Canoing, Kayaking, Rafting

🍺 LOO-BLAH-NAH International ZAP Pub Quiz — Every Tuesday @ 19:00! 🧠 Fun • Social • Competitive • International Looking for something to do on Tuesday nights? Want to meet people, challenge your brain, and have a few drinks? This is THE international quiz night in Ljubljana — lively, friendly, and always full of surprises. 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center (Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 1) 🕖 Every Tuesday @ 7 PM 💶 €5 entry • 🗣 English • 👥 Teams of 2–5 ⚠ LIMITED CAPACITY (45 people) The pub is cozy — seats disappear fast. Save your spot: 👉 Team Registration: https://forms.gle/V5fJieLx3ySXjnoS7 🙋‍♂️ NO TEAM? NO PROBLEM. Come alone → leave with a team. Just write “looking for a team” in our WhatsApp group: 👉 Pub Quiz WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK We match people up every week. 🎮 HOW THE QUIZ WORKS 1️⃣ Arrive \~18:45 2️⃣ Pay €5 at the bar 3️⃣ Grab a drink 🍺 4️⃣ Quiz starts at 19:00 sharp 5️⃣ 4 rounds × 10 questions 6️⃣ Winners revealed around 21:00 Prizes for the top teams! 🏆 📅 EVENT DETAILS 📅 Every Tuesday 🕖 19:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center 💶 €5 entry 👥 Teams of 2–5 🌍 Friendly international crowd 🗣 Quiz in English Organized by Ljubljana International x ZAP Events x Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🍺 LOO-BLAH-NAH International ZAP Pub Quiz – Vsak torek ob 19:00! 🧠 Zabavno • Mednarodno • Tekmovalno Iščeš druženje ob torkih? Rad/a spoznavaš ljudi, rešuješ kvize in piješ dobro pivo? To je najbolj mednarodni pub kviz v Ljubljani – sproščeno, zabavno in vedno polno dobre energije. 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center (Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 1) 🕖 Vsak torek ob 19:00 💶 5 € • 🗣 Kviz v angleščini • 👥 Ekipe 2–5 oseb ⚠ OMEJENA KAPACITETA (45 mest) Prostor se zelo hitro zapolni. Priporočamo registracijo: 👉 Prijava ekipe: https://forms.gle/V5fJieLx3ySXjnoS7 🙋‍♀ NIMAŠ EKIPE? SUPER — PRIDI SAM/A. Napiši “iščem ekipo” v WhatsApp skupini: 👉 WhatsApp skupina: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK Vsak teden povezujemo solo igralce v ekipe. 🎮 KAKO POTEKA KVIZ 1️⃣ Prihod okoli 18:45 2️⃣ Plačilo 5 € na baru 3️⃣ Pijača v roke 🍺 4️⃣ Kviz začne ob 19:00 5️⃣ 4 krogi × 10 vprašanj 6️⃣ Zmagovalci ob \~21:00 Nagrade za najboljše ekipe! 🏆 📅 PODATKI O DOGODKU 📅 Vsak torek 🕖 19:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center 💶 5 € 👥 Ekipe 2–5 🌍 Mednarodna družba 🗣 Kviz v angleščini Organizirajo Ljubljana International x ZAP Events x Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH.

