Local Issues

**The imprints of time: The adventures of a typewriter throughout the 20th century** Once a typewriter created a revolution in writing and communication. After that it became a crucial part of office work that allowed us to quickly write documents. Later - an old and obsolete residue of the past, turning into a small piece of all the things a computer and today’s smart devices are capable of. Now it’s reviving yet again and gives an opportunity to meet itself. We invite you to not just meet the typewriter itself, but also, it’s always-changing world filled with stories. Typewriter – a device that with it’s timeline shows how some mechanism could not just be an innovation of it’s time, but also a part of office work, literature, politics and today’s nostalgia. What can you expect: * A selection of historic typewriters – with their stories and specialties; * An insight into typewriter’s role in society; * Things that lived alongside the typewriter – what they used to write, how they were repaired and where they were produced; Visitors can also try selected typewriters out themselves and take what they wrote along! The number of papers is limited! Meet the typewriters and their rhythmic clicking sounds and the vintage analogue writing experience – that’s not just writing, it’s a whole era or people’s lives. The event will be available from 19:00 up to 00:00, at Sergeja Eizenšteina iela 59a, Riga. Free of admission. *There will be a technical break from 21:00 until 21:30, during which the event will not be available for a visit.* *Filming and photography will be happening during the event with purposes of publicity and protection of the property.*

Vai Tu vēlies pavadīt jautru piektdienas vakaru foršā kompānijā, kurā visi ir brīvi cilvēki? Kopā baudīsim vakariņas un ļausimies aizraujošam vakaram ar lomu spēli “Mafija”. Tā ir lieliska iespēja iepazīt jaunus cilvēkus, pasmieties un pavadīt piektdienas vakaru nepiespiestā atmosfērā. Bez spiediena. Bez neveiklām sarunām. Vienkārši labs vakars ar interesantiem, brīviem cilvēkiem. Ja vēlēsies, pēc pasākuma palīdzēsim apmainīties kontaktiem. 📅 **KAD?** 22\. maijs 🕒 **CIKOS?** 19.00 📍 **KUR?** Pilsētrestorāns "Lapsas māja", Tērbatas ielā 28 👥 **KAS?** 12 sievietes un 12 vīrieši vecumā no 30-40 💬**VALODA?** Latviešu Iepazīsi jaunus, interesantus cilvēkus, un kas zin, varbūt iegūsi jaunus draugus vai pat satiksi kādu īpašu cilvēku. **KAS IR SPĒLE "MAFIJA'":** Populāra psiholoģiska lomu spēle ar detektīvu sižetu, kurā katram spēlētājam būs dažādas lomas, bet galvenais - vai loma ir komandā ar mafiju vai iedzīvotājiem. Katru nakti mafija nogalinās iedzīvotājus un pa dienu iedzīvotāji centīsies uzminēt, kurš ir mafija! Spēle balstās uz dialogiem, maldināšanu un dedukciju, kur mērķis ir atmaskot noziedzniekus, pirms tie pārņem pilsētu. Jautrība garantēta! **Pievienojies, ja** ✅Esi vecuma grupā 30-40 ✅Šobrīd neesi attiecībās ✅Vēlies iepazīt jaunus cilvēkus dzīvē, nevis caur ekrānu **PROGRAMMA:** 19.00 - kopīgi paēdīsim vakariņas un iepazīsimies (katrs par savām vakariņām maksā pats) 20.00 - 22:30- spēlēsim dedukcijas lomu spēli "Mafija". Priekšzināšanas nav nepieciešamas. 🎟️Biļetes: www.singlesonly.lv

