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Dear Guests, Due to low attendance and a number of unexpected sick leaves, we’ve made the decision to cancel our meeting scheduled for December 30th. Unfortunately, we wouldn’t be able to run it effectively under the current circumstances. Wishing you a joyful start to 2026 and we look forward to seeing everyone refreshed in January! All the best, Helsinki Toastmasters

Welcome to join our Ren Xue Yuan Gong practice! The practice is simple but yet practical and powerful. It is easy to learn and will help you: -gain energy, feel less tired and stressed -more mental clarity, easier to concentrate -boost your immune system Time: Sundays at 13:00 - 15:30 for advanced (over 1 year in the group) and at 15:30 - 17:00 for beginners NOTE: on the 16th and 30th of November, the beginners lesson will be in Wanha labra (through Kahvila Lähde, above the stairs of the auditorium) WHERE: Tallipääty, MIITTI office Lapinlahden Lähde Lapinlahdenpolku 8 00180 Helsinki How to find us: When entering into the courtyard of the yellow main building, MIITTI's office is through the first door on the left-hand side. About REN XUE Ren Xue is a comprehensive system for uplifting human life. It includes a unique form of Qigong (Yuan Qigong); three foundational theories (Theory of Qi, Theory of Consciousness, Theory of Totality) and a large body of teachings. It was created by world-renowned teacher and healer Yuan Tze who continues to offer online and in-person events worldwide. Ren Xue combines ancient Chinese wisdom traditions with modern insights into health and well-being. The goal of Ren Xue is to help individuals improve their physical, emotional, and mental health through a holistic approach that emphasizes the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. REN XUE FINLAND Ren Xue Finland (RXF) is the Finnish branch of the global movement, an organization dedicated to the promotion and teaching of Ren Xue and its associated practices, including Yuan Gong and Yuan Ming Medicine. It provides easy entry into the Ren Xue system through local in-person sessions, online courses and workshops/retreats. Other learning methods can be found here: Ren Xue TV, a YouTube channel and Learn Ren Xue website. More about Ren Xue: [https://www.renxueinternational.org/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.renxueinternational.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR06uJQRSC7BE3zhPePQ7X_KO7WXa60cr7NK25KdOqfbSIHpYqBLO3dYgVM_aem_alDR7a6KhbNhG3u9NhCUVA&h=AT18asmYaRkvHCJemaC7rr9GVu579uflDCg7T6mLNodWdtMVhuxwFhIyz0p5ONeJbm3WQ3ZGIwONIa0_pDvih4t9BCCJUBkjhK4BdIMEl4aQ_qPzR5ykW-aiOndhYDPeAW9_2_eWZaMsv889HKbp8_c&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT35KTjVjr2kCnYHrXXjXPxEGFK-RFbZnFVdDmWrTe5WwbSZZ5ulNxFEjPPhejS8Pf4xetwkU1hhM1P2K_ABugpnXL6w-CKE25ARXwtLSexv-4fPJ4s2_Kcqgj3g2XWjCVkPPgcjwrPoNWOvdKa2f1VqyVa-2kcTojodTS3wn9zrnRjZLcG7) If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

Join us on **Fridays, 18:00 - 19:30** at **Lapinlahden Lähde** for a free session where we’ll explore the topic of the week. After 19:30, you're welcome to hang out with us. Depending on what the group decides, we sometimes: \- go out for dinner \- stay in\, enjoy tea and cookies and play board games ✅ Your **RSVP counts as your registration**, we expect you to **honour it**. 🤝 All conversations are confidential. What’s shared, stays in the group. 🌿 Small group, big heart: Everyone gets a chance to share. 🧘‍♀️ Come comfy, come curious. 💧 Bring water. Skip heavy meals & caffeine. 📍 **Tallipääty, Lapinlahdenpolku 8, Helsinki** (Through the gate, first door on the left!) **Kind reminder:** Last-minute cancellations or no-shows mean others miss out. To keep it fair, repeated cases may result in losing the spot in future sessions. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

