Environmental Issues

**Debait - a modern public square that promotes respectful disagreement.** **We offer a much needed alternative to social media "debating". We are anti-clickbate and shouting. Just thoughtful discussions about issues shaping society.** We run an in-person and an online session every week, as follows: * In-person sessions are held on **Tuesdays at 259 Goswell Road, London, between 6pm-8pm** * Online sessions are held on **Wednesdays between 7pm-9pm** All our sessions are limited to a **maximum of 20 attendees** which guarantees that everyone will get ample opportunities to engage. **All our sessions are free for first timers. However, please note that you still need to book via the website (www.debait.co.uk) to secure your place on any given session. Use code FIRSTDEBAIT to claim your free spot.**

This House Believes That Marriage Should Be a Five-Year Renewable Contract **Why Are We Having This Debate** Love is in the air, Valentine's Day is around the corner and despite Taylor Swifts recent engagement, marriage rates are at their lowest here in the UK since the 1970s. The number of people looking for a serious relationship has increased, with several dating apps showing over 45% of using are looking for their special someone. But, with a culture that increasingly shows commitment as a price to pay for a relationship not the reward of a loving life well spent we ask - should marriage get an update and stop looking for perfect now and forever, and instead accept people will only ever be perfect for right now! **Articles** **[UK Marriage Rates Predicted To Fall To 28% - Russell-Cooke](https://www.russell-cooke.co.uk/news-and-insights/news/uk-marriages-predicted-to-decline-to-historic-lows-by-2050 "https://www.russell-cooke.co.uk/news-and-insights/news/uk-marriages-predicted-to-decline-to-historic-lows-by-2050")** **[Online Dating Stats, Serious Relationships In Highest Demand - Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/health/dating/dating-statistics/ "https://www.forbes.com/health/dating/dating-statistics/")** Come along and have your vote! **What To Expect** 3v3 panel debate where our members explore the strongest arguments for a given topic. A debate should tell the audience what they need to know and not just what the speakers think. If you feel the same way, then we want to meet you. Debate London is the year-round series of free public debates held across London. The series is run by Debate London, a social enterprise that helps its members to advance their personal and professional development by teaching them how to debate. All of our speakers are club members who have agreed to defend a particular perspective the audience need to hear, rather than just share their own personal opinion. After presenting the point of view assigned to them, the audience are then given the floor to cross-examine them and share their own position. The only time we hear what the speakers really think is at the end of the debate when they tell us where they really stand and whether this changed at all while learning how to defend the perspective assigned to them.

**London's first multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with live ambient music, gongs, aromatherapy and aerial hammocks. An Oasis of Calm in our Busy Lives.** # Aerial Relaxation Pods - Sound Journey Gong Bath Meditation in Hammocks ### **ABOUT AERIAL RELAXATION PODS™** London's first **multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with a short guided meditation, live ambient music: gongs, crystal bowls, vocals, other live instruments and nurturing electronica, aromatherapy eye pillows and scents, sky-blue silky aerial hammocks** to soothe your stresses away and lift your spirit! **A very unique, next level sound journey experience!** *"An oasis of calm in our busy lives."* Londoners stressed out by their busy lives can now turn to Aerial Relaxation Pods™ to transform their tension to calm, and restore the body’s natural healing wisdom. ***(please confirm all dates / times / venue via eventbrite. Not all dates are correct on meetup!)*** **PLEASE NOTE:** Please book via eventbrite. There are very limited spaces, and no sales on the door. an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket! **For more information and bookings:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator) *“Our pods are here to help Londoners relax. As a former teacher myself, I am fully aware of just how busy and stressed a lot of people are. And most of us just don't find the time to unwind. Our **Aerial Relaxation Pods** are going to help you alleviate stress, providing time & space to allow your body to deeply rest, harmonising your nervous system. You’ll feel rejuvenated and refreshed after one session.” -* Seth Newman, co-founder of Aerial Relaxation Pods**™**.

Regular Men's Circles, normally the 2nd Tuesday of the month. This is a **closed group**, which currently has 2 spaces. Closed group has the same men each time, which means the men in the group will get to know each other and feel safer to open/go deeper. After a complementary 'Taster Circle', if you want to become a regular, you'll be asked to commit to the rest of the 6 month 'term' (start Jan and July). There are a number of men in the group who are not on Meetup, so the numbers of attendees on Meetup are not 'real'/accurate. FIRST you need to confirm you agree with the ground rules = **[https://go.Man.Academy/rules](https://go.man.academy/rules)** Bring an open mind and your real self. NB: More details, eg. what is a Men's Circle, what are the benefits... * in the Group page \~ [meetup.com/mens-circles-london-in-person](https://www.meetup.com/mens-circles-london-in-person) * on the website - [Man.Academy/mens-circles](https://www.Man.Academy/mens-circles) Before attending / if curious, you have the option of a call with Merlin, to get to know each other a bit, see if its a good fit, ask any questions you may have. Please book a call with me here - [https://www.Man.Academy/call](https://contacts.google.com/undefined) If the group is full, you can go on the wait list, as men do move/move on. Best to give me your phone / email as I find messages do not get through on Meetup so well. **We run other Men's Circles:** Brighton * 2nd and 4th Weds * 19:00 - 21:30 * [https://www.meetup.com/Mens-Circles-Brighton-Lewes](https://www.meetup.com/Mens-Circles-Brighton-Lewes) London * 2nd Tues * 10:30-13:00 * [https://www.meetup.com/Mens-Circles-London](https://www.meetup.com/Mens-Circles-London) Online * 4th Sunday * 19:30 - 21:30 **Man.Academy Membership starting Jan 2026, a more structured thing, Systems, Strategies and Support to Thrive as a Man.**

***[We are shuttering our Meetup group later this year, please sign up to our calendar on Luma to avoid missing out on our future events.](https://lu.ma/ai-signals)\`*** **Agenda** 06:00pm - Doors open, food and drink served 06:30pm - Welcome 06:35pm - [Adebola Olomo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/adebolaolomo/), CMO at Avetium and Global Partnerships Lead at Women in AI, "AI & Storytelling" 07:00pm - Break 07:15pm - [Etienne Bernard](https://www.linkedin.com/in/etiennebcp/), Founder & CEO at NuMind, “Outclassing Frontier LLMs at Extracting Information" ​07:45pm - Lightning Talk: [Meryem Arik](https://www.linkedin.com/in/meryemarik/), Co-Founder & CEO of Doubleword, "Async Agents in Production: Failures & Fixes" 09:00pm - Wrap up, drinks at [Angel London](https://g.co/kgs/3FVpa2i) **Please note you will be unable to enter the venue before 6.00pm.** RSVPs will close 24 hours before the event, you may be unable to register after this time but you can still watch online. If you can't join us in person you can watch remotely via [our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@ai-and-dl-for-enterprise). **Our hosts may require that we provide a list of all attendees, please ensure that you register with a name that matches your government issued ID or bank card: if you do not we cannot guarantee you entry to the building.** Please RSVP for the event well in advance if you plan to attend in person and unRSVP if you can no longer attend as limited spaces are available.

Regular Men's Circles, 2nd Tuesday of the month. This is a **closed group**, which currently may be full, with a small wait list, which you are warmly welcome to join. I am starting an evening Circle, same day (2nd Tues), as many men are unable to join in the day (though we have template message to ask work for time off for CPD / Development). Closed group has the same men each time, which means the men in the group will get to know each other and feel safer to open/go deeper. After a complementary 'Taster Circle', if you want to become a regular, you'll be asked to commit to the rest of the 6 month 'term' (start Jan and July). There are a number of men in the group who are not on Meetup, so the numbers of attendees on Meetup are not 'real'/accurate. FIRST you need to confirm you agree with the ground rules = **[https://go.Man.Academy/rules](https://go.man.academy/rules)** Bring an open mind and your real self. NB: More details, eg. what is a Men's Circle, what are the benefits... * in the Group page \~ [meetup.com/mens-circles-london-in-person](https://www.meetup.com/mens-circles-london-in-person) * on the website - [Man.Academy/mens-circles](https://www.Man.Academy/mens-circles) Before attending / if curious, you have the option of a call with Merlin, to get to know each other a bit, see if its a good fit, ask any questions you may have. Please book a call with me here - [https://www.Man.Academy/call](https://contacts.google.com/undefined) If the group is full, you can go on the wait list, as men do move/move on. Best to give me your phone / email as I find messages do not get through on Meetup so well. **We run other Men's Circles:** Brighton * 2nd and 4th Weds * 19:00 - 21:30 * [https://www.meetup.com/Mens-Circles-Brighton-Lewes](https://www.meetup.com/Mens-Circles-Brighton-Lewes) **London:** * 2nd Tues * 10:30-13:00 * and * ***\* \* N E W \* \**** 17:00 - 19:30 ***\* \* N E W \* \**** * [https://www.meetup.com/Mens-Circles-London](https://www.meetup.com/Mens-Circles-London) **Lewes:** * every other Sunday * 10:00 - 12:30 * [https://www.meetup.com/Mens-Circles-Brighton-Lewes](https://www.meetup.com/Mens-Circles-Brighton-Lewes) **Online:** * 4th Sunday * 19:30 - 21:30 **Man.Academy Membership starting Jan/Feb 2026, a more structured thing, Systems, Strategies and Support to Thrive as a Man.**

