Local History & Culture

Meet/Brief/Start : **4.45pm @ Queenstown MRT Exit C** Distance: **27.60km** \*Minumum age requirement to participate: 21 years old** Routes : Queenstown MRT exit C-> Alexandra PCN -> Marina Bay -> Gardens by the Bay -> Marina Barrage -> ECP Dinner : East Coast Lagoon Food Village **Attendance Confirmation** is required 2 days before event start. please check incoming messages from event chat. **Safety/Disclaimer**: Participants should **ride in a single file** at all times, keeping a **safe braking distance** and **look out and give priority to pedestrians**. Participants recognise that cycling can be **strenuous and must ensure they are in good health and have the required fitness level** for the ride. Participants are to **ensure their bikes are in proper riding condition, with working brakes, wheels properly inflated, font and rear reflectors/lights fitted** according to LTA regulations, and **wearing of helmets** and **appropriate cycling clothing/footwear**. Weekend Social & Leisure Riders is a not for **profit, social interest group**. While the Organisers do their best to facilitate a safe ride, participants who join our rides do so **at their own risk** and **accept full responsibility for their safety** during the event. By joining our rides, participants accept that the organisers are not **responsible or liable for any injury, accident, death or other unforeseen incidents, nor loss or damage to your belongings/equipment**, and that you agree also for **yourself, your heirs, executors and administrators to waive any claims** associated with the afore-mentioned. Organisers reserve the right to **amend, postpone or cancel the event at any time, as well as not to allow a participant to take part or continue the event** for various reasons, not limited to: **late turnout, unsuitable clothing/footwear, unsafe cycling equipment, un-roadworthy bicycle condition, unsuitable fitness level/health issues or inappropriate behaviour**. Thank you for your **attention**! :)

**Either 7 or 8 aside football** **No sliding tackles** **Red or White sides** **Be Friendly & Social** **Locals & Expats**

Catching their happy hour deal (1 for 1 cocktails and 10++ salmon don / chirashi bowl). We'll do as much reading as we feel up to that evening! ;) This is a limited seats, small group event, so do try to update your RSVP early if your plans change! Thanks in advance Nearest MRT: Orchard MR

🎤 The Premium Vocal Class in Singapore Meet the No.1 Korean Vocal Trainer since 2012 “Bring the song you cannot sing now — I’ll make sure you can. If not, I’ll refund.” ⸻ Why Choose LIM MIRI (林美利)? ✨ Singapore’s Top Korean Vocal Coach • 13+ years of teaching (since 2012) • Holder of National Level 1 Vocal Training Certificate • Winner of Busan MBC Hyunin Music Competition 🏆 • Vocal coach of the 2024 Best Song Award Winner • Professional singer & teacher with international stage experience ⸻ N-in-1 Premium Class With one coach, you can master all genres: • 🎼 Classical vocalisation • 🎷 Jazz vocalisation • 🎤 Pop, K-pop, J-pop, C-pop • 🎸 Rock vocalisation 👉 No need for multiple teachers. 👉 A single, streamlined premium program to cover every vocal style. ⸻ The Guarantee: High Notes, Real Voice 🎶 +5 Keys Up in Chest Voice — Guaranteed If you can’t reach the high notes with your real voice (진성), I will refund. That’s how confident I am. Bring the songs you cannot sing now — you’ll sing them flawlessly within my training. ⸻ More Than Singing — A Voice for Life This is not just about singing. I also provide speech correction & vocal health training for: • Professionals who lose their voice easily when speaking • Students struggling with presentation & public speaking • Anyone who wants a clear, powerful daily voice 👉 When your voice changes, your whole life becomes happier. ⸻ The Premium Experience 💎 Every session is 3x more effective than ordinary classes. 💎 In just 4 lessons, you will discover your inner voice. 💎 A deep, high-quality curriculum designed originally for students preparing to debut as professional singers in Korea. This is not a casual hobby class — it’s a transformational premium program that delivers results. ⸻ Courses 💎 Trial Session 40 minutes — only $20 🎤 1:1 Premium Coaching $550 / 1 pax / 4 lessons / 45 min each 🎶 2 Pax Group Session $350 / each pax / 4 lessons / 50 min each ⸻ Start Now 🎵 Don’t miss the chance to learn from the best Korean vocal trainer in Singapore. 📩 Contact me today and experience the class that no one else can offer. ⸻ 🔖 #PremiumVocalClass #LuxuryTraining 🔖 #Kpop #Pop #Jazz #Classical #R&B #Cpop #Jpop 🔖 #HighNoteGuarantee #LifeChangingVoice ☺ 8955 3824(whatsapp)

Welcome! Gist below! :-) 1. Bring a book to the meet! 2. Buy a drink (and a bite if you're hungry). 3. Say hi to the folks. 4. Read! 5. We'll do a short round of intros and a short sharing at the end too. :) Come in and find us (we're probably the only reading group)! In the event that the place is full, we'll find a back up nearby. :-) This is a limited seats, small group event, so do try to update your RSVP early if your plans change! Thanks in advance! Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT

Join us for an 8km “off the beaten track” hike through a quiet pocket of greenery where the city fades into soft, natural calm. The route is easy to follow and sprinkled with a few muddy patches, so good shoes and a bit of adventure spirit will help. Do come prepared for mosquitoes, as this area is more natural than manicured. This walk is best for participants who are relatively healthy, comfortable with longer distances and have no fitness concerns 💪. If you’re ready for fresh air and a trail that feels refreshingly different from the usual paths, come set out on this quiet adventure with us. 🌿✨ This Meetup group is a community-led group by volunteers, who enjoy the Great Outdoors (GO) and would like to share the GO with u too! 🤎✌️😃 This is a free community walk, created simply for the joy of exploring together. To keep the spirit of the walk genuine and relaxed, we don’t involve donations, promotions, or sales of any kind. We warmly ask everyone to be punctual and considerate of fellow walkers, so that the journey remains smooth and enjoyable for all. 😊😊 Late cancellations or no-shows may affect your priority for future walks. The 'going' list may not necessarily follow a strict sequence. 🔄 To protect your privacy, we do not collect telephone numbers 📵. Communication will be through the Event page. Kindly check for any updates, especially on the day of the event, so that you will be updated on any changes. The route may be amended or the hike postponed in the event of inclement weather, for the safety of our walkers. 🚶🚶‍♂️ As part of Meetup's enhanced privacy/ security measures, the meeting point will now be visible to attendees only. Exercise care while you walk. Please inform us when you feel unwell and need to drop out. *Disclaimer: By joining this walk, you assume responsibility for your own safety and well-being 🚸, and will not hold the organizers/hosts liable for any loss or injury or other unforeseen events, ensuring a shared commitment to a safe and enjoyable experience for all. 😊 Thank you. 🙏

Join us for an exciting language exchange meetup where you can practice both Japanese and English in a friendly and supportive environment. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced speaker, this event is perfect for honing your language skills while making new friends who share a passion for Japanese culture. Immerse yourself in conversations, games, and activities that will not only help you improve your language proficiency but also deepen your understanding of Japanese culture. Bring your enthusiasm and curiosity, and get ready to expand your language skills while connecting with like-minded individuals. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your language abilities and cultural awareness in a fun and interactive setting! Let's learn Japanese. にほんごをまなびましょう！ 日本語を学びましょう。

Join us for a laid-back drawing session with Joon, an artist originally from Korea who lived in New York before making Singapore home. We’ll draw together, but that’s just the starting point. Expect conversations about travel, museums, what it’s like to build a life across different cities, and the friendships that form across cultures. Bring your stories, some paper, a pencil/pen, or just yourself. Can’t draw? That’s fine. Neither can most of us. Beginners very welcome — we’ll keep it simple. Find Joon’s work on Instagram at [@joonartistic](https://www.instagram.com/joonartistic/). 📍 Yugoslavia Cage, KINEX Mall — near Paya Lebar MRT 🆓 Free as always. Just buy a drink or snack from the cafe to support the space.

🎤 The Premium Vocal Class in Singapore Meet the No.1 Korean Vocal Trainer since 2012 “Bring the song you cannot sing now — I’ll make sure you can. If not, I’ll refund.” ⸻ Why Choose LIM MIRI (林美利)? ✨ Singapore’s Top Korean Vocal Coach • 13+ years of teaching (since 2012) • Holder of National Level 1 Vocal Training Certificate • Winner of Busan MBC Hyunin Music Competition 🏆 • Vocal coach of the 2024 Best Song Award Winner • Professional singer & teacher with international stage experience ⸻ N-in-1 Premium Class With one coach, you can master all genres: • 🎼 Classical vocalisation • 🎷 Jazz vocalisation • 🎤 Pop, K-pop, J-pop, C-pop • 🎸 Rock vocalisation 👉 No need for multiple teachers. 👉 A single, streamlined premium program to cover every vocal style. ⸻ The Guarantee: High Notes, Real Voice 🎶 +5 Keys Up in Chest Voice — Guaranteed If you can’t reach the high notes with your real voice (진성), I will refund. That’s how confident I am. Bring the songs you cannot sing now — you’ll sing them flawlessly within my training. ⸻ More Than Singing — A Voice for Life This is not just about singing. I also provide speech correction & vocal health training for: • Professionals who lose their voice easily when speaking • Students struggling with presentation & public speaking • Anyone who wants a clear, powerful daily voice 👉 When your voice changes, your whole life becomes happier. ⸻ The Premium Experience 💎 Every session is 3x more effective than ordinary classes. 💎 In just 4 lessons, you will discover your inner voice. 💎 A deep, high-quality curriculum designed originally for students preparing to debut as professional singers in Korea. This is not a casual hobby class — it’s a transformational premium program that delivers results. ⸻ Courses 💎 Trial Session 40 minutes — only $20 🎤 1:1 Premium Coaching $550 / 1 pax / 4 lessons / 45 min each 🎶 2 Pax Group Session $350 / each pax / 4 lessons / 50 min each ⸻ Start Now 🎵 Don’t miss the chance to learn from the best Korean vocal trainer in Singapore. 📩 Contact me today and experience the class that no one else can offer. ⸻ 🔖 #PremiumVocalClass #LuxuryTraining 🔖 #Kpop #Pop #Jazz #Classical #R&B #Cpop #Jpop 🔖 #HighNoteGuarantee #LifeChangingVoice ☺ 8955 3824(whatsapp)

