Alternative Energy

### Saltwater & Stories — Saltwater & Stories is a monthly gathering for women who love books, meaningful conversation, and community. Inspired by the beauty and rhythm of island life, we come together to read and discuss books written by Black women from the Caribbean, the United States, and across the diaspora. From novels and memoirs to poetry, essays, romance, and everything in between, our selections will celebrate the creativity, strength, and storytelling of Black women while encouraging us to fall back in love with reading without limits. Many of us are working professionals and women navigating full lives — balancing family, careers, friendships, growth and self-care. This space was created for women who are craving connection with others in a similar season of life, especially women of color who value social connection, community, and meaningful new friendships. I’m starting this group because years ago I belonged to a book club where I met incredible women who shared my love of reading. Those conversations, friendships, and moments of connection stayed with me, and I realized how much I missed that sense of community. Each month we’ll gather at different spots around the island — whether it’s a breezy beachside space, a local café, or a cozy restaurant — to share thoughts on the book, connect with one another, and enjoy great conversation. My vision for this community is simple: • Read broadly and boldly across genres and topics • Meet once a month for inspiring book discussions (in person or occasionally online) • Build lasting friendships and authentic connections • Support accountability, consistency, and personal growth • Plan dinners, drinks, outings, and small meetups beyond book club meetings to build sisterhood This is more than a book club. It’s a social circle, a support system, and a space where women can show up for themselves and each other again — connecting over great books, great food, great drinks, and great conversation! Whether you're here for the reading, the friendships, or both, you belong here. Come as you are, bring your book, bring a friend and join the circle! Let’s read, connect, and grow — one book, one conversation, and one meetup at a time.

### Saltwater & Stories — Saltwater & Stories is a monthly gathering for women who love books, meaningful conversation, and community. Inspired by the beauty and rhythm of island life, we come together to read and discuss books written by Black women from the Caribbean, the United States, and across the diaspora. From novels and memoirs to poetry, essays, romance, and everything in between, our selections will celebrate the creativity, strength, and storytelling of Black women while encouraging us to fall back in love with reading without limits. Many of us are working professionals and women navigating full lives — balancing family, careers, friendships, growth and self-care. This space was created for women who are craving connection with others in a similar season of life, especially women of color who value social connection, community, and meaningful new friendships. I’m starting this group because years ago I belonged to a book club where I met incredible women who shared my love of reading. Those conversations, friendships, and moments of connection stayed with me, and I realized how much I missed that sense of community. Each month we’ll gather at different spots around the island — whether it’s a breezy beachside space, a local café, or a cozy restaurant — to share thoughts on the book, connect with one another, and enjoy great conversation. My vision for this community is simple: • Read broadly and boldly across genres and topics • Meet once a month for inspiring book discussions (in person or occasionally online) • Build lasting friendships and authentic connections • Support accountability, consistency, and personal growth • Plan dinners, drinks, outings, and small meetups beyond book club meetings to build sisterhood This is more than a book club. It’s a social circle, a support system, and a space where women can show up for themselves and each other again — connecting over great books, great food, great drinks, and great conversation! Whether you're here for the reading, the friendships, or both, you belong here. Come as you are, bring your book, bring a friend and join the circle! Let’s read, connect, and grow — one book, one conversation, and one meetup at a time.

Community Backyards Workshop Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) * Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 * Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM * Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** TBD **YouTube Link** TBD