Runas

Hello everyone! My name is Jenya, I’m a yoga teacher in Rome I would like to offer you Villa Pamphili Yoga + Picnic this Saturday 💫 ⏰Time 11:00 📍Place: somewhere near the kids playground close to the pedestrian bridge (I’ll send the exact location in WA 15/20 mins before the start) ✉️ Price 15€ If you wish to bring something to eat/drink after yoga - feel free! But I’ll take snacks and a bottle of 🥂 Let’s do some yoga and chitchat a bit after! The perfect Sunday gateway from your working days✨🥐 🧺

## Whatsapp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/EcNvCIJkBYX44Q18qYie01?mode=gi_t Ever wished you could explore Rome while actually meeting people, not just walking past them? This is a **social breakfast and walk hosted by a local**, created for travelers, expats, and anyone curious about experiencing Rome in a relaxed, human way. We meet over breakfast, get to know each other, then wander through the city together, letting conversation and curiosity guide the walk. This is **not a guided tour** and there’s no fixed route. Think of it as exploring Rome with new friends rather than following an itinerary. ### What we'll do * Meet for an Italian breakfast and casual introductions * Take an easy social walk through central Rome ( Piazza del Popolo- Spagna- Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Pantheon and Castel Sant'Angelo) * Pause at a few spots to chat, take photos, and mingle * End near the Vatican City, with the option to continue to lunch together ### What’s included * Breakfast of your choice (drink + pastry) * A small traditional snack during the walk * A relaxed, small-group experience * Hosted in English by a local, with everyone free to speak any language ### Optional tip At the end of the walk, there will be an **optional tip or donation** for the host. This is never expected, but always appreciated if you enjoyed the experience and helps us cover the cost of organizing these walks. ### Important: how to join FREE TO JOIN Once registered, you’ll save your spot and also you can join our Whatsapp group linked above If you enjoy slow walks, good conversation, and meeting people from around the world, this event is for you

This one is all about **the art of framing** \- using elements within a scene—like archways\, overhanging branches\, or geometric shadows—to create a "window" around your subject **with** the timeless, verdant elegance of a Roman spring evening. Walk, shoot, and connect with photographers & creators as we move through **Villa Borghese**. Beginners, enthusiasts, and pros — all are welcome. –––––––––– **EVENT DETAILS** **Location:** Villa Borghese **Date:** 23.05.2026 **Time:** 18:30 – 21:00 **Meeting Point:** [Bar Casino del Lago](https://maps.app.goo.gl/VAFXwqWPU9z77frT9) **Address:**[ Viale dell'Aranciera, 00197 Roma RM, Italy](https://maps.app.goo.gl/VAFXwqWPU9z77frT9) –––––––––– **EVENT FLOW** **18:30** \| **Meet & Connect** We’ll gather at the meeting point, introduce ourselves, and warm up creatively before setting off. **18:45** \| **The Golden Canopy (Golden Hour)** We’ll walk through the park’s hidden corners, using the low, warm light to find natural frames among the historic architecture and lush greenery. **20:00** \| **The Blue Horizon (Blue Hour)** As the sun dips, our focus shifts to urban silhouettes. We’ll capture the transition from soft daylight to the deep blue tones of the city skyline. **21:00** → **Optional dinner or drinks nearby.** –––––––––– **IMPORTANT** * This isn’t a class. * It’s not a tour. * It’s a creative meetup. We’ll walk. We’ll shoot. We’ll connect. –––––––––– **WHAT TO EXPECT** **Bring your:** • Film camera • Digital camera • Smartphone • Curiosity Whether you're a beginner, seasoned photographer, content creator, or just creatively curious — you’re welcome here. Come solo or bring friends. **Spots are limited — reserve your place ASAP.** –––––––––– *Chasing the light where history meets the horizon.* See you in **Rome**. 📸 –––––––––– **STAY CONNECTED** 📍 Join our [WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LAuUWFrpk2o5EDX1t97Yhz?mode=gi_t) group for live location & updates. 📸 Follow [@takeaphotowalkcommunity](https://www.instagram.com/takeaphotowalkcommunity/) and tag us in your photos. –––––––––– **ABOUT TAKE A PHOTO WALK** Founded in Barcelona in July 2024, Take a Photo Walk connects photographers and creators around the world through real-life creative experiences. Now Rome is part of the story. –––––––––– Historic streets. Eternal light. Real human moments. See you in Rome. 📸

