Outdoors

This session is aimed at people over 50. Our exercises are gentle but effective. There will be no floor exercises in this session, but you can expect to work hard! For our Tuesday afternoon strength training sessions, we use our Nordic Walking poles and bungies, and some physio bands. (You can borrow those from me if you are interested.) We also use some hand weights or use water bottles or tins. This session is great for everyone who wants to get stronger. These exercises can challenge your bones and joints to get stronger. Stronger muscles also help support joints and backs, and help prevent falls and injuries What you need: • ca 1.5x1.5 meter space to move around. • tablet, laptop or computer screen with internet connection • rubber physio band (aka Thera band) • Pilates bar or Gym Fit bungies to use with your Nordic Walking poles. (I can lend you these, and can bring them over if you don’t live too far My rates 10 session card: My normal rate is £89 for 10 sessions. (different rates apply for my Parkinson’s classes) Pay monthly: I am keeping the option of signing up for unlimited sessions per week (this includes Nordic Walks as well as online sessions). This is a flat rate of £70 per month for unlimited sessions if paid monthly in advance. Pay What Works: The price shown above is the “true” value of the session that best reflects the work I put into preparing and leading your session. However, I understand that not everyone can afford to pay full price, and I don’t want that to stop you from joining us. In an effort to find a balance between more financial accessibility and sustainable pricing, I now offer a “Pay What Works” model. This allows for financial flexibility while still valuing and respecting the work and energy I provide in creating and delivering these classes. You tell me what you would like to pay: For your new payment, please let me know if you are happy to pay full price, or if you would like a reduction Please send an email to ailien@fitandhappyoutdoors.com with the heading “INVOICE please”- followed by “FAHO 1” to pay full price as quoted below, “FAHO 2”, for 20% off, or “FAHO 3” for 50% off. And please tell me if you want to pay for 10 sessions, or if you’d like to pay monthly. I prefer payment by bank transfer. At the moment I do not accept cheques. The queues by the banks are just too long.

Sign up at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/112878412370 IMPORTANT NOTE: WE DO SPEED DATING FOR DIFFERENT AGES EACH WEEK SO MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE AGE RANGE FOR EACH WEEK. * This event is for singles in the New York area * Grab a snack or maybe even a cocktail and get ready for a fun night of dates from the comfort of your own home! Our friendly host will welcome everyone and then you'll go on a series of live 1 on 1 video dates on Zoom. A new dater will show up on your screen every 5 minutes or so until you meet everyone. At the end of the event you'll be able to select those you'd like to see again. If they mutually matched with you, our host will send you each others' email addresses within 24 hours of the event. Find out why this event has been called, "The absolute best way to meet quality singles in the modern age". * Ticket price will be going up as event time approaches and we have very limited spots available so please sign up as soon as possible. This is a multi Meetup group event. 15 other groups have also been invited so be assured there will be a good turnout. "As a busy professional, I just don't have much time to get out and meet people as much as I'd like so this event was like a Godsend for me. It was a refreshingly fantastic experience!" - Jennifer S. "What a fabulous concept. I met some great people and I started dating one of the guys I met at the event." - Hannah M. Sign up at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/112878412370 FAQ: HOW DO I ACCESS THE EVENT? We will email you the link to the Zoom event on the day of the event. HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL I MEET? You will have video dates with about 10 singles (varies from event to event). HOW LONG ARE THE VIDEO DATES? Each mini date lasts about 5 minutes. WHAT DO I NEED TO ATTEND? All you need is your computer or your smart phone or tablet. HOW STRICT IS THE LISTED AGE RANGE? If you're within a couple of years older or younger than the listed age range, you're welcome to attend. IS THERE A REFUND POLICY? If you need to cancel, please email us and we can transfer you to a future event. However we do not offer transfers if you cancel on the day of the event or don't show up. Sign up at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/112878412370 https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/b/1/2/highres_491243314.jpeg

Join us this month as we discuss the order and strategy you should use to make sure your entire financial picture is well taken care of! **If you have any of these questions they will be answered** * How should I invest my money? * How much should I save? * What stocks are good to buy? * How do I plan for retirement?

