Fundraising

Kommt am 2. Montagabend im Monat ins Offene Wohnzimmer zum Open Draw! Raucht Euch auch manchmal der Kopf von zu viel PC-Arbeit? Der Asphalt der Stadt ist heute wieder viel zu grau? Ihr würdet am liebsten mal wieder wild auf einem Blatt Papier rumklecksen oder gedankenverlorene Linien zeichnen? Höchste Zeit zur Tat zu schreiten! Wir wollen in entspannter Atmosphäre die kreativen Zellen auf Volldampf fahren und uns der Inspiration überlassen. Mit Musik im Hintergrund sowie Wein, Tee und Snacks im Repertoire wird dann gekleckst, gemalt, gezeichnet, geklebt, geredet und gelacht. Das Ganze kann sehr ambitioniert stattfinden, aber genauso zum Hirn-abschalten dienen. Austausch, Bilderswapping und gegenseitige Tipps/Kritik sind sehr willkommen. Material stellen wir (Kreide, Bleistift, Wasserfarbe, Acrylfarbe, Pastellstifte, Kohle, Papierbögen, Spiegel, Postkarten, Zeichenbücher, Illustrierte). Sujet kann alles sein: Der/die Tischnächste, der letzte Traum, oder der Feldhase Dürers. Technik auch: Von (Selbst)portrait über Stilleben bis zur Comiczeichnung soll alles abgedeckt werden. Wir bieten jeden 2. Montag im Monat offene Treffen zum kreativen Arbeiten sowie gelegentlich technik- und themenbasierte Workshops an. Wie immer wird um eine Spende für Raummiete/Material von 5-10€ gebeten. Anmeldung: Katharinav.runnen@gmx.de

OUR LONG AWAITED IN-PERSON SPRACHTREFF IS BACK!!! REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/SaKf2xbhsp2qAWg39 Join us for a fun and dynamic evening of language and culture exchange at Sprachtreff Meetup Group! Whether you are new in town, an expat, or just looking to improve your communication skills, this event is perfect for all language enthusiasts. Practice English or German, meet international friends, and immerse yourself in German culture while dining out in Berlin. Our Language & Culture Exchange Night promises engaging conversations, networking opportunities, and a chance to learn and grow together. Don't miss out on this fantastic way to sharpen your language skills and expand your cultural horizons. We meet at **[Seydelstraße 37, 10117 Berlin](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47a851d80703190b:0x386e7260232752db?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111) at 7pm.** Please register via our online form so that we can book a table accordingly. https://forms.gle/SaKf2xbhsp2qAWg39 The meetup is free, but ***the restaurant expects every participant to consume & pay for at least one drink***. Join our Whatsapp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CLKV4NuQsSw2q3xFUVeoDz See you all there!

Liebe Rhetorikfreunde, Habt ihr Lust, die Kunst des Redens zu erlernen? Du kannst als Gast einfach reinschnuppern oder als Clubmitglied das volle Programme nutzen. Mithilfe eines ausgezeichneten praxisorientierten Programms kannst du einen von 11 verschiedenen Lernpfaden auswählen und in 5 aufeinander aufbauenden Stufen lernen: * frei und ohne Blackout zu reden * unterhaltsam und überzeugend zu präsentieren * souverän zu moderieren * Deine Körpersprache wirkungsvoll einzusetzen * spontan zu einem vorher unbekannten Thema zu pitchen Haben wir dich neugierig gemacht? Ganz gleich, ob du einfach mal „reinschnuppern“ oder dein Können gleich mit einer kurzen Stegreifrede unter Beweis stellen möchtest – wir freuen uns auf dich. Willkommen sind * Redebegeisterte * Redescheue * Kreative, denen die Werkzeuge zur Kommunikation fehlen * Angestellte/Selbstständige, die besser vor Publikum oder vorm Chef reden wollen Du kannst bei uns alle aktuellen Herausforderungen trainieren: * Präsenztreffen vor Publikum * Onlinetreffen * Präsentieren * Pitchen Wir freuen uns auf rege Teilnahme und Anmeldung. *** Der Eintritt ist kostenfrei. Wir beginnen pünktlich um 19:00 Uhr. Einlass ab 18:45 Uhr.

