Cultural Heritage

**Némo Biennial 2025 is back in Paris and across Île-de-France! 🌟** This major event dedicated to contemporary and digital art explores the connections between the real, the virtual, and the imaginary. Expect immersive installations, audiovisual performances, and unique interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. **What’s on the program?** • Artworks and devices that blur the line between humans and machines 🤖 • Captivating sensory and visual performances 🎭 • Innovative creations from artists, designers, and researchers from around the world 🌍 We will be visiting exhibitions at **CENTQUATRE-PARIS**, one of the key venues of this edition. It will be a great moment to share impressions, discuss the artworks, and enjoy an inspiring collective experience together. 💫 More information: [https://www.biennalenemo.fr/](https://www.biennalenemo.fr/) **Want to get more involved?** Become a **co-organizer, event organizer, or assistant organizer** and help plan the outing, suggest ideas, or give a hand so everything runs smoothly. 📩 **How to participate**: Just reply directly to this message on Meetup and let us know your interests or availability. Let’s organize everything together to make this an unforgettable experience! 💫 **Spread the word!** If you have friends or colleagues who might enjoy this kind of cultural outing, invite them to join our Meetup group! The more passionate people we have, the more fun, lively, and inspiring our experiences become. 🎊 See you soon, **The MeltingSpot Team**

\*FRANÇAIS\* (espagnol, italien et portugais ci-dessous) Bienvenue à tous et toutes! Nous nous retrouvons tous les MERCREDIS de 20h à 23h au Denfert Café pour pratiquer les "langues latines" espagnol, italien, portugais et français (avec nos amis étrangers) et échanger sur les cultures latines. Pour faciliter ces échanges libres, vous serez accueilli(e) à votre arrivée par *AMINE* qui vous expliquera le concept et le fonctionnement de nos soirées. Chaque participant(e) recevra une étiquette avec son prénom/ pseudo... même si vous ne maîtrisez aucune autre langue latine. Ce qui nous intéresse, c'est votre ouverture d'esprit et ce que chacun(e) peut apporter à la communauté en termes de diversité et de spécificités linguistiques et/ ou culturelles autour des langues latines et de leurs variations nationales ou régionales. Impatients de vous rencontrer! Lien WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/D156mdqaNlZD7mtbGLW7iW \*ESPANOL\* ¡Bienvenidos a todos! Nos reunimos todos los MIÉRCOLES de 20:00 a 23:00 en el Café Denfert para practicar las lenguas latinas —español, italiano, portugués y francés (con nuestros amigos internacionales)— y conversar sobre la cultura latina. Para facilitar estos intercambios informales, AMINE les recibirá a su llegada y les explicará el concepto y cómo funcionan nuestras tardes. Cada participante recibirá una etiqueta con su nombre o apodo, incluso si no hablan ninguna otra lengua latina. Nos interesa su mentalidad abierta y lo que cada persona puede aportar a la comunidad en términos de diversidad lingüística y/o cultural, así como las particularidades de las lenguas latinas y sus variantes nacionales o regionales. ¡Esperamos conocerlos! \*ITALIANO\* Benvenuti a tutti! Ci incontriamo ogni MERCOLEDÌ dalle 20:00 alle 23:00 al Denfert Café per praticare le "lingue latine" - spagnolo, italiano, portoghese e francese (con i nostri amici internazionali) - e discutere delle culture latine. Per facilitare questi scambi informali, sarete accolti al vostro arrivo da AMINE, che vi spiegherà il concetto e come funzionano le nostre serate. Ogni partecipante riceverà un cartellino con il proprio nome/soprannome... anche se non parlate altre lingue latine. Ciò che ci interessa è la vostra apertura mentale e ciò che ogni persona può apportare alla comunità in termini di diversità linguistica e/o culturale e specificità legate alle lingue latine e alle loro varianti nazionali o regionali. Non vediamo l'ora di incontrarvi! \*PORTUGUÊS\* Sejam todos bem-vindos! Reunimo-nos todas as QUARTAS-FEIRAS, das 20h00 às 23h00, no Denfert Café, para praticar as "línguas latinas" — espanhol, italiano, português e francês (com os nossos amigos internacionais) — e conversar sobre as culturas latinas. Para facilitar estes intercâmbios informais, será recebido à chegada por AMINE, que lhe explicará o conceito e como funcionam os nossos encontros. Cada participante receberá um crachá com o seu primeiro nome/alcunha... mesmo que não fale qualquer outra língua latina. O que nos interessa é a sua mente aberta e o que cada pessoa pode trazer para a comunidade em termos de diversidade linguística e/ou cultural e especificidades relacionadas com as línguas latinas e as suas variações nacionais ou regionais. Esperamos conhecê-los!

