Chicago

Let’s meet and discuss this fun but moving collection of wildly creative short stories. (Photo credit: TimesNowNews.com)

Free at Bexley Library Adventures in Ecological Horticulture with Rebecca McMackin Wednesday, March 18 1:00pm - 2:30pm Gone are the days when a garden could be ornamental alone. We now recognize the impact that our land care practices have on the ecosystems around us, and can see the importance of encouraging biodiversity. Thankfully, we do not need to sacrifice beauty when we invite butterflies and songbirds into our gardens. Rebecca McMackin has cultivated gorgeous landscapes in the toughest environments possible: urban parks, school playgrounds, and the sidewalks of New York City. She will take lessons from her work at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and decades of research to share how those of us who are fortunate enough to care for land, can do it beautifully and ecologically. Rebecca McMackin is an ecologically obsessed horticulturist and garden designer. She writes, lectures, and teaches on ecological landscape management and pollination ecology, as well as designs the rare public garden. She is currently Lead Horticulturist for the American Horticultural Society, an Associate with the Harvard Divinity School’s Thinking with Plants and Fungi Initiative, and Consulting Arboretum Curator for Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY. Rebecca spent a decade as Director of Horticulture of Brooklyn Bridge Park, where she managed 85 acres of diverse parkland organically. Their research into cultivating urban biodiversity and ethical management strategies has influenced thousands of people and entire urban parks systems to adopt similar approaches. She has been published by and featured in the New York Times, Gardens Illustrated, on NPR and PBS. Her garden for the Brooklyn Museum recently won the PPA’s Award of Excellence and her TED Talk has been viewed over a million times. She holds M.Sc. from Columbia University and University of Victoria in landscape design and biology and recently completed the Loeb Fellowship at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. This program is presented in partnership with Rooted in Bexley and generously funded by the Bexley Community Foundation and Bexley Community Author Series Fund.

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

***Okay, call me crazy but you have got to try their chip n dip!*** Club 185 is a true hidden gem in German Village! Seriously, old school, good comfort food and drink. We will try to gather in spaces near the windows. While we'll share Chip n Dip, you'll want to order a sandwich, too. **Where the Chip Began (1817)** Potato chips can be traced back to an English chef, William Kitchiner, who includes ‘crisps’ in his bestselling cookbook, “The Cook’s Oracle.” **Chip and Dip Popularity** The popularity of chip and dip skyrockets at the end of World War II with new entertainment fads and the introduction of Lipton’s new advertising campaign for their famous French Onion Dip. (Club 185 doesn't openly admit it, but I'm pretty sure that's their dip recipe!) **[Club 185](http://club185.com/)**—a true neighborhood bar serving since 1954, when it was known as a local 'speak-easy'. Located in German Village, Club 185 features a menu of quality casual comfort food and full bar. From politicians to lawyers, hardhats to hipsters—all find Club 185 the perfect place to tame their hunger and quench their thirst! **PARKING**: I know, brick street parallel parking can be a pain. Two other choices, metered parking along Livingston heading towards Children's Hospital or across the street in the large church lot (park in spaces farthest away from the church entrance doors, closer to the street). **PRE-EVENT**: **HAPPY HOUR (3-5pm)**: Italian drinks and bites at [Cento's happy hour](https://centogermanvillage.com/menus/), nearby.

**Details:** This talk reviews the fundamental academic research literature in financial economics, distilling key findings with rigor while debunking suboptimal investing decisions. It draws on decades of empirical research and statistical analysis with the aim of guiding how to think about sound investing. **Audience Takeaway:** Attendees will gain a practical, research-based approach to assessing investments, interpreting risk, and making choices that support long-term financial independence, informed by decades of published financial studies. **Zoom: This is a *hybrid* event. To attend online, join us on Zoom here at 6pm:** https://iit-edu.zoom.us/j/87434065239?pwd=mK8gkDO6FTL2NBCXrgnViDwVJU14YT.1 Meeting ID: 874 3406 5239 Passcode: 826532 **Sponsor:** **[Tegus by AlphaSense](https://www.tegus.com) will provide the meeting site, as well as pizza and soft drinks for the onsite participants.** * **Address:** 200 N. LaSalle Street. Suite 1100. Chicago, IL 60601 * **Tegus by AlphaSense's Overview:** Tegus by AlphaSense is the leading market intelligence platform for key decision makers. We power some of the world’s most well-respected institutional investors, corporations, and consultancies through the largest and most comprehensive database of primary and market information. Our products and services enable clients to discover unmatched insights and answers to the most challenging questions they face to help them make better informed decisions. We are an end-to-end investment intelligence and research platform that modernizes the research processes. With an ecosystem that combines at-cost, on-demand expert calls with a 55K+ transcript library; quantitative financial workflows that streamline research across company disclosures, management presentations, earnings calls and filings; and 4K+ fully-drivable financial models and company benchmarking data, including every KPI and comparison that matters, Tegus by AlphaSense enables investors to move faster, gather deep research and surface high-quality insights to drive better decisions. The company serves customers worldwide, including investment analysts, portfolio managers and key decision makers across public and private businesses in markets of all sizes. * **Logistics**: To access the Tegus by AlphaSense building, we require **first and last names** of those who RSVP'd by Mar 18. Attendees will then present their **IDs** when they arrive at the front desk (right when they enter the building). They will be sent up in the elevator to the 11th floor where we will be.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!