**Un sabato diverso prima di uscire a cena -** **Porta un libro che ti ha aiutato/a a stare meglio.** Metti un segnalibro sulla pagina che ti ha cambiato qualcosa. Non dire quale. Non dire perché. **È tipo un book club con il turbo. È qualcosa di più bello.** È scoprire cosa aiuta le persone a stare bene — e cosa potrebbe far stare meglio anche te. Con una pillola pratica su come portare quel concetto nelle tue relazioni reali. **Cosa portare:** un libro che ti ha fatto stare meglio con un segnalibro che indica un passaggio che può far stare bene anche qualcun altro, in qualsiasi ambito della vita; voglia di leggere e di stare bene; una copertina o un telo. Preparati a leggere in silenzio. Alla fine, se vorrai, ci sarà un momento di condivisione: porta qualcosa da bere e/o da mangiare. **Dove:** Villa Pamphilj — ore 17:30. Riceverai l'indicazione del punto esatto via mail. **Costo: gratuito.** Cos'è l'Atelier delle Relazioni & Strategie Umane? [Clicca qui](https://sites.google.com/view/atelierrelazionieestrategie/)

🔥 **LA RIVOLUZIONE INTERIORE: Il tuo primo atto di resilienza** **…“Viviamo in un mondo dove siamo tutti interconnessi, e quindi il bene o il male che facciamo a un altro finiamo per farlo a noi stessi. Bisogna quindi imparare a cooperare invece di competere indiscriminatamente. E se non ora quando?”... Federico Faggin** **Perché farlo:** Difronte alla **disintegrazione e al cinismo** la nostra risposta è **una rivoluzione interiore** che si esprime in **solidarietà e resistenza nonviolenta.** Qui alleniamo **azioni valide,** quelle che rafforzano l’unità interna e riducono contraddizione e sofferenza, dentro e fuori di noi. ### **🌱 IL NOSTRO PERCORSO SETTIMANALE è l'allenamento per la Doppia Rivoluzione: Interna e del mondo che ci circonda.** * **Pratiche di consapevolezza:** Impariamo a connetterci con la parte più vera e profonda di noi. * **Autoconoscenza:** Conosci te stesso, fai **pace** con il passato, **trasforma** il presente**, costruisci il futuro**. Qui rompiamo le catene della paura e della violenza che ci tengono bloccati. 🫂 **LA FORZA NELL'UNIONE: si cresce insieme!** * **RELAZIONI AUTENTICHE:** Spazi di ascolto sincero, condivisione e mutuo sostegno. **Non c’è rivoluzione senza comunità.** Ci alleniamo a compiere azioni che rafforzano l’unità e riducono la contraddizione, dentro e fuori di noi. * **PROGETTAZIONE E AZIONE SOLIDALE:** La nostra consapevolezza interiore si trasforma in **azione nonviolenta e solidale**. Insieme pensiamo e costruiamo iniziative concrete e comunità che sfidano la logica del potere e del consumo, riportando l'essere umano al centro. ### **Cosa troverai qui** * **Un cammino,** non un corso da seguire. Non si viene solo a “prendere”: qui si cresce insieme. **La Regola d’Oro come bussola etica.** * Un contesto del tutto non-confessionale e aperto a ogni forma di ateismo, spiritualità e provenienza religiosa. * **Un ambiente libero** dove puoi crescere davvero, uno spazio in cui crescano la gentilezza, il buon umore e la sincerità interiore. * **Persone con cui praticare, dialogare, fare nuove esperienze, condividere momenti di festa e di silenzio.** **🚫 Cosa NON è** * **❌ Non è psicoterapia** *** ### **🔄 Come partecipare** **Ci incontriamo ogni settimana a Roma e online.** **COME PRENOTARE: se interessati, oltre a segnarvi nell'evento, è FONDAMENTALE PRENOTARSI SU TELEGRAM o WHATSAPP al +393461476543** **POSTI: 20 (RSVP obbligatorio)** **QUANDO si svolge**: tutti i sabato dalle ore 11,00 alle 13,00. **A CHI E' RIVOLTO**: **a giovani fino a 30 anni di età.** **GLI EVENTI SONO GRATUITI**: tutte le attività sono gratuite, ma si richiede, dopo il primo incontro di prova, un contributo annuale di 20€ per coprire le spese per i materiali, i social, la sala e spese varie. **COSA PORTARE:** curiosità, rispetto, un quaderno dove annotare le difficoltà e i progressi. Questo sarà il vostro vero libro di bordo. Inoltre è consigliato indossare un abbigliamento comodo. **IL LUOGO**: Oxygene - Via san Tommaso D’Aquino 11a **Prenota ora il tuo posto, non rimandare.** **ACCADEMIA DELLA BUONA CONOSCENZA – Roma**

