Community Organizations

Join us for an empowering workshop hosted by Helsinki Toastmasters, focusing on mastering confidence and communication skills. Whether you are a seasoned public speaker or just starting your journey, this event is tailored for individuals looking to boost their self-empowerment and enhance their leadership skills. Our experienced mentors will share valuable insights on how to speak with conviction, project confidence, and become a compelling communicator. Connect with like-minded individuals, network with professionals, and engage in thought-provoking discussions aimed at personal development and positive thinking. Elevate your public speaking game, gain inspiration, and set yourself on the path to success. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and unleash your full potential. Helsinki Toastmasters welcomes you to this interactive event that promises to be both educational and fun. The meeting is in English language, meet and greet starts at 17:30, meeting starts at 17:45 pm sharp. Warmly welcome as a guest.

Learning Finnish in Finland can be difficult because Finns tend to switch to English. That is one of the reasons people like our Finnish language café: you get to practice Finnish with Finns :) The events are completely free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. The coffee is good too ☕😋🇦🇹 Tervetuloa! When? ⏰ Usually Tuesday to Friday from 15:00 - 16:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese coffee house: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki The Good Coffee Company A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹 Eerikinkatu 33, 00180 Helsinki Please visit our Facebook page for updates and changes: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events

Please join us for our 14th official C++ Helsinki Meetup! After our long winter break, we finally meet again for talks and discussion about the C++ programming language. This month, we are being sponsored by [SFS Finland](https://sfs.fi/en/). The meetup will be hosted at [Maria01](https://maria.io/) the leading startup campus right at Lapinlahdenkatu 16, 00180 Helsinki, Finland. Anyone interested in the C++ programming language is welcome to attend! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Code of Conduct:** By attending C++ Helsinki you agree to abide by the [Berlin Code of Conduct](https://berlincodeofconduct.org/). It is a primary goal of our meetup that our attendees feel safe, welcome, and included. If you have any concerns at all, please do not hesitate to contact the organizers Matti Juntti and Mark Gillard here on meetup.com. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- This month, we again have two exciting talks for you: **Ville Voutilainen:** *"How the C++ Standards Committee process and 3-year standardization cycle works: i.e. How the sausage is made"* and **Lauri Vasama:** *"Transforming decompiled C using MLIR at rev.ng"* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Schedule:** 17:00 Doors 18:00 Introduction by the hosts & sponsors 18:10 "Overview of standardization in SFS" by SFS Finnish Standards 18:30 Talk by Ville Voutilainen 19:30 Break 19:45 Talk by Lauri Vasama 20:45 Closing remarks 21:00 End As usual, we are planning to go to a nearby restaurant/pub after the meetup to continue socialising and networking.

Welcome to our new photography group! This is an ongoing gathering for **Through Our Lens**, an ongoing empowerment photography and community storytelling workshop at MIITTI, Lapinlahden Lähde. These sessions are **for those who are considering joining the regular weekly group.** You’ll always have space to ask questions and decide whether you’d like to participate. **: About commitment :** This is a process-based workshop series that builds over time. While life situations can change, we ask participants to join with the intention of attending sessions regularly and taking part in the shared group process. The quality of the workshops depends on mutual presence, respect, and continuity within the group. **:Through Our Lens:** Through Our Lens is a community-focused photography series combining empowerment photography, identity exploration, and creative storytelling. Using only everyday mobile phones, participants learn to notice, capture, and express their personal experiences through images. The project aims to: * Create meaningful social connections. * Strengthen cross-cultural understanding * Support integration through shared creative expression * Empower migrants and refugees to tell their own stories * Build community through participatory arts practices Grounded in the principles of empowerment photography, the project centres participants as authors of their own narratives. Through workshops, storytelling exercises, and a community exhibition, participants reflect on their daily life, belonging, hopes, roots, identities, and experiences of belonging. Finally, with the help of reflective sharing circles, and a small exhibition, participants share these themes with other participants and to the public. **: WHEN**: The group have begin with meetings on 10th of February and continue until mid-March. In between the meetings, there will be individual work based on the prompts presented during the groups. Registration is mandatory. **: WHERE**: Tallipääty, MIITTI office Lapinlahden Lähde [Lapinlahdenpolku 8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/SdMzAv5HUF3m1DZw9) 00180 Helsinki (How to find us: When entering through the gates of the courtyard of the yellow main building of Lapinlahden Lähde, the door to MIITTI's office is the first one on your left-hand side.) **: IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited to ensure a comfortable group size, make sure to reserve yours! If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: instagram.com/miitti1 Facebook: facebook.com/miitti1 Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhI0e3d8NmFca7kUBAFd9PUP6MdZ7AumWmL2yGzH_AVqec6SiRsQ__bgi9VG_aem_2jRCWxk-Ojz9kLnu83nexQ) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

(SWE nedan) This is a language café for anyone who wants to practice their Swedish through discussion in a laid-back environment. Swedish Language Café takes place every Tuesday at Luckan, and the programme is adapted according to the participants’ needs and wishes. Swedish Language Café is organised in collaboration with Kvinnliga Akademiker i Helsingfors. The Swedish Language Café meets at Luckan, Georgsgatan 27 / Yrjönkatu 27 every Tuesday at 17:30-19:00. There is no need to sign up in advance. For more information: integration@luckan.fi SWE Swedish Language Café är ett språkkafé som är öppet för alla som vill öva svenska via diskussioner i en avslappnad miljö. Språkkaféet hålls varje tisdag och programmet anpassas enligt deltagarnas behov och önskemål. Språkkafét ordnas i samarbete med Kvinnliga Akademiker i Helsingfors. Språkkafét hålls på Luckan, Georgsgatan 27 klockan 17:30-19:00. Förhandsanmälan krävs ej. För mera information kontakta integration@luckan.fi

Welcome to AWS User Group Finland March meetup at Capgemini! Agenda so far: \- Welcome words\, Capgemini and AWS Community \- Dmytro Lesnyak \(capgemini\)\, Architecting Secure\, Scalable\, and Reliable AI Agents Using Amazon Bedrock AgentCore

East Helsinki should be an independent country. Where people stand for things. Empathy, compassion, gratitude and everything good and left. Where everyone would make a lot of sense, love and tell so many stories. This evening is about the story part. The stories of sandwiches, liberty, chai, fishing, relocation, resistance, and whatever. Come and listen to some of them with us, have a cup of tea or soup of the day. If you want to tell a story or perform then send us a request at saraab.helsinki@gmail.com We will also have some stories from the hat, so come-check the vibe and put your name in the hat if you feel like telling one. Red card to racists, queerphobes/islamophobes, climate change deniers. We also have a lifetime entry ban for Putin, Erdogan, Netanyahu and Donald Trump. If you are going through a lot, we are on your side. Meri-Rastila for life, because east is a tribe, a vibe. Free entry – Refreshments available for purchase at the store nearby Doors open / Hangout: 19:00 Program: 20:00 – 22:00 Hangout 22:00 – 23:00 P.s. Straight white middle-aged people can also join saraab.helsinki@gmail.com

Doors open at 10:15. Northern Stars is the only advanced club in Finland. To become a member, you need to hold the title of Toastmasters competent communicator (CC), have performed at least 8 out of 10 speeches from your CC manual, or have completed Pathways level three. However, you are always most welcome as a guest at our meetings that usually take place the second Saturday of each month. It is certainly the best way for you to know if this club can support your aspirations: Please visit us! This will be a in person meeting: we'll meet at Oodi Library

Welcome to Food Without Borders! Come and experience tastes from around the world in Merirasti's community kitchen with Katja Meriläinen! **IMPORTANT**: Participation is free, but space is limited! Please make sure to reserve a spot! Food and cooking in general is on of the oldest and universal ways of uniting people. Community kitchen in MeriRasti is an easy environment and great place to connect with people of different cultures. Let’s cook Mediterranean style dishes together! **Menu of the day is**: baba ganoush (grilled eggplant), some hummus, baked beans, chickpea soup and something sweet for desert! No previous cooking experience needed, just open mind and willingness to cook. You are welcome to bring your lunch boxes to take some food with you after we eat and share what is left. WHEN & WHERE: Sunday 15th of March At 14.00-18.30 Kulttuuritila Merirasti, Jaluspolku 3 00980 Helsinki If you have questions about the workshop, feel free to contact Katja: +358404123242 About the facilitator: Katja Meriläinen is a professional Food and Beverage specialist and graduate of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Science, Hospitality, Tourism and Experience manager. She has 10 years of experience in the field, in restaurant, catering business and nowadays working for Helsinki city, cooking for 260 schoolchildren in Vuosaari. Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/)

【IMPORTANT SUMMARY】 * The purpose of competitive game session is to enjoy badminton games by focusing on trying your best to win the games. * You don't need to be a very good player to join this session. Our level range from beginner to intermediate. We will put you to play with people with similar level. But if you are the first time to come and I don't know your level, then I will put you to play with less-experienced players to start. * Please purchase your slot through this link [https://7538e9.myshopify.com/](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/) Please also read the instruction inside this link, so that you have an idea how it works. * Please bring feather shuttles to join the games. We only accept specific shuttles. Please read the following. **If you come without bringing feather shuttles with you, I may ask you to go home.** 【SIGN-UP SYSTEM】 * Please sign up and pay through this link. [https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/competitive-game](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/competitive-game) * We don't use the signup system on Meetup.com anymore. (Neither the waiting list) * It says this event is full on this meetup page, because I didn't open any slots here for you to sign up. You have to check this [sign-up page](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/competitive-game) to see if there is still a slot available there. * The background of using an external sign-up and payment system is because Meetup.com introduced a service fee to increase 21% of the fee in May 2023, and we want to reduce this cost. 【FEE and REFUND POLICY】 * Fee includes courts and the work I do to continue this group. Please sign up and pay before you come. NO refund if you do not cancel until 48 hours before the event. * Racket: bring one or rent one at the counter. * No matter the reason is sickness, accident or anything, the group or I will not afford the cost caused by your absence. * Of course you CAN'T ask me, "Can I sign up for free for next week because I didn't come to use my slot this week?". Please remember, the court booked for you is there and it costs money. The court doesn't simply become "free of charge", just because you didn't show up. 【COMMUNICATION】 * Communication: our whatsapp group [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JJQbJlisbcj5YDnlcSu347](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JJQbJlisbcj5YDnlcSu347) * There are too many spams, so I only accept +358 number to join whatsapp group. Numbers from other countries will all be rejected. 【DETAILS of COMPETITIVE GAMES】 * This is the list of shuttles we accept: RSL Classic Tourney Li-Ning Super 1000 Victor Smash It 1 Victor Smash It 2 Yonex Aerosansa 30 Ling Mei Gold Ling Mei Black * Smash Center also sells feather shuttles (Ling Mei Gold and Black). You can purchase there at your arrival. 【OTHERS】 * Please always keep 1 meter away from those courts where people are playing. Never step into the corners of other courts! If I see you do this, I probably will yell at you! * If you have some questions, you can put your questions in the comments on the event page. People will respond. * If you are new to badminton, please Google basic badminton rules in advance. Serve rules, double rules and point counting rules. You are always welcome to ask anyone in our group. Most of our members are more than happy to help you. * Badminton activity is organized for non-profit purpose, but I take a small fee for my work. * Want to restring your racket? I can do restring for you. €24 including the string. Please get contact with Ken. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdBBBKBmsHqvMyI7t1MttqOxwX8rs7vQ/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdBBBKBmsHqvMyI7t1MttqOxwX8rs7vQ/view?usp=sharing) * You want to pay with your sport card or voucher? check the bottom of the page. Click "read more" [https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/](https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/)

Warm welcome to MIITTI's Wellbeing for Women! Join us weekly in Kulttuuritila Merirasti for different activities that support your mental and physical wellbeing, while giving you opportunity to connect with others. **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, so please make sure to reserve yours! Wellbeing for women means honouring your body, mind, and emotions with compassion and care. These wellbeing sessions will nurture and support your relationships, and make space for rest and growth, because true wellbeing empowers you to live confidently, authentically and in balance with your own needs. WHEN & WHERE: Fridays at 10-12 Friday 6th of March we will begin with introductions and building connection and trust with each other. Kulttuuritila Merirasti Jaluspolku 3 00980 Helsinki Warm welcome! If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: WhatsApp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/miitti1) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/miitti1) [Website](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti)

All are welcome! We meet at Lapinlahti’s sauna, and the run begins promptly at 6:00 PM. **Please arrive early to get ready.** • There is a changing room, a few lockers, and a bathroom available. • We will run from the sauna to the Sibelius Monument and back — a total distance of 6–6.5 km. • The sauna house will be locked while we are out running. After the run, we will swim, hang out, and enjoy the sauna until 8:00 PM. * We kindly ask everyone to leave by 8:00 PM. * **To enable fair participation, if you are no longer able to join, please cancel 3 hours in advance so individuals on the waitlist may attend.** **Hosted by: Nia & Olli** Contact: Nia – +358 408223934 **HOW TO FIND US:** When arriving at the main gates of Lapinlahden Lähde, turn right and head towards the water. Lapinlahti's sauna is located halfway between the yellow main building and the red Venetsia building We want everyone to feel welcome and safe. **By participating, you agree to:** • Respect others – Be mindful of personal boundaries, privacy, and consent. • Listen actively – Give space for all voices and avoid dominating conversations. • Use inclusive language – Avoid offensive, discriminatory, or exclusionary remarks. • Be considerate in the sauna – Some people may prefer quiet or need space. • Address issues kindly – If a problem arises, bring it up respectfully or with the hosts. Tervetuloa Run to Saunaan! Tapaamme Lapinlahden saunalla ja lähdemme juoksemaan noin kello 18.00. Tulethan ajoissa! • Käytössä on pukuhuone, lokeroita ja vessat. • Juoksemme saunalta Sibelius-monumentille ja takaisin. Kokonaismatka on noin 6-6,5 km. • Sauna on lukossa juoksun ajan. Juoksun jälkeen saunomme, uimme ja vietämme aikaa yhdessä kello 20.00 saakka. Kello 20.00 jälkeen meidän täytyy poistua. Tapahtuman järjestävät: Nia ja Olli Voit soittaa Nialle: +358 408223934 MITEN MEIDÄT LÖYTÄÄ: Kun saavut Lapinlahden Lähteen pääporteille, käänny oikealle kohti merta. Lapinlahden sauna on keltaisen päärakennuksen ja punaisen Venetsia-rakennuksen puolivälissä. Haluamme, että kaikilla on turvallinen olo. Run to Sauna -tapahtumissa noudatamme seuraavia periaatteita: • Kunnioitamme toistemme rajoja ja yksityisyyttä. • Annamme kaikille tilaa osallistua keskusteluun. • Puhumme kaikista ihmisistä ja ihmisryhmistä kunnioittavasti. • Olemme ystävällisiä toisillemme. • Ongelmatapauksissa voit kääntyä ohjaajien puoleen. **MIITTI’s Principles for safer space:** MIITTI wants to nourish a safe and pleasant environment for everyone, where everyone can feel safe as themselves. By joining as a volunteer, employee or participant of the event or activity, you agree to follow the guidelines below *Non-discrimination* I do not make assumptions about people based on their external characteristics or names. I treat all participants with respect, and I don’t use language or take actions that discriminate based on race, gender, sexuality, disability, age, religion, or any other characteristic. I respect pronouns and names. *Boundaries* I respect others' personal space and boundaries, both physical and mental. I acknowledge that I cannot know someone else's boundaries without asking first. I ask before touching. I listen to others and adapt my behavior if someone indicates that my behavior makes them feel uncomfortable. *Creating Safe Environment* Everyone is responsible for contributing to a safe and respectful environment. If I witness harassment, I do my part to support those who experience inappropriate or offensive treatment. *Zero Tolerance for Harassment* Our space upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment. Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or online, will not be tolerated. If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior or harassment at our events, please report it to the MIITTI or Lapinlahden Lähde staff. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

Welcome to join our Ren Xue Yuan Gong practice throughout the summer at Lapinlahden Lähde! The practice is simple but yet practical and powerful. It is easy to learn and will help you: -gain energy, feel less tired and stressed -more mental clarity, easier to concentrate -boost your immune system Time: Sundays 15:30 - 17:00 WHERE: Tallipääty, MIITTI office Lapinlahden Lähde Lapinlahdenpolku 8 00180 Helsinki About REN XUE Ren Xue is a comprehensive system for uplifting human life. It includes a unique form of Qigong (Yuan Qigong); three foundational theories (Theory of Qi, Theory of Consciousness, Theory of Totality) and a large body of teachings. It was created by world-renowned teacher and healer Yuan Tze who continues to offer online and in-person events worldwide. Ren Xue combines ancient Chinese wisdom traditions with modern insights into health and well-being. The goal of Ren Xue is to help individuals improve their physical, emotional, and mental health through a holistic approach that emphasizes the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. REN XUE FINLAND Ren Xue Finland (RXF) is the Finnish branch of the global movement, an organization dedicated to the promotion and teaching of Ren Xue and its associated practices, including Yuan Gong and Yuan Ming Medicine. It provides easy entry into the Ren Xue system through local in-person sessions, online courses and workshops/retreats. Other learning methods can be found here: Ren Xue TV, a YouTube channel and Learn Ren Xue website. More about Ren Xue: [https://www.renxueinternational.org](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.renxueinternational.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR06uJQRSC7BE3zhPePQ7X_KO7WXa60cr7NK25KdOqfbSIHpYqBLO3dYgVM_aem_alDR7a6KhbNhG3u9NhCUVA&h=AT18asmYaRkvHCJemaC7rr9GVu579uflDCg7T6mLNodWdtMVhuxwFhIyz0p5ONeJbm3WQ3ZGIwONIa0_pDvih4t9BCCJUBkjhK4BdIMEl4aQ_qPzR5ykW-aiOndhYDPeAW9_2_eWZaMsv889HKbp8_c&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT35KTjVjr2kCnYHrXXjXPxEGFK-RFbZnFVdDmWrTe5WwbSZZ5ulNxFEjPPhejS8Pf4xetwkU1hhM1P2K_ABugpnXL6w-CKE25ARXwtLSexv-4fPJ4s2_Kcqgj3g2XWjCVkPPgcjwrPoNWOvdKa2f1VqyVa-2kcTojodTS3wn9zrnRjZLcG7)/

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. We desirere to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and all members are treated with compassion and respect. All backgrounds are welcome.

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.

Hosted by Wild Ones Columbus How to Install a Bog Garden, with David Marsolo Saturday, March 14th, 2026 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Eastern Time) Innis House (Inniswoods Metro Park) , 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking A bog can serve the same functions as a traditional rain garden but has the advantages of being low maintenance, climate resilient and attractive for a much longer part of the year. David Marsolo is a long time Wild Ones member. He has been maintaining artificial bogs at his suburban Westerville home for about 20 years. He will describe how to install a bog and fill it with many interesting native plants including pollinator and host plants https://columbus.wildones.org/calendar-of-events-and-programs/?wo_event_id=11160

Hosted by Licking Parks District Planning and Growing a Cut Flower Garden Thursday, March 12, 2026 Are you a plant lover or garden enthusiast who would like to add growing cut flowers to your garden repertoire but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’d like to grow flowers instead of grass to attract pollinators? Whatever your flower dream is, let’s dig in and start here! Join Tracey Barnes of Moon Maiden Flower Farm to learn the basic foundations of growing a cut flower garden, which includes planning, choosing the right varieties, succession planting for continuous blooms, maintenance, harvesting and post harvest care for making bouquets. Whatever your horticulture experience level is, you’ll gain confidence in your decision making, and before you know it, you’ll be slinging flowers and sharing their beauty with others. Register by Mar 11. [Register here for free https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/267/March-2026](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/267/March-2026) 6PM - 7:30PM Location: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park

**The Listening Room — First Gathering** So much of life happens in loud spaces and quick conversations that never quite go beneath the surface. The Listening Room is meant to be the opposite of that — a quieter space where people can slow down, talk honestly, and actually listen to one another. For this first gathering, we’ll meet in a small group and explore a simple conversation prompt together. The goal isn’t debate or performance — just thoughtful conversation and the chance to connect with others in a genuine way. Our prompt for this gathering will be: **When have you felt truly seen or understood by another person?** Everyone will have the opportunity to share if they’d like, but there’s absolutely no pressure — listening is just as valuable as speaking here. We’re keeping the group intentionally small so the conversation can feel relaxed and natural. Looking forward to meeting you. — Benny

**Confidence & Connection: Using Your Authentic Truth to Find Your People** Confidence isn’t just about believing in yourself, it’s about knowing where you belong and who you can grow alongside. In this April Confidence Lab Happy Hour, we’ll explore how living in your authentic truth helps you find your people, build meaningful collaborations, and create spaces where vulnerability is met with respect rather than risk. Together, we’ll reflect on what it looks like to advocate for yourself with clarity and care, and how confidence deepens when it’s rooted in connection rather than comparison. Featured speaker **Lachandra Baker**, founder of **[LBB Edutainment](https://www.lbbedutainment.com/)** and author of *Your Own Biggest Cheerleader*, will share reflections on authenticity, psychological safety, and the power of community over individual achievement. Drawing from personal stories—including the significance of turning 53—Lachandra will invite us into a conversation about showing up fully, being seen, and choosing relationships that support who you truly are. Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere with space for reflection, shared insight, and intentional connection—plus drinks, light bites, and the kind of conversations that remind you you’re not meant to do this alone. Come as you are. Leave feeling clearer about your voice, your people, and the confidence that grows when both are aligned. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

GRANVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Plant Swap May 3, 2026 3-4 p.m. Granville Public Library | 217 E. Broadway Is your perennial garden overflowing? Did you start too many native plant or vegetable seeds? Bring your extras to trade with other gardeners. Participants will be able to walk away with one new plant for each one they bring. Plants considered invasive are prohibited from the plant swap. [Click here to read list of prohibited plants ](https://www.oipc.info/list-of-assessed-species.html) To encourage participants to remove invasive plants & plant native plants, Pollinator Pathway will be offering free native plants at the swap. Please label the plants you bring.