Join us for an unforgettable **New Year’s Eve** at the **Arc de Triomphe in Paris.** At 11:50 p.m., an exceptional video mapping will illuminate the Arc de Triomphe, celebrating Paris as a city of arts and ideas — a city of creation, performance, and literature — all leading up to the New Year countdown. **Come with warm clothes !** Meeting point 18h30 at cafe Le Village 25 rue Royale for a photo walk through the Champs Elysées on New Years Eve! All levels of photographers/videographers are welcome. You can bring your camera, smartphone or whatever photography equipment you prefer to create your content. 1\. Reserve your SPOT on Meetup ASAP\, we have limited spots\. Please don't show up if you are not on the final list of attendees. If you can't make it, please move yourself to the not going list to allow people on the waiting list to move. **Join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EyCHL9D1uLf46I11oPmegs). It's very important to join to get live updates and live location.** 3\. Follow us on Instagram [@takeaphotowalkcommunity](https://www.instagram.com/takeaphotowalkcommunity/) where you'll find more information about our next events, as well as photos of the group and our walks. 4\. The photo walk will be in English 🇬🇧🇺🇸 but other languages are welcome if other members speak the same language; we are an inclusive community\. IMPORTANT **What we are not!** 1\. WORKSHOP: if you want to learn how to use your camera\, feel free to ask questions to the members of the community\, but don't expect a full course\. We host and organise specific workshops for this matter\, we suggest checking our Instagram account for more information\. 2\. CITY TOUR\. If you are a tourist and you want a full walking tour with a personal guide\, we suggest you book one of our private tours\. You find the link here: [TripAdvisor](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187502-d27675403-Reviews-Take_A_Photo_Walk-Sitges_Catalonia.html) 3\. PERSONAL ASSISTANT\. If you join our activity\, you have to follow the guidelines we will share on the WhatsApp group during the event\. If there is a member of the community helping or hosting the photo walk\, this person is not in charge of giving you personal instructions or looking for you if you get lost\. Please follow the guide and be kind and respectful to the other members\. **Who we are** Take a Photo Walk is a community-based startup founded in July 2024 in Barcelona to connect photo lovers and content creators around the world. We organise and host our own photo walk meetups and private photo walks in Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, London and several cities in Europe. We're an open and inclusive community. Feel free to join one of our events and bring your friends! **Data Protection: Regulations for Photos/Videos at Events.** When attending any events, policies regarding personal images often involve your consent and usage. Generally, private photos for personal use are acceptable, sharing them on social media may require consent if individuals are recognizable within the photo. You should tag the community and the individual in social media. If you're not comfortable being photographed or filmed, please let the group know before the event begins. **Again, Remember to Contribute.** As an open group, we welcome contributions from anyone who wants to do more than just attend - whether it's planning events, leading a walk, or working on new projects.

## Soirée Nouvel An Pour le Nouvel An, vivez une soirée inoubliable et commencez l’année dans une ambiance festive et internationale ! 🎉 **Programme :** 1️⃣ 21H45 – 👋 **Accueil et rencontres** La soirée commence dès 21H45 avec un moment dédié aux rencontres et à la convivialité. Profitez-en pour sympathiser, discuter et participer à des jeux pour socialiser dans une ambiance détendue. 2️⃣ 22H – 🥃 **Shots gratuits** Participez à un jeu brise-glace et commencez la soirée dans une ambiance conviviale et amusante. 3️⃣ 🗣️ **Échange linguistique** Parlez toutes les langues et découvrez de nouvelles cultures. 4️⃣ 23H – 🎧 **Arrivée du DJ** Le DJ arrive pour faire monter l’ambiance et préparer tout le monde pour le passage à la nouvelle année. 5️⃣ Minuit – 🎆 **Place à la fête !** Après minuit, le bar se transforme en club pour danser et célébrer le Nouvel An jusqu’au bout de la nuit. 💌 **Localisation :** L’adresse est secrète et ne sera révélée qu’avec votre carte de membre VIP. Téléchargez-la au format PDF maintenant ! 👉 [VIP Card Link](https://socializus.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/happy-new-year-s-eve,36058.html?sl=instagram&_locale=fr) 🎟️ **Billets et prix VIP** * 5 € pour obtenir la carte de membre VIP avec l’adresse. * Les places VIP étant très limitées, il est obligatoire d’avoir cette carte pour bénéficier de l’accès VIP. * Sur place, la carte VIP permet d’obtenir : – entrée à 15 € avec une boisson incluse – ou entrée à 20 € avec deux boissons incluses * La consommation est obligatoire pour pouvoir entrer. * Les autres participants sans accès VIP ont des tarifs plus élevés, entre 20 et 50 €. ✨ Préparez-vous pour une nuit inoubliable ! 🥂🎊 **Lien complet pour achat :** [https://socializus.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/happy-new-year-s-eve,36058.html?sl=instagram&_locale=fr](https://socializus.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/happy-new-year-s-eve,36058.html?sl=instagram&_locale=fr)