Talk with the Organizers: https://www.instagram.com/onlyfriendsrome?igsh=dXAxanY4bnpwZjRv https://chat.whatsapp.com/KTjDID9jBE1BV0SzaDd772 we are a international group most people are 23-35 yrs old around 30+ people come every saturday. english-italian language is always available.

✨ The Dolce Vita Rome ✨ The Dolce Vita Rome is a friendly, open group where you can meet new people, relax, and feel genuinely welcome from the moment you arrive 🤍 This is an expats / internationals / locals meetup, open to everyone who lives in Rome between the ages of strictly 25-39, and is looking to make friends. If you're a tourist or looking for a dating-like event please find other events, our members come to the event to make local friends. 🌍 We speak English 🌍 People of all nationalities are very welcome 🇮🇹 Italians are absolutely welcome too — we just ask you to please speak English when possible, so everyone can feel included 📍 Villa Borghese — just a short walk from Flaminio metro We'll share exactly where to find us on the day 💬 How it works Everyone is welcome! We mainly focus on ages 25–39, but the vibe matters more than the number 😊 You can come alone or with friends — many people come solo and leave with new connections. We’ll be there to make sure everyone feels comfortable and respected. We actively look out for the group and don’t tolerate any behavior that crosses boundaries. Francesco or Yanni or Alexandra — your Dolce Vita hosts and some friends — will be there to welcome you, introduce people, and help everyone feel at ease ✨ 🍹 info The event does not include food or drinks. You’re free to bring whatever you like, you can buy food or drinks from the places nearby. 🍷🍴 📲 Stay connected To get updates, last-minute changes, and access to extra free events outside the main calendar, we recommend joining our WhatsApp community. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GufN8xM5e6P3rehOc82uHt](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GufN8xM5e6P3rehOc82uHt) A group to meet new people, hang out, and build real friendships, one event at a time 💫 See you soon! 🥂

My whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/HagJQGbDX3F1UPO6mDuwPk](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HagJQGbDX3F1UPO6mDuwPk) Un itinerario esclusivo tra terrazze panoramiche, enigmi medievali e segreti sotterranei. Scoprirete dettagli che sfuggono alla maggior parte dei passanti. * 🌹 **Fiori Alchemici:** Partiremo da un colle legato a un antico culto pagano. **Questo è in assoluto il periodo migliore dell'anno per visitarlo** e ammirarlo nel massimo dello splendore. Tra geometrie sacre, cercheremo una rosa che muta colore e una dall'odore sgradevole. * 👑 **La Terrazza del Colosso:** Da un balcone segreto guarderemo un'opera maestosa alta 13 metri: un imperatore ritratto come un dio con i simboli del dominio assoluto. * 📐 **La Fortezza Storta:** Vedremo davanti a noi una torre medievale inclinata. Sveleremo la bugia storica che la collega al folle incendio imperiale. * 🪨 **Il Balcone dal Passato Oscuro:** Un affaccio romantico che nasconde un'origine tragica. Prende il nome dalla donna che tradì la patria per brama di gioielli, diventando il patibolo più temuto dell'antichità. * ⛓️ **L'Antro dei Prigionieri:** Scenderemo vicino a un sotterraneo nel tufo dove furono reclusi re barbari e santi capaci di far sgorgare acque miracolose. * 🚇 **I Cantieri del Tempo:** Passeremo accanto alle grandi opere moderne che uniscono il futuro della città al suo passato profondo. * 🎬 **Il Giardino degli Sterri:** Concluderemo tra reperti riemersi nell'Ottocento, proprio di fronte al monumento più famoso del mondo. **📌evento gratis,è benvenuto un sostegno per pagare i costi dell'app🙏​** ➡️ La passeggiata inizia al Circo Massimo . distanza **4** 𝙠𝙢, ➡️ Tempo necessario 𝟯 𝙤𝙧𝙚 circa ➡️ Metro B fermata Circo Massimo ➡️ Scarpe comode👣 ➡️ Puntualità 🕘 ➡️Per le ragazze in lista d'attesa, partecipate ugualmente se volete, capita che alla fine ci siano più uomini che donne confermate, cosi manteniamo un buon equilibrio tra ragazzi e ragazze ➡️ Fascia età 35/50 👉Queste passeggiate sono organizzate per socializzare senza scopo di lucro, il contributo richiesto è un semplice rimborso spese, **non c’è alcuna assicurazione infortuni e ognuno partecipa a proprio rischio e pericolo** senza possibilità di richiedere risarcimenti o rimborsi in caso di infortunio o malore. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Many participants in our walks speak English, so don’t worry if your Italian isn’t perfect — everyone is welcome!** An exclusive itinerary through panoramic terraces, medieval enigmas, and underground secrets. You will discover details that escape most passersby. 🌹 **Alchemical Flowers:** We will start from a hill linked to an ancient pagan cult. This is absolutely the best time of the year to visit and admire it at the peak of its splendor. Guided by sacred geometries, we will look for a rose that changes color and another with an unpleasant scent. 👑 **The Terrace of the Colossus:** From a secret balcony, we will gaze upon a majestic 13-meter-high masterpiece: an emperor portrayed as a god with the symbols of absolute power. 📐 **The Crooked Fortress:** We will see a leaning medieval tower right before our eyes. We will unveil the historical lie that links it to the mad imperial fire. 🪨 **The Balcony with a Dark Past:** A romantic viewpoint that hides a tragic origin. It takes its name from the woman who betrayed her homeland out of greed for jewelry, becoming the most feared scaffold of antiquity. ⛓️ **The Prisoners' Cave:** We will descend near an underground site carved into the tuff rock, where barbarian kings and saints capable of making miraculous water spring from the walls were once imprisoned. 🚇 **The Construction Sites of Time:** We will pass next to great modern works that connect the city's future to its deep past. 🎬 **The Garden of Excavated Earth:** We will conclude among archaeological finds unearthed in the 19th century, right in front of the most famous monument in the world. **📌 Free event - donations welcome to cover our meetup costs.🙏​** **Important Notes:** **​I am not a tour guide**, This is a walk to meet other people and discover new, generally unknown places. * * ➡️ Estimated time: 3 hours * ➡️ Metro B stop Circo Massimo distance:**4 km** * ➡️ Comfortable shoes * ➡️ Punctuality * ➡️For the girls on the waiting list: feel free to join anyway if you'd like! It often happens that in the end there are more confirmed men than women, so this helps us keep a nice balance between guys and girls. 😊 * * 👉 These walks are organized for socializing with no profit motive. The requested contribution is simply a cost reimbursement. There is no accident insurance, and everyone participates at their own risk and peril, with no possibility of claiming compensation or refunds in case of injury or illness. ***

## Whatsapp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/EcNvCIJkBYX44Q18qYie01?mode=gi_t Ever wished you could explore Rome while actually meeting people, not just walking past them? This is a **social breakfast and walk hosted by a local**, created for travelers, expats, and anyone curious about experiencing Rome in a relaxed, human way. We meet over breakfast, get to know each other, then wander through the city together, letting conversation and curiosity guide the walk. This is **not a guided tour** and there’s no fixed route. Think of it as exploring Rome with new friends rather than following an itinerary. ### What we'll do * Meet for an Italian breakfast and casual introductions * Take an easy social walk through central Rome ( Piazza del Popolo- Spagna- Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Pantheon and Castel Sant'Angelo) * Pause at a few spots to chat, take photos, and mingle * End near the Vatican City, with the option to continue to lunch together ### What’s included * Breakfast of your choice (drink + pastry) * A small traditional snack during the walk * A relaxed, small-group experience * Hosted in English by a local, with everyone free to speak any language ### Optional tip At the end of the walk, there will be an **optional tip or donation** for the host. This is never expected, but always appreciated if you enjoyed the experience and helps us cover the cost of organizing these walks. ### Important: how to join FREE TO JOIN Once registered, you’ll save your spot and also you can join our Whatsapp group linked above If you enjoy slow walks, good conversation, and meeting people from around the world, this event is for you

