Crowdfunding

**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** **Welcome to Socialite Connections – Business Networking for Investors, Entrepreneurs, Startups** **Join us at this exclusive business networking event is open to all entrepreneurs, business people, investors, and company directors who wish to partake in this extraordinary opportunity**. This event brings together visionary entrepreneurs, strategic investors, and dynamic startups, founders ready to transform groundbreaking ideas into remarkable business opportunities. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/fflz70jh/business-networking-mixer-for-investors-entrepreneurs-startups-in-london **We start the event at 6.00pm with a warm welcome.** Having an open-minded approach is ideal, as it will enable you to establish new connections. We have hired the private room on the ground floor. **The Trading House:** Welcome to the place for adventures in tastes and experiences. In days gone by, explorers and adventurers were the talk of London town. Behold a residence where you can still trade and travel the globe, bartering for the exotic or the exquisite. The Trading House is the place that keeps these traditions alive in the heart of Bank. **Event Schedule** **18:00 – 21:00 \| When you arrive\,** your name will be checked off the guest list, you will be given a name badge and you will be introduced to each other. **19:00 – 19:30 \| One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room to talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19.00pm sharp, please dont be late) **19:30pm \- 21:00 \| Network & chill: I**t will be a free form event where guests can mingle amongst each other in a relaxed environment, when the pitches are finished. **Why Attend?** **Socialite Connections** events are designed to facilitate authentic relationships between **professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators, providing a space to share knowledge, exchange opportunities, and build lasting business partnerships**. Attend this unique networking event to meet like-minded professionals, gain insights, and uncover new business opportunities. **Who should Attend** As the name suggests, Socialite Connections is all about bringing people and together in a relaxed setting to network and learn from each other. **Early stage start-ups & founders,** **Angel investors and venture capitalists**, **Business development professionals,** **Entrepreneurial ecosystem leaders,** **Emerging Entrepreneurs, Students and Recent Graduates, Working Professionals.** **Tickets are limited to just 40 attendees.** We like to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to talk to each other. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/fflz70jh/business-networking-mixer-for-investors-entrepreneurs-startups-in-london You are invited to join the dedicated Whatsapp group for the event and start networking before the actual event. Register now to secure your spot and be part of this transformative networking experience! **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event...**

**🎭 Friendly Group Improv in Clerkenwell, London 🎭** Come and join a relaxed, playful **group improvisation session** in the heart of London! We’ll dive into **theatre games**, **acting warm-ups**, and **icebreakers**, followed by short, light-hearted scenes — spontaneous fun! 💥 🎯 **Our aims**: * Build **self-confidence** in social settings * Make **new connections** 👋 * Push your **comfort zone** 💪 * Explore **self-expression** 🎨 * Release **social inhibitions** * Sharpen **communication skills** 🗣️ All through **fun, interactive, and communal play!** 🧩 Whether you're looking to **laugh**, **connect**, or **unleash your creativity & inner child**, you’re welcome here! 😄✨ **Pay on Eventbrite here:** [Improv-eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/improv-for-well-being-confidence-and-fun-tickets-1982624895433?aff=oddtdtcreator) \*with discount code JU6F for the amount of £12.65 **or in-person when you arrive.** 🍽️ **Stick around after?** Feel free to join us for a **drink or dinner** afterwards — we do this occasionally depending on end time and interest 🥂🍕 *** 📍 **Location:** Peel Institute Three Corners Centre, Northampton Rd EC1R www.thepeel.org \* This venue is wheelchair accessible 🚪 **Finding the Peel:** The Peel is situated on the corner of Northampton Road and Corporation Row. Please note; Northampton Road is a sort of U shape so if you find yourself at the other end of the U, and are confused you probably need to walk to the other end - just a few mins. 🚇 **Tube:** Farringdon or Angel *** 💷 **Payment:** **£12.65 pay when you arrive and RSVP now.** Pay by **Card**, **Cash**, or **Contactless** on arrival. Or via eventbrite [here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/improv-for-well-being-confidence-and-fun-tickets-1982624895433?aff=oddtdtcreator) 📞 If you get lost, call **07841 456974** – but note: my phone will be **off once the session starts**, so try to arrive **on time or a little early!** ✅ **Please RSVP** — or you may be refused entry, thanks! 👕 **What to wear:** Anything you like! There’ll be some movement, so **looser/comfy clothing** is ideal — but there’s **no dress code**. *** 🕗 **Schedule (approx.):** 🕣 19:00 – 19:15 \| Arrivals & Payments 🔥 19:15 – 20:00 \| Warm\-ups & Games 🧘 20:00 – 20:05 \| Short Comfort Break \(if needed\) 🎬 20:05 – 21:00 \| Scene Games\! I’ll arrive after **18:40** – please aim to be on time for **19:00**, thank you! *** 📢 This group is also listed on **Eventbrite** – so we’ll have friendly faces from there too! 😊