Hello and welcome! Come join us on discord the last Monday of every month to chat about game development and optionally share in-progress work. The atmosphere is relaxed, people of all experience and skill levels are welcome. The group is usual 8-12 people and varies depending on the month. Sometimes if we get a bigger group we'll break into smaller groups to chat after people who want to demo have shared their work. You can find the server at this link: https://discord.gg/tyVV4Wa You should find some helpful instructions waiting for you in the #welcome channel. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Exercise can slow down the progression of Parkinson’s, and Covid 19 Quarantine is no reason not to move! Join our fun outdoor class and stay fit and healthy. Our ‘Nordic Neuro Magic’ is a new exercise class designed for people in the early stage of Parkinson’s and their friends or partners who can walk, are at a low risk of falls and have no major other health concerns . Our exercise classes can really help improve your gait, balance and posture. They are also an excellent way to get fitter and stronger. Inspired by PD Warrior, we run these especially designed classes, full of fun exercises, designed to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s. Our members love it, and we can really see the difference in the members who have been with us for a while! The classes are based around 7 key principles: o Powerful o Complex o Frequent o High effort o Meaningful in daily life o Specific to symptoms o Fun! New to Fit and Happy Outdoors? Please email me on ailien@fitandhappyoutdoors.com or send me a personal message through Meetup at least 24 hours before the session you would like to join. That will give me enough time to get back to you and discuss your needs and find out a bit more about you. Once signed up we will send you a link to our Zoom meeting, as well as the password. Cost: £150 per 10 sessions or £90 per month for unrestricted access to all our classes. Your partner can join your session for free. Pay What Works: The price shown above is the “true” value of the session that best reflects the work I put into preparing and leading your session. However, I understand that not everyone can afford to pay full price, and I don’t want that to stop you from joining us. In an effort to find a balance between more financial accessibility and sustainable pricing, I now offer a “Pay What Works” model. This allows for financial flexibility while still valuing and respecting the work and energy I provide in creating and delivering these classes. Then send an email to ailien@fitandhappyoutdoors.com with the heading “INVOICE please”- followed by “FAHO 1” to pay full price as quoted below, “FAHO 2”, for 20% off, or “FAHO 3” for 50% off. Please do tell me if you want to pay for 10 sessions, or if you’d like to pay monthly. I prefer payment by bank transfer, but if that is not possible you could post me a cheque, made out to Ailien Rhijnsburger.

New Light Sanctuary’s Soulfully Satiating Sundays are an hour long online space facilitated by Multifaithed Ministers. ***Nourish your Spirit***. ***Sit in Guided Meditation.*** ***Listen to the drums and fill your heart with peace. Join us in community,*** ***share your wisdom, or just be in Sacred Space.*** Doors open at 8:45AM Eastern and doors close promptly to start at 9:AM Eastern. We require that all participants keep their cameras on throughout the session for the sake of transparency and respect for all. Blessed Be.

**Join Us for a Social Dog Walk at Lake Johnson!** Bring your pup for a walk around Lake Johnson! We'll take a leisurely pace to give the dogs plenty of time to sniff and explore along the way. The distance is 3 miles around the entire loop, but feel free to exit at anytime. Please keep your dog leashed and remember to clean up after them. **Details:** * **Meet-up Time:** 10:30 AM at Lake Johnson Waterfront Center * **Walk Begins:** 10:40 AM **A few important notes:** * **Parking:** The **Lake Johnson Waterfront Center lot (4601 Avent Ferry Rd)** is small and fills quickly. Please aim to arrive by **10:15 AM** to allow time to park. * If the main lot is full, overflow parking is available at **Avent Ferry Rd Lot** (**4603 Avent Ferry Rd)**.

We are still active and meeting virtually each week on Zoom. If you wish to attend, please RSVP and we will reach out to you and confirm we have an opening in your category and send you the meeting link. We work together to support each others businesses and exchange referrals. During our weekly meetings, we give two promotionals about our business and have a schedule of speakers which give a 10 minutes presentation about their business. This non-compete, supportive environment allows businesswomen to develop their business in a positive, productive environment. We are looking for dynamic, committed businesswomen that are looking to expand their business success. We only allow one business per category, so please RSVP before attending to see if you category is still open. Complete information about joining, commitment and investment will be provided at your visit. You can learn more about Leads Club at www.LeadsClub.com or contact Cathy Wagner at (630) 921-9720.

test

**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 will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

[Old School Groove](https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolGrooveBand/) \- Vintage rock\, southern rock\, blues\, reggae\. Originals mixed with 60s & 70s classics\. Getcha groove on\! **[Flint Station](https://www.theflintstation.com/)** is an old depot venue for drinks and live music. They usually have a **bbq food truck** on location. Feel free to bring your own takeout. I'll bring a basket of snacks. NO COVER *They're planning for a beautiful summer evening performance in the beer garden. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate...they will be upstairs in the old-time dance hall. Either way...it's going to be a night to remember!!* **PARKING**: either near the beer garden or across the street.