else that works. - **Host:** A seasoned host runs the session from the opening to the final round, and all you have to do is show up and be yourself — from opening to close everything is taken care of. - **Vibe:** Friendly one-on-one chats with Burnaby people who are ready for something real, and the rounds go faster than you would think. - **Duration:** Generally around 60 to 90 minutes from host intro to final round, and it is over before you know it. --- ✨ Your next match could be one Zoom call away — click your age bracket and sign up and we will handle the rest in your own time. See you in the first round. 💙 ✨

For the last 5 years, Central Ohio Friends and Columbus Social Connection have teamed up for some incredible nights out and some of the biggest social events in Columbus with our biggest combined event bringing out 80+ people. ⚠️ Please only RSVP through ONE group to help keep headcount accurate. Now we’re celebrating where it all started. On Friday, May 22, we’ll be joining Central Ohio Friends 🍻 **Starting at Whistle & Keg at 8:00 PM** before making our way through the Arena District Making a stop at Brothers Bar & Grill in the Arena District the same place their very first event was held back in 2021. Whether you’ve been to one of our events before or **have been waiting for the right one to come out to,** this is a great one to jump into. Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff. If you find value in these events consider contributing Link can be found in comments!