Welcome! Gist below! :) 1. Bring any book you'd like to read 2. Buy a drink and a bite too if you like! 3. Say hi to the folks 4. Read! 5. We'll do a short round of intros and a short sharing session at the end too Come in and find us (we're probably the only reading group)! In the event that the place is full, we'll find a back up nearby. :) This is a limited seats, small group event, so do try to update your RSVP early if your plans change! Thanks in advance! Nearest MRT: Siglap (TE28) / Marine Terrace (TE27)

Welcome! Gist below! :-) Bring a book to the meet! Buy a drink (and a bite if you're hungry). Say hi to the folks. Read! We'll do a short round of intros and a short sharing at the end too. :) Come in and find us (we're probably the only reading group)! In the event that the place is full, we'll find a back up nearby. :-) This is a limited seats, small group event, so do try to update your RSVP early if your plans change! Thanks in advance! Nearest MRT: - Bedok North (DT29) - Bedok Reservoir (DT30)

**Come join us for a fun and exciting photography meetup at Clarke Quay! This vibrant and colorful area is the perfect spot to capture some amazing photos.** **You can expect to photograph the beautiful architecture, bustling nightlife, and lively street scenes. Bring your mobile phone or any camera you have - it doesn't matter if you're a pro or a beginner, we're all here to have fun and learn together.** **Join us if you are interested in photography. It doesn't matter if you are a pro or a beginner; we do it for the love of photography. We'll kick off with a short meet and greet before heading out to click pictures together.** **After our photo walk, we'll end at a nearby coffee shop to chat and share our experiences.** **This is a free event, but please RSVP to let us know you're coming. If you have any trouble finding us or have questions, feel free to call or text: Jay: +65 9352 0249 Sandeep: +65 8609 1667** **Join our WhatsApp group for live location sharing: https://chat.whatsapp.com/D9YcKn9GR7jH8q2U2g0xld?mode=hqctcli We share our live location there to help everyone stay connected — especially as people naturally wander off while shooting.** **Meeting Point: Clarke Quay MRT - Clarke Quay MRT — Exit C (The Central / Read Bridge)** **Route: Read Bridge → Circular Rd → Carpenter St**

Join **The Nomad People** for an urban trekking adventure! Group chat : https://chat.whatsapp.com/EBv11zeeBAG3w3IRUSjGlE?mode=gi_t We’ll meet at **VivoCity Waterfront at 4:00PM (Sentosa Broadwalk)** and embark on a leisurely walk all the way to **Palawan Beach** **Via Imbiah Trail**. This is the perfect chance to peek into tourism, nature, history and the beach. **What to Expect:** **Adventures Route:** Enjoy the blend of tourist charm at Universal Sentosa and natural beauty as we stroll along Imbiah Trail to Palawan beach. And fun *suspension bridge walk* at Palawan Beach!!!! **Keep your distance:** Always observe wildlife from a safe distance and avoid disturbing them. **Great Company:** Meet like-minded adventurers who share your passion for exploration **Medium Pace:** This walk is designed for everyone with medium pace—whether you’re a seasoned walker or just looking for a fun, slightly thrilling way to spend an evening. **What to Bring:** * Comfortable walking shoes * A water bottle * A positive attitude and a spirit of adventure Whether you’re new to The Nomad People or a regular explorer, this event is all about enjoying the journey, discovering local gems, and making new friends! RSVP now, and let’s hit the pavement together as we explore **Palawan Beach Via Imbiah Trail!** **Optional:** Dinner @Kopitiam (Vivo City) The mono rail back to Vivo City is free of cost! Punctuality is always respected. :)

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

**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.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

June meetup at the Library. We’ll play games and have casual conversation in Japanese and in English. All levels of Japanese ability, from non-speaker to native, are welcome. After the meetup we will go out to eat at a local restaurant.

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!