**\*FREE FOR MEMBERS, JOIN WHEN YOU ARRIVE!\*** Come and join us at the **Living Room Club Glengal Groove** on Fridays between 1 p.m. and 3 pm to upcycle second-hand clothes. We gather for creative transformation and upcycling of second-hand clothing items and materials to sell in our cafe. The income from this project supports our Homeless Project in Soho. For further information, please contact Neide on 07585560345

**Important (Must Read) Update:** We have made some changes to the price and booking conditions for this session, **do make sure to read this, click here> [Updated Details](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Sl7oLOD9ZqPoJnHKk9ZpEw8WetlAJdxWxwXyqlKsJOo/edit?usp=sharing)** How to RSVP & Pay! (See Full Details Below) **RSVP on Meetup** then use this **\>\> [Collctiv Payment Link](https://pay.collctiv.com/friday-badminton-34874) until 10am Friday ([see full details here & below](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pMsg6dATGes2pM59YuuzQBXabl882VvvXeDby0Y2usc/edit?usp=sharing))** * After 10am (AutoPay) payments made via Meetup/PayPal (fees inc) *\***Social Badminton** -* Suitable for players from beginner to intermediate levels who like to play for fun & competitively, with a variety of different players. Games are arranged by the session rep! **SESSION DETIALS** * 4 court. 26 players max. Feather Shuttles * Water refill station (bring a bottle). No Rackets provided * **Cost** \- £12\.50 per person \(**see payment link below** ) * Cancellation/No Show & Refund Policy! (see T&C's below) **HOW TO BOOK:** First RSVP on Meetup & Pay straight away as below! * **Before 10am on Fri** (Manual option) **-** Pay via > **[Collctiv Payment Link](https://pay.collctiv.com/friday-badminton-34874)\*** * \*Supporting the Collctiv App is optional. Untick this to pay the session fee only. * **[Click Here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pMsg6dATGes2pM59YuuzQBXabl882VvvXeDby0Y2usc/edit?usp=sharing)** to see full details regarding Collctiv * **From 10am on Fri**, incomplete bookings will be withdrawn and need to rebook as below. Plus... * **Autopay switched on!** \- RSVP via Meetup and make payment via PayPal \(fee inc\)\. No PayPal account required\, simply continue as a guest\. * **Do not turn up without booking, and/or wanting to pay in cash.** **WAITING LIST** is open till 10am. If you get a spot, then make a payment ASAP! Make sure you have your Meetup notifications on! It is your responsibility to make your payment in due course! Cancelation & No-Show Policies apply! The list will close at 10am, after which you can book via AutoPay if a space becomes available. **VENUE DETAILS** * Harris Girls Academy, Homestall Road, London, SE22 0NR * Pedestrian - Enter to the far right corner of the main/blue building (right of the main reception) via the gate. * **Parking** is available outside in the street. * **Bicycles** can use the bicycle rack near the sports hall entry **TERMS & CONDITIONS** **[Click Here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/12WmILk6X9dwgf_W0Cm6kgswKeW4ovHDTN8TBvN4Gq10/edit?usp=sharing)** to view details for Full Details By RSVPing for this event you confirm you have read and agree to our T&C's **Dress Code, Well Being, Conduct & Equal Opportunity:** * Wear suitable clothing and footwear for indoor sporting activity. * Ensure than your jewellery is also kept to a minimal, and avoid wearing large ear rings, chains or bracelets/bangles. * If the above is not suitable, you might not be able to participate within the session. No refund, exchange or credit will be given! * If needed please seek advice from your doctor before playing any sports. * You are responsible for warming up/cooling down stretches to reduce the risk of strains/ injuries. * Play at your own risk as Crossfire Badminton Club will not be held responsible for any injuries incurred. * We welcome players of all backgrounds, and treat everyone equally with respect. This is also expected from our participants. If you fail to do this, you may be asked to leave the session, or even banned from future sessions

🍻 **Join Us for Tech Startups in the Pub!** 🍻 Hey there! 🌟 We'd love for you to join us for our next edition of *Tech Startups in the Pub*. It's a relaxed evening at The Windmill, our go-to spot for tech chats and good vibes. We have been running for 3.5 years, and it's always a joy to see familiar faces and meet new folks. Whether you're a regular, a tech founder, an enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the tech scene, you'll fit right in. This isn't about panels or pitching, just good old-fashioned networking with like-minded people over a drink (and maybe some pizza) on a Friday evening. 📍 **Where:** The Windmill, 27 Tabernacle St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4DE 🕕 **When:** From 6 PM on the 3rd Friday of every month! **House Rules:** * Find Oliver, Pedro, Rob, or the other Rob (or anyone in a burgundy T-shirt) to introduce yourself so we can welcome you properly. The pub isn't reserved exclusively for us, so we don't want you mingling with someone's birthday party by mistake! * No hard selling or heavy pitching. This is a chill, friendly after-work get-together. * Not drinking? No worries! You're more than welcome to come hang out and enjoy the conversation. Mark your calendar and come down for some fun tech talk. See you there!