Learn drawing from scratch! **…an innovative and holistic method combining body, mind, hand, and pencil.** Have you ever been frustrated because you don’t know how to draw? This course is for you! In just 9 sessions, we will cover the basics – preparing you to confidently grow your drawing practice. 11.05.26 **Shapes & Shades** 18.05.26 **Perspective 1** 01.06.26 **Perspective 2** 08.06.26 **Still Lives** 15.06.26 **Textures** 22.06.26 **Animals** 29.06.26 **Humans** 06.07.26 **Plants** 13.07.26 **Landscapes & Cityscapes** Course fee: €190,- plus 7% VAT **Sign up now via email to mail@kunstraum-heartspace.de** This is a 9-weeks course with weekly meetings! **More information?** Aber gerne 😌 Continue reading if you want to learn more: This weekly drawing course is designed **for beginners** and **for everyone who is looking for a systematic refreshment** of their skills. We take a unique and holistic approach to developping your drawing skills, taking into consideration the interconnectedness of body, mind, and soul. This class is also suitable as an after-work activity to clear your mind and body! **Why draw?** I like to consider drawing the skeleton or grammar of visual art. It is a precise way to decipher what we see: Drawing asks us to really understand the logic of what we see, to develop a calm hand, a precise gaze, and a logical understanding of shapes and shades. **Sequence of each session:** 1. We will start by a full-body warm-up exercise... 2. ...followed by a concentration meditation where we practice the skill of guiding our hand to do what our minds want. 3. We then come to the main part of the lesson: Practicing the depiction of particular objects, beings, and settings, while diving into different techniques of applying pencil to paper (*hatching, lines, smudging, creating surfaces*). Everything we see can be drawn using different approaches. I will teach you all of them, so you can understand which approach fits your individuality best (*grid, eye measurement and angles, measuring with hand and pencil, becoming what you see, drawing as writing*). 4. We will close by sharing our learnings (debrief). **What to bring:** 🤸‍♀️ Clothes that allow you to move freely (don't shy away from showing up in sports gear!) 📒 A3 sketchpad ✍️ A pencil and an eraser Can't wait to see you there! Your drawing instructor, Alice

\*This is a free event, but please [donate through Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/read-editing-monthly-writers-meetup-tickets-1981513291596?aff=oddtdtcreator) to support our collective if you are able! Please join us on the 2nd Monday of every month for this event, built for all of your “in between works“ by the [Read Wedding](https://www.instagram.com/readwedding/) collective. Most events for writers are focused around ***creation or performance***. Much comes between this, yet we do not always hold each other through that phase. It is perhaps expected that all of those self-questioning, unsure, multi-path moments between lightbulb idea and snap-inducing performances are to be personal and private -- but they do not always have to be. We therefore offer you a space for everything unfinished. Needing bouncing around. Ready for a test run. We will meet in a more traditional meetup format than our open mic -- without any set format of facilitation. We will determine the approach to each session based on who's arrived and what their goals are. You may expect some combination of solitary writing time, sharing and feedback, and guided exercises. We'd love for you to show up however you are, and with some writing materials (including your phone, if you prefer). However you arrive, so long as you are feeling curious and open, we will have something for you and your work. See you there! Brooks, Bubamarrë, Maggie & Johanna Re(a)d VVedding Kollektiv \-\-\- **NOTE: Excluding select, small workshops, Read Wedding has hosted entirely free events since we started. If you have the means and would like to support us, it goes a long way. Please consider [donating through Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/read-editing-monthly-writers-meetup-tickets-1981513291596?aff=oddtdtcreator).**

🕢 Doors open at 18:30 and sessions start at 19:00. Freestyle vocal workout at and play session. €8-20 😌 Flow is a state of being… an experience when you allow yourself to be 100% fully engaged in the present moment in a feedback loop between clarity and satisfaction. It is an undeniable sensation where things seem to be more effortless, pleasurable, in sync, and you can easily sense a connection with something greater than yourself; this is what we will create…: • a connected and mindful meditation where it is possible to blissfully surf the cutting edge of the present moment together… • a game where it’s possible to feel excited and calm in the same moment, and everyone can win as much as they like… Scott Bolden, founder of Das Baumhaus Berlin will share some very easy, practical and effective methods developed during the last 12 years of facilitating the “Improvisational Groove Orchestra” (I.G.O.) improv vocal jam sessions. Within 20 minutes participants learn to use the common sound space to create resonance in the form of improvisational music where it is quite common to experience some real flow moments… It is very easy to participate, no musical talent or training is required so anyone is welcome to join. All of the session is done with eyes closed to avoid visual distractions and keep focus on the co-created sound space. During these sessions we will also have short breaks for feedback and refreshment. Important – Please be on time. It is very important to understand the methodology and warm up in the group before joining in! 🎤 @21:00 - Freestyle vocal workshop and practice session. €8-15 Have you ever wanted to learn how to do freestyle vocalizations? Maybe you are on your way and would like to just have a fun workout session with other vocal freestyle enthusiasts. All levels welcome. Links to sound samples - https://www.baumhausberlin.de/events/flow-a-guided-vocal-sound-bath-meditation/

Ready to build a serious AI-powered income stream — without gambling your career? Join Paul Chuter for a live, interactive session where you’ll see how busy professionals are building AI-driven businesses designed to generate meaningful income — with structure, not guesswork. This isn’t theory. You’ll see how a real AI powered business is built live and see exactly how AI can be used as leverage — not hype. Inside You’ll Discover: • How to turn one clear idea into a monetised offer • The practical way to build alongside your job • Where most AI income attempts fail — and how to avoid it This is not about “overnight success.” It’s about building a strategic path to freedom. No tech overwhelm. No influencer nonsense. No unrealistic promises. Just a serious wealth conversation for professionals who want options. If you’re thinking about your exit strategy — this is your starting point. \- Register now and see what building an AI\-powered income properly looks like\. ***Please note : The zoom link allows you to register and then the workshop zoom link is emailed to you. You can register in advance of the event.*** The Adapt and Thrive Events Group wholeheartedly supports the policies and principles of Meetup. We make no guarantees and we do not offer financial services or assurances. All our Meetup Events are FREE to attend.

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

This group is for everyone who is interested in drawing portraits! For me, drawing has been a wonderful way to gain a new perspective on the world and the people within it. Whether you are just starting out or have been drawing for ages — all levels are welcome :) How it works: 1\. We meet at The Castle pub in Mitte and do short sittings of 15 minutes for each other\. The first sitting is divided into 3 warm\-up sketches\, 5 minutes each\. 2\. Before we start\, everybody writes their name on a blank card \(provided by the organizer\); these cards are then used to randomly pick the model every 15 minutes\. 3\. Usually we do 8 sittings\, with a 15\-minute break in the middle \(so after 4 sittings\, or 1 hour\)\. -> The participation is free, but it is expected that everybody orders something from the bar to support the lovely location. Get out your pencils and let's start! Please bring your own art supplies!

We are proud to continue this free flow meet & greet session in the Bar of the social hub with guided networking and great people from different angles of the Berlin startup ecosystem! If you have a startup idea or a growing company and you want to expand your network in Berlin, then join us for the in-person 'Founder Meet & Greet' event. At this informal networking event, you can connect with other early-stage entrepreneurs, startup mentors, and advisors from the Founder Institute Berlin network. Socialize over drinks with potential co-founders, advisors, mentors and partners. Most of all, get away from the computer and have fun! ❯ **Your hosts of the day:** * Ferdinand Mühlhäuser (Business Angel & Coach, MD @ Founder Institute Berlin) * Rikke Klitskov (Marketing Director @ Founder Institute Germany) * Alexander Fahnemann (Partnerships Business Development) * Matthieu Verdeaux (Sales & Partnerships Intern @ Qonto) * Lena Weihs (Senior Partnerships Manager @Qonto) ❯ **Who should Attend?** * Anyone interested in entrepreneurship * Anyone who has a pre-seed tech company or a startup idea * Anyone interested in joining a startup accelerator * Anyone who is looking for a cofounder or would want to join a startup as a cofounder * Anyone who is looking for a modern business bank account ❯ **What is the Agenda?** * (Guided) Networking, Socializing and Drinks **❯❯ This is a live offline event, to be sure to receive our updates be sure to RSVP at** [https://fi.co/courses/meet-greet-cofounder-search-go-europe-edition/meetup](https://fi.co/courses/meet-greet-cofounder-search-go-europe-edition/meetup)**!** To join our upcoming Founder Institute program in October 2026, you can apply here: [https://fi.co/Germany](https://fi.co/Germany)**.** For more information about the investors, accelerators, incubators, and [tech events available in Berlin](https://fi.co/events/berlin), see our [list of Startup Resources](https://fi.co/startup-resources). **About Qonto:** **[Qonto](https://qonto.com/de/partners/fi)** is Europe’s leading financial management solution for founders, freelancers, and small to medium-sized businesses, serving more than 600,000 clients across eight countries. Founded by Alexandre Prot and Steve Anavi, **[Qonto](https://qonto.com/de/partners/fi)**[ ](https://qonto.com/de/creation/company-registration?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=FIMeetup10/2025&partner_id=a0oAM000000AGMP)has been transforming business finance since 2017. The platform combines business banking, invoicing, accounting, and expense management in a single intuitive solution. Through Qonto’s company formation services, over 250,000 businesses have already been established across Europe. With more than €600 million in funding and an international team of over 1,600 employees, Qonto is redefining financial management for European businesses – with innovative products, transparent pricing, and 24/7 customer support. **Click here to open your business account:** **[https://www.qonto.com](https://qonto.com/de/partners/fi)** **About Founder Institute** The [Founder Institute](https://fi.co/berlin) is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 7,000 entrepreneurs raise over $1.75BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.

**A place to meet sound, without maps** Facilitated by **Vesti Gium (they/them)** Everyone enters as they are. No score. No threshold of skill. We follow the room, moment by moment— listening, nudging, letting the music find itself. A breath, a shoelace, a laugh, a footstep— each carries weight. Silence is welcomed; noise is celebrated. There are no wrong directions here. We practise a listening that reaches outward and inward: to ourselves, to one another, to the space we shape together. That is where the music begins. * 🌀 Bring a voice, an object, an instrument, a movement—or nothing at all. * ✨ **Priority given to FLINTA folks and people with migration background.** * 🎧 No experience needed. Curiosity is enough. * 📍 Berlin – \[theodorstraße 5,12099] * 🗓 Every Saturday 12:00 * 📬 DM or email **[vestigium.impro@gmail.com](mailto:vestigium.impro@gmail.com)** to join Come make sound—come be heard.

Looking for a fun, energizing way to move your body and meet new people? Join us for a Silent Disco Hip Hop Dance Workout a unique experience that combines music, movement, and connection 🎧💃 ✨ What to expect: • Fun icebreaker games to get to know each other • A full-body Hip Hop dance workout (beginner-friendly) • Learn cool dance move with silent disco experience • Spark Connections over a fun time We’ll kick things off with fun, easy icebreaker games to get to know each other. Then enjoy a 1-hour guided silent disco dance workout (with your own Bluetooth headphones) with dance music and simple moves. No experience needed! Come solo or with a friend, you’ll leave feeling energized, uplifted, and connected 💫 👉 Join the WhatsApp group to connect before the event: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GaUmXBIg1oy4BtYgxuxEsu?mode=gi_t 📸 Check our vibes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkevents_510

**In Association With the Berlin Portrait Academy and PAKD Gallery / PAKD Art Lab** * **www.berlinportraitacademy.com** * **www.pakd-gallery.com/artlab** * **Cost: 15 Euros** A regular opportunity to study the nude or portrait from life for 3 hours, every single week! We have one long pose - you can choose whether to draw several studies from different angles around the room, or take your time to do a single sustained drawing or painting in full detail. The pose is held for 20 minute intervals with five minute breaks in-between so the model to rest and stretch, and so artists can move between seats if they choose. We provide some materials such as paper, pencils & pastels for free. Canvases, brushes and acrylic paint can be purchased at the event. We hope to see you there very soon!

Need a mid-week pick-me-up? Join us for **Sip Happens!** this week at Electric Social, where good beer and great games come together for a fun and fantastic social night! Whether you're a board game pro or just looking for a chill night out and a fun way to socialize, there's something for everyone. Grab a beer (or cider, or wine, or even a tea!), **pick (or bring) a game,** and meet some new friends as we roll dice, play cards, and laugh the night away. From classics like Catan and Scrabble to party favorites like Cards Against Humanity, we’ve got it all. Coming straight from work? No problem...the kitchen serves awesome food as well! 😉 So, round up your mates or come solo—either way, you’ll leave with new friends and fun memories. Cheers to making midweek nights something to look forward to! 🍺🎉 We always have several organisers there (male and female), so come say hello to us! We care to make sure that everyones enjoys themselves and we have **no tolerance for bad behaviour or creepiness.** **Follow us on Insta:** @siphappens.berlin **Join us on Telegram:** t.me/siphappens_berlin **👉 Other important notes:** \- 🍸 The locations we visit are bars and clubs\, they are businesses and we are able to keep these events free ONLY if people buy drinks\. Please respect the locations and the event by making purchases \- 🦹‍♂️ Remember to keep an eye on your belongings and prioritize your own well\-being\. We are not responsible for any lost items or personal issues\. \- 📷 By attending our events\, you consent to being photographed or filmed\. Photos and videos taken during the events may be shared on our social media\. If you do not wish to appear in the photos or if you appear in a photo that we post that you would like removed\, please send us a private message as soon as possible on Instagram \(@siphappens\.berlin\)

Open to public: Friday, 5/15/26: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 5/16/26: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by OSU The 2026 Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser Location: Lawn area south of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center 2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 Spring Plant Sale Spring into greenery at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens! Join us for our annual Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser and dive into a lush world of botanical delights. With over 16,000 fresh, exotic, and time-tested edible and ornamental plants, there's something for every green thumb! Experience the thrill of our tree and shrub auctions, where you can bid on unique specimens to enhance your garden sanctuary. Step into our Learning Lab, where engaging educational demonstrations on various garden topics will unfold throughout the three-day sale, enriching your knowledge and inspiring your green endeavors. Take part in an exciting, live auction offered each day, as well as a silent auction on Thursday and Friday. Explore vendor booths brimming with gardening essentials and delightful treasures. And while you shop 'til you drop, indulge in delectable treats from a delicious, local food truck. Proceeds from this event go directly to The Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum, student organizations, and local businesses alike. Come one, come all! Let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together. Credit/debit cards only.

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

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

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

Have a small business? Ever wish you could just ask some questions around how to grow your business, get more customers or just know what the freak you are doing with sales? Now is your chance!! Every month we are hosting the "Ask an Expert" at the Columbus Metro Library, Main campus. I will be there to answer your Sales related questions. Drop-in for sales coaching designed to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals sharpen their sales approach. Whether you have questions on how to refine your pitch, are looking to close deals more quickly, or are working on building better client relationships, Smashing Your Sales Goals Coaches are here to help. Drop-in to get expert insights, actionable strategies and real-time solutions to grow your business and generate higher profits. Drop-In Sales Coaching is FREE + OPEN to the public. No appointment needed. First come, first served. EPIC Learning created. Accelerate Columbus supported.

**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.

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