Perros rescatados y de refugio

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $45 depending on which type of class you want to continue with.\* These French, Spanish, and English, classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a francophone, hispanophone, or anglophone country. *English in this class can only taught in French and Spanish unless you are an advanced learner* The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. **Program is also offered in private and online classes**. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other French nor Spanish classes are as oral as these ones. We guarantee it! Group classes are hosted at **600 Bay Street** (Wishbone Animal Rights Lab) every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Call (647)787-9953 upon arrival if no one is there to let you in, and someone will come down to let you in. Parking is available across from the Greyhound bus station on Elm Street and Bay Street.

\*\*NEW LOCATION UPDATE\*\* HELLO Everyone, We are happy to announce that our 6 year running group will be moving our weekly event back to our old location which is now under the Fionn MacCools banner. Game night will be at Fionn MacCools at 125 York Blvd #135 in Richmond Hill. Start time is at 7 PM sharp, so please do you absolute best to show up at least a few minutes before then. If you feel you are running late, let us know in the group chat or contact one of the organizers directly. If you are new to the group, we are made up of a friendly group of Dad's who like to play large variety of Euro style games both new and old. We encourage everyone to please try and support venue partner with food and/or drink orders, if at all possible. While the organizers usually bring a number of titles, it's fairly common for attendees to bring a game or two of their own to these events. You may want to keep in mind factors like game duration and table space required, set up time and repacking time. If you do not have anything to bring, don't feel like you have to, we've got you covered. Because the player count is usually not known precisely until everyone shows up, having extra games around with varying player counts helps when deciding what to play. Looking forward to seeing you at our next event!! PLEASE RSVP if you are coming, cheers!!

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $18 and $35 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

## Details *We are a welcoming place and space to develop your public & virtual speaking, presentation and leadership skills*. **Meeting Agendas** *include*: • Reading of Our Mission statement • Guest Introductions • Introduce a Word Of The Day • Table Topics impromptu speaking opportunities (if you're comfortable!) • Toastmaster Toast on a chosen Theme for the meeting • Speakers • Speech Evaluations and more... We look forward to meeting you soon! **This event is not hosted by or sponsored by the Toronto Public Library**

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $18 and $35 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

