Data Lakes

For our May meetup, we are diving deep into two very different but equally essential worlds: the art of **trashware** (giving old hardware a second life) and the high-stakes decision of choosing between **Python and Rust**. We’ll be hosted by the wonderful folks at **Buildo**. Come for the knowledge, stay for the networking! 📍 **Location and time** * **Where:** Buildo, Via Malaga 4, Milano * **When:** Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 * **Time:** 18:30 (Starts at 19:00 sharp) 🎙️ **Talk 1: How I learned to stop worrying and love (the bomb) trashware** **Speaker:** Andrea Perotti Your 101 practical course on consumer hardware and approaches you can adopt to reduce your carbon footprint. Learn the *if*, the *what*, and the *how* to start doing trashware and having fun while doing it. **BIO** **Andrea Perotti** is a Linux veteran and Senior Engineering Partner Manager at **Red Hat**, where he champions Open Source integration. Beyond the enterprise world, he is an active member of **PCOfficina**, dedicated to hardware refurbishment and community education. Andrea is a firm believer in the power of shared knowledge and sustainable tech. 🎙️ **Talk 2: Python or Rust? Yes** **Speaker:** Giacomo Barone When is it worth it? When is it not? Giacomo will dive into the trade-offs of integrating Rust into your Python workflow and how to keep your product and your team from exploding in the process. **BIO** **Giacono Barone** co-founder e head of product **@ hiop** 🍕 **Networking** After the talks, we will have our usual space for Q&A and networking. It's the perfect time to chat about your latest projects or ask our speakers for advice. **See you there!** ✋ * **Please use your real Name and Surname to register, we cannot assure you will be able to access the venue if not.** * If you have a last minute issue please remember to cancel the RSVP. * Thanks for your cooperation

#### Next step: schedule your first event. Scheduling an event will encourage more people to join your group. Schedule Change photo  # [Gruppo di biliardo pool/carambola amatoriale e mini-tornei](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/) [Milano, MI, Italy](https://www.meetup.com/find/it--mi--milano/) [1 members](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/members/) · Public group Share Manage groupSchedule event [About](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Events](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/events/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Members](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/members/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Photos](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/photos/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Discussions](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/discussions/?eventOrigin=your_groups) More ## What we’re about Buongiorno a tutti. Sono proprietario di un bar e dispongo di un tavolo da biliardo semi-professionale. Sto creando un gruppo WhatsApp di giocatori amatoriali di biliardo americano pool/carambola, per la maggior parte debuttanti. Cerco persone disposte a unirsi al gruppo per giocare e divertirsi nel tempo libero, il pomeriggio oppure la sera in ogni giorno. Per stimolare l'impegno di ogni giocatore, abbiamo pattuito che il vincitore di ogni "mini-torneo" organizzato nei vari giorni giochi gratis e non paghi la tariffa di tempo per il periodo di gioco (un'ora di gioco costa 10€, ma viene di volta in volta frazionata in base al periodo di gioco effettivo). Il locale si trova in zona nord di Milano, stazione Greco-Pirelli, università Bicocca. Chiunque dovesse essere davvero interessato a partecipare e unirsi al mio gruppo, non esiti a contattarmi. Cerco persone serie e disposte solamente a divertirsi, senza puntare mazzette grazie mille. Antonio

### ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Registration & Access Because this event is co-hosted with Python Milano, **you must ensure you are registered in the Python Milano event with your real Name and Surname** 👉 **Original Event Link:** [View on Python Milano](https://www.meetup.com/python-milano/events/314513434/) # Rust Milan @ Python Milano: Python or Rust? Yes! **Ciao Ferrists!** 🦀 We are officially kicking off the **Rust Language Milan** user group with a very special guest appearance! For our first gathering, we are joining forces with our friends at **Python Milano** to explore one of the most exciting trends in modern systems programming: the interoperability between Python and Rust. If you’ve been curious about how Rust can provide "superpowers" to high-level languages, this is the event for you. *** ### 🎙️ The Talk: "Python or Rust? Yes" **Speaker:** Giacomo Barone (Co-founder & Head of Product @ hiop) When is it worth integrating Rust into your Python workflow? When is it total overkill? Giacomo will dive deep into the trade-offs of this powerful duo, sharing practical insights on how to boost performance without making your team (or your product) explode in the process. ***(Note: There is also a secondary talk by Andrea Perotti on "Trashware" and hardware refurbishment—a great topic for anyone who loves low-level tech!)*** *** ### 📍 Where & When * **Host:** buildo srl * **Address:** Via Malaga 4, Milano * **Date:** Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 * **Schedule:** * **18:30:** Doors Open & Welcome * **19:00:** Talks Start * **20:30:** Networking, Q&A, and Pizza/Drinks 🍕🍻 *** ### 🦀 About Rust Milan This is a new community for anyone in Milan interested in the Rust programming language. Whether you are a seasoned `unsafe` veteran or just curious about what a `Result` is, you are welcome! **See you there!**

Yoga al parco + campane di cristallo di quarzo Con l’avvicinarsi della bella stagione riprendono le lezioni di yoga al parco: una pratica di Vinyasa (yoga dinamico) adatta a tutti i livelli. Vi aspetto domani alle 17:00, la posizione viene comunicata su whatsapp al momento dell’iscrizione. Prezzo €10 Porta il tuo tappetino ed eventuali props. Animali domestici ammessi. 🐶 (benvenuti anzi) Vi aspetto numerosissimi Gaia

**Basta libri. Basta corsi. Inizia a parlare!** Puoi leggere 100 libri sul public speaking, ma non imparerai mai finché **non sali su un palco**. The Xplorers Toastmasters Club Milano è proprio questo: una **palestra di Public speaking** bilingue (IT/EN) dove puoi metterti in gioco, sbagliare e migliorare. Che tu sia un manager, uno studente o semplicemente una persona che vuole vincere la paura di parlare in pubblico, questa è la serata giusta per te. **📅 COSA ASPETTARSI:** Toastmasters international è un'associazione nata negli Stati Uniti più di 100 anni fa. Ogni serata di ogni Club del mondo è strutturata in tre parti: 1. **Discorsi Preparati:** I nostri soci presentano discorsi su vari argomenti per allenare le loro skill (Storytelling, body language, struttura). 2. **Improvvisazione (Table Topics)\*:** Esercizi di improvvisazione per imparare a rispondere con sicurezza a ogni domanda. 3. **Valutazioni:** Ogni speaker riceve da un altro socio un feedback costruttivo per capire cosa ha fatto bene e cosa può migliorare. *\*Nota:* Anche gli ospiti possono provare a buttarsi, ma **solo se lo desiderano**. Nessuno ti forzerà! **📍 DOVE E QUANDO:** Ci troviamo allo Spazio OiT (Via Porpora 14, zona Loreto) ogni 1° e 3° mercoledì del mese. * Ore **19:00**: Networking e accoglienza. * Ore **19:15**: Inizio puntualissimo. **⚠️** **Per garantire un'esperienza di qualità, accettiamo solo 9 nuovi ospiti per ogni serata.** **Assicurati il tuo posto gratuito ora!** Ti aspettiamo!

Ciao! 🌸 A grande richiesta, torna uno dei laboratori più amati ✨ C’è un’arte antica che insegna a non nascondere le crepe, ma a celebrarle: raccogliere i frammenti, ascoltarli e unirli con l’oro, trasformando ogni ferita in luce. La Petite Société è felice di accogliervi di nuovo in questo spazio sospeso nel tempo, insieme alla splendida @ziavirna , per un nuovo incontro dedicato al Kintsugi. Un’esperienza intima e creativa, fatta di gesti lenti e cura, dove ciò che si è rotto rinasce in una forma ancora più preziosa. Se senti che anche le tue imperfezioni meritano di brillare, questo laboratorio è per te ✨ 📅 Mercoledì 6 maggio 2026, ore 19.00 📍 Viale Molise, 51 💌 55 € ( 50 a testa, se porti con te una persona per te speciale) Ogni partecipante lavorerà su un piatto vintage di @vintageloversclubita da portare a casa, simbolo della propria trasformazione 🌸 Evento consigliato anche da @casafacile 🌷