**The imprints of time: The adventures of a typewriter throughout the 20th century** Once a typewriter created a revolution in writing and communication. After that it became a crucial part of office work that allowed us to quickly write documents. Later - an old and obsolete residue of the past, turning into a small piece of all the things a computer and today’s smart devices are capable of. Now it’s reviving yet again and gives an opportunity to meet itself. We invite you to not just meet the typewriter itself, but also, it’s always-changing world filled with stories. Typewriter – a device that with it’s timeline shows how some mechanism could not just be an innovation of it’s time, but also a part of office work, literature, politics and today’s nostalgia. What can you expect: * A selection of historic typewriters – with their stories and specialties; * An insight into typewriter’s role in society; * Things that lived alongside the typewriter – what they used to write, how they were repaired and where they were produced; Visitors can also try selected typewriters out themselves and take what they wrote along! The number of papers is limited! Meet the typewriters and their rhythmic clicking sounds and the vintage analogue writing experience – that’s not just writing, it’s a whole era or people’s lives. The event will be available from 19:00 up to 00:00, at Sergeja Eizenšteina iela 59a, Riga. Free of admission. *There will be a technical break from 21:00 until 21:30, during which the event will not be available for a visit.* *Filming and photography will be happening during the event with purposes of publicity and protection of the property.*

Come join us for a BBQ in Lucavsala's Grilpark. Bring your own food and drinks ☺️

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

Vai Tu vēlies pavadīt jautru piektdienas vakaru foršā kompānijā, kurā visi ir brīvi cilvēki? Kopā baudīsim vakariņas un ļausimies aizraujošam vakaram ar lomu spēli “Mafija”. Tā ir lieliska iespēja iepazīt jaunus cilvēkus, pasmieties un pavadīt piektdienas vakaru nepiespiestā atmosfērā. Bez spiediena. Bez neveiklām sarunām. Vienkārši labs vakars ar interesantiem, brīviem cilvēkiem. Ja vēlēsies, pēc pasākuma palīdzēsim apmainīties kontaktiem. 📅 **KAD?** 22\. maijs 🕒 **CIKOS?** 19.00 📍 **KUR?** Pilsētrestorāns "Lapsas māja", Tērbatas ielā 28 👥 **KAS?** 12 sievietes un 12 vīrieši vecumā no 30-40 💬**VALODA?** Latviešu Iepazīsi jaunus, interesantus cilvēkus, un kas zin, varbūt iegūsi jaunus draugus vai pat satiksi kādu īpašu cilvēku. **KAS IR SPĒLE "MAFIJA'":** Populāra psiholoģiska lomu spēle ar detektīvu sižetu, kurā katram spēlētājam būs dažādas lomas, bet galvenais - vai loma ir komandā ar mafiju vai iedzīvotājiem. Katru nakti mafija nogalinās iedzīvotājus un pa dienu iedzīvotāji centīsies uzminēt, kurš ir mafija! Spēle balstās uz dialogiem, maldināšanu un dedukciju, kur mērķis ir atmaskot noziedzniekus, pirms tie pārņem pilsētu. Jautrība garantēta! **Pievienojies, ja** ✅Esi vecuma grupā 30-40 ✅Šobrīd neesi attiecībās ✅Vēlies iepazīt jaunus cilvēkus dzīvē, nevis caur ekrānu **PROGRAMMA:** 19.00 - kopīgi paēdīsim vakariņas un iepazīsimies (katrs par savām vakariņām maksā pats) 20.00 - 22:30- spēlēsim dedukcijas lomu spēli "Mafija". Priekšzināšanas nav nepieciešamas. 🎟️Biļetes: www.singlesonly.lv

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

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

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Hosted by Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District **Stream Team Sampling Events** Are you interested in the health of local rivers and streams? You can join the Licking County Soil and Water in a Stream Team assessment. These events are a night filled will fun in the water. We look at habitat, biology, and chemical parameters in waterways that indicate how healthy our water is! We would love to see you at one of these events! Family friendly. Free to attend. June Wildwood Park, Granville Where: 785 W Broadway, Granville, OH 43023 Date: 6/11/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. July Velvet Ice Cream, Ye Olde Mill Where:11324 Mount Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080 Date: 7/9/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.

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** 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!

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! 📖

**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.

**Local Cantina -** We'll shut down wine club at 8 pm this evening and take a short walk to our neighborhood Tex-Mex eatery - Local Cantina. Join us after wine club for a snack or meal. Please RSVP early AND Please let me know in the comments if you plan to join us after at the diner so I can have accurate numbers for the reservations. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*