**This in an interest list only post. If you wish to Join a Welland Wednesday Morning 9:30 am to 10:45 am** "Inner Peace" Qigong class with Hae Kwang Sunim - Please message Sunim at 416-797-7553. We need two more people! We need two more people : ) **Location - Merritt & Niagara St. Welland.** **Required:** **Contact Sunim to register (text 416-797-7553 or email to [innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com](mailto:innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com))** **Investment: Only $17.70 + hst ($20.00\*\*)** **Benefits of attending this class** ## 🌅 **Interest List Now Open — Wednesday Morning (9:30 am - 10:45 am) Inner Peace Qigong in Welland** We are forming a **small, weekday morning Inner Peace Qigong class** in Welland (max 7 people). If you’d like to be part of this new circle, please message Sunim to get on the **Interest List**: 📩 **innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com** 📲 **416-797-7553 (DM / Text Sunim)** Once enough participants are confirmed, we will set the start date together. All are welcome — no previous experience required. *** ## ✨ **What You’ll Experience in Each Class** Each 75-minute class includes: * **Soft Inner Peace Qigong** to release tension and emotional stress * **Zen & Heart Practice** (Mind Training) * **Experiential Qi Energy Infusion & Healing Instruction** * **Deep Conversation** * **Lying-down “Still Qigong”** for deep rest & nervous system reset * A peaceful closing that often leaves people feeling as if they are **floating out of class** This class is described by many as an **“ultimate stress reducer.”** *** ## 🌱 **Benefits People Often Notice** * Reduced stress, anxiety, and overwhelm * Deeper, more restorative sleep * Relief of chronic tension and pain * Improved balance, coordination & circulation * Enhanced emotional steadiness * A calmer mind and clearer presence * Stronger energy flow (Qi) and vitality * A deeper sense of inner connection and peace As Dr. Mehmet Oz shared on the Oprah Winfrey Show: **“If you want to be healthy and live to be 100, do Qigong.”** Inner Peace Qigong is a gentle, powerful way to nourish your **body, mind, and heart**. *** ## 📍 **Location** Near Merritt Rd & Niagara St, Welland (Exact address provided upon registration.) *** ## 💸 **Investment** **$17.70 + HST = $20 per class** Small group — **pre-registration required**. *** ## 📲 **How to Join / Interest List** To join the **Wednesday Morning Interest List** or to reserve a place for Tuesday evenings: Text: **416-797-7553** Email: **innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com** You will receive confirmation and directions. *** ## 🧘 **What to Bring** * Yoga mat (we have extras) * Small blanket or pillow if desired * An open heart Chairs, blankets, and mats are available. Please arrive a few minutes early to settle into the space. *** ## 💛 **A Quiet Space for Healing, Presence & Inner Life Training** If you feel called to: * Restore your energy * Quiet your mind * Learn powerful inner tools * Heal deeply * Grow in a small, loving community …this circle is for you. All are welcome — beginners included. *** ## 🕊 A Teaching from Sunim *“When the mind is quieted and trained, the brightness of True Self begins to shine through… the nervous system finally rests, and from this place, the body does not easily fall prey to disease.”* — **Hae Kwang Sunim** **We offer Qigong, Meditation, Zen, Breathwork, and Energy Healing classes designed to support nervous system regulation, stress reduction, emotional balance, and overall well-being. Reach out with any questions. DM Hae Kwang Sunim at 416-797-7553. You are welcome here!** **🌿🌿 Stay connected beyond our gatherings** **Between classes and events, we share reflections, short teachings, inspiration, and gentle reminders to return to presence, balance, and inner peace on Facebook and Instagram.** **You’re warmly invited to join us here:** **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/innerpeaceqigong **Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/inner_peace_qigong What People Are Saying: "Hi Sunim, I hope you are staying warm in this winter weather. Just wanted to say thank you for the teachings yesterday. It’s beautiful how the universe works and provides just what you need. I was really struggling the few days before class. It felt as if I was in an internal tornado but paralyzed at the same time. I went through my tool box/Rolodex of practices but was still struggling to find that space, that space between thoughts. But through the offerings of your teachings and the space created by the community, I was able to add more tools to the tool box and felt guided and supported while doing so. So a heartfelt thank you to you and the community. The knowing that pain/challenges are our greatest professor if we allow it, becomes much more accessible when the light and love from others is shared in support of the journey. With love and gratitude" Tina G \* "I love love love the Qi blankets (practice)! This morning’s class was so beautiful and deep. Thanks Sunim and everyone in our beautiful sangha!" \- Coleen M

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $18 and $35 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

Sin cover. Sin presión. Solo buena gente, buena música y buenos momentos. **Cada viernes por la noche** de 9PM a 12AM, mantenemos el fuego encendido en **Malang Bar & Lounge**. Este es tu lugar semanal para relajarte, conectar y pertenecer. Ven solo. Ven con amigos. Ven porque estás cansado de la misma rutina. Sea lo que te traiga – eres bienvenido. **La vibra:** * 🎱 **Juega billar** – paga por partida o por hora en el lugar * 🍹 **Tus propios tragos** – barra completa, pagas lo que consumes * 🎶 **Buena música** – el fondo perfecto para conversar * 🤝 **Haz nuevos amigos** – conexiones reales con personas afines * ✨ **Sin cover** – solo llega **Detalles:** 📍 **Malang Bar & Lounge** 918 Dundas St E Unit C2/C3, Mississauga, ON L4Y 4H9 📅 **Cada viernes** ⏰ **9:00 PM – 12:00 AM** 💰 **Sin cover** – pagas solo tus tragos y las partidas de billar **Estamos aquí cada viernes. Mantenemos el fuego encendido.** Ven para pasar un buen rato. Haz conexiones significativas. Y descubre todas las posibilidades cuando crecemos unidos. Te esperamos el viernes. 🔥

**MeetUp Point: Entrance is off Leslie Street. Turn left on Leslie to the parking lot 2 in Wilkett Creek Park.** (Don't follow the pin) Join us for a 12 km urban hike that is challenging. Starting past Wilcot Parking lot 2, we will be passing through sunnybrook Park and Edwards Gardens. For lunch we can atop at the TBG Bloom Cafe or bring a lunch, lots of water. Please ensure arms and legs are covered as there are plenty of ticks out there.

¡Hola! Welcome, and welcome back! We meet in the North York Centre, at 5150 Yonge St. (subway: North York), in the Food Court, every Sunday from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Angela will be your hostess. ¡Hasta luego!