### **🌍 Open Discussion & Networking Evening at GTC Café** Looking for a friendly and engaging environment to share ideas, meet new people, and expand your network? Join us every **Wednesday at 6 PM** for an open discussion and networking session at **GTC Café**. Whether you’re here to make new friends, discuss professional topics, or simply enjoy thought-provoking conversations, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. *** **🗣️ What to Expect:** * **Free Discussions**: Talk about any topic of interest—current events, cultural insights, personal experiences, or global trends. * **Networking Opportunities**: Expand your professional connections and exchange ideas about career growth and development. * **Friendship Building**: Meet locals and internationals in Helsinki and form meaningful connections. * **Language Practice**: Practice English or learn from others in a supportive environment. *** **📋 Event Details:** * **Day & Time**: Every Wednesday, 6 PM * **Location**: GTC Café, Ruoholahdenkatu 8, 00180 Helsinki 📍 * **Entry Fee**: Free, but ordering a drink or snack is mandatory 🍵 * **Each week's discussion topic** will be announced in our café's WhatsApp group and on our Instagram page — so make sure to follow us and stay updated! *** **✨ Guidelines for a Positive Experience:** * 🍹 Order a drink or snack upon arrival (mandatory). * 🚫 Outside food and drinks are not allowed. * 🧹 Please respect the café staff and ensure the space is clean and tidy when you leave. * 🤝 Be polite and respectful to everyone. *** **👉 Join Our Community:** * 📨 **WhatsApp Group**: Stay updated about future events. [Click here to join.](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JU94iEW0dHlHMgPDwR9s27) European phone numbers are automatically accepted; contact us on Instagram for others. **Why Join Us?** * Expand your professional and personal network. * Engage in meaningful and fun discussions. * Enjoy a welcoming space to meet locals and internationals. Mark your calendar and join us every Tuesday at GTC Café for an enriching evening of conversation and connection. See you there! *** ### **🌍 Avoin Keskustelu- ja Verkostoitumisilta GTC Cafessa** Etsitkö ystävällistä ja innostavaa ympäristöä jakaa ajatuksia, tutustua uusiin ihmisiin ja laajentaa verkostoasi? Liity seuraamme joka keskiviikko **klo 18** avoimeen keskustelu- ja verkostoitumisiltaan **GTC Cafessa**. Olitpa kiinnostunut uusien ystävien löytämisestä, ammattiaiheiden keskustelusta tai mieleenpainuvista keskusteluista, tämä tapahtuma tarjoaa täydellisen tilaisuuden luoda yhteyksiä samanhenkisten ihmisten kanssa rennossa ja kutsuvassa ilmapiirissä. *** **🗣️ Mitä Odottaa:** * **Vapaat Keskustelut**: Keskustele kiinnostavista aiheista—ajankohtaisista tapahtumista, kulttuurieroista, henkilökohtaisista kokemuksista tai globaaleista trendeistä. * **Verkostoitumismahdollisuudet**: Laajenna ammatillisia yhteyksiäsi ja vaihda ajatuksia urakehityksestä. * **Ystävyyssuhteiden Luominen**: Tapaa paikallisia ja kansainvälisiä ihmisiä Helsingissä ja muodosta merkityksellisiä yhteyksiä. * **Kielen Harjoittelu**: Harjoittele englantia tai opi muilta tukevassa ympäristössä. * **Kahvilamme** WhatsApp-ryhmässä ja Instagram-sivulla ilmoitetaan joka viikon keskusteluaihe – joten seuraa meitä pysyäksesi ajan tasalla! *** **📋 Tapahtuman Tiedot:** * **Päivä & Aika**: Joka keskiviikko, klo 18 * **Sijainti**: GTC Café, Ruoholahdenkatu 8, 00180 Helsinki 📍 * **Osallistumismaksu**: Maksuton, mutta juoman tai välipalan tilaaminen on pakollista 🍵 *** **✨ Ohjeet Mukavaan Iltaan:** * 🍹 Tilaa juoma tai välipala heti saapuessasi (pakollista). * 🚫 Ulkopuoliset ruoat ja juomat eivät ole sallittuja. * 🧹 Kunnioita kahvilan henkilökuntaa ja varmista, että paikka jää siistiksi lähtiessäsi. * 🤝 Ole kohtelias ja kunnioittava kaikkia kohtaan. *** **👉 Liity Yhteisöömme:** * 📨 **WhatsApp-ryhmä**: Pysy ajan tasalla tulevista tapahtumista. [Liity tästä](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JU94iEW0dHlHMgPDwR9s27). Eurooppalaiset numerot hyväksytään automaattisesti; muut ottakaa yhteyttä Instagramissa. **Miksi Liittyä?** * Laajenna ammatillista ja henkilökohtaista verkostoasi. * Osallistu mielekkäisiin ja hauskoihin keskusteluihin. * Nauti kutsuvasta ympäristöstä tavata paikallisia ja kansainvälisiä ihmisiä. Merkitse kalenteriisi ja liity seuraamme joka tiistai GTC Cafessa rikastuttavaan keskustelu- ja verkostoitumisiltaan. Nähdään siellä!