*For our May events, we're partnering with* ***[Wayla](https://www.wayla.it/app/)*** *so attendees from Milan can come to Monza and back to Milan using the van-sharing platform.* ***Use the code* EXPAT20 *for 20% off in your rides!*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\- Hey there! On **Wednesday, May 6th**, let's meet at Smashed Monza (no vegan/vegetarian options, unfortunately) from **20:00** for an English burger aperitivo and social night! Bring all your friends, and the event is free - you pay for what you consume. 🌟 **Location:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/sSzKXioAZMqBuK2c6 **Address:** Via Carlo Prina, 10, 20900 Monza MB **Start time:** 20:00 **Instagram for DM and info:** https://www.instagram.com/whatsupmonza **\- Matthew**

**Ven 1Sab 9 Mag 2026** **TREK SUL LAGO MAGGIORE. CASCATA DELLA FRODA 596 m (VA)** \- Lunghezza: 10 km \- Dislivello: 550 m \- Difficoltà: Media \- Pranzo al sacco Il trek è in prov. di Varese, a 85 km da Milano. Iscrizione [https://t.me/TrekMI/82327](https://t.me/TrekMI/82327) Youtube https://youtu.be/O9QXBhkkqXM **LUOGO DI RITROVO** Per sapere il luogo di ritrovo, cliccare sul link Iscrizione. Si apre una chat Telegram che contiene tutte le informazioni. **GRATUITÀ** Tutti i trek sono gratuiti **CHI SIAMO** Ogni weekend portiamo in montagna 100 persone. Siamo la più grande associazione escursionista d'Italia [https://t.me/TrekMI](https://t.me/TrekMI) **COME RAGGIUNGERE LA FELICITÀ** con la filosofia TTP [https://t.me/TrekMI/79617](https://t.me/TrekMI/79617) .

Do you want to learn how to master Agentic BI Workflows in Power BI? Then join our hybrid Session remote or on site in Kirchheim in our office. This session is for Data Analyst and BI Engineers of all levels: * Setup MCP Server with Claude and VS-Code * Plan tasks and manage the Agentic BI Workflows * Check Compliance with ABIS set golden Rules * Heal Compliance and talk with your data * Ensure Data quality and security GDPR MCP Server is a powerfull add on to Power BI Development. It enables Agents in Claude to support you in planning and developing Semantic Models 11x faster and with 25% of automation. Hope to see you on the hackathon :)

**Sab 9 Mag 2026** **TREK SUL LAGO DI COMO. MONTE BREGAGNO 2107 m (CO)** \- Lunghezza: 12 km \- Dislivello: 1020 m \- Difficoltà: Medio alta \(tanto dislivello\) \- Pranzo al sacco\. Il trek è in prov. di Como, a 84 km da Milano. Iscrizione[ https://t.me/TrekMI/82344]( https://t.me/TrekMI/82344) Youtube https://youtu.be/LlfTvFfLvBI **LUOGO DI RITROVO** Per sapere il luogo di ritrovo, cliccare sul link Iscrizione. Si apre una chat Telegram che contiene tutte le informazioni. **GRATUITÀ** Tutti i trek sono gratuiti **CHI SIAMO** Ogni weekend portiamo in montagna 100 persone. Siamo la più grande associazione escursionista d'Italia [https://t.me/TrekMI](https://t.me/TrekMI) **COME RAGGIUNGERE LA FELICITÀ** con la filosofia TTP [https://t.me/TrekMI/79617](https://t.me/TrekMI/79617) .

**PELLEDOCA 🪿🪿🪿🪿** **GIOVEDI 7 maggio** **GRAN BUFFET 15€ con drink** **Antipasti, primi, secondi e frutta** **Start BUFFET 20:30 fino alle 22:30.** **Tavolo riservato tutta la sera solo per noi.** **Vieni in LISTA ELIO all’ingresso… troverai bella gente, sorrisi e zero imbarazzo.** **Poi dalle 22:30 parte la musica e l’entrata diventa 10€ con drink incluso.** **Pronti a brindare, ridere e ballare tutta la notte?** **Ci conto 😍** **Quindi cosa aspetti? PRENOTA il tuo aperitivo o il tuo tavolo a tuo nome.** **SERATA PERFETTA PER NUOVE AMICIZIE** **Se vuoi puoi prenotare la CENA con amici o con la tua azienda 35€ (bevande escluse)** **Guardaroba obbligatorio 1€** **Milano viale Forlanini 121** **Parcheggio 3€** **Come arrivare? Clicca il link qui sotto ⬇️** **https://maps.app.goo.gl/xkzKhvMvMhHn2DN7A?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy** **Se non hai l’auto scaricati, WAYLA e registrati. Un trasporto economico milanese per tutta la notte.** **https://apps.apple.com/it/app/wayla/id6479307130**

**Sab 9 Mag 2026** **TREK IN VALSASSINA. RIFUGIO TAVECCHIA 1495 m (LC)** \- Lunghezza: 15 km \- Dislivello: 900 m \- Difficoltà: Media \- Pranzo al sacco o al rifugio\. Il trek è in prov. di Lecco, a 67 km da Milano. Iscrizione [https://t.me/TrekMI/82341](https://t.me/TrekMI/82341) Youtube https://youtu.be/iXUJ1sUAruQ **LUOGO DI RITROVO** Per sapere il luogo di ritrovo, cliccare sul link Iscrizione. Si apre una chat Telegram che contiene tutte le informazioni. **GRATUITÀ** Tutti i trek sono gratuiti **CHI SIAMO** Ogni weekend portiamo in montagna 100 persone. Siamo la più grande associazione escursionista d'Italia [https://t.me/TrekMI](https://t.me/TrekMI) **COME RAGGIUNGERE LA FELICITÀ** con la filosofia TTP [https://t.me/TrekMI/79617](https://t.me/TrekMI/79617) .

**GDG AI HACK 2026 — AI Hackathon in Milan** Three days. 160 builders. €15K+ in prizes. GDG AI HACK is back for its third edition — a free AI hackathon organised by Google Developer Group PoliMi and GDG Cloud Milano. Build, ship, and compete alongside real mentors and industry sponsors at Randstad Box in Milan. **⚠️ This is not an open event. Attendance is by application only.** Apply at [gdgaihack.com](https://gdgaihack.com/) — applications close April 17. Spots are limited to 160 and reviewed on a rolling basis. *** **THE TRACKS** Three focused challenge tracks, each built around a sponsor bringing real hardware and a problem worth solving. Full briefs revealed at kickoff. * **Learn Different** (Braynr): AI for education. Cross-disciplinary teams — designers, engineers, domain experts. * **See Beyond** (Luxonis): spatial AI and computer vision with OAK camera hardware. On-device, no cloud. * **Cut the Cord** (MSI): on-device AI. What can you build when the internet is optional? Plus 10 side challenges open to all teams. *** **THE DETAILS** * 📅 May 8 — Networking night at Google Milan (Via Federico Confalonieri 4) * 📅 May 9-10 — 24h+ hackathon at Randstad Box (Via S. Vigilio 5) * 💰 €15K+ in prizes * 🍕 Free to attend — everything included * 🏆 Backed by MSI, Luxonis, Braynr, Google, GitHub Education, Corsair, Elgato, ENHANCE and many more *** **WHO SHOULD APPLY** GDG AI HACK is open to a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels. You don't need to be a CS major or a seasoned developer to apply. * **University students** of all years (bachelor's, master's, PhD) and recent graduates * **All backgrounds welcome** — not just engineers. UI/UX designers, business students, humanities majors, domain experts: if you bring a perspective, you belong here * **Diverse teams win** — heterogeneous teams consistently outperform homogeneous ones. We actively encourage mixed skill sets and disciplines Apply solo or as a team of up to 4. If you apply solo and get selected, we'll help you find your people before the event. → Apply now at [gdgaihack.com](https://gdgaihack.com/) → Questions? [hack@gdgpolimi.com](mailto:hack@gdgpolimi.com)

The Enna Springs, located in the upper Val Taleggio, are a true natural wonder. Beyond admiring their beauty, we will also enjoy their refreshing coolness. **PROGRAM** 11:00 AM – Meeting point at Albergo Bar dell’Angelo, Via Centro 11, 24010 Vedeseta (BG) 11:15 AM – Departure toward the Enna Springs 12:30 PM (approx.) – Arrival, free time, and packed lunch 2:30/3:00 PM – Return Difficulty: Medium–Easy – About 1 hour 15 minutes and 3.5 km of walking each way, with 150 meters of elevation gain. No special equipment or clothing required. Always bring some food and water, plus trekking shoes. **Note 1:** The starting point of the walk must be reached independently (car, bus, train, etc.) or via carpooling by coordinating with other participants in the private Facebook and/or Telegram groups reserved for members (request access once you have your membership card). **Note 2:** The “I will attend” button on Meetup is not considered valid for us. Meetup is only a page for publishing the event and giving a general idea of interest. Once you become a member, please follow the instructions for the event’s *official* registration. **COSTS AND PARTICIPATION – MIN 7 PEOPLE, MAX 30** Event reserved for Gitup Enac members. Free for 2026 members - request your participation ticket here: [http://www.gitup.it/iscrizione-eventi/](http://www.gitup.it/iscrizione-eventi/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNXJOZlBOUFo2TnU0MlJrTHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR40isxRJnPDxRFBNp_iADFxV_t_IXXYerPrzof2wC-vrsxh7YCQuE9AZYVKrA_aem_0zRMrPM9cBRzv2anqxS0Zg) Not a member yet or need to renew? A membership card is required — request it here: [http://www.gitup.it/iscrizione/](http://www.gitup.it/iscrizione/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNXJOZlBOUFo2TnU0MlJrTHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR40isxRJnPDxRFBNp_iADFxV_t_IXXYerPrzof2wC-vrsxh7YCQuE9AZYVKrA_aem_0zRMrPM9cBRzv2anqxS0Zg) In case of bad weather, the outing may be canceled. Participants will be notified through the dedicated groups and via updates on this page. **P.S.** Please remember that GitUp is not a travel agency but a non-profit association that brings people together to enjoy pleasant shared experiences.people together to enjoy pleasant shared experiences. [www.gitup.it](http://www.gitup.it/) [https://www.facebook.com/gitupassociazione](https://www.facebook.com/gitupassociazione)

Practical AI for Power BI Developers A year ago, “agentic AI” was mostly hype for Power BI teams. Today, it deserves your undivided attention. For Power BI pros, there is now a real opportunity to reduce repetitive development work, accelerate delivery, and help developers do more, but only when strong DataOps practices are in place to make AI workflows effective. This session is a no-nonsense introduction to effective AI patterns for Power BI and Fabric development. Along the way, we will make sense of the growing pile of terminology, including skills, plugins, hooks, and MCP. You will see examples of how modern AI tooling can help with development tasks across Power BI and Fabric, along with the prerequisites, guardrails, and DataOps principles needed to use it responsibly. Whether you're burned out on AI hype or already using Copilot CLI daily, this session will show you the foundations that are finally making AI-assisted development genuinely useful.