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* **The Original Paris Pub Crawl 🍷✨** Experience the magic of Paris by night with the Original Paris Pub Crawl — the city’s most social and entertaining nightlife adventure! Join fellow travelers and locals as we explore the best bars, pubs, and clubs across the Latin Quarter, Bastille, or Pigalle, depending on the night. Led by a fun, knowledgeable local guide, this tour offers exclusive drink deals, free shots, skip-the-line entry, and unforgettable moments in the heart of Paris. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, it’s the perfect way to meet new people and discover the hidden nightlife gems of the City of Light. **🌟 Highlights** * Discover the best local bars and nightlife spots in Paris * Free shots and exclusive drink discounts at every venue * Skip-the-line VIP entry to one of Paris’s top clubs * Meet fun travelers from around the world * Led by a professional local nightlife guide **✅ What’s Included** * Free welcome shots & drink specials (after purchasing 1st drink at each bar) * Entry to all bars and final club * Local nightlife guide * Great vibes & new friends

## Happy New Year’s Eve Party ## 🍾 Let's all together celebrate with internationals ⭐ Celebrate New Year’s Eve with an unforgettable night and start the year in a fun and international atmosphere! 🎉 **Program:** 1️⃣ 9:45 PM – 👋 **Welcome & social time** The evening starts at 9:45 PM with a relaxed moment to meet new people, chat, and take part in social games. 2️⃣ 10:00 PM – 🥃 **Free shots** Join an icebreaker game and start the night with a fun and friendly atmosphere. 3️⃣ 🗣️ **Language exchange** Speak all languages and discover new cultures. 4️⃣ 11:00 PM – 🎧 **DJ arrival** The DJ arrives to raise the energy and get everyone ready for the countdown. 5️⃣ Midnight – 🎆 **Let the party begin** After midnight, the bar turns into a club where you can dance and celebrate the New Year until late. 💌 **Location:** The address is secret and will only be revealed with your VIP membership card. Download it as a PDF now! 👉 [VIP Card Link](https://socializus.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/happy-new-year-s-eve,36058.html?sl=instagram&_locale=fr) 🎟️ **VIP Tickets & Prices** * €5 to obtain the VIP membership card with the address. * VIP places are very limited, so this card is mandatory to secure VIP access. * On-site, the VIP card allows: – Entry for €15 including one drink (instead of €30) – Or entry for €20 including two drinks * A drink purchase is mandatory to enter. * Other participants without VIP access have higher rates, between €20 and €50. ✨ Get ready for an unforgettable night! 🥂🎊 **Full link for purchase:** [https://socializus.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/happy-new-year-s-eve,36058.html?sl=instagram&_locale=f](https://socializus.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/happy-new-year-s-eve,36058.html?sl=instagram&_locale=fr)r