🎲 **Board Game Wednesdays at GTC!** 🎲 Every Wednesday at **6:30 PM**, we gather for a fun evening of board games — one featured game each week! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this is the perfect chance to learn, play, and meet new people in a relaxed atmosphere. Bring your friends or come solo , you’ll always find a group to join! ✨ **Entry Fee:** €7 for new visitors \| €5 for loyal customers Pääsymaksu: 7 euroa \| €5 for loyal customers 🎲 **Lautapeli-keskiviikot GTC:llä!** 🎲 Joka keskiviikko klo **18:30** kokoonnumme pelaamaan yhdessä yhtä lautapeliä viikossa. Olitpa sitten aloittelija tai kokenut pelaaja, tämä on loistava mahdollisuus oppia uutta, pelata ja tutustua uusiin ihmisiin rennossa ilmapiirissä. Tule kavereiden kanssa tai yksin, peliseuraa löytyy aina! ✨

🎲 **Board Game Thursdays at GTC!** 🎲 Every Thursday at **6:30 PM**, we dive into a new board game together! It’s the perfect chance to explore different games, learn new strategies, and share laughs with friends old and new. Whether you’re a casual player or a board game enthusiast, you’re always welcome to join the fun! ✨ **Entry Fee:** €7 for new visitors \| €5 for loyal customers Pääsymaksu: 7 Euroa \| €5 for loyal customers 🎲 **Lautapeli-torstait GTC:llä!** 🎲 Joka torstai klo **18:30** tutustumme uuteen lautapeliin yhdessä! Tämä on loistava mahdollisuus kokeilla erilaisia pelejä, oppia uusia strategioita ja viettää hauska ilta ystävien sekä uusien tuttavuuksien kanssa. Olitpa satunnainen pelaaja tai todellinen lautapeliharrastaja, olet aina tervetullut mukaan! ✨

**🎨 Keramiikan Maalaustyöpaja – Vapauta Luovuutesi! 🏺** Liity mukaan **keskiviikkoisin klo 16** ja **lauantaisin klo 13** rentouttavaan ja hauskaan **keramiikan maalaustyöpajaan**! 🌟 **Miten se toimii?** * Valitse suosikkisi **kymmenistä keramiikkatuotteista**, kuten mukeista, vaaseista, hahmoista ja muista. * Suunnittele ja **maalaa oma taideteoksesi** valitsemillasi väreillä. * Ota upeasti maalaamasi keramiikkatyö mukaasi kotiin muistoksi! Tarjoamme **kaikki tarvittavat materiaalit**, mukaan lukien keramiikan, maalit, siveltimet ja muut tarvikkeet. Työpaja sopii erinomaisesti **perheille, ystäville ja yksin osallistuville**. Ikäraja **6 vuotta ja vanhemmat**. 📍 **Missä?** GTC Café 🎟 **Paikkoja rajoitetusti – varaa paikkasi nyt!** Tule mukaan luomaan jotakin kaunista! 🎨✨ **-** **🎨 Pottery Painting Workshop – Unleash Your Creativity! 🏺** Join us every **Wednesday at 4 PM** and **Saturday at 1 PM** for a fun and relaxing **Pottery Painting Workshop**! 🌟 **How It Works:** * Choose from **dozens of pottery pieces**, including mugs, vases, figurines, and more. * Pick your favorite design and **paint it however you like** using our wide selection of colors. * Take your beautifully hand-painted pottery home with you as a unique keepsake! We provide **all materials**, including pottery, paints, brushes, and everything you need to bring your creativity to life. This workshop is **perfect for families, friends, and solo participants** looking for a creative and enjoyable experience. Suitable for **ages 6 and up**. 📍 **Where?** GTC Café 🎟 **Limited spots available – book your session now!** Come and create something beautiful! 🎨✨ Book Now

Embark on a journey of creativity and relaxation as you explore different artistic mediums. Immerse yourself in a sculpture painting workshop and discover a variety of techniques and styles. Led by experienced painting masters, our workshops provide expert guidance and insider tips to enhance your skills. We supply all the necessary materials, from paints and brushes to sculpting tools, so you can fully immerse yourself in the creative process. At the end of each session, take home your unique masterpiece as a memento of your artistic journey! Reserve your spot today by pre-booking through the links below. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to tap into your artistic potential. Join us at GTC Cafe's painting workshops and let your creativity soar! You can also arrange this workshop for special events, birthdays, or any other occasion to enjoy with friends. Simply let us know your preferred date at least one week in advance. We can't wait to paint with you!

Start the new year with your local IxDA pals. Join members of the Central Ohio UX and design community for our monthly breakfast.

Let's have lunch at Uptown Westerville's newest restaurant. Ampersand is owned by the same couple who owns Asterisk. They are known for ramen, rice bowls, teriyaki and small plates.

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

You can also join the meeting by Conference Call at (518) 263-8851.

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.