Beer Pong

We’ve updated this due to Java’s being closed for the holiday. See you at Family Room this week! WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Come hang out for a Game Night at Pins and Mikey’s on New Year’s Eve Wednesday, December 31st @10pm. This will be at the Dublin Location! I’m sure it will be PACKED, if that is not your scene, this is likely not for you. Pins might have a ball drop playing on the tvs, hopefully they do. We didn’t rent lanes, so you can pay what you want and play what you want. We start meeting at 10pm but you can show up whenever, just message on the event that you are here and someone will come find you. I will also post updates for attendees about where we are as the night goes on. Below are the prices you can expect for the games at Pins, many are free: 🎳 Duckpin - $9 per person per game. Miniature bowling and the main attraction. Pinball - $1 per game. ⚽️ Foosball - 50 cents per game. 🏓 Ping Pong - 25 cents self serve per game. (sometimes this is free when you get there honestly) 🕹️👾Arcade - free Patio Pong - free. Like the cup pong drinking game, but giant. ⭕️ Hookie - free. You throw rings onto hooks, it’s like darts but safer apparently. 🪵 Giant Jenga - free. Jenga but larger. Plus we have Mikey’s right next door! It is even accessible from inside Pins. Mikeys has two Vegan pizzas, a pepperoni and a bbq chiken. I know you can also bring outside food at this location so don’t hesitate to bring anything you’d like. Just no outside drinks! 🅿️ There are multiple free multi-level parking garages, such as the Longshore, Mooney, and Howe garages. As well as street parking. Lastly, FYI, Pins is always 21+ after 9pm for anyone who planned to bring someone younger than that. I think that covers everything. So yeah! Come celebrate, hang out, and vibe if you want! It can get competitive when it comes to games, so come ready to win!! 😤😆

If you’ve never been out with us, or it’s been a while… this is the event to jump in. Most people come solo and leave with new friends. Bowling on New Year’s Eve is **nearly impossible to book** — and we locked down 8 lanes. That alone makes this a rare one. we are definitely not a pro bowlers (**I’m actually pretty bad** 😅), but bowling is way better when pizza and beer are involved 🍕🍺 This event is posted on meetup with Central Ohio Friends **Please RSVP with ONE group only** 🎳 • $15 per person • 2 hours of unlimited bowling • Up to 6 people per lane • **Bring $15 exact cash** (helps us move fast) ⏰ THE PLAN 🕢 **7:45 PM** – Show up, grab a drink, and settle in 🕘 **9:00 PM – Bowling starts** 🕚 **11:00 PM** – Head to Level One Bar & Arcade / **The Derby (Worthington)** to **watch the ball drop** and finish the night 🎉 Please **arrive early (around 8:00 PM)** so we can get checked in and start on time. If you’re new, nervous, or haven’t been out with us before — you won’t be the only one. If you need help finding the group or have questions, feel free to reach out. 📍 LOCATION Sequoia Pro Bowl 5501 Sandalwood Blvd Columbus, OH 43229 ⚠️ GPS heads-up: The entrance can be tricky. Look for the large parking lot near the volleyball courts — that’s the closest entrance. 🍻 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY 👉 RSVP now and don’t miss one of our most fun nights of the year.

First group meet up to end/start the New Year strong! Looking for a fun way to watch the big game and stay after for a toast to 2026? RSVPs are limited as the venue will be packed, but our group is promised VIP status.

Join us as we celebrate **National Spaghetti Day** with this hearty dish! Though the origins of spaghetti are disputed—whether it was Marco Polo bringing back culinary invention from the East or a home-grown Sicilian treat dating back to the 12th Century—we can all agree that a cold day with a big bowl of noodle-y, saucy goodness is balm for the soul. # Carfagnas Spaghetti and Sauce *Everybody's favorite!* Our handmade egg spaghetti topped with our homemade marinara and served with two of our famous meatballs. There are other classic spaghetti dishes on the menu, too. **Where:** We'll have tables in their beautiful upscale bar at Carfagna's Ristorante; and you need to check out everything Italian this place has to offer under one roof!! (shopping, pastry) ***Reservation for 12 under Michele Z starts at 2pm***. *Members Only. Space is limited so no guests, please.* I hope you'll join me at Carfagna's AMAZING complex on Gemini/Polaris. -Michele

Join us this Friday 1/2/26!!!

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!

Your Friday night just got sweeter! Join us at select [#MarketDistrict](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/marketdistrict?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXglupYTNnuPXhU3gU2DI9GInOg8OWWSvEJTry0VDGnMwh3tC6LxAkyc13s7j-hzoCa7zpemBLJbwdOAIfL-4l-h-eX3x7UFBl6CgHm1ijsL9C9hR_jWvIa_CNOjxBCQzMpVcaRfKr1LrRukr4nY0KHoqN2w3gXLadSqHBf6hPcBx13ltDk2suI8GhnjfjDOUs&__tn__=*NK-R) (we are meeting at Grandview Yard) locations for Flights & Bites on the third Friday of the month from 5-8pm. We'll meet about 5:30pm til 7:00pm. Feel free to join us anytime before 6:45pm. **Cost: $15.00 per person *(covers 4 wine or beer samples paired with gourmet appetizers)*** **Meet**: I'll post our location once we assemble and start our tasting.

Botanical Beer Friday, January 16 6 - 7 pm $20/Members | $25/Non-Members Join Bruce Vivian, co-owner and brewer from Nocterra Brewing Co. for a botanical beer tasting while learning more about how these beers are made. This tasting will feature 4 different beers, including Tree Well – an IPA that was made using white pine needles harvested from The Dawes Arboretum! This program is for those ages 21+. [Register and pay at Dawes (click here)](https://53050.blackbaudhosting.com/53050/Botanical-Beer-16Jan2026?_gl=1*18p929h*_gcl_au*NzM3MjYwNTYuMTc1OTQxNjc4OQ..*_ga*MTk2NDQxMTYwMy4xNzQzNzAwMDQz*_ga_P64H7CWHPD*czE3NjQ3ODc3MDUkbzY3JGcxJHQxNzY0Nzg3NzM0JGozMSRsMCRoMA..) Program Audience: Ages 21+ Location: Visitors Center Accessibility Info: This program will consist of an indoor presentation while attendees are seated. Recommended Supplies/Attire: None.

CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.

**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.

❄️ **Spare Yourself a Boring Winter - Bowl With Us!** Avoid social hibernation this winter, join our **6-week social bowling league** starting in January! Whether you're looking to unwind after work, meet new people, or just have a fun night out with pals, this league is perfect for everyone! Chill times, cold drinks, and plenty of chances to connect with others. No matter your skill level, this league is all about having fun and meeting new friends. **;)** **🗓 Thursday evenings \|📍 AMF Sawmill Lanes \| 💵 $74 w/ code MUCOW26** **💻 League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling **Why Join?** 🎉 It’s only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan 🍻 Great mix of people in their 20s-40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar 🎳 Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome! 👕 Free league shirt if you sign up early 🧠 Weekly trivia w/ prizes 💬 Super social - join solo or w/ friends! **Want in?** Join our Meetup team Here for the Beer 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/2559lb7t Or start a team of your own with a few friends - we’ll all be hanging out either way! 📅 League Dates (Thursday evenings): Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26 ***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)*** **Cost & What’s Included:** ✔ $74 with discount code MUCOW26 ✔ 6 weeks of bowling (1–3 games/week) ✔ Shoe rentals & full league setup ✔ Trivia, prizes, and great people 👉 **SIGN UP NOW** 💻League Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling 🤑Use promo code MUCOW26 to save $20 📸 Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG 📩 Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7 Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the fun times!