🍻 LOO-BLAH-NAH International ZAP Pub Quiz – Every Tuesday @ 19:00! 🧠 The most international quiz night in Ljubljana. 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center (Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 1) ⏰ Every Tuesday @ 7 PM 🗣️ In English • 💶 €5 entry • 👥 Teams of 2–5 Every Tuesday we turn the pub into a fun, social, slightly chaotic quiz arena — with internationals, Erasmus, locals, and travelers all mixing together. If you want a friendly community night with a bit of competition, this is it. ⚠ LIMITED SEATING — ONLY 45 SPOTS This venue is small and fills up fast. Registration highly recommended! 👉 Register your team: https://forms.gle/V5fJieLx3ySXjnoS7 🙋‍♂️ NO TEAM? COME ANYWAY. If you’re new, alone, or just want to join a random team: 👉 Join the WhatsApp group & say “looking for a team” https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK We’ll match you with other players before the quiz starts. 🕹 HOW THE EVENING WORKS 1️⃣ Arrive around 18:45 2️⃣ Pay €5 at the bar (card/cash) 3️⃣ Find your team / join a team 4️⃣ Grab a drink 🍺 5️⃣ Quiz starts at 19:00 sharp 6️⃣ Winners announced around 21:00 Perfect for meeting new people, making friends, and enjoying a fun Tuesday night. 📍 EVENT DETAILS 📅 Every Tuesday 🕖 19:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center 💶 €5 per person 👥 Teams of 2–5 🌍 International crowd 🗣 Quiz in English Organized by Ljubljana International, ZAP Events, and Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🍻 LOO-BLAH-NAH International ZAP Pub Quiz – Vsak torek ob 19:00! 🧠 Najbolj mednarodni pub kviz v Ljubljani! 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center (Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 1) ⏰ Vsak torek ob 19:00 🗣️ V angleščini • 💶 5 € vstopnine • 👥 Ekipe 2–5 oseb Vsak torek pub napolnimo z energijo, smehom in novimi prijateljstvi. Popolno za internacionalce, študente, expate in domačine. ⚠ OMEJENA MESTA — SAMO 45 LJUDI Prostor se hitro zapolni. Priporočena registracija! 👉 Prijava ekipe: https://forms.gle/V5fJieLx3ySXjnoS7 🙋‍♀ NIMAŠ EKIPE? BREZ SKRBI. Če prideš sam/a: 👉 Pridruži se WhatsApp skupini & napiši “iščem ekipo” https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK Najdemo ti super družbo. 🕹 KAKO VEČER POTEKA 1️⃣ Prihod ob 18:45 2️⃣ Plačilo 5 € na baru 3️⃣ Najdi svojo ekipo / pridruži se drugi 4️⃣ Vzemi pijačo 🍺 5️⃣ Kviz se začne 19:00 6️⃣ Ob 21:00 razglasimo zmagovalce Odličen večer za druženje, spoznavanje in zabavo. 📍 PODROBNOSTI 📅 Vsak torek 🕖 19:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center 💶 5 € na osebo 👥 2–5 oseb na ekipo 🌍 Mednarodna publika 🗣 Kviz v angleščini Organizirajo: Ljubljana International, ZAP Events in Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center.

This workshop will be held in a hybrid format, allowing you to participate either in person or virtually. ‼️ To help us prepare, please ensure you have registered correctly here : https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-krakow-presents-build-with-ai-4-production-ready-ai-agents-hybrid-workshop/ and selected your attendance preference: **In-Person**: Join us on-site at **EPAM HUB Krakow.** **Online:** Join us via the meeting link: https://meet.google.com/yro-fdxs-qzw Please use **personal gmail account** for registration. We will provide **Google Cloud Credits** to generate a **Gemini keys** for use during the workshop. This session is designed for **beginners and intermediate** learners, if you have no experience with these specific technologies it is a great chance to acquire it! Please be prepared to you your personal laptop. **AGENDA** 🎟️ 17:30 - Registration & Networking 🚀 18:00 - Opening & Setup preparations 🎤 18:10 - Çalgan Aygün - Building and Scaling Secure Agents: MCP, ADK and Cloud Run. Part 1. Unlock the potential of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to provide AI agents with secure, standardized access to your data and tools. This hands-on session guides you through the end-to-end process of building and deploying a production-ready MCP server on Google Cloud Run. You will learn how to implement robust security for your server and then connect it to an intelligent agent using the Agent Development Kit (ADK). By the end of the workshop, you will have a functional, secure agentic workflow running in the cloud. 🍕 19:10 - Break 🎤 19:30 - Çalgan Aygün - Building and Scaling Secure Agents: MCP, ADK and Cloud Run. Part 2. **Speaker's bio:** Çalgan Aygün is a DevOps Lead at FinalCheck, specializing in providing solutions for individual verification. Previously, he worked as a backend and cloud engineer at QuarPay, focusing on modernizing infrastructure and developing faster payment systems. With a background as a software developer at My Security Analytics, his experience extends to analytics software for business, fraud, and government security. **TIME & VENUE** **📅** April 21th, 2026 (Tuesday) **🕙** 5:30 PM – 20:30 PM **📍** Venue: [EPAM HUB,](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6YjYuCbLQ6Wg454u5)1a Fabryczna, **REGISTRATION ❗** Please register on this page (RSVP) If you plan to visit in person please bring your ID with you.

🌍 Ljubljana International Friday After Party @ Voyager 🍺 Every Friday from 23:00 → late (1AM) 30+ internationals. One spot. Best Friday night energy in Ljubljana. 🔥 What to expect The official afterparty of Ljubljana’s biggest international meetup. Meet new people (30+ attendees) Stronger vibe, better connections Music, drinks, and real energy The place where the night actually happens 🍺 Why Voyager? Craft beer. Proper selection. No basic drinks. At Voyager Craft Beer Bar you get: A wide range of local & international craft beers A more unique, premium bar experience The perfect setting to continue the night with your new crew 💬 Who comes? Internationals Erasmus students Digital nomads Young professionals Locals who want something more social Everyone is open. Everyone is here to connect. 📍 Event details 📅 Every Friday ⏰ From 23:00 until 01:00 📍 Voyager Craft Beer Bar 👥 30+ attendees (growing every week) 🌐 Stay connected Join the WhatsApp community (1000+ members): https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK Explore more events: https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational

🌍🍕 Ljubljana International Friday Afterwork Meetup @ Dobra Vila 📅 Every Friday ⏰ From 18:00 (6 PM) 📍 Pizzeria Dobra Vila (Dunajska 5) Ljubljana — this is your Friday reset. After a long week, there’s one place where locals, internationals, Erasmus students, and young professionals come together to unwind, connect, and start the weekend right. Welcome to the Ljubljana International Friday Afterwork Meetup. 🌍 WHAT THIS IS A weekly afterwork gathering designed for: • meeting new people naturally • building real friendships • expanding your social circle • enjoying great food & drinks • starting your Friday evening in a relaxed, social way No pressure. No awkwardness. Just a welcoming, open environment where conversations flow easily. 🍕 THE VIBE Think: • pizza on the table • drinks in hand • people arriving after work • small groups forming and mixing • relaxed energy that builds into the night This is not a loud party. It’s where the night begins. 🔥 WHY PEOPLE COME • you can come solo and instantly meet people • a friendly, international crowd every week • perfect for newcomers in Ljubljana • a mix of locals, expats, Erasmus & travelers • an easy, consistent way to grow your network By the time you leave — you’ll know new people. 🚀 HOW IT WORKS Show up from 18:00 Grab a drink or food Join a table or conversation Let the evening unfold naturally Stay for an hour — or stay for the whole night. 🌍 THE LJUBLJANA INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY This event is part of Ljubljana International — the largest international community in Ljubljana, with 1000+ members and growing every week. What makes it special: • an active WhatsApp group where people connect daily • a community that actually meets — not just online • people who are open, social, and looking to connect • events happening every week across the city 👉 You don’t just attend — you become part of it. 📍 EVENT DETAILS 📅 Every Friday ⏰ From 18:00 📍 Pizzeria Dobra Vila 👥 30–50+ people every week 💬 WHO SHOULD COME • new in Ljubljana • looking to meet people without awkwardness • want a relaxed, social afterwork vibe • enjoy good food, drinks, and conversations If you’re international — or simply open-minded — you’ll fit right in. ✨ HOSTED BY Ljubljana International × Expat Meetups by Mehtab × Pizzeria Dobra Vila 🌎 JOIN THE COMMUNITY 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK 👉 https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational 🍕 Start your Friday with good people. Stay for the vibe. See where the night takes you.

We’re launching a beginner Bachata & Salsa course together with one of the best dance schools in Ljubljana — @utripplesa. You’ll learn the basics, get comfortable with the movements and simply enjoy dancing in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Perfect for those who have been wanting to try partner dancing but didn’t know where to start. 📅 **Sundays at 17:00 (starting 05.04)** ⏱ **4 classes (1.5 hours each)** 💶 **Price:** €45 for the full course €40 per person if you join with a partner or a friend If you didn’t attend the trial class, you can join the **first session for €10** to see if you like it before committing to the full course. 👉 **Register here:** [https://forms.gle/Gp47pWi8Pk2QsKTu5](https://forms.gle/Gp47pWi8Pk2QsKTu5) Please make sure to **check your email and WhatsApp after registering** — we’ll send all confirmations and updates there. Let’s dance ✨

🍑 NORD AFTERWORK THURSDAYS — 3+1 GRATIS Every Thursday in April • From 7PM 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center, Ljubljana Ljubljana, it's time to upgrade your Thursdays. Forget boring afterwork drinks — we're turning Thursdays into a Nord-powered social ritual. Together with Nord Hard Seltzer, Ljubljana International, and Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH, we’re launching a new weekly hangout where locals, expats, creatives, and party people meet to relax, connect, and start the weekend early. 🍹 3+1 GRATIS on all Nord Hard Seltzers all night Nord is Slovenia’s first hard seltzer — a fresh alternative to beer and cocktails: • light • refreshing • low calories • full of flavor Choose your favorite: 🍑 Cheeky Peach 🥭 Mango Tangerine 🫐 Bluberry Mint 🍋 Lemon Elderberry 🍊 Blood Orange Ginger 🌿 Lemongrass Green Tea 🍋 Matter Lemon 🥭 Mrfy Guava Fresh 🎶 What to expect • international crowd • indie / retro party vibes • new people & spontaneous conversations • music, laughter and good energy • creative and festival-style atmosphere Basically: the best way to spend your Thursday in Ljubljana. 🔥 Why come? Because Thursday is the new Friday. Because Nord is the perfect drink for social nights. Because the best nights start unplanned with good people. And because 3+1 Nord tastes better with friends. 📅 Every Thursday in April 🕖 From 19:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center Bring your friends, meet new people, and start your weekend early. QUIT YOUR JOB. DRINK A NORD. See you Thursday. 🌎 Join the Community Meet people before and after events in our Ljubljana International community: 👉 WhatsApp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK 👉 Events & socials https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational

🌍 Ljubljana’s Biggest International Friday Afterwork Meetup! 🎉 Every Friday @ 18:00 (6 PM) At Pizzeria DOBRA VILA (Dunajska 5) Looking to meet new internationals, young professionals, Erasmus students, digital nomads, travelers, and locals every week? Welcome to Ljubljana’s Friday International Social — the weekly community night hosted by Ljubljana International, Expat Meetups by Mehtab, and Pizzeria Dobra Vila. This is your core weekly ritual, your Friday reset, and the easiest way to meet 30-50+ people in Ljubljana — every single week. 🌍 What This Event Is A weekly Friday tradition where internationals and locals come together to: Meet new friends Build social circles Connect with people from 30+ countries Start their weekend with good vibes Have meaningful conversations Enjoy a warm, friendly, open community No awkwardness. No pressure. No cliques. Just good people, good energy, and a guaranteed crowd. 🔥 Why People Love It You can come solo — you’ll meet people instantly Super friendly vibe Easy conversations Everyone is open to meeting new people Perfect for newcomers in Ljubljana A mix of locals, students, nomads, workers & travelers The event grows every week Your Friday nights become bigger, better, and more social. 📍 Event Details 📅 Every Friday ⏰ 8:00 PM 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center (City Center) 👥 40+ attendees — growing toward 100 by summer 💬 Who Should Come? New in Ljubljana Want to grow your social circle Looking for international-friendly environments Want to meet people without awkwardness Just want a fun, social Friday night If you’re international — or simply international-minded — this is the place to be. ✨ Hosted by Ljubljana International × Expat Meetups by Mehtab × Pizzeria Dobra Vila Three communities → One massive weekly meetup. 🔗 Stay Connected Join the WhatsApp community with 1000+ members to meet people before & after events: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK Explore our upcoming events and follow us on our social media to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational

📚🍻 ZAP Pub Quiz – Your New Wednesday Tradition! Powered by Ljubljana International 🧠✨ If you want a fun night, new friends, good vibes, and a mix of internationals & locals — this is the Wednesday event you don’t want to miss. Come solo. Come with friends. Either way, we’ll put you in a team and you’ll leave knowing new people. 📍 The Place, Plečnikov trg 1 ⏰ Every Wednesday @ 19:00 💶 €5 entry • All English • Open to everyone ✨ The Vibe 🌍 A big, friendly, international crowd 😄 Easy to socialize — zero awkwardness 🍺 Chill drinks + good music + fun atmosphere 🧠 5 trivia rounds (memes, geography, music, movies, pop culture) 🏆 Prizes & bragging rights 🔥 Great mid-week energy boost It’s not about winning — it’s about connecting, laughing, and having a good time. 🕹️ How To Join 1️⃣ Join our WhatsApp Group Team forming + updates happen here: 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK 2️⃣ Sign Up (recommended!) This helps us organize seating & teams: 👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-nHP7z815r8oxeyqlPTFRuQ_wSaQNZCgzRQ30nG9rIvB5-A/viewform 3️⃣ Show up (solo or with friends) 4️⃣ Pay €5 at the bar 5️⃣ Grab a drink 🍺 6️⃣ Meet your team & enjoy the quiz! 👥 Teams 👫 Teams of 2–8 players 🙋 Solo players get matched right away 💬 Coordination is super easy through WhatsApp WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK Sign-Up Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-nHP7z815r8oxeyqlPTFRuQ_wSaQNZCgzRQ30nG9rIvB5-A/viewform 🕺 Timeline 🕧 18:30–19:00 — Arrivals, chit-chat, team formation 🧠 19:00–22:00 — Quiz (5 rounds) 🏆 22:00+ — Prizes + after-quiz drinks 📍 Essentials 📅 Every Wednesday 📍 The Place, Plečnikov trg 1 💰 €5 🗣️ English 👥 Teams 2–8 🍻 Friendly, social, international crowd 🔗 Important Links 🌍 All links in one place (Linktree): 👉 https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational 💬 WhatsApp Group: 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK 📝 Quick Sign-Up: 👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-nHP7z815r8oxeyqlPTFRuQ_wSaQNZCgzRQ30nG9rIvB5-A/viewform 💡 If you want a mid-week plan that’s fun, social, relaxed, and full of new people — you’ll love this quiz night. 📲 See you on Wednesday — come meet the community! 🎉✨

🎉🌍 LJUBLJANA INTERNATIONAL PRE-PARTY SATURDAYS @ LOO-BLAH-NAH 📅 Every Saturday ⏰ 20:00 – 23:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center Ljubljana — before the party, we meet here. Welcome to Ljubljana International Pre-Party Saturdays, the easiest way to start your night with the right people, the right energy, and the right vibe. Whether you're heading to Cvetličarna, Cirkus, Nebo, Zorica — or just figuring it out as you go — this is where the night begins. 🍻 WHAT THIS IS A social, high-energy pre-party where: • internationals, locals, Erasmus & travelers meet • conversations start instantly • drinks flow • groups form naturally Come solo or with friends — you won’t stay alone for long. 🔥 WHY START HERE • meet your crew before going out • avoid awkward solo pre-drinks • start the night in a social, open environment • connect with people heading to the same places The best nights aren’t planned — they start here. 🍺 EXPECT • a lively international crowd • music to set the mood • drinks & pre-party offers • spontaneous plans for the rest of the night 🚀 HOW IT WORKS Show up from 20:00 Grab a drink Meet people Decide where the night goes Around 22:30–23:00, we head out — together or in groups — to the hottest spots in the city. 🌍 THE LJUBLJANA INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY This event is powered by Ljubljana International — the biggest international community in Ljubljana, with 1000+ members and growing every week. What makes it different: • an active WhatsApp group where people connect daily • real friendships — not just one-time events • a mix of expats, Erasmus students, digital nomads, and locals • people who are open, social, and actually want to meet others 👉 You don’t just come to an event — you join a community. Before the event: • meet people in the WhatsApp group After the event: • continue the night together • join other events • build your social circle in Ljubljana 🌍 WHO SHOULD COME • anyone going out on Saturday • people new to Ljubljana • anyone looking to meet others before the party • anyone who wants a better start to their night ✨ HOSTED BY Ljubljana International × Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center 🌎 JOIN THE COMMUNITY 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK 👉 https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational 🎉 Don’t pre-party alone. Start your night here — with the right people.

Join us for one of our favorite hikes this Tuesday (4/21/26) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hoover Dam Scenic Trail, starting at the west end of the dam. This hike includes some paved paths/roads along with some dirt trails, with a few beautiful views of the reservoir. Join us for this 2 mile hike, finding us in the parking lot at the corner of Sunbury and Smoke Burr.

**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.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

**Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in!** **We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind.** **If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward at Prost Beer and Wine Cafe. Www.prostcafe.com**

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL