U.S. Civil War

[Version française en dessous] Hi! We are aiming to recreate the atmosphere of the Franglish language exchange sessions: you get 30 minutes with a language partner speaking the language you want to practice, then switch to another partner, all while enjoying a drink! Equal time for everyone, and everyone will get to practice! For example if you are a native English speaker and want to practice French, you will be paired with someone, speak English for 15 minutes, then switch to French for 15 minutes. After that, you will get a new partner, and start all over again. There is a 5€ fee for the event, which can be paid in cash or with Lydia at the event. Note that if anyone made you feel uncomfortable during the event, you can of course report it to us. Salut ! Nous souhaitons recréer l'atmosphère des rencontres Franglish : 30 minutes avec un.e partenaire qui parle la langue que vous voulez pratiquer, et ensuite vous passez à un.e autre partenaire, le tout en profitant d'un verre ! Autant de temps de parole pour tous et toutes, et tout le monde pourra pratiquer ! Par exemple si vous êtes locuteur anglais natif, et vous souhaitez pratiquer le français, vous serez en face de quelqu'un qui parle anglais pendant 15 minutes, puis vous passerez tous les deux au français pendant 15 minutes. Après ça, vous changerez de partenaire, et tout recommence. L'inscription coûte 5€, payable sur place en liquide ou avec Lydia au début de l'évènement. À noter que si quelqu'un vous a mis mal à l'aise durant l'évènement, vous pouvez bien sûr nous le signaler.

Ce groupe est une invitation à marcher autrement : sans destination fixe, sans chronomètre, avec curiosité. Devenir une badaude, c'est renoncer — *« pour une durée plus ou moins longue, aux raisons de se déplacer et d'agir qu'elles se connaissent généralement, aux relations, aux travaux et aux loisirs qui leur sont propres, pour se laisser aller aux sollicitations du terrain et des rencontres qui y correspondent. »* — Guy Debord, Théorie de la dérive, 1956 Dans le 20e, le terrain ne manque pas de sollicitations : les pentes de Ménilmontant, les cours secrètes de Charonne, les escaliers oubliés de la Campagne-à-Paris, les fresques de Belleville. Une ville dans la ville, pour celles qui lèvent les yeux. ### Concrètement: * Deux à trois heures de marche douce, au rythme de la conversation et des découvertes. * Des contraintes pour redécouvrir l'espace et débrangler le regard — prendre la rue la plus petite à chaque intersection, réciter un poème à une fleur. Ni randonnée sportive, ni visite guidée magistrale. Un groupe de femmes, petit et convivial (8 personnes maximum), pour pouvoir se parler, s'arrêter, rebondir sur une façade ou une anecdote. Souvent une pause dans un café de quartier ou au coin d'un square pour prolonger la flânerie.

Soirée Trouble Brewing. Une valeur sûre qui convient aux joueur(se)s débutant(e)s comme expérimenté(e)s! Si c'est votre toute première partie, je recommanderais tout de même de venir d'abord à une de nos sessions pour joueur(se)s débutant(e)s: nous y expliquons les règles en détails. **Soirée enquête, bluff et intrigues aux Caves Alliées.** Venez (re)découvrir cette petite pépite du jeu d'intrigue qu'est Blood on the Clocktower, à mi-chemin entre un loup-garou et une murder mystery: incarnez le temps d'un soir un des habitants du village de Ravenswood Bluff, et enquêtez, bluffez, collaborez avec les autres joueurs pour faire la lumière sur la malédiction qui ronge le village de l'intérieur. Ou jouez pour le camp du mal, et avancez dans l'ombre pour semer le doute et la discorde parmi vos concitoyens. * Soirée Trouble Brewing. Une valeur sûre qui convient aux joueur(se)s débutant(e)s comme expérimenté(e)s! * Nous serons accueillis au bar "les Caves Alliées" (taverne médiévale à Paris 6ème), qui nous met à disposition un espace de jeu. * Participation gratuite, par contre nous serons dans un bar, donc pensez à consommer (Ils ont un large choix de bières, des softs, boissons médiévales, et planches pour grignoter).

Paris Lit Up open mic (PLU) Every Thursday in English (other languages too – when in Rome, speak French) at the historic home of French Slam poetry, Culture Rapide (103 Rue Julien Lacroix, 75020). If you would like to read, dance, sing or otherwise express yourself, sign up is open and free to all, starting at 20.00-ish. We go until we drop or run out of performers! In any language. Or no language at all. No limits, just respect. Plus, each week featured performers from around the world are invited to strut their stuff before our rowdy but respectful audience. For this week's special guest, see: www.facebook.com/ParisLitUp Not in Paris? Join us online at "PLU Live on Zoom"! Every Wednesday from 9pm CET. Just like an open mic, but we chat a bit too. Always the same link, hosts rotate: http://tiny.cc/PLUopenmic

Bonjour à tous ! Je vous propose une nouvelle randonnée jeudi prochain, le 14 mai. Nous partirons pour une marche d'une vingtaine de km au départ de la gare de Louveciennes. Nous traverserons notamment les Bois de Louveciennes, la Celle Saint-Cloud, le bois de Fausses Reposes et le parc de Saint Cloud. Nous suivrons en parti le tracé suivant: https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-de-louveciennes-au-parc-de-saint-cloud-e/ Je vous donne rendez vous directement au départ de la randonnée à la gare de Louveciennes (Ligne L) à 10h20. C'est une boucle, nous repartirons de la même gare. Comme d'habitude, cette randonnée est gratuite, excepté pour le transport, votre nourriture et votre matériel. Prévoyez donc votre pique-nique, barres d'énergie, votre eau (je conseille 3L minimum), et bien sur de bonnes chaussures. Contact si besoin : 06 34 21 20 92 Jérémie \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Hi! I am happy to organise a new hike on Thursday 14th May. It is a 20k hike, about 5 hours walking, we will mostly follow this hike: https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-de-louveciennes-au-parc-de-saint-cloud-e/ Meeting point will be directly at the beginning of the hike, at Louveciennes station at 10:20am (Line L). It is a loop, the return will be from the same station. This hike is free, except for transport, food and equipment. So you need to plan food for lunch, energy bars, water (I recommend 3L minimum), and of course good hiking shoes. Contact if needed: +336 34 21 20 92 Jérémie

https://chat.whatsapp.com/GzV0ojptK5Z7EvPYI1Zhc8 Groupe Whatsapp pour filtrer les spams et les fantômes avant de vous ajouter au vrai groupe. English text at the end of this message Un lieu, des rencontres, et la créativité comme langage commun. Ici, c’est un véritable QG où l’on fait des soirées comme en appartement. Bien calés dans les canapés, on se retrouve jour après jour pour créer du lien, rencontrer des artistes et artisans passionnés, et partager des moments authentiques. Chaque soirée mêle atelier d'initiation + apéro papotage convivial, avec des animations brise-glace pour que chacun se sente à l’aise et que tout le monde s’amuse, même en venant seul·e. Peinture, dessin, personnalisation d’objets, broderie artisanale, body painting, art numérique, musique, écriture créative, pyrogravure… explorez, échangez, expérimentez librement. ⚠️ Venir avec à grignoter et à boire (sans alcool) pour prolonger le moment ensemble.⚠️ ⚠️⚠️ Prix : 20€ ⚠️⚠️ Débutant·es bienvenu·es Aucune expérience requise, juste l’envie de vivre un moment différent 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 Creative & Social Evenings A place, encounters, and creativity as a shared language. Here, it’s a true home base where evenings feel like hanging out in a cozy apartment. Comfortably settled on sofas, we gather day after day to connect, meet passionate artists and artisans, and share authentic moments. Each evening combines an introductory workshop + a relaxed social apéro, with icebreaker activities to make everyone feel at ease and ensure a fun time, even if you come alone. Painting, drawing, object customization, embroidery, body painting, digital art, music, creative writing, wood burning … explore, connect, and express yourself freely. ⚠️ Bring something to snack on and drink (non-alcoholic) to enjoy together.⚠️ ⚠️⚠️ Price : 20€ ⚠️⚠️ Beginners welcome No experience needed, just the desire to enjoy something different

Special edition of Astronomy on Tap Paris. This May 14th at 7:00 PM, join us at The Dissident Club for Anara: The Cosmic Weaver, a musical storytelling experience set in a cosmos where the Universe is not only observed, but alive. A journey through cosmic structures, chaos, emergence, and hidden threads, exploring the fragile ways we make sense of our place in the Universe.

One of our key days, a few kilometres from Paris, we take you to discover two timeless and cult artists: Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet. To visit in group two charming, picturesque sites, and full of history: Auvers sur Oise and Giverny. TRIP PLANNING ✓ Departure from Porte Maillot 9:00 am (meet at 8.30am) ✓ Tour of the Vernon Mill ✓ Visit to the Claude Monet Foundation with the gardens and the house of the painter. ✓ Free time to stroll around Giverny (walks, Impressionist museum, Monet's grave, etc.) and lunch ✓ arrival in Auvers sur Oise. Walk to discover the town where Van Gogh painted more than 70 paintings and the landscapes that inspired him ( Ravoux Inn, the house where Van Gogh died - wheat fields with crows) we will pass by Van Gogh's Tomb and the Park. We will give you some free time to see the city ✓ Departure from Auvers sur Oise ✓ 8:30pm arrival in Paris Porte Maillot TRANSPORT Transport by coach for more comfort. TARIFS 45€ Includes: ❒ Transport ❒ Commented tours Not included: ❒ Personal expenses ❒ Entrance to Monet's house (7€ to be paid on the bus) ❒ Internet payment commissions Cancellation terms ➤ Free of charge 3 days after ticket purchase (up to 20 days before departure). ➤ Name change possible. cost: 5€ for a change. Impossible less than 48h before departure

**La nuit sera Calme - Romain Gary :** Comme dans La promesse de l'aube, Romain Gary parle ici de ce qu'il a vu, connu, aimé. De Vychinski à Groucho Marx, de Churchill à de Gaulle, des héros de la France Libre aux ambassades et à Hollywood, c'est une suite de rencontres, de portraits et d'événements, une chevauchée de coureur d'aventures qui semble avoir vécu plusieurs vies : aviateur, diplomate, écrivain, cinéaste, toujours passionné, toujours amoureux de l'éternel féminin. (Ed. Gallimard) **Le rivage des syrtes - Julien Gracq :** Aldo, à la suite d’un chagrin d’amour, demande une affectation lointaine au gouvernement d’Orsenna. S’ensuit alors la marche à l’abîme des deux ennemis imaginaires et héréditaires. Les pays comme les civilisations sont mortels. C’est à ce fascinant spectacle que Julien Gracq nous convie ici. Cette insolite histoire de suicide collectif laisse une subtile et tenace impression de trouble. (Ed. Corti) **Présentations d’auteurs** Pour contextualiser nos échanges, Alexandra présentera Romain Gary et Julien Gracq sera présenté par Annaïck. **Inscription** Pour pouvoir contribuer à la richesse des échanges, s’il vous plait ne vous inscrivez que si vous êtes certain de lire un des deux livres et d’être présent le jour de la rencontre. Au plaisir de se rencontrer, débattre et discuter autour d’un verre ! 📚☕️

/!\ Lieu de rendez vous : Water Tap : https://maps.app.goo.gl/tS9KWcWC9CH7JUpr5?g_st=ac /!\ Et si la course était un moyen de mieux se connaître ? Le Socrate Social Run, c’est un format simple : * 7 km en groupe * Allure accessible (\~6 min/km) * Un temps d’échange après la course * Un moment convivial Ici, on ne vient pas chercher un chrono. On vient vivre une expérience. Le concept : Courir ensemble, être attentif à son souffle, à ses sensations, à ses pensées qui apparaissent dans l’effort. Des exercices pratiques pour voir comment le mental peut être un allié dans l'effort. Le module explore les thématiques suivantes : * Comprendre sa relation à l’effort physique, * Repérer ses automatismes (comparaison, impatience, découragement, manque de souffle), * Découvrir ses ressources naturelles, * Apprendre à écouter son rythme, * Expérimenter l’alignement entre corps, souffle et attention pour donner le meilleur. Après la course : Un débrief simple et concret pour partager ce qui a été vécu, croiser les regards, approfondir l’expérience entre coureurs. Puis un moment convivial autour d’une boisson

Capture **Brutalist Architecture in Paris (16th Arrondissement)** Walk, shoot, and connect with photographers & creators. Beginners, enthusiasts, and pros — all are welcome. –––––––––– EVENT DETAILS **Date:** 16.05.2026 **Time:** 17:30 – 19:30 **Meeting Point:** [Le Monument Aux Morts De Paul Landowski](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uDfw9zi2mtYm6sQd9) –––––––––– EVENT FLOW **17:30** \| Meet & Connect We’ll gather at the meeting point, introduce ourselves, and warm up creatively. **17:50** \| Main Walk \(Golden Hour\) Capturing different Brutalist Buildings, Reflections and Structures. **19:30** → Optional dinner or drinks nearby. –––––––––– IMPORTANT This isn’t a class. It’s not a tour. It’s a creative meetup. We’ll walk. We’ll shoot. We’ll connect. –––––––––– WHAT TO EXPECT Bring your: • Film camera • Digital camera • Smartphone • Curiosity Whether you're a beginner, seasoned photographer, content creator, or just creatively curious — you’re welcome here. Come solo or bring friends. Spots are limited — reserve your place ASAP. –––––––––– **STAY CONNECTED** 📍 Join our [WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EyCHL9D1uLf46I11oPmegs?mode=gi_t) group for live location & updates. 📸 Follow [@takeaphotowalkcommunity](https://www.instagram.com/takeaphotowalkcommunity/) and tag us in your photos. –––––––––– **ABOUT TAKE A PHOTO WALK** Founded in Barcelona in July 2024, Take a Photo Walk connects photographers and creators around the world through real-life creative experiences. Now **Paris** is part of the story.

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

In the midst of life’s storms—whether in relationships, work, or within ourselves—it can be difficult to find clarity and calm. The “I” Of the Storm: Embracing Conflict, Creating Peace, based on the work of Dr. Gary Simmons, invites you to discover the steady center within—the part of you that remains grounded even when everything around you is in motion. Led by Brian Drafton-Griffin, this engaging workshop offers practical tools and meaningful insights to help you navigate conflict with greater awareness, compassion, and confidence. Through guided discussion and reflection, you’ll learn how to shift from reaction to response and transform challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

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.

**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.

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!

Westerville Pride Festival Sat\. June 6\, 2026 \| 5 PM \- 8 PM If you're thinking of attending, or being a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer, visit our website at https://www.westervillequeercollective.org/pride for more information! Location and other info will be announced soon :)

Join us this Thursday (5/14) at 6:30 pm at Rocky Fork Metro Park in Westerville as we walk about 2.5 miles of a fully paved trail. The Beech Woodland trail is a flat yet scenic trail with a variety of landscapes. Let’s take it in together!