**Total Eclipse of the Chart: School Redistricting Dashboards** In this presentation, we will explore the utilization of maps, sets, and SQL within a Tableau dashboard to help provide “what-if” analyses generated through the use of a mapped dashboard, providing different scenarios and the potential implications of these. While in this use case we are focused on a large school district, the concepts of utilizing existing data to explore the future impacts of modifying different geographic boundaries can be useful to many industries, balancing the mix of maps with visual analytics. **About Our Speaker** Robert Kramer is the Data Systems and State Reporting Coordinator at South Western City Schools in Grove City. He has worked there for 17 years, serving previously in the roles of Data Analyst, Programmer, and Operations Coordinator. Prior to working at South Western, he worked as a Systems Engineer at Pinnacle Data Systems in Groveport. He graduated in 2005 from The University of Toledo with his Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering, and a minor in Mathematics. Robert resides in Obetz with his wife, and their 15 and 12 year-old daughters. He was also just elected to his 3rd four-year term on the Obetz City Council. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Customer identity resolution becomes increasingly complex as organizations scale across multiple systems, regions, and data formats. Traditional rule-based approaches often fail to keep up with data variability, require constant manual tuning, and struggle with real-time processing needs. This session presents a practical approach to building a scalable identity resolution pipeline using AWS services and modern AI techniques. The architecture combines data ingestion through Amazon S3 and AWS Glue, transformation pipelines using Spark on EMR, and machine learning models deployed via SageMaker for entity matching and standardization. Graph-based relationship modeling is implemented using Amazon Neptune to improve resolution accuracy by incorporating household and shared attribute context. We will walk through how machine learning models can be used for name and address normalization, how intelligent blocking strategies improve matching efficiency, and how feedback loops can be introduced to continuously improve accuracy. The session also highlights how serverless components such as AWS Lambda can be used for orchestration and real-time processing. **SPEAKER BIO** Mosaic Syed is a Senior Data Engineering and Cloud Solutions Architect with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance data solutions across global enterprise environments. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosaic-basha-syed-92300856 **CALL FOR SPEAKERS** Learn more: [https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/](https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/) **THANK YOU** *VEEAM* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit their website: [https://www.veeam.com/](https://www.veeam.com/) **DIRECTIONS** 8800 Lyra Dr #450 · Columbus, OH go to 4th floor. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

**Abstract:** This is a practical playbook for building a production-grade data lakehouse. It walks through foundational principles — naming conventions, least-privilege access, automated CI/CD testing — before diving into medallion architecture. Furthermore, metadata-driven design patterns show how configuration tables and dynamic notebook orchestration eliminates hard-coded pipelines. The deck covers star schema modeling, guidance on choosing between Spark, Pandas, and SQL, and data quality enforcement using DQX with YAML data contracts. Finally, we dive into security best practices and performance optimizations. **Host:** Justin Shea, Mehdi Jeddi, Erik Pak, and Sou-Cheng Choi **Talk Format:** This is a hybrid event. To attend online, join us on Zoom here at 6pm: https://iit-edu.zoom.us/j/89379230295?pwd=NdETyE5sdYuSrvsrBZXSBFkUESBVkg.1 Meeting ID: 893 7923 0295 Passcode: 5t5WYn **Sponsor:** Adyen, UIC College of Business, and PyData Chicago co-host this event. UIC will provide the meeting site. Adyen will sponsor pizza and soft drinks for the onsite participants. **Address:** University of Illinois - Chicago, Douglass Hall, Room 220, 705 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607 **Logistics:** “UIC Douglass Hall” is recognized on Google Maps, which can guide you through campus. Once you arrive, proceed to the second floor, room number 220

**Latest Dojo Location!** **Knotty Pine Brewing** 1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community. https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: This month John Lairson will share a notebook describing the Alpaca (Paper) Trading API and discuss different algorithms for evaluating stock trades. We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com

**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.