uSwitch is located on the first floor of the ZPG building at 5 Copper Row, London, SE1 2LH, London (Click on the map for directions) What 3 words location: [https://what3words.com/puts.sudden.else](https://what3words.com/puts.sudden.else) The Clojure dojo is a collaborative way to learn Clojure/ClojureScript through practice. The aim is to learn a little more than before you started. This event is for those new to coding through to more experienced developers. We organise into small groups (2-4) people and write code to solve challenges great and small, chosen by those at the event. We aim to ensure someone in your group has some Clojure experience, so you shouldn't feel lost (well no more than all developers do when Stack Overflow is broken). Example challenges for the coding dojo are listed on this website: http://www.londonclojurians.org/code-dojo/ Various past exercises have been loaded to [https://github.com/ldnclj](https://github.com/ldnclj/lisp1.5/blob/master/src/lisp1/5.clj) # Approximate schedule: 18:40 Doors open and start collecting suggestions 18.45 Pizza should have arrived 19:00 Quick intros and vote on suggestions 19:15 Break out into groups and start practising 20:45 Gather together for a quick show and tell # What should I bring? We organise into small groups, so if you have a laptop with a working Clojure environment please bring it along (there are lots of online Clojure environments, so you can just use your browser too). # How do I get in to the building? At the glass doors press the buzzer to inform the security guard you are here. Say you are here for the event on the first floor. Is there way to talk with the Clojure community? Why yes. The Clojurians Slack channel is full of friendly people who love to try and help. People based in London are often in the #clojure-uk channel. Sign up for a free account to the Clojurians Slack community via http://clojurians.net/ What is Clojure? Clojure is a JVM language that has syntactically similarities to Lisp, full integration with Java and its libraries and focuses on providing a solution to the issue of single machine concurrency. Its small core makes it surprisingly easy for Java developers to pick up and it provides a powerful set of concurrency strategies and data structures designed to make immutable data easy to work with. If you went to Rich Hickey’s LJC talk about creating Clojure you’ll already know this, if not it’s well worth watching the Rich Hickey “Clojure for Java Programmers” video or Stuart Halloway “Radical Simplicity” video .

PLEASE ENSURE YOU BUY YOUR TICKETS AT [www.esgnetwork.co.uk](https://www.esgnetwork.co.uk/) **ESG Network is a Business Network dedicated to professionals working within London’s many Environmental, Social /Sustainable and Governance sectors**. Join us at the Private Room at the **Famous Bonds of Mayfair** for our **February 2026 Networking Breakfast** and join us in sampling their wonderful Food, Drinks and the opportunity to **chat about the ESG sector, learn more about the many related topics and make new friends and seek out fresh business leads**. PLEASE ENSURE YOU BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE AT [www.esgnetwork.co.uk](https://www.esgnetwork.co.uk/)

Join the Eco Around Community for a litter pick walk. The February litter pick will start from Clapham Common station and will be hosted by Seán (+44 7865 091666). When: Sunday, 15th February, from 11:00 to 1:00 pm. Feel free to stay longer for a coffee or some bites. How to dress and what to bring: Appropriate footwear, no open-toed shoes, and we recommend some waterproofs (just in case). Bring some gloves (no single-use ones, though!), a black bin bag (we collect all in one bag as the litter will be too dirty to be recycled, unfortunately), a litter picking stick if you have one at hand (Seán will bring a few), and a refillable water bottle in case you get thirsty. Hand Sanitiser is also useful. Updates: Unless it's torrential rain, we will stick to our plans. Please check the event for updates.

"Help isn’t coming. And even if it does… you might not want it." – Survival isn’t just about staying alive — it’s about keeping your mind when everything else goes feral. 📅 **Date:** Wednesday, 12 February 2026 🕕 **Show Time:** 19:10 🧭 **Meeting Time:** 18:00 outside Cineworld Crawley to get a drink or dinner or 18:50 📍 **Cinema Address:** Unit 1, Crawley Leisure Park, Crawley, RH10 8LR (15 mins walk from Crawley Station) 🎬 **Screening Type:** 2D 🪑 **Screen:** 2 🎟 **My Seat:** R15 *** ### 🎬 About the Film: **SEND HELP** comes from **Sam Raimi — the legendary director of *Evil Dead* and *Drag Me to Hell***. That means one thing: beautifully controlled chaos. What begins like an ordinary situation mutates into a survival nightmare where panic, personality, and bad decisions collide. Raimi doesn’t just scare you — he makes you laugh at the exact moment you shouldn’t. Beneath the madness, the film teases some great questions: • Who are we when modern comfort disappears? • Are we capable in a crisis – or just people with low phone batteries? • When pressure hits, do we trust, betray, or turn everything into content? • And why, in true Raimi style, is disaster sometimes uncomfortably hilarious? Expect tension, dark humour, and that signature Raimi energy where horror and comedy wrestle for control. *** ### 🧭 Meeting Point: Let’s meet at **18:00 or 18:50 outside Cineworld Crawley** — quick hellos, snacks if needed, then we head in together before things get messy on screen. 🪑 I’m in **Seat R15, Screen 2** — feel free to book next to me 😀. *** ### 🎟 Booking Info: Book via Cineworld Crawley: https://www.cineworld.co.uk/films/send-help *** ### 💬 After the Movie: Optional drink nearby to unpack the madness: – Are we really as capable as we imagine, or just well-charged spectators of our own lives? – Does crisis reveal character — or create it? Relaxed chat, mixed views welcome, no deep film knowledge needed. 📱 Need to reach me? WhatsApp: 07830374629 *** Because some films don’t just entertain — they test you. Let’s press **Send Help** together.

**Address: 210-212 Southwark Park Road, London SE16 3RX** **Doors Open 12pm Event starts 12:30pm-5pm** **Player Capacity: 8 players** Welcome to our **Weiss Schwarz TCG** Constructed Tournament. The event consists of 3 to 5 rounds of Swiss and prizing is distributed to players with a positive record. To participate in the event, alongside your **ticket purchase on [our website](https://www.thebrotherhoodgames.co.uk/weiss-schwarz-events)**, you will be asked to register on the desk to be entered into the tournament. We will hand out a promo pack for entry to the tournament. If you are unfamiliar, please ask our member of staff upon arrival to the store where a member of staff will be happy to assist. If you haven't already, please join our Instagram, YouTube and Discord Server for news about upcoming events, announcements, and social interaction with your fellow players! *The Brotherhood Games Discord* https://discord.com/invite/SJaQXyeNXx

GREAT WALK ON THAMESPATH and DOCKLANDS. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK. THAMESPATH, DOCKLANDS and MUDCHUTE FARM ANIMALS. **WALK START POINT: Canary Wharf Station**\- ELIZABETH LINE and JUBILEE LINE\. Look for Ken with the Kens Events/Meetup Flag/Badge outside the Jubilee Line Station exit in Reuters Plaza \(near the International Clocks\)\. WALK ROUTE: Thamespath, Docklands, Mudchute Farm - in effect a circular walk around Canary Wharf. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 5 miles. WALK END POINT: Canary Wharf Station- ELIZABETH LINE and JUBILEE LINE WALK STOP OUT POINT: Nearby London Bus Routes available for most of the walk BREATHE FRESH AIR: Give up the city streets for a day and improve your overall fitness levels on a green walk. Explore and enjoy London's abundant and sometimes secret green spaces, forest areas and surprising surrounding countryside. Meet new people and make some new friends. Walking is a great social activity. Visit parts of London, unknown to most people, that you would not otherwise have a reason to see. **Social Event**: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. We always end the walk at a pub with a convivial atmosphere where the socialising can continue. *Be sure to join us in the pub for the whole experience!* **Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.** **COST of EVENT**: **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility. Why pay more on other groups for overpriced walks with no afterwalk socialising!!** **The walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent. Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/groups/kensevents) RAIN POLICY: Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the day of the event around 3 hours before the start for the latest update. Unfortunately no large dogs and small children are permitted on these walks. **NOTICE of RISKS applicable for all walks:** Please dress appropriately for weather and terrain conditions. Only wear good sturdy shoes, with ankle support, and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and able to walk for at least 8 miles. This walk is suitable for the average experienced hill walker. Expect some hills. Do not attend this walk if you do not fit that description or if you have a medical condition (especially heart and/or lung conditions) that may impact upon your capability of completing the walk. These walks are city walks and countryside walks where all the usual risks of injury during such walks apply resulting from interactions with road traffic, joggers, cyclists, e-scooters,other members of the public, animals (farm, domestic and wild), plants (allergic reactions), uneven surfaces, including portruding tree roots and potholes and there may be low overhanging branches. In these walks we cross busy roads, use towpaths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and sometimes ill defined paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Some tracks may be muddy and slippery, and conditions may be wet and icy. The walk leader is not and does not purport to be a professional guide, or a medical professional, but is instead a like minded individual who also enjoys hill walking and who is familiar with the intended route. Do not attend this walk unless you accept and consent to the above risks. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. **DISCAIMER** All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer.