**Best place to be Every Friday in London for some raw Stand Up Comedy.** This group is for people who wanna have a laugh, make new connections, be inspired or simply have a fun night in London. **Meetup Details:** Doors open at 6:30pm. Early birds are guaranteed the best seats. Plus all Meetup Members are guaranteed Happy Hour for the entire show ;) **When:** Every Friday, mark it in your diary...tell a friend. **Where:** Located in Camden (near Mornington Crescent) at Kiss The Sky Bar, 11 Camden High Street NW1 7JE. **Grab your tickets at:** https://freakyfridayscomedy.eventbrite.com Looking forward to seeing you all! **Remember to Follow us on Instagram for Weekly Updates: @freakyfridays69**

**Hostess: Layla** \*This event is a collaboration with other groups and social networks and it will be well attended \*To attend this event you need to buy a ticket from [https://www.fatsoma.com/e/lsi5bu2u/speed-dating-22-39-and-party-in-soho-zebrano-complimentary-glass-of-prosecco-happy-hour-karaoke-access-and-djs](https://www.fatsoma.com/e/lsi5bu2u/speed-dating-22-39-and-party-in-soho-zebrano-complimentary-glass-of-prosecco-happy-hour-karaoke-access-and-djs) Age range: 22-39 ( as a general guide) Join us for a fun of slow dating and party in the heart of soho! Αre you finding 4 mins too little time to decide if you wish to meet the other person again or not? Don't worry, come slow dating and have 6-8 minutes dates! Speak with 10-15 people of the opposite sex for 8 mins each then select who you like and leave with the contact details of some potential lovers! After the speed dating we stay for socialising and partying! 48 hours after the event you will receive the contact details\* of your mutual matches (people you have selected and they have selected you back) at your e-mail! We don't send you to date in a online platform...We send you to date in real life with confidence! We run speed and slow dating events for more than a decade now and we are proud to say that they actually work! People that meet in our dating events date after, some make long term relationships, and some move together and we even had some marriages ! If this is your first time attending a speed dating there is nothing to worry about , we will be there to welcome you, put you at ease and explain you the process. Happy Hour till 8pm! Karaoke access after 11pm Complimentary Glass of Prosecco served after the speed dating in order to get you ready for the party The program of the night is 7:00-7:15 Registration 7:15pm-7:45pm First session of the Speed Dating 7:45pm-8:00pm Break-Socialising 8:00pm-8:45 pm Second session of Speed Dating 8:45pm Speed Dating finishes and Socialising starts- Complimentary glass of prosecco is served Dress code is smart/ elegant/ Smart Casual (smart dark jeans are fine but ripped jeans, sportswear, trainers/sportshoes and hats are not allowed). Zebrano Soho is a vibrant cocktail bar, restaurant, and nightclub in the beating heart of London’s most iconic entertainment district. Zebrano is more than just a venue – it’s a celebration of fun, flavour, and feel-good vibes. It offers amazing cocktails , great cuisine, multiple rooms and an outdoor rooftop terrace At Zebrano, we serve up delicious food, killer cocktails, and the best tunes in town – all in a space designed to make great nights unforgettable. Come for the vibe. Stay for the party. Leave with a story. For security reasons every guest must carry photographic ID with them (Driver’s License, European ID or Passport) independently of the age. Tickets are valid for entry till 11pm How to find us: Just come inside and ask for Marianna's Slow Dating / Layla. Any issue on the night feel free to call Layla: 07377544606 For general inquires or difficulties with your ticket booking feel free to e-mail us at benetoupromotions@gmail.com or call Marianna on: 07949526733 \* By participating to the event you agree to have your details that you submitted to us passed to your mutual matches ( people that you will select on the form that will be given to you during the event and they will select you back). \*Our company is registered with ICO. so you contact details are safe with us Please Note: -Tickets need to be bought online and are not available at the door -Dress code: Elegant/Smart/Office Attire/Smart Casual ( Smart jeans are alright but ripped jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, sportwear, sportshoes or trainers are not allowed) -A valid proof of ID (Passport, Driving License, or National ID) is required upon arrival independently of the age for security reasons

**​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. ​9:15 Bag drop at the Regent's Bar and Kitchen, Regent's Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MmZdAVM8yXT9euKc7 ​9:30 Warm Up starts at the Inner Circle & York Bridge, South Gate: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/qw45ehLmDQY7maMD6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qw45ehLmDQY7maMD6) 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 27 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/)**

🚨 Spoiler alert: We built the space we couldn’t find. A place where you show up alone, say hi first, and meet new people naturally. We celebrate the curious and the hungry—if you’re ready to expand your circle, you’re in the right place. Ps. You can check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/)🚨 Looking for a fun, creative and relaxed way to spend your Saturday? Join us for an evening where **art meets social connection**. Before we start painting, we’ll kick things off with a **short interactive activity designed to get everyone talking and comfortable with each other**. It’s a fun way to warm up and meet other attendees before the brushes come out. **Then it’s time to paint.** Daniel will guide you through the basics step by step, but you’re also free to freestyle your own creation. No experience needed. By the end of the night you’ll leave with your own canvas. 👕 **Dress code:** something comfy that you don’t mind getting a bit of paint on. Tickets are **£15**, or **£12 if you book through our app**: [https://onelink.to/balancers](https://onelink.to/balancers) If you’ve earned **coins at past events**, you can also use them towards your ticket. Your ticket also includes access to our **main social at 8:30pm in the same venue**, so feel free to stay for more good vibes afterwards. Come for the creativity, stay for the people. 💬 Join our WhatsApp Community for any last-minute updates. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GMJfgSat7ypEzgtblAkNLS](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GMJfgSat7ypEzgtblAkNLS) **Refund Policy:** We provide full refunds for cancellations made at least 48 hours before the event starts time. This allows us adequate time to adjust logistics and offer spots to other interested attendees. To request a refund, simply contact us via the app or email with your registration details. *Remember, our pillars are Openness, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity.* *Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

Inspired by Sheila Liming's 2023 book, Hanging Out, this event is about "daring to do nothing much, and even more than that, about daring to do it in the company of others." If you're curious, you can read more about my rationale for the event [here](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/p/hanging-out), and how our pilot event went [here](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/p/it-worked). **This event will take place in the foyer of The Southbank Centre.** You can find us by looking out for: * Me - I will be wearing a black T-shirt with HANGING OUT written on the back * Our table - which will have a red flag draped over it with THE SUNRISE CLUB emblazoned on it (though this clearly isn't THE SUNRISE CLUB! If you want to find out about that, you can do so [here](https://www.meetup.com/the-sunrise-club/).) There are plenty of places to buy refreshments, but you can also bring your own if you prefer. If you feel like using this event as a carrot for some creative work, please join us an hour earlier for [WRITE CLUB](https://www.meetup.com/experimentsin/events/314202823) \- an hour of silent writing/reading in the same location\. And if you'd like to finish the evening with a dance, there is a free social salsa meetup just outside The Southbank Centre just afterwards. More info [here](https://www.instagram.com/salserosfriends/). [WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FgGCrGc8TNzF8q7lvwozbR) [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/experimentsingroupwisdom) [SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) Looking forward to meeting and hanging out with you :-) Bonny

The first rule of WRITE CLUB is that you do not talk ***during*** WRITE CLUB. This very simple meetup is based on the premise that public and peer accountability enables more productive writing than sitting at home and getting distracted by the fridge. We will write/read for an hour in silence. (I will be writing thought experiments for my other meetup group: [THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS](https://www.meetup.com/thought-experiments-in-pubs)) If you'd like to hang out afterwards, or if you prefer just to hang out, I have another event immediately afterwards in the same place :-) You can find that here: [HANGING OUT AT THE SOUTHBANK](https://www.meetup.com/experimentsin/events/313686740) And if you'd like to finish the evening with a dance, there is a free social salsa meetup just outside The Southbank Centre just afterwards. More info [here](https://www.instagram.com/salserosfriends/). **This event will take place in the foyer of The Southbank Centre.** You can find us by looking out for: * A tote bag with WRITE CLUB sewn onto it * My T-Shirt, which will have HANGING OUT embroidered on the back of it * A big red flag with THE SUNRISE CLUB emblazoned on it (though this clearly isn't THE SUNRISE CLUB! If you want to find out about that, you can do so [here](https://www.meetup.com/the-sunrise-club/).) * Other writers - who may be spread out across the centre. They will have white pieces of paper with the WRITE CLUB stamp at the top of the page. There are plenty of places to buy refreshments, but you can also bring your own if you prefer. [WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BpMwnRev0H237KMx4uPnek) [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/experimentsingroupwisdom) [SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) Looking forward to meeting and writing with you :-) Bonny

Meet up group " 10 times happier " presents Boat DJ party- 4 hours + after party in London's SINGLE PEOPLE WELCOME Boat is private, so there are limited spaces!

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

**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.

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan