Exploring

Join us on **Fridays, 18:00 - 19:30** at **Lapinlahden Lähde** for a free session where we’ll explore the topic of the week. **After 19:30**, you're welcome to hang out with us. Depending on what the group decides, we sometimes: \- stay in\, enjoy tea and cookies and play board games \- go out for dinner or order food\, feel free to bring your meal \- Just engage in conversations ✅ Your **RSVP counts as your registration**, we expect you to **honour it**. 🤝 All conversations are confidential. What’s shared, stays in the group. 🌿 Small group, big heart: Everyone gets a chance to share. 🧘‍♀️ Come comfy, come curious. 💧 Bring water. Skip heavy meals & caffeine. 📍 **Tallipääty, Lapinlahdenpolku 8, Helsinki** (Through the gate, first door on the left!) **Kind reminder:** Last-minute cancellations or no-shows mean others miss out. To keep it fair, repeated cases may result in losing the spot in future sessions. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

Now Its Time for the second story of 🖤 Mysterious Strangers A white-themed party with drinks, music, and a strange Agatha Christie type story — the night is built around questions, small games, and a bit of mystery that quietly pushes people to interact based on the mystery of the questions A dark, immersive night where conversations don’t happen by accident.Where a few simple questions, a bit of mystery, and the right atmosphere turn strangers into something more interesting. 🍸 Mysterious drinks 🎧 Music 🎲 Interactive games 🖤 A themed, dark vibe 👥 Unexpected connections No scripts. No pressure.Just 📍 GTC Café, Helsinki🗓 May 22nd | 20:00 – 23:00 Limited spots — RSVP to join We have three packages * Entrance 14,9 € * Entrance and One Alcoholic Drink 24,9 € * Entrance, Once Alcoholic and Special Role in the night game 34,9 €

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

Warm welcome to MIITTI's Wellbeing for Women! Join us weekly for different activities that support your mental and physical wellbeing, while giving you opportunity to connect with others. **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, so please make sure to reserve yours! Wellbeing for women means honouring your body, mind, and emotions with compassion and care. These wellbeing sessions will nurture and support your relationships, and make space for rest and growth, because true wellbeing empowers you to live confidently, authentically and in balance with your own needs. WHEN & WHERE: Fridays at 10-12 Tallipääty, MIITTI office Lapinlahden Lähde Lapinlahdenpolku 8 00180 Helsinki Warm welcome! If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: WhatsApp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/miitti1) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/miitti1) [Website](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti)

Tervetuloa mukaan Sahaja Jooga -meditaatiotilaisuuksiin suomeksi! Tilaisuudet ovat maksuttomia, ja voit tulla paikalle ilman ennakkoilmoittautumista. Istumme yleensä tuoleilla tai lattialla tyynyillä, joten mattoa ei tarvitse ottaa mukaan, ja voit pukeutua tavallisiin vaatteisiin. Meditaatio tarkoittaa mielen hiljaisuutta tai ajatuksetonta tietoisuutta. Olet läsnä tässä hetkessä, mutta mielesi ei ole täynnä menneisyyden tai tulevaisuuden ajatuksia. Tässä tilassa tunnet rauhaa ja iloa, jotka ovat nykyhetken olennaisia elementtejä. Säännöllisellä meditaatioharjoituksella tämän tilan voi saada vakiintumaan meissä. Ryhmää johtavat vapaaehtoiset, joilla on kokemusta ja jotka voivat ohjata sinut alkuun. Annamme lyhyen johdatuksen meditaatioon, minkä jälkeen teemme meditaatioharjoituksia. Annamme myös vinkkejä meditaation harjoittamiseen kotona. Tervetuloa! Tämä video auttaa sinua löytämään Kamppi Sahaja Jooga -keskuksen: https://vimeo.com/199566137 Lisätietoa Sahaja Jooga -meditaatiosta: www.discoversahajayoga.org (englanniksi) www.jooga.org (suomeksi) www.sahajayoga.ru (venäjäksi) www.sahajayoga.es (espanjaksi) Ohjattuja verkkomeditaatioita, jotka tukevat meditaatioharjoitustasi kotona: www.wemeditate.com

WHAT WE DO What if the most alive version of you isn't something to achieve — but something to remember? The Art of Playing is a workshop built around Pungryudo, Korea's ancient philosophy of Wind and Flow. We explore what it means to live the way a river moves: without striving, without losing momentum, completely present. The workshop moves through three practices: — Philosophy: the roots of Pungnyudo and its two core movements, Mosim (the art of deep reception) and Sallim (the natural arising of action) — Anapana Living: a daily-life meditation where thoughts, emotions, impulses, fear, memories, dialogues, and intertactions with others & nature, all become the practice — Donghak Sword Dance CBC: a somatic partner practice rooted in Korean shamanic tradition, for experiencing non-separation between ourselves and the rest of the world All three point toward the same thing: Capacity for Play — the ability to meet life as play. Not as a technique. As a way of being. The word Pungryu also means “to play”. — IS THIS FOR YOU? This workshop tends to resonate if you recognise yourself in any of these: 1\. Autopilot — Habit and automatic reaction carry you through the day\. You move without noticing you're moving\. 2\. Overdoing — You're good at achieving things\, but fulfilment keeps slipping just out of reach\. The present moment is always somewhere in the future\. 3\. Withdrawing — You've been on retreats\. You've touched real peace\. But it dissolves the moment you return to ordinary life\, and you can't figure out how to bring it with you\. If any of these sound familiar, you're in the right place. This workshop exists precisely in the gap between where those three modes leave you — and where you actually want to be.

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

Turn thoughts into "inner spaces" through meditation, writing, and mixed media art, we’re building maps of our own inner worlds! [Tallipääty, MIITTI office,](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) [Lapinlahden Lähde Helsinki, Uusimaa](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) Saturday, May 23 • 2 PM - 4 PM **IMPORTANT:** This event is in collaboration with Mieli Without Borders, and spots are limited, please make sure to reserve yours through: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mapping-the-mind-light-space-self-tickets-1987892796868?aff=oddtdtcreator ### **Workshop overview** What does your inner world look like? If your thoughts were a room, would they have high ceilings and open windows, or a winding staircase leading to a hidden door? Mapping the Mind is a reflective, guided art workshop that invites you to visualise your internal landscape through the lens of "inner architecture." In this session, we go beyond traditional portraiture or landscapes to explore the spaces we inhabit within ourselves. Using light, shadow, and structure, you will create a visual map of your current emotional state and personal journey. Join us! ### **The Journey** * We blend mindfulness with mixed-media artistry to help you build your "inner architecture" * Begin with a gentle meditation to ground your awareness and settle into the space. * Use guided writing prompts to translate abstract feelings into physical metaphors (doors, windows, maps, or staircases). * Bring your vision to life through a rich variety of mixed media, including drawing, painting, and collage. ### **Who Is This For?** This workshop is a sanctuary for anyone looking to deepen their emotional awareness through a calm, supportive, and creative outlet. No "Art Skills" Required: This is about self-expression, not technical perfection. Wellbeing Focused: Perfect for those looking for a meditative, low-pressure way to process thoughts and emotions. Curious Minds: For anyone interested in the intersection of psychology, spatial design, and art. This workshop is in English, therefore communicating and understanding English is necessary for participation. ### **Location** The location is called **Lapinlahden Lähde** and is situated within the historic Lapinlahti hospital area near Hietaniemi. You can find us at **Lapinlahdenpolku 8**, specifically in the **Tallipääty** (Stable Wing) section of the building. The space is easily accessible by walking or cycling through the park, and once you arrive at the Mitti office entrance, there are clear paths leading to our designated area. Please note that this space is not wheelchair accessible. ### **Additional info** All of our activities are organized with safer space principles. Please check out our safer space guidelines [here](https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy "https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy"). ### **About the organizers** MIELI Without Borders is a grassroots, migrant-led organisation that is dedicated to promoting and supporting migrant mental health in Finland. Check us out --> [mieliwithoutborders.fi](https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/ "https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/") MIITTI organises groups, workshops, courses, and events to support mental health and well-being. Our community loves music, dance, food, conversations, languages, stories, art, movement, culture, and different opinions. We work for equality, diversity, and human commonness, and believe that connection is a key to overcoming prejudice. Check out MIITTI --> [https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/ "https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/"), [https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/](https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/ "https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/")

If you're looking for the easiest event to join on Meetup, you just found it! Join our free social walking tours and explore Helsinki with a local who knows every corner of the city. Our walk takes place on Saturdays at 12 o'clock, weather permitting. The tours typically last around 60 to 90 minutes. Afterward, we can join one of the nearby cafés for socializing. This event is for everyone! Whether you're a tourist, new to Helsinki, or a local who wants to come along for a leisurely walk, you're warmly welcome. See you there! THIS WEEK: Ruoholahti - Eira - Senaatintori Difficulty: Easy Approximate duration: 70 minutes Meeting point: Ruoholahti metro station (outside by the entrance doors) This week, we'll end up at the Classic Car Parade 2026. Event page: https://www.x-treme.fi/classiccarparade/

Hello sporty population! Join us for badminton and meet people from around the world! Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a beginner or already experienced. **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, so please reserve yours in advance. Only registered participants can join to ensure fair access for everyone. If you mark “going” but do not attend, or fail to cancel at least 1 day before(By 9pm Saturday), you may be suspended from the next two sessions. 📍 Location: Talihalli Huopalahti ⏰ Time: 11:00–12:30 🏸 Courts: 9, 10, and 11 You can meet us at the entrance a little before 11:00 or come directly to the courts (**please do not enter before our booking starts**). Who can join? • Open to everyone, regardless of background or gender • No badminton skills needed – beginners are welcome • **Age limit: 16+** Event is free, but please bring your rackets and indoor shoes, or you can borrow a racket from the hall for free if needed. We are committed to making our events and activities accessible to those who need them most. Therefore, **individuals with a refugee background are welcome to attend free of charge without prior registration.** If you plan to join, simply send a message to Alaa to let us know you’re coming. This approach is intentional. Many refugees and newcomers face practical, cultural, and psychological barriers that can make formal registration difficult or discouraging. By removing this requirement, we aim to create a more inclusive, low-threshold environment where participation feels safe, simple, and welcoming. Our events are designed to support the mental health and well-being of refugees and immigrants, while also encouraging dialogue that challenges cross-cultural stigmas and stereotypes. We believe open access is an important step in building trust, increasing participation, and creating meaningful connections across communities. After badminton, we'll enjoy Talihalli's sauna and maybe go to a local restaurant to grab some lunch after the game. Warm welcome! 📞 Questions / Contact: Alaa – 040 5656096 Arun - 050 3206169 If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: WhatsApp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/miitti1) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/miitti1) [Website](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti)

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

Explore gentle movement, playful improv, and creative expression in a non-judgmental space. Slow down, tune in, and co-create. [Valo tila, 2nd floor,](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) [Lapinlahden Lähde Helsinki, Uusimaa](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) Sunday, May 24 • 2:45 PM - 4:45 PM **IMPORTANT:** This event is in collaboration with Mieli Without Borders, and spots are limited, please make sure to reserve yours through: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-see-you-i-hear-you-tickets-1987889616355?aff=oddtdtcreator ### **Workshop overview** "I See You, I Hear You" is a participatory workshop designed to bring us back to the basics of human connection. In a world that moves fast, this is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and explore the art of being truly present with yourself and others. Through a blend of theater games, body-based practices, and art therapy-inspired exercises, we explore how we communicate in the spaces between words. ### **What to Expect** This workshop is rooted in a non-judgmental, process-oriented approach. We focus on the experience of creating rather than the final product. This workshop is in English, therefore communicating and understanding English is necessary for participation. ### **Activities include** * Gentle Movement: Reconnecting with the body as an instrument of awareness. * Mirroring & Improvisation: Playful exercises to explore relational dynamics and empathy. * Creative Prompts: Using gesture, space, and visual expression to navigate emotions and boundaries. * Shared Reflection: Co-creating a supportive environment where every participant is seen and heard. ### **Location** The location is called **Lapinlahden Lähde** and is situated within the historic Lapinlahti hospital area near Hietaniemi. You can find us at **Lapinlahdenpolku 8**, specifically in Valo tila on the 2nd floor. Entering through the main entrance doors, walk left through the gallery hallway, turn right and then left up the stairs. Valo tila is at the top of the stairs through the first door to your right. Please note that this space is not wheelchair accessible. ### **Additional info** All of our activities are organized with safer space principles. Please check out our safer space guidelines [here](https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy "https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy"). ### **About the organizers** MIELI Without Borders is grassroots, migrant-led organization that is dedicated to promoting and supporting migrant mental health in Finland. Check us out --> [mieliwithoutborders.fi](https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/ "https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/") MIITTI organizes groups, workshops, courses, and events to support mental health and well-being. Our community loves music, dance, food, conversations, languages, stories, art, movement, culture, and different opinions. We work for equality, diversity, and human commonness, and believe that connection is a key for overcoming prejudice. Check out MIITTI --> [https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/ "https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/"), [https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/](https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/ "https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/") ### **About Giulia** Giulia Lepori is an Italian sociologist whose work lives at the intersection of mental health, art, and creative exploration. During her university years in Turin, she co-founded an artistic laboratory, Flux Lab, that became a living space for experimentation, dialogue, and collective creation. Over seven years, she worked across multiple artistic languages, curating workshops, exhibitions, courses, and public events. Her path led her to a one-year art therapy training grounded in a psychodynamic approach, deepening her interest in creativity as a tool for care, expression, and transformation. Giulia has facilitated creative workshops with adults, adolescents, children, and people with disabilities, shaping spaces where art becomes a shared process rather than a finished product. In 2024, she brought her practice to Helsinki, organising her first creative workshop in collaboration with Mieli Without Borders during Mental Health Art Week.

### Create a self-portrait with psychological archetypes to build a more confident self. [Tallipääty, MIITTI office,](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) [Lapinlahden Lähde Helsinki, Uusimaa](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) Saturday, May 23 • 10 AM - 12 PM **IMPORTANT:** This event is in collaboration with Mieli Without Borders, and spots are limited, please make sure to reserve yours through: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feminine-archetypes-collage-workshop-tickets-1988548670604?aff=oddtdtcreator ### **Workshop overview ( This workshop is intended for women only)** The Integrated Self: A Vision Board Workshop for Strength & Shadow Move beyond self-criticism and visualise your whole, authentic self. Do you find yourself overthinking your worth or feeling like you have to hide certain parts of your personality to be accepted? The Integrated Self is a beginner-friendly vision board and collage workshop designed for anyone ready to rebuild their self-image with kindness, clarity, and depth. Unlike traditional vision boards that only focus on external goals, this session focuses on internal integration. Using psychological archetypes, we will create a visual portrait that honours both your radiant strengths and your "shadow" traits, helping you move from insecurity toward a grounded, unified sense of self. Join us! ### **The Creative Journey** * Archetype Discovery: Identify the universal "inner characters" shaping your life, from the resilient Protector and the Wise Guide to the curious Explorer. * Mindful Planning: Use guided prompts to move past the "inner critic" and visualise a version of yourself that feels real and empowered. * Vision Boarding: Using a curated selection of images, textures, and symbols, you will assemble a visual map of your inner landscape. * Empowered Integration: Learn to see your "shadow" traits not as flaws, but as untapped sources of energy and self-knowledge. ### **Who Is This For?** * This workshop is a sanctuary for **any woman** looking to deepen their emotional awareness through a calm, supportive, and creative outlet. * Struggles with persistent overthinking or self-doubt. * Wants to boost their inner confidence through a tactile, creative process. * Is looking for a "Vision Board" experience with more psychological and reflective depth. * Desires a supportive, non-judgmental environment to explore their identity. * This workshop is in English, therefore communicating and understanding English is necessary for participation. ### **Location** The location is called **Lapinlahden Lähde** and is situated within the historic Lapinlahti hospital area near Hietaniemi. You can find us at **Lapinlahdenpolku 8**, specifically in the **Tallipääty** (Stable Wing) section of the building. The space is easily accessible by walking or cycling through the park, and once you arrive at the Mitti office entrance, there are clear paths leading to our designated area. Please note that this space is not wheelchair accessible. ### **Additional info** All of our activities are organized with safer space principles. Please check out our safer space guidelines [here](https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy "https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy"). ### **About the organizers** MIELI Without Borders is a grassroots, migrant-led organisation that is dedicated to promoting and supporting migrant mental health in Finland. Check us out --> [mieliwithoutborders.fi](https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/ "https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/") MIITTI organises groups, workshops, courses, and events to support mental health and well-being. Our community loves music, dance, food, conversations, languages, stories, art, movement, culture, and different opinions. We work for equality, diversity, and human commonness, and believe that connection is a key to overcoming prejudice. Check out MIITTI --> [https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/ "https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/"), [https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/](https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/ "https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/") ### **About Kelly** Kelly Katajisto is the Founder of Exploring the Passion, an emotional intelligence mentor, facilitator, and keynote speaker based in Finland. Passionate about self-development, she is currently completing her MSc in Neuroscience and Psychology of Mental Health at the University of Warwick, UK.

Sunday morning as a good time for talking about challenges, isn't it? We're kicking off Helsinki's first breakfast testing community — and what better place to start than **[Robert's Coffee Jugend](https://robertscoffee.com/roberts-coffee-jugend/)**, one of the coziest spots in the city. Come talk testing: automation, quality culture, AI in QA, exploratory testing, war stories — or whatever's been on your mind lately. No slides, no agenda, just practitioners talking shop over a warm cup. 👋 First timers, veterans, and everyone in between — all welcome. ☕ Grab your coffee, find a seat, and let's see where the conversation goes. See you Sunday morning!

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

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

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 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.