Crowdfunding

**This month’s Creativity Circle is very timely. We will be making our own craft flowers out of paper, coffee filters, popsicle sticks, sparkles, cupcake liners, pipe cleaners and more! All ages welcome, show up as you can, bring a friend or a few if you would like to! Excited to see you there! Seats Limited. Held at the Westerville Public Library Meeting Room B.**

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Detroit Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Detroit singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

**🎊 Zoom Speed Dating for Indianapolis Locals from Home** In each session, you'll move through private one-on-one video rounds with Indianapolis people in your age bracket who match your profile, with someone hosting live from start to finish. When booking your spot, you take a quick personality and preferences survey — those results are used to match you with Indianapolis people who are actually compatible, so the format works harder than any dating app. When it is all over, we send mutual match results — with privacy guaranteed for all non-mutual picks — and everything that follows is on your schedule. **Age groups — click yours to register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ RSVP is not enough:** Rsvping on meetup does not confirm your spot at the event, so follow the age group link above, register, and complete the personality quiz to lock in your spot — numbers are intentionally limited so register early, and only the combination of both confirms your attendance. --- **The breakdown** 1. **Register** – through the link corresponding to your age range, then complete the personality assessment, because registration closes once spots fill. 2. **Log on** – by opening the session link at the right time, works on any device without requiring a download, and from there a live host guides everything. 3. **Start the rounds** – brief timed one-on-one chats with Indianapolis singles curated for you by age and personality, as the host signals each transition calmly and clearly, knowing the matching already happened before you got on Zoom. 4. **Discover your matches** – mutual selections are shared privately once the evening wraps, with contact info only shared when both of you said yes, and from there you call every shot. **Ideal if you are:** - Someone near Indianapolis who have had enough of apps that waste evenings for no return and are ready for something that feels natural. - Professionals from the Indianapolis area moving on from dating apps that go nowhere and want actual face-to-face conversation. - Someone in the Indianapolis area moving beyond apps that waste evenings for no return and are ready for a genuine first impression. - Members calling Indianapolis home who have given up on profiles instead of real people and are looking for real connection. - Daters from around Indianapolis moving beyond shallow connections that never lead anywhere and want to talk to real people tonight. **The Basics** - **Format:** Real-time via a live video call centred on focused one-on-one video dates, age and personality sorted before the event begins. - **Where:** Fully remote — on whatever device you prefer, no special equipment — just a device with a camera and internet, and wherever you feel at ease is effectively your venue. - **Host:** A professional host handles everything so you just show up and enjoy, meaning you never have to think about the format — every transition and every call to move on is handled. - **Vibe:** Welcoming private Zoom chats with real people from Indianapolis not filtered profiles, and the format itself removes most of the pressure. - **Duration:** Total time is around 75 minutes or so across all rounds, and you will barely notice the time. 💡 **Tip:** clear your background or find a tidy corner, so the rounds feel natural from the very start, since small prep leads to a noticeably better experience. --- ✨ One Zoom call, real conversations, real matches — grab your spot above and the evening takes care of itself tonight. Can not wait to see you there. 🕊️ ✨

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Cincinnati Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Cincinnati singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Columbus Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Columbus singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Cleveland Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Cleveland singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

**💓 Zoom-Hosted Speed Dating for Toledo People Done with Apps** Each evening, you'll be guided through rapid one-on-one Zoom dates with people from Toledo sorted by age and compatibility, while a live host keeps things smooth throughout. Right after registering, you submit a short personality questionnaire — the quiz results inform who you meet to match you with Toledo singles who are likely to click with you, meaning your rounds are curated and not random. Once it is wrapped up, mutual match details are distributed — exclusively for mutual selections — and it is yours to follow up without any rush. **Find your bracket and register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Important:** An rsvp on this page is not a confirmed spot, so use the link for your age bracket above, sign up, and finish the short personality quiz — spots go quickly so register now rather than later, and both steps together are what confirm your place. --- **Here is how the evening goes** 1. **Lock in your place** – by selecting your age group and following the link, then finish the compatibility quiz, because this step is your confirmation not the RSVP. 2. **Hop on** – via your Zoom registration link at the right time, any device works and no download is required, and the host introduces everyone and gets the rounds started. 3. **Have your dates** – timed one-on-one speed dates with age-matched Toledo locals paired by quiz, as the host handles all transitions so conversations stay natural, since every person you meet was matched to you on purpose. 4. **Review your matches** – after the night mutual match results are sent to both parties, since non-mutual choices are never shared with either party, and you reach out whenever you feel ready. **Who it is for:** - Individuals in Toledo finished with profiles that never convert to actual dates and are ready for a genuine first impression. - Those based in Toledo who are tired of endless scrolling and zero real dates and need a better way to meet people. - Anyone locally in Toledo moving beyond swiping left and right with no results and are ready for a genuine first impression. - Daters around Toledo who no longer want app fatigue and empty match queues and are serious about meeting someone. - People calling Toledo home wanting to escape swiping left and right with no results and are after something more than a swipe can offer. **Event Info** - **Format:** Host-managed through Zoom video built around curated one-on-one dates, personality-first and age-grouped at every stage. - **Where:** From home — on any screen with a camera and mic, Wi-Fi and a front-facing camera covers it completely, and any quiet space with good lighting will do fine. - **Host:** A welcoming host runs the session from the opening to the final round, so every conversation gets your full attention — there is nothing on your end to organise or manage. - **Vibe:** Comfortable short conversations with Toledo people who are ready for something real, and the whole thing is better than you would expect. - **Duration:** Roughly 60 to 75 minutes from host intro to final round, with most rounds feeling short. ⭐ *"Tried it once and booked again — did not feel awkward at all"* – Toledo attendee 💡 **Helpful hint:** prepare one or two opening questions, and the host takes care of everything else from there, and the host handles everything else from that point. --- ✨ Your next match could be one Zoom call away — grab your spot above and all the logistics are covered this time. See you on the other side. 💎 ✨

Enjoy a nice day out for early dinner. No over-the-top expensive Mother's day hoopla stuff. Just good eats.

**💫 Host-Guided Speed Dating for Cincinnati People Short Rounds** As a participant, you'll rotate through private one-on-one video rounds with Cincinnati singles paired for compatibility by age and quiz, as a skilled host keeps the pace natural. When booking your spot, there is a short quiz about your personality and preferences — those results are used to pair you with compatible Cincinnati locals, ensuring your matches are intentional and not random. After the session closes, mutual connections are confirmed and shared — only when the interest is confirmed mutual — and you reach out whenever you are ready. **Choose your age range below:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Your seat is not locked yet:** This rsvp does not equal a reserved seat, so register through your age group link above and complete the personality quiz — the cap is reached quickly so register without delay, and without both steps done your spot is not held. --- **Details** - **Format:** Fully hosted through Zoom video structured around guided private rounds, sorted to your age group and personality profile in advance. - **Where:** At-home — on any laptop tablet or phone, nothing is needed beyond a device and a stable connection, and any quiet space where you can focus for 90 minutes works. - **Host:** A capable host handles round management so conversations feel natural, giving the whole session a relaxed and easy feel — every transition and every call to move on is handled. - **Vibe:** Social face-to-face sessions with genuine Cincinnati singles, and you will find it hard to believe this replaced a swipe. - **Duration:** Runs for roughly ninety minutes or so from opening to close, though it can vary slightly by event. **Perfect for:** - Those living in Cincinnati wanting to escape app fatigue and empty match queues and want to talk to real people tonight. - Returners locally in Cincinnati done with app fatigue and empty match queues and want to try something that actually works. - First-timers throughout Cincinnati ready to move past matches that ghost after two messages and want to talk to real people tonight. - Anyone at all throughout Cincinnati bored of swiping left and right with no results and are serious about meeting someone. **Step by step** 1. **Start here** – through your age range link above, then answer the personality questions, as both steps are required and neither can be skipped. 2. **Log on** – using the video link shared before the session, no Zoom account is needed — just click the link, and everything from that point is handled by the host. 3. **Go through the rounds** – live one-on-one video rounds with Cincinnati people sorted by age and quiz results, while a host ensures every round feels natural, since personality and age shaped every pairing in advance. 4. **Discover your matches** – once the event closes we share mutual match results, since no information is ever shared without mutual agreement from both sides, and you connect whenever you would like to with no pressure. ⭐ *"Honestly surprised — worth every minute of the 90 it took"* – Cincinnati local who came sceptical 💡 **Before you join:** grab a glass of water before you start, which means you can focus entirely on the conversation, and the host handles everything else from that point. --- ✨ Short rounds with real Cincinnati locals — grab your place above before it goes and you just show up on the night for this session. See you on the other side. 🪷 ✨

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Indianapolis Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Indianapolis singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

**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.