Car Camping

## Sofa to Summit Challenge Jan 26 ### About The Challenge and what it entails: This is a 4 week challenge, building up to you getting to the summit of Lugnaquillia (925m) Leinster’s highest Point. **Come Join us this great challenge**! It is a great way to get fit, lose some of those pounds, put on eating all those mince pies!, enjoy incredible scenery and socialize at the same time. We will start you off on the sofa to summit challenge with a relatively easy walk while gradually increasing the length and altitude of the walks each week. The course starts with our first walk on Jan 3rd and continues on gradually to the final summit on Jan 24th. * Details of the walks and meeting locations etc will be emailed to you when you sign up. * If any of the Walks need to get cancelled due to weather conditions we will postpone it for another day. * Car Pooling and Transport will be organized for each walk. * There will also be a 50% discount offer for our Walking Club membership for those who sign up. [Read more here](https://www.hilltoptreks.com/guided-walks-and-hikes-ireland/sofa-to-summit-challenge)

Sunday Walk in St. Anne’s Park. We will be meeting at the Red Stable Gate in St Anne’s Park, how to get there you can get the 130 Bus there and yes, there is a car park too. We can go to the Olive Room Cafè before or after the walk, there is toilets inside and outside the premises. The walk will be around 1 in half hours long, dogs are welcome too on leads! It is optional to do Dollymount Beach too, where is there is a Cafè there called Happy Out, there is inside and outside seating too, if you want to go their. Every event is €5 but that pays for the month and you do to pay anymore for the month. I hope to see you there Thomas

If your new year's resolution includes but is not limited to: swim more, feel less warm, socialise with other weirdos, this may be the swim you have been looking for. It's cold! Wear layers before and after, bring a hot drink, hand warmers, scarves, hot water bottles. Also, please check that your transport is running smoothly. We meet at the lifeguards'. ✅ Tide 👍high ✅ Water temperature 8.5 °C ✅ Weather 👍 dry and cold 1ºC ✅ Company 👍 interesting **\-\-\- For the swim \-\-\-** 👙🩳 Wear whatever is comfortable to you for the swim (wetsuit or not) 👕 Bring layers to warm up afterwards 🍵You may also want to have a flask with a hot tea or coffee 🦺All activities are at your own risk. There are no lifeguards, we are not lifeguards. **\-\-\- After the swim \-\-\-** 🫖 Some of us will stay around for a while and chat, or come along to a local café for food, drinks and a chat. Sea you soon F r a n c o i s

Meeting at car park outside Lacken National school at 9.40am (just outside Blessingtown town). This is approx 16km hike on forest tracks & open hillside. First we take the mass path to Sorrel Hill Cairn, then Black Hill, before returning to the car park. This hike should take approx 5hrs or less. Bring appropriate hiking gear & a packed lunch for this hike. Coffee afterwards in Blessingtown.

Moonlight, Sea Air, and Good Company: An Evening at Dollymount Beach. Singles only. ‼️[Tickets here](https://datingbar.ie/special-events/)‼️ 🌕 A moonlit walk along **Dollymount Beach** with wide-open views across Dublin Bay. The Bull Island at its winter best, **lit by a full moon**. Cool sea air, steady footsteps on the sand, and moonlight on the water—an easy, natural setting for a night to remember. 💘It doesn’t go much more romantic than this! Well… maybe it does. But that part is up to you. **We write Chapter 1, YOU write Chapter 2.** Along the way, you’ll get to know other singles through easy chats. A hot drink will be waiting to warm your hands. This isn’t speed dating, it’s relaxed, unstructured, and a little bit special. A chance to connect naturally, share a few laughs, and enjoy an evening that feels genuinely different. We will split for two age groups: * **mid 20s to late 30s** * **40s to mid 50s** This should make it easier to connect with people who are on a similar page in life. **Exact location of the meeting point** will be sent to you a day before the event. Check the email used for booking, including the spam box. **Warm raincoats, umbrellas, hats, and gloves are strongly advised**. ‼️[Get a Ticket](https://datingbar.ie/special-events/)‼️ \*\*\* By joining this event, you accept that Dating Bar and its team are not responsible for any injuries, illnesses, accidents, or damages, and you waive any related claims. By joining this event, you agree that photos, videos, and recordings may be taken and used for promotional purposes by Dating Bar. If you prefer not to appear, please let the organisers know and we will do our best to respect your wishes.

Volunteer with Westerville Queer Collective and the Neurospicy Meetup to build care packages for local unhoused folks, which will be distributed throughout local camps and neighborhoods via Heer2Serve (501c3). Will you donate any items? If so, comment what will you bring Please make sure clothing items are clean and if you’re donating food, ready to be eaten without a stove or microwave. We expect to assemble around 50-100 packages, so if you’ll purchase items, please consider that amount (ie bulk individually packaged candies etc.). Fun and interesting book or entertainment item donation also welcome! Package assembly will take place on January 17th from 10-12 am. Location TBA but will be in Westerville, Ohio.