Join us for pizza and conversation at JT’s Pizza! 🍕 Good slices, good stories, and plenty of laughs around the table. Come hungry, bring your best conversation, and let’s enjoy a relaxed evening with great company. Extra cheese and extra chatter encouraged! 😄

**Summary** Celebrate America's 250th year and the [Columbus Clippers'](https://www.milb.com/columbus) 50th season by watching [Franklin County's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Clippers) best team play the [best game in the world](https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/babe_ruth_140116) at [one of the ten best](https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/minors/2025/03/26/huntington-park-voted-top-10-minor-league-ballparks-usa-today-10best-awards/82656048007/) baseball stadiums in the United States in their 2026 home Saturday opener! The first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. The gates always open an hour before the scheduled first pitch. I'm usually at the ballpark a half an hour before the scheduled first pitch. Clippers' games usually last around two and a half hours. Being a few minutes early will help us secure good seats. **Parking** I personally always like to park in the [McConnell Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/McConnell+Garage/@39.9685114,-83.0103938,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388f24145462d1:0x6238c0f0c851ab70!8m2!3d39.9692957!4d-83.0081175!16s%2Fg%2F1jkw6y27y?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). If nothing else is going on in the area, this should be $7. However, I've also seen it be as high as $22. I can't say for certain what it will be for this game, but once I know, I will post in the comments. Alternately, there are other lots in the area you can try which will probably be a few dollars cheaper. [Here is a map](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/q_auto/milb/ernng44ya2xkr4wbheql) of all the garages and lots surrounding the stadium. Keep in mind that many of these are outdoor lots and your car will be out in the elements. If you decide to look for a different lot, I would mildly recommend either the Buggyworks Lot or the Broadbelt Lot, but I have never parked in either of these myself. Although it won't apply for this game, keep in mind that street parking is also free citywide in Columbus on [Sundays and holidays](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/right-of-way-permit/on-street-parking-out-of-service-policy-and-procedure-final-8.15.2022-signed.pdf). **Where We'll Be** Here is a [map of the ballpark](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/qkqohbqjgtx5uwo6zkgn.pdf). We'll be sitting on Level 3 of the [Left Field Building](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/huntington-park) (aka the "AEP Power Pavilion"), which features a 110 foot bar with six open patios overlooking the field. This area is covered and will be out of any sun or rain that may transpire. If you enter the park through the Center Field Entrance (which is at the intersection of Nationwide Blvd. and Neil Ave.), there will be a door to your immediate right after you enter that leads to a staircase up into the Tower. This door is not well-marked, and if you've never been to Huntington Park before, you may wonder if you're actually allowed to go in and up the stairs. Yes, you are. We'll be on the Tower's "Level 3". I have uploaded to the Photos section of this event page, below, a picture of the sign you want look for after you ascend the stairs, so you'll know you're on the correct floor. **Tickets** Do not buy your tickets ahead of time. They will literally be twice as expensive if you buy them on Ticketmaster. Instead, go to the ticket window near the Center Field Entrance. Buy a *Standing Room Only* ticket (don't worry, you won't be standing), which will cost you a flat $8 with no other taxes or fees. These tickets never sell out, and this is the cheapest way to get into the park. **Carry-Ins** Per the team's [website](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/a-z-guide): "Soft-sided coolers are permitted in the general seating area [which is where we'll be], but not hard-sided coolers; also no alcohol, glass bottles, or cans will be permitted. SMALL bags or backpacks of food items and beverages in plastic bottles are ok. Reusable water bottles are permitted, but must be empty upon arrival. Diaper bags are allowed." I always bring a disposable plastic bottle of water and refill it as I need at the park. Bottled water at the game is something like 4 or 5 dollars. So if you want a bottle of water, I recommend bringing your own bottle instead of buying it at the park. **Food & Drink** The area we'll be in has burgers, hot dogs, salads, soft pretzels, ice cream, and other sorts of things you would expect at a baseball game. I've posted pics of the menu in the Photos section, below. The burger and fries are $14 plus tax, and they're not bad. (This is what I usually get.) The beer is *really* overpriced. It's like $9, or $20 for a pitcher. If there's some people to help me drink it, though, I'll buy a pitcher of Michelob Ultra. While we'll be on the penultimate floor of the Tower, the top floor (which has a great view, but is fully exposed to the elements) has a [Dirty Frank's](https://dirtyfranks.com/) hot dog stand. I've never gotten anything from there, though I've been told it's good. The Donatos pizza stand is also a very short walk away from where we'll be. I love Donatos, but the pizza is so expensive at the ballpark. It's like $9 for a personal-sized pepperoni. It is good, though. **Peroration** Let's (watch them) play ball!

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

**Midwest Funk Jam – OhioLockers** A monthly gathering dedicated to **locking, popping, and funk dance culture** in Columbus. We start with a **free fundamentals class**, then open the floor for a **dance session and cypher**. Whether you're new to funk styles or an experienced dancer, this is a space to learn, practice, and connect with the Midwest dance community. Hosted by **FlexyStu & DJ Vix** 📍 Oracle Bar 🗓 Last Thursday of every month ⏰ 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM 💸 Free entry 🅿️ Free street parking right outside 🔞 18+ 8:30 – Free Locking & Popping fundamentals class 9:00 – Open dance session & cypher All levels welcome. **Class → Session → Cypher → Funk** IG@Ohiolockers https://www.facebook.com/groups/1426377732280863/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!

Enjoy a bit of Columbus culinary history at Carfagna's market, wine bar and ristorante. We will gather for a glass of wine or two in the wine bar at 6:30 with dinner at 7pm. Arrive early if you like, shop and place your items in a cooler in your car. This is a pay-on-your-own event. I will have a reservation for eight, and you are encouraged to get your own reservation at 7pm. Message me if you want to be on my table. Keep your reservation up to date as the Attendance and Release of Liability provisions are enforced, including the 48 hour No-Show Rule. See the first page of Group Page for details. Read about the history of Carfagna's here and also see their weekly specials. https://carfagnas.com/about-carfagnas/