🏛️🚶 **DOORS OPEN TORONTO: HIDDEN BUILDINGS & CITY STORIES WALK** 🚶🏛️ Historic Spaces, Community Landmarks & A City Revealed Some buildings you walk past every day without thinking twice… until the doors open. Join us for a second day of Doors Open Toronto, where we’ll explore a mix of historic, cultural, and community spaces across the city — each with its own story, purpose, and evolution. This walk is about contrast. Old and new. Exclusive and inclusive. Grand and everyday. And how all of it shapes the city we live in. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social, story-driven walk — with moments to pause, look, and see familiar places differently. 👉 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll move through a curated route of Doors Open, stopping at a variety of buildings and institutions that reflect Toronto’s layered history and community life. Some of the locations we may visit include: * **Fire Station 315** – Opened in 1889, this historic fire hall is built of brick with stone detailing, reflecting early 20th-century civic architecture. * **The El Mocambo** – Opened in 1948, this iconic music venue is housed in a brick building with a classic mid-century commercial façade. * **Daniels Building (University of Toronto)** – Opened in 1875 (as Knox College), this Gothic Revival building is constructed of sandstone with intricate masonry detailing. * **U of T Bookstore (Koffler Student Centre)** – Opened in 1958, this modernist structure is built primarily of concrete and glass. * **Polish Combatants' Association Branch 20** – Opened in 1950, this community hall is a modest brick structure reflecting post-war institutional design. * **St. George’s Hall (Arts & Letters Club)** – Opened in 1891, this heritage building is constructed of brick and stone in a Victorian style. * **St. George Greek Orthodox Church** – Opened in 1897, this church is built of brick with classical detailing and later Byzantine-inspired elements. * **Street Health** – Established in 1986, the facility operates out of a practical brick building adapted for community healthcare use. * **Street Haven** – Founded in 1965, this women’s shelter is housed in a converted brick residential building typical of the area. * **Jarvis Street Baptist Church** – Opened in 1875, this Gothic Revival church is built of brick with stone accents. * **The 519** –This building actually dates back to 1858 — long before it became The 519 we know today — and started as a Georgian-style home before evolving into a community space. * **Foy-Smith House** – Built in 1891, this historic home is constructed of brick in the Queen Anne Revival style. * **St. Paul’s Bloor Street** – Opened in 1889, this Romanesque Revival church is built of stone with a commanding tower and detailed masonry. Some locations we’ll enter, others we’ll experience from the outside depending on timing and lineups. ⚠️ Please note: wait times are part of Doors Open. We’ll move as a group and make decisions along the way. \*\*\* 🏛️ What Is Doors Open Toronto? Doors Open Toronto is a free annual event where the city opens up buildings that are normally closed to the public — from historic homes and cultural institutions to places you’d never usually think to step inside. It’s one of the best ways to explore Toronto beyond the surface. \*\*\* 🌆 Vibe & Expectations This is a longer, more exploratory walk with: ✔️ Multiple stops ✔️ Some waiting in lines ✔️ A mix of indoor and outdoor spaces ✔️ Members can leave any time the like It’s not about rushing — it’s about discovering. Also — this is NOT a formal historical tour. I’ll share context and stories as we go, but the focus is on the experience and being social. \*\*\* 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: **Fire Station 315** 🫎 I’ll be outside and I will be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: (Insert time) I will only wait 5 minutes. Anyone arriving late can meet us along the route. We won’t be saving spots in line — it’s important we respect the people around us. \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **[[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com)]([mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](http://mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com/))** Doors Open is free to attend. This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes Patience for lines ⏳ Weather-appropriate clothing Optional: snacks or money for food along the way \*\*\* 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com)]([mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](http://mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com/)) Come for the buildings. Stay for the stories. Leave seeing the city not just as it looks — but as it’s evolved. 🏛️✨