𝓥𝓮𝓷𝓮𝔃 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓶𝓮 𝓿𝓸𝓾𝓼 ê𝓽𝓮𝓼 \| 𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓪𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓻𝓮 Venez dessiner avec nous autour d'un verre au QG de l'Art Club. Cet événement est gratuit et ouvert à tous les niveaux. Venez comme vous êtes! Ne vous inquiétez pas, si vous ne savez pas dessiner, nous pouvons vous donner quelques conseils. Vous nous trouverez au sous-sol du bar (escaliers à fond du bar à droite). Attention, le réseau n'est pas très bon. Il est possible que nous ne soyons pas en mesure de vous répondre. Veuillez apporter vos propres matériaux (carnet, crayons, stylos) si possible. On propose 2 thèmes à chaque session, ils sont juste là pour donner un point de départ à l’inspiration ✨, si besoin. Mais libre à vous de dessiner tout ce qui vous passe par la tête sans forcément les respectez ! 😊 Au plaisir de vous voir ! \*\*\* Liste de lecture Spotify (nous pouvons jouer votre musique) : https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Lzbin8LMXWB05WJ2D8qSI?si=4a564b2954474955 Notre compte Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/the_art_club_paris/ Prix : il vous sera demandé d'acheter une consommation du bar ***xx***x***x***x***x***x***xx***\*\*\*x\*\*\* 𝒞𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓌 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓊𝓈 𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒶 𝒹𝓇𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒜𝓇𝓉 𝒞𝓁𝓊𝒷 𝐻𝒬. 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓁𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓁𝓈. 𝒞𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝒶𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒. 𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓇𝓎, 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓉𝑜 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓌, 𝓌𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝑔𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝒾𝓅𝓈. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝓊𝓈 at the basement. 𝐵𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝑒𝒻𝓊𝓁, 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝒸𝑒𝓅𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒾𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝒹. 𝒲𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝓎 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒷𝑒 𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝒶𝓃𝓈𝓌𝑒𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊. Please bring your own materials (drawing pad, pens, pencils) if possible. We announce two themes for each session. This is just to give a start point for inspiration ✨, if needed. However, you are totally free to draw whatever you would like to, no need to follow them if do not want to. 😊 𝒲𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓌𝒶𝓇𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝑒𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊! \*\*\* 𝒮𝓅𝑜𝓉𝒾𝒻𝓎 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓎𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓉 (𝓌𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓎 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓂𝓊𝓈𝒾𝒸): 𝒽𝓉𝓉𝓅𝓈://𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓃.𝓈𝓅𝑜𝓉𝒾𝒻𝓎.𝒸𝑜𝓂/𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓎𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓉/𝟣𝐿𝓏𝒷𝒾𝓃𝟪𝐿𝑀𝒳𝒲𝐵𝟢𝟧𝒲𝒥𝟤𝒟𝟪𝓆𝒮𝐼?𝓈𝒾=𝟦𝒶𝟧𝟨𝟦𝒷𝟤𝟫𝟧𝟦𝟦𝟩𝟦𝟫𝟧𝟧 𝒪𝓊𝓇 𝐼𝓃𝓈𝓉𝒶𝑔𝓇𝒶𝓂 𝒶𝒸𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓃𝓉: 𝒽𝓉𝓉𝓅𝓈://𝓌𝓌𝓌.𝒾𝓃𝓈𝓉𝒶𝑔𝓇𝒶𝓂.𝒸𝑜𝓂/𝓉𝒽𝑒_𝒶𝓇𝓉_𝒸𝓁𝓊𝒷_𝓅𝒶𝓇𝒾𝓈/ 𝒫𝓇𝒾𝒸𝑒: all attendees need to purchase at least one drink from the bar

Explorez la richesse culturelle de Paris avec CHIP : culture et histoire - Islam et Paris et decouvrez une autre histoire de paris. lRejoignez-nous pour une visite guidée à pied à travers des lieux emblématiques ( Notre-Dame, Sorbonne, collègue de France, Panthéon…) pour y découvrir les subtiles intersections entre l'histoire de France et l’histoire du monde musulman. ***Gratuit*** La balade dure entre 1h45 et 2h00. Elle est en français . Venez marcher avec nous sur les traces des conquérants, des immigrés, des érudits et poètes, mais aussi des convertis qui ont participé au dialogue entre le monde musulman et l’occident . Une balade hors des sentiers battus.

Rejoignez-nous pour une après-midi conviviale autour du bubble tea et du Mahjong ! Découvrez différentes saveurs de bubble tea, partagez vos histoires et expériences culturelles, pratiquez vos langues avec d’autres participants, et dégustez nos snacks et nouilles artisanales. Ambiance détendue, échanges enrichissants et plaisirs garantis **Ticket Standard – 10 €** 1 boisson au choix (hors alcool). **Ticket Premium – 13,8 €** 1 boisson au choix (hors alcool) + un snack ou un dessert. **Ticket Gourmet – 19,8 €** 1 boisson au choix (hors alcool) + un plat de nouilles artisanales Join us for a friendly afternoon with Bubble Tea and Mahjong! Discover different bubble tea flavors, share your stories and cultural experiences, practice languages with other participants, and enjoy our handmade snacks and noodles. A relaxed atmosphere, enriching exchanges, and guaranteed fun! **Standard Ticket – €10** 1 drink of your choice (excluding alcohol). **Premium Ticket – €13.8** 1 drink of your choice (excluding alcohol) + 1 snack or dessert. **Gourmet Ticket – €19.8** 1 drink of your choice (excluding alcohol) + 1 handmade noodle dish.