Free Social drinks with AAA to meet new people, make friend and join our community, might have a game or two there as well to play. Some of our AAA hike leaders will be there too meet and greet. Promise no marketing speeches of our inspiring day hikes, delicious weekends away and European trips abroad :) [FAQs](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) \| [Terms and Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaahiking/) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@aaahiking) \| [Trip Advicer](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [TicTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@aaahiking) \| [Website](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/)

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

A classic Italian road comedy that was so good the film ministry recognized it as "culturally significant." Starring Vittorio Gassman and Jean-Louis Trintignant, the film shows that for young men in love the rules of the road are only suggestions. And the rules for love? Hey, this is an Italian picture! Oh to be young and filled with joie de vivre or la dolce vita. A french/italian fun filled movie with a surprising twist at the end. Do you have a fun memory from your youth? Location TBD, but it will be in person for sure!

**When:** Saturday\, February 21 \| 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM **Where:** [1124 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206](https://twodollarradiohq.com/about-us) Looking for a night of meaningful connection and great vegan food? Join us at [Two Dollar Radio Headquarters](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgFEAI) for a special community gathering! **What’s on the menu?** While [2$R](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgGEAI) typically serves a selection of [house-made sandwiches](https://twodollarradiohq.com/weekly-food) and vegan pastries, they are creating a **special menu** specifically for our event. You can also grab a coffee, tea, or a drink from their [full bar](https://twodollarradiohq.com/) of cocktails and beer. **The Main Event:** * **Play:** Bring a favorite game from home to share or dive into the ones available at the shop. * **Connect:** Meet new and old friends in a space that values independent culture and plant-based living. * **Support:** Help us champion a local, family-owned vegan business that doubles as a powerhouse [indie book publisher](https://twodollarradio.com/pages/headquarters). **Parking Instructions:** * **Street Parking:** There is free public street parking available on both sides of Parsons Avenue and on the surrounding residential side streets. * **Lot Parking:** The [Columbus Metropolitan Library](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/126262ks5&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgKEAM) lot (1113 Parsons Ave) is located directly across the street and is available for guest use **only after the library has closed**. On Saturdays, the lot is typically available starting at 6:00 PM. * **Bike Parking:** For those cycling, there is a bike rack conveniently located at the corner of Cline and Parsons.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! For this event, we’ll help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents, wash dishes and clean surfaces at Fath Mission – Grant Kitchen. 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. 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 10:15am 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, indicated in the attached map. On-site and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: \* LSS Volunteer Guidelines: Uploaded to photos. \* Parking Map Info: Uploaded to photos. \* LSS Faith Mission Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp46_6ay6iA \* Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/faith-mission-grant-kitchen-2025 IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the 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 update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With very 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. THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others! Benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering provides a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails** [Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space. In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration. The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours. Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks. Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city. ***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day** The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269–270 AD. The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era. Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection. ***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park** Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg). ***(She loves me not.)* Summary** For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way. ***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet** Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event. Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't. We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going. ***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains** There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails. ***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.

Join us on February 14th from 2–5 PM for a cozy and fun Valentine’s Day gathering! Start by grabbing lunch at **Portia’s Café**, then head next door to **The Cozy** for crafts, activities, and a relaxed space to celebrate the day together. **Date:** February 14 **Time:** 2:00–5:00 PM **Location:** The Cozy (next to Portia’s Café)