**(‼️‼️*Important:* You must sign up through this link [HERE](https://calendly.com/movewithcouragecoaching/live-workshop-career-visionboard) to be enrolled in the workshop. Signing up on Meetup won't fully register you!‼️‼️)** **WHAT:** An online workshop with included workbook to design your career vision, and bring it to life in a vision board. * Anyone ready to change something in their career, but unsure where to start * Anyone considering upgrading their career, and ready to take a small step forward * Anyone who can’t answer “where do you see yourself in 5 years?” **WHY?** ⭐️ Revitalize your career vision and goals 💪 Reconnect with your inner leadership 📈 Make informed decisions and actions aligned to your desires 🖼 Build a visual reminder of your unique career vision, to motivate you as you move forward. **COST:** Only $25. Includes immediate download of recorded workshop and editable workbook, in multiple formats. **DON'T Want to wait?** Purchase the pre-recorded workshop and do it today [HERE](https://movewithcouragecoaching.com/career-vision-board-workshop-sign-up) **QUESTIONS?** Email contact@movewithcouragecoaching.com

**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.

The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop is an intensive training course designed to quickly teach participants the fundamentals and intermediate skills needed to use Adobe Photoshop effectively. This workshop condenses the material covered in introductory and intermediate Photoshop courses into a shorter, information-packed weekend. Participants will learn to navigate the Photoshop workspace, use tools for retouching and color correction, and manipulate layers and adjustment layers. The workshop also emphasizes practical, hands-on experience with real-world image editing and compositing projects. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop will follow the outline below: I. Introduction to Photoshop * **A. Understanding the Photoshop Interface:** Exploring the workspace, panels, tools, and options bar. * **B. Basic Image Concepts:** Pixels, resolution, image sizing, cropping, and color models (RGB vs. CMYK). * **C. Non-Destructive Editing Principles:** Why it's important and how to maintain flexibility. II. Working with selections * **A. Selection Tools:** Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand, Quick Selection, and Pen tool. * **B. Refining Selections:** Using Select and Mask, feathering, and other techniques for precise edges. * **C. Creating and Managing Masks:** Layer masks for non-destructive selections and image blending. III. Layers and Adjustments * **A. Understanding and Managing Layers:** Creating, selecting, moving, grouping, and organizing layers. * **B. Blending Modes:** Exploring different ways layers interact and create visual effects. * **C. Adjustment Layers:** Non-destructive color and tonal adjustments (e.g., Levels, Curves, Hue/Saturation). IV. Photo retouching and manipulation * **A. Healing Tools:** Spot Healing Brush, Healing Brush, and Patch Tool for removing blemishes and unwanted elements. * **B. Clone Stamp Tool:** Duplicating and removing areas within an image for seamless repairs. * **C. Content-Aware Tools:** Using features like Content-Aware Fill and Content-Aware Move for intelligent object removal and image manipulation. V. Advanced techniques * **A. Smart Objects:** Working with Smart Objects for non-destructive transformations and advanced compositions. * **B. Filters and Effects:** Exploring the Filter Gallery and applying various effects to images and layers. * **C. Combining Images:** Compositing and blending multiple images seamlessly using selections, masks, and adjustment layers. VI. Output and workflow * **A. Saving for Web and Print:** Understanding image resolution, file formats, and optimization for different output needs. * **B. Exporting and Sharing Images:** Various methods for exporting and sharing your Photoshop creations. * **C. Workflow Tips and Best Practices:** Efficient techniques and organizational strategies for working in Photoshop. VII. Wrap-up and Q&A * **A. Review of Key Concepts:** Brief recap of the main topics covered during the workshop. * **B. Open Discussion and Questions:** Answering participants' questions and providing further guidance. * **C. Next Steps and Resources:** Suggesting additional resources for continued learning and exploration. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop is a hands-on workshop, and example files and materials are made available to each participant. Each participant is required to have a computer available for use throughout the workshop. That computer must be adequately configured to run the latest version of Photoshop available in Adobe's Creative Cloud software suite (as of the time of this document, that version is Photoshop 2025 (Version 26.9.0)). Photoshop should be installed and operational before the commencement of the workshop. Please don't hesitate to contact me PRIOR TO THE WORKSHOP to confirm that you are indeed prepared for doing the hands-on exercises during the workshop. GENERAL WORKSHOP NOTES: There is a fee of $400 per person associated with this workshop. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop comprises two sessions (Session 01, November 22nd, and Session 02, November 23rd). The $400 fee covers participation in both sessions. For scheduling purposes, on Meetup.com, the workshop is broken up into two (2) sessions. You only need to sign up for Session 01 (November 22nd), you will AUTOMATICALLY be signed up for Session 02 (November 23rd). The following registration/cancellation policy is in place for this workshop: * The workshop fee is due upon signing up for the event. You will be contacted shortly after you register to make arrangements for processing payment. * Participant cancellations before October 22nd are entitled to a FULL refund of the workshop fee. Participant cancellations after October 22nd, but before November 15th, are entitled to a 50% refund of the workshop fee. Participant who cancel **after November 15th** will not be entitled to a refund of their workshop fee. A continental breakfast is available each morning of the workshop (Session 01, November 22nd, Session 02, November 23rd) and includes coffee, tea, juice, and water. Lunch time (12:00 - 1:00 p.m.) features a catered lunch on each day of the workshop (Session 01, November 22nd, Session 02, November 23rd) and includes a selection of beverages such as coffee, iced tea, soda, and sports drinks.

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