Brazil
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out brazil events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the brazil events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find brazil events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Brazil Events Today
Join in-person Brazil events happening right now
Queer Night Out: DC Power FC Game
**NOTE: AN RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT SERVE AS A BOOKED SPOT. PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.**
⚽ **[Queer Night Out: DC Power FC Game](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/queer-night-out-dc-power-fc-game)**
📍 Audi Field
📅 Wednesday, May 6, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM
Women's soccer. Happy hour. Community energy.
Lesbifriends Travel invites you to join us for a fun night out as DC Power FC takes the field at Audi Field, kicking off with a happy hour meetup in Navy Yard before we walk to the stadium together.
Our group will be seated together in the stands, making it easy to connect, cheer, and enjoy the game with people who just feel like your people.
🎟 **Ticket Info You Should Know:**
-Tickets are $20 each
-**Tickets must be purchased** **[HERE](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/queer-night-out-dc-power-fc-game)**
-Only 20 tickets are available
-This is a meet-up opportunity and we are not affiliated with the team or stadium
🍸 **Happy Hour Hangout:**
For those who buy tickets and want to connect, we're meeting for happy hour in Navy Yard at 5:00 PM before walking to the stadium together at 6:30 PM. Location will be shared with registered guests closer to the date.
**Who This Is For:**
Black queer folks who love a good night out, women's sports, and connecting with community in a fun setting.
✨ Lesbifriends Travel invites you to lace up, show out, and cheer loud with your community for a night of women's soccer.
Note: By attending this outing, you agree to being photographed. However, if communicated, we will try our best not to capture you in photos and post you publicly. That request must be communicated ahead of time/at the beginning of the outing to photographer and host.
Evening Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi Training in Herndon, VA 🥋
Beginner-friendly evening [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) class at [Pedro Sauer Academy](https://www.pedrosaueracademy.com/): Learn escapes, submissions, and live strategy with expert instruction. **🔥**
No experience is required -- new students and first-timers are genuinely welcome.
Classes focus on practical, real-world [self-defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense) fundamentals taught in a **safe**, **technical**, and **highly supportive environment**.
You’ll learn how to **escape common holds**, **apply effective submissions**, and **understand live positional strategy** \-\- the same leverage\-based system used in modern BJJ and [Mixed Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_martial_arts) (MMA), adapted for everyday people.
This **gi class** takes place every **Monday** and **Wednesday** and includes **one hour of guided instruction** followed by **one hour of optional open training** (live rounds, drilling, review, and research).
Loaner **gis are available** if you need one.
**Drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20** and can be **paid on-site** or **[sign up for a trial week for free](https://www.pedrosaueracademy.com/)**.
We are located in **Suite #130** \-\- let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest\.
GeoDC : May 2026 Meetup
**The next GeoDC will be held on Wednesday, May 6 from 6-9pm at Sudhouse DC (1340 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009) with the program starting at 7pm.**
We’ve got 3 presentations scheduled for the evening– Please check out the program details below.
Join us early from 6-7pm to grow your network, socialize and grab drinks and appetizers, compliments of our sponsor for the month,
[Voyager](https://www.voyagersearch.com/).
Please remember to [RSVP through the GeoDC Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/geo-dc/), and we hope to see you in a few weeks.
*If you’d like to present or sponsor a future GeoDC Meetup, please complete this [form](https://forms.gle/QbAXPfrDnX12GGaS8).*
**Brian Davidson:** **Zero to Map: A 10-Minute Geospatial Speedrun with Gemini**
* Think building a functional mapping application requires hours of boilerplate and API frustration? Think again. In this talk, we’ll race against the clock to build a live mapping app from scratch using Gemini and Antigravity. You’ll see how to leverage LLMs to handle everything from a mapping provider integration to complex coordinate rendering in minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned GIS pro or a curious dev, my hope is you'll leave with a better understanding of how to turn your idea into a working map before your coffee gets cold.
**Noah Goodman**: **Voyager**
* The Voyager platform has enabled customers to resolve data management issues, such as duplication, lack of governance & metadata. Demos of the Voyager platform capabilities and will discussion of a recent State DOT project.
**Dr. Aditya Kapoor: Assessment of Inundation Dynamics in Nebraska Using AlphaEarth Foundations**
**Embeddings**
* This study demonstrates that AlphaEarth Foundation Embeddings (AFE) provide a highly efficient, "analysis-ready" framework for mapping regional surface water inundation without the computational burden of traditional multi-source data fusion. By applying Random Forest classifiers to AFE data across 901 Nebraska lakes from 2017 to 2025, I found that this method outperformed existing products like Dynamic World, which exhibited estimation errors of up to 43.8%. The analysis revealed a critical environmental trend: a mean inundation decline of over 6,600 m² per year, closely mirroring a regional rainfall reduction of 14.18 mm/year. Ultimately, the findings highlight AFE as a scalable tool for identifying hydrological instabilities, particularly in smaller water bodies, offering significant advantages for real-world water resource planning and flood risk assessment.
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Class at OSMA in Herndon, VA 🥋
The [One Spirit Martial Arts](https://www.virginiabjj.com/programs/kidsbjj) (OSMA) Youth [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) program is designed to help children build **confidence**, **coordination**, and **practical [self-defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense) skills** in a **safe**, **structured**, and **positive environment**.
This class is for students **six** to **thirteen** years of age and runs from **5:15 PM** to **6:00 PM**, providing a **focused**, **age-appropriate training session** that fits well into an after-school routine.
Located in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia), OSMA is easily commutable from Oakton, Reston, Sterling, and [Great Falls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Falls,_Virginia), as well as other nearby [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) communities.
Parents are welcome to **stay and watch** \-\- OSMA has a **dedicated seating area** where you can comfortably **observe your child’s progress** during class; parents may also take advantage of the OSMA **guest WIFI** if they need an Internet connection.
From a parent’s perspective, this class is about more than martial arts: children learn how to **move their bodies with purpose**, **stay calm under pressure**, **follow instructions**, **work with others**, and **build resilience**.
Students are taught to apply [Gracie Jiu-Jitsu-based](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) self-defense concepts **responsibly**, with an emphasis on **control**, **safety**, and **respect**.
What children will learn in this after-school program:
* **Movement** and **coordination** drills
* Practical **self-defense techniques**
* Standing **takedowns**
* **Ground techniques** and **positional awareness**
* Position-specific **drilling**
* Controlled **sparring** matches (age-appropriate and supervised)
* **Games** and **fun activities** to keep kids engaged and motivated
Whether your child is new to [martial arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martial_arts) or already active, this program offers a balanced mix of **skill development**, **physical activity**, and **confidence-building** \-\- all in a **supportive environment**.
A **free seven-day trial** is available for non-members.
Capoeira
Capoeira (capo-way-ra) is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that is unlike any other martial art. Capoeira incorporates flowing movements with kicks, dodges, and some acrobatics. It is often mistaken for a dance for those reasons. Since it’s origins in the 17th century, it has evolved from a secret fighting practice into an art emphasizing self-expression and community celebration. It is great for the body and mind! In addition to gaining strength and flexibility in class, students learn about Brazilian culture, history, and language (Portuguese). On November 26, 2014 capoeira was granted a special protected status as "intangible cultural heritage” by UNESCO.
The session is offered InStudio only. **Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.**
The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314.
Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.
Movie Night: Service Design Global Conference 25 Highlights
Join Service Design DC for a community movie night focused on learning, reflection, and connection through two keynote presentations from last year’s Service Design Global Conference. SDGC25 brought the global service design community together around the theme “Business Transformation by Design,” exploring how service design can influence strategy, operations, and customer experience across organizations.
For this gathering, we’ll watch 2 selected talks from SDGC25, then open up a casual group discussion about what resonated, what feels relevant for our work now, and what these ideas might mean for service design practice in DC.
The 2025 conference centered on service design’s role in helping organizations navigate cross-functional transformation, making these talks especially relevant for practitioners working across systems, teams, and change.
**What to expect**
* Watch 2 selected presentations from SDGC25 together.
* Casual facilitated discussion after each talk.
* Time to connect with other service design and adjacent practitioners in the DC area.
**Evening Agenda**
6:00 P.M. - Doors Open + Socializing & Networking
6:30 P.M. - First talk highlights + conversation
7:15 P.M. - Second talk highlights + conversation
8:00 P.M. - Wrap up
**Many thanks to our host and sponsor, MediaBarn!**
*Mediabarn’s customer-centric philosophy defines who we are.*
*In its simplest form, we are committed to applying Human-Centered Design (HCD) methods to understand customer needs, collect feedback, and use that feedback to improve services and products. Whether it’s for customers, citizens, or employees, our Experience Design Studio creates research-informed designs to improve the experience of every human involved.*
Brazil Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Thursday Night Beginner Drum Class! Basics of Brazilian Rhythms & Technique 8pm
Get started! Whether you are experienced or a complete new thisdrum class offers fun for you. Learn the basics of popular Brazilian rhythms: samba, samba reggae, axé, ijexa and more. We provide the drums in a fun atmosphere to learn. Drop in:$15
Wednesday Night Samba! Beginner & Intermediate Level Class
Samba gives a great cardio work out and introduces to Brazilian culture. Join the fun staff of Vava United School of Samba instructors for a samba experience. 8:00pm class is for absolut beginners to dancers looking to sharpen technique. 9:00pm is for experienced sambistas that want to heighten their stamina, learn Combinations and love the samba rhythms.
Beginners ($15)
Intermediate ($15)
Portuguese- Tourist Level
\#\# A low\-cost\, 6\-week intermediate\-level Portuguese course with the non\-profit organization\, the Global Language Network\.
Ready to dive into the world of Portuguese? Join our fun and interactive class designed especially for those new to the language.
**Details**
Portuguese Tourist with Fernanda
Thursdays from 7:00pm - 9:00pm ET
Apr 9th to May 14th
In-person, Farragut Square DC
Ready to learn? **Register [HERE](http://%5B%5Bhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D%5D(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D)(%5Bhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform)) "\[\[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform\](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform)\](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform)").**
**Additional Information**
* GLN classes are open to everyone over 18 years of age.
* Have a credit or stipend to apply to your payment? Learn more about our credit, stipend, and refund policy on the [Pricing & Course Levels page.](http://%5B%5Bhttps://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D%5D(https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D)(%5Bhttps://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D(https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels)) "\[\[https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels\](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels)\](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels)")
**About GLN**
We are a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to "Use Language as a Tool to Help Fix Our World." Since 2015 we have been rated #1 Best Language Classes in Washington, DC by Yelp! We are so happy and grateful to have you join our network and we appreciate your support of our mission.
Saturday ROOFTOP Spanish & Portuguese HourS [PLEASE READ]
It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks.
***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.***
We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested.
We have the discretion to decide entry.
HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly.
Rules to abide :
1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID).
2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well.
3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible.
4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE.
5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion.
6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message.
7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box.
8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)).
9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group.
10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages.
11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\.
12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\.
13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class.
***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***
Friday Spanish & Portuguese HourS
It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks.
***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.***
We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested.
We have the discretion to decide entry.
HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly.
Rules to abide :
1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID).
2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well.
3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible.
4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE.
5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion.
6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message.
7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box.
8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)).
9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group.
10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages.
11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\.
12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\.
13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\.
***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***
PORTUGAL Highlights 7 Days Lisbon Fatima Porto
PORTUGAL Highlights 7 Days Lisbon Fatima Porto
Overview
Religious landmarks, monuments, and the melancholic trill of fado follow this 7 day journey from Lisbon, Portugal’s seafaring capital, to Porto on the Douro River. Connect with your generous Portuguese hosts, wander through medieval cities and savor a delicious pastel de nata or two as you wind your way north through villages, towns and cities, delving into the country’s colorful history and culture.
Itinerary
Day01
Arrive Lisbon
Day02
Lisbon Sightseeing And Free Time
Day03
Lisbon Free Day
Day04
Lisbon – Tomar – Fátima
Day05
Fátima – Coimbra – Porto
Day06
Porto Free Day
Day07
Depart Porto OR Lisbon
***
For detailed itinerary follow the link below:
[https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/portugal-highlights-7-days-lisbon-fatima-porto/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/portugal-highlights-7-days-lisbon-fatima-porto/)
Price:
$2790 (Double occupancy)
$3290 (Single occupancy)
Inclusions
Price Includes
* 6 nights hotel accommodation
* 6 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
* 7 days, 1 country and 5 cities
* An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
* City orientation tours
* Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
* Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
Price Excludes
* Flights
* Meals
* Personal Expenses
* Optional activities
* Travel insurance / Visa
* Tips
***
Questions?
Text/Call: 2023787696 - Himanshu Organizer
Portuguese- Foreigner Level
\#\# A low\-cost\, 6\-week beginner\-level Portuguese course with the non\-profit organization\, the Global Language Network\.
Ready to dive into the world of Portuguese? Join our fun and interactive class designed especially for those new to the language.
**Details**
Portuguese Foreigner with Ana
Sundays from 9:00am - 11:00am ET
Apr 12th to May 17th
In-person, Farragut Square DC
Ready to learn? **Register [HERE](http://%5Bhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform) "\[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform\](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform)").**
**Additional Information**
* GLN classes are open to everyone over 18 years of age.
* Have a credit or stipend to apply to your payment? Learn more about our credit, stipend, and refund policy on the [Pricing & Course Levels page.](http://%5Bhttps://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D(https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels) "\[https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels\](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels)")
**About GLN**
We are a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to "Use Language as a Tool to Help Fix Our World." Since 2015 we have been rated #1 Best Language Classes in Washington, DC by Yelp! We are so happy and grateful to have you join our network and we appreciate your support of our mission.
Brazil Events Near You
Connect with your local Brazil community
Saturday Mornings @ East Market
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.
Per what this group is about:
"Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."
Brain Tumor Support Group
**Welcome to the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky’s Support Group.**
*\*\*This meeting has been moved to the 4th Monday of each month.*
This group is a safe space for **survivors of traumatic and acquired brain injuries**, as well as their **families and caregivers**, to find support, share experiences, and connect with others who understand the journey.
Whether you're newly injured, a longtime survivor, or supporting a loved one, you’ll find comfort, information, and encouragement here. Our professionally facilitated groups offer a confidential, compassionate setting for healing, learning, and growing together.
Join us to discover the power of community—because no one should walk this road alone.
*All survivors of ABI/TBI and those who care for them are welcome.*
\* This meeting is for persons with brain tumors and their guests.
\*\* This is a hybrid meeting. For those meeting in-person dinner is served at 5:45pm. Online begins at 6:30pm.
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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.
Hofbräuhaus [ Thursday 6:00 ]
The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome!
If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten.
Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.
Brushes & Brunch: A Mother's Day Painting Event
🌸 Mother’s Day deserves more than flowers 🌸
Join us for an elevated outdoor paint experience designed for creativity, connection, and unforgettable memories.
✨ Brushes & Brunch: Mother’s Day Garden Edition ✨
Beautiful garden vibes
Brunch bites
Signature refreshments
Guided painting
Soft music
Luxury energy
Whether you're celebrating your mother, your daughter, your friends, or simply honoring yourself — this experience is your invitation to slow down and create something beautiful.
No painting experience needed — just bring your good energy.
This is not your typical paint party.
This is intentional.
This is elevated.
This is your moment.
🎟 Limited seating available to keep the experience intimate.
Reserve your spot early
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brushes-brunch-a-curated-mothers-day-painting-experience-tickets-1987709930911
Building Scalable Customer Identity Resolution Pipelines on AWS Using AI
Customer identity resolution becomes increasingly complex as organizations scale across multiple systems, regions, and data formats. Traditional rule-based approaches often fail to keep up with data variability, require constant manual tuning, and struggle with real-time processing needs.
This session presents a practical approach to building a scalable identity resolution pipeline using AWS services and modern AI techniques. The architecture combines data ingestion through Amazon S3 and AWS Glue, transformation pipelines using Spark on EMR, and machine learning models deployed via SageMaker for entity matching and standardization. Graph-based relationship modeling is implemented using Amazon Neptune to improve resolution accuracy by incorporating household and shared attribute context.
We will walk through how machine learning models can be used for name and address normalization, how intelligent blocking strategies improve matching efficiency, and how feedback loops can be introduced to continuously improve accuracy. The session also highlights how serverless components such as AWS Lambda can be used for orchestration and real-time processing.
**SPEAKER BIO**
Mosaic Syed is a Senior Data Engineering and Cloud Solutions Architect with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance data solutions across global enterprise environments.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosaic-basha-syed-92300856
**CALL FOR SPEAKERS**
Learn more: [https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/](https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/)
**THANK YOU** *VEEAM* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit their website: [https://www.veeam.com/](https://www.veeam.com/)
**DIRECTIONS**
8800 Lyra Dr #450 · Columbus, OH
go to 4th floor.
**Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?**
Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com




















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