**E SE LA "REALTÀ" FOSSE UN SOGNO? COSA SUCCEDE QUANDO TI SVEGLI?** Da queste domande provocatorie nasce **"Un altro mondo"**, un cerchio immersivo per esplorare il nostro spazio interiore puro, libero da aspettative e condizionamenti. Simone e Giulia, artisti e creativi, apriranno con una breve presentazione sui tre livelli dell'essere che abitano la realtà: il sè identificato nel sogno, l'osservatore e l'intelligenza creativa del sogno. Seguiranno domande aperte per accendere delle riflessioni e guidare il dialogo verso nuove prospettive. **NOTA BENE: Non è un gruppo di terapia né uno sportello di ascolto**, ma un luogo creativo e consapevole dove ognuno porta la propria presenza, curiosità e responsabilità. **Obiettivo:** connetterci profondamente e creare una realtà più consapevole nel quotidiano. **Porta:** te stessə, un telo per sederti sull'erba, taccuino e penna per appunti. **Quando:** Domenica 24 maggio, h17 (appuntamento h16:45). **Dove:** Metro EUR Palasport, Roma **Partecipazione:** Gratuita, contributo libero gradito per i costi del progetto e della piattaforma. **Posti limitati**: minimo 3 partecipanti/massimo 10 partecipanti. Se ti iscrivi, assicurati di poter partecipare davvero, ogni posto non utilizzato potrebbe togliere l’opportunità a qualcun altro. A presto!

[English at the bottom] Nuovo incontro Mellon per giocare e condividere momenti intorno ai giochi da tavolo in ottima compagnia Melloniana! Le prenotazioni per l'evento saranno aperte fino a 24h prima dell'evento. La partecipazione all'evento è gratuita, vi ricordiamo però che il locale prevede una spesa minima. Vi chiediamo infine di mantenere un comportamento amichevole e rispettoso verso gli altri membri e partecipanti e di non causare danni alle infrastrutture e ai giochi da tavola messi a disposizione, da noi e da altri eventuali membri, pena il rimborso del danno Durante l'evento verranno scattate delle foto da condividere sui Social per pubblicizzare il gruppo, nel caso in cui non vogliate essere ripresi/comparire fatecelo sapere e provvederemo di conseguenza. Dite Mellon ed entrate! / Mae govannen mellon nin! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- New Mellon meeting to discover, play and enjoy boardgames with your your best Mellonish company! RSVP open till 24h before the event. Event is free of charge, even though the venue may require minimum order per person. We kindly ask you to maintain friendly and respectful behaviour towards all people attending and not to cause any damage to the venue and the games offered by it or by other participants, otherwise we will ask you to reimburse the article. We may take a few pictures/short videos during the event to be published on our Socials, in case you do not agree with this please let us know! Say Mellon and enter! / Mae govannen mellon nin!

Where? Onstage al Pigneto, Via Perugia 12 This event gives you the chance to practice different languages and meet different people. Come over to speak, eat, drink and play!

Ciao! I'm Megan, a Registered Yoga Teacher living in beautiful Rome. Join me in gorgeous Villa Pamphili for an hour-long vinyasa class open to all bodies and levels! Class taught in English. Bring your own mat and some water. We'll meet in front of Vivi Bistrot (Villa Pamphili). Come a few minutes early to chat and make some new friends or grab a coffee before class! Dress comfortably for the weather. €10 drop-in, cash or PayPal the day of the lesson. Message me with any questions!

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Columbus City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

We'll get in around 4 miles at Three Creeks Metro Parks, primarily natural trails. 17-18 minute miles, no one left behind, and faster walkers are free to lead out. Optional lunch after! If you're joining for hiking all the metro parks, this is the sixth one!

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

**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.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.