**La Promenade des célibs du nouvel an** **Tu es célib ? Tu veux faire la connaissance de d'autres celibs, cet événement est fait pour toi** **La promenade des Célibs du Nouvel An : Jardin des Tuileries / Palais Royal /...** **2eme édition** **Prix (price) : 10 euros** **(Tarif 18/25 ans de 5 euros sur justificatif)** Le règlement de nos événements pourra se faire sur place en espèce 13h30 / 16h à 16h15 environ Rendez-vous : Sortie 1 du métro Concorde (lignes 1, 8 et 12). Phone : 0683208657 \- le jardin des Tuileries\, \- un marché de Noël \- le Palais Royal ... Le parcours n'est pas une boucle En fin de promenade nous irons prendre un verre dans une brasserie, un pub ou un bar :-) Les événements que vous pouvez déjà réserver et payer en ligne : https://www.billetweb.fr/pro/pem **Groupe PEM whatsapp 0683208657** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gzyefv4Ev2bKE1JY3DExIN](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gzyefv4Ev2bKE1JY3DExIN) (pour recevoir le programme de la semaine et avoir la localisation du groupe) 3 500 abonné(e)s

Bonjour à toutes et à tous ! Après notre belle première rencontre autour du *Maître et Marguerite* de Mikhaïl Boulgakov, je vous propose de poursuivre ensemble notre escapade littéraire au cœur de Moscou 🇷🇺 : 📖 *Le Maître et Marguerite* – Partie 2 (suite) 📅 Samedi 20 décembre 2025 à 15h 📍 L’Ours et la Vieille Grille – 9 rue Larrey, 75005 Paris Comme toujours, pas besoin de préparation : juste l’envie de lire, d’échanger et de partager un moment chaleureux autour d’un thé ou d’un café bien chaud 🍵☕✨ À très bientôt, Jade

**Némo Biennial 2025 is back in Paris and across Île-de-France! 🌟** This major event dedicated to contemporary and digital art explores the connections between the real, the virtual, and the imaginary. Expect immersive installations, audiovisual performances, and unique interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. **What’s on the program?** • Artworks and devices that blur the line between humans and machines 🤖 • Captivating sensory and visual performances 🎭 • Innovative creations from artists, designers, and researchers from around the world 🌍 We will be visiting exhibitions at **CENTQUATRE-PARIS**, one of the key venues of this edition. It will be a great moment to share impressions, discuss the artworks, and enjoy an inspiring collective experience together. 💫 More information: [https://www.biennalenemo.fr/](https://www.biennalenemo.fr/) **Want to get more involved?** Become a **co-organizer, event organizer, or assistant organizer** and help plan the outing, suggest ideas, or give a hand so everything runs smoothly. 📩 **How to participate**: Just reply directly to this message on Meetup and let us know your interests or availability. Let’s organize everything together to make this an unforgettable experience! 💫 **Spread the word!** If you have friends or colleagues who might enjoy this kind of cultural outing, invite them to join our Meetup group! The more passionate people we have, the more fun, lively, and inspiring our experiences become. 🎊 See you soon, **The MeltingSpot Team**

ATTENTION, IMPORTANT A LIRE: https://www.meetup.com/fr-FR/meetup-group-gWKeSNEk/ Mettez en pratique votre compréhension et expression orale en italien dans une ambiance détendue et avec un italien natif. MERCI DE LIRE TOUT LE TEXTE AVANT DE RÉSERVER Retrouvons nous autour d'un verre pour parler et améliorer votre italien dans la bonne humeur et la convivialité. Dans ce groupe on parle, on écrit et on rit 100% en Italien. Tarifs: 15 euros pour une heure et demie de cours. Premier cours: 12 euros Carnet de 5 cours: 60 euros A presto!

Join The Empowered Muslim Ladies Club for a cultural exploration of the Latin Quarter! This event is perfect for those interested in learning another history of Paris while networking with like-minded ladies. Come ready to nourish your mind, body, and soul as we discover little known facts about this crossroad of civilizations that the Latin Quarter was and still is. We’ll encounter stories of colonialism, oppression, crusades, but also cultural exchanges, intellectual and religious dialogues. Let's create lasting memories together while celebrating our shared culture and traditions! FREE The Tour is in English. Join my group in French - CHIP ( culture et histoire, Islam et Paris) pour des promenades en français . 0759686132

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. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Come and join our lively Japanese language meetup, where Japanese language learners and native speakers come together to learn, play, and connect. We’ll practice through fun games and interactive conversation in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re just starting out, more advanced, or a native speaker who enjoys helping others, everyone is encouraged to join and participate. After the library we'll take a leisurely walk together to get food/drinks. There are many options around including North Market Bridge Park. It's a perfect opportunity to continue our conversations and enjoy each other's company over a meal.

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

Ciao a tutt\*! I want to revive this group! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (Tremont Branch) in Meeting Room A to speak in Italian for 1 hour.

Start the new year with your local IxDA pals. Join members of the Central Ohio UX and design community for our monthly breakfast.

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!