🏙️🔭 DOORS OPEN TORONTO: SKYLINE VIEWS & HIDDEN SPACES WALK 🔭🏙️ Observation Decks, City Icons & A Once-a-Year Experience Some places in Toronto you walk past every day… but rarely get to go inside. This is your chance. Join us for a special Doors Open Toronto outing, where we’ll explore two of the city’s most iconic buildings — including access to spaces that aren’t usually open to the public. This event only happens once a year, and it’s one of the best ways to experience the city from a completely different perspective. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social outing — with incredible views, a bit of history, and shared discovery. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* 🏙️ What We’ll Do We’ll start at TD Bank Tower (66 Wellington St W), part of the Toronto-Dominion Centre — one of the finest examples of modernist architecture in the city, designed by legendary architect Mies van der Rohe. We’ll head up to the observation area (approximately 223 metres high), where you’ll get a stunning view of Toronto’s skyline from a space that isn’t typically open to the public. From there, we’ll walk over to Toronto City Hall and visit its observation deck. Opened in 1965 and designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell, City Hall’s curved twin towers and central council chamber make it one of Toronto’s most recognizable landmarks. From above, you’ll get a completely different view of Nathan Phillips Square and the downtown core. ⚠️ Please note: both locations are very popular during Doors Open, so there will likely be wait times. Part of the experience is the buzz and energy of the day. Afterward, we’ll head over to CF Toronto Eaton Centre for a casual lunch in the food court. 🍔🥗 You’re welcome to join or head out whenever you like. \*\*\* **🏛️ What Is Doors Open Toronto?** Doors Open Toronto is a free annual city-wide event that opens the doors to architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings across Toronto. For one weekend, you can explore spaces that are usually closed to the public — from office towers and historic sites to creative and civic spaces. It’s one of the best ways to connect with the city and see what’s normally hidden in plain sight. \*\*\* 🌦️ **Weather & Expectations** This event will run rain or shine. Be prepared for: ✔️ Walking between locations ✔️ Standing in lines ✔️ A busy, energetic atmosphere Wear comfortable shoes and bring patience — it’s part of the experience. Also — this is NOT a guided historical tour. I’ll share context casually, but the focus is on exploring together. \*\*\* 🧢 **Meetup Details** 📍 Meetup Location: OutsideI will be on the West/South corner right by the lights and I will be wearing my Moose Hat. 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 9:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Anyone arriving late can meet us at the first location. We won’t be saving spots in line — it’s important we respect the people around us. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head in together. End Point: Eaton Centre \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) Doors Open is free to attend. This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes Patience for lines ⏳ Weather-appropriate clothing Optional: cash/card for lunch \*\*\* 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the views. Stay for the experience. Leave having seen parts of the city most people never get to access. 🏙️✨

**🔥 Lincoln Street Salsa HAS MOVED TO EVERY FRIDAY, NO MORE SATURDAYS!** **🔥 Lincoln Street Salsa @ 1717 Brice Rd, Reynoldsburg 43068** **🔥 Salsa, Bachata, Merengue Dancing!** **🔥 NO PARTNER OR EXPERIENCE NEEDED!** **🔥 Every FRIDAY, 8 pm - 1 am** **🔥 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm = Registration** **🔥 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm = Beginner Dance Class** **🔥 9:30 pm - 1:00 am = Open Dance Party** **🔥 LincolnStreetSalsa.com** **🔥 Questions? Text Todd 614-774-8146**

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!

Join us as we kick off Summer Movie Season with a Happy Hour & a movie event to see the sci-fi action-adventure, THE MANDOLARIAN AND GROGU! The sci-fi action-adventure follows a lone bounty hunter and his apprentice Grogu (Baby Yoda) embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In the film, Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic during a period where remaining Imperial warlords threaten the galaxy. The film is written/directed by Jon Favreau (the mastermind behind the early MCU films) and stars Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwild1rw7Aw HAPPY HOUR PLAN: For Happy Hour food and drinks before the show we’ll meet in the bar area at nearby Bravo at 5:15pm! We’ll have a section reserved for the group, so keep an eye out for us and we’ll keep one out for you! CMG Pro Tip: If you can, bring cash as it helps make for a quicker exit from the restaurant. MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and meet in the lobby area at 6:30pm! Tickets on sale now and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list you seat number in the Comments section of this event. Happy Summer and See You Soon, Dan

This is an in-person meeting. At this meeting you will get answers to depression and anxiety. Find out the source of them and how to get rid of them. Did you know that unwanted emotions like anxiety, depression, unhappiness, loneliness, hopelessness, anger, fear, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not due to a chemical imbalance in your brain from some nebulous chemical reaction "by chance". Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio and Church of Scientology of Central Ohio.

**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.

Looking for new clients? Our group is focused on being your sales team - we want to refer you to our contacts. You will have the opportunity to tell us about your business, potential clients, and your goals. Bring your brochures and business cards to give to the group. Our speaker this week is **Jane Weide, New Experience Travel Planning**. Jane will give us tips on where and when to travel. And, she will take care of all of the details for your dream trip...no charge to you!! All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)

Join us for our May Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Cantoras](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)*[ ](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)by [Caro de Robertis](https://caroderobertis.com/bio/) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.