Fundraising

Distinguished guests, thou art cordially invited to a unique evening of short-form improv from the best of ImprovWorks Berlin and friends. Join in the merriment as six of our finest players create characters and relationships on the spot. What happens next is up to YOU! You'll get to put them in increasingly hilarious situations as they struggle to make it all make sense. Some people call it chaos, some people call it art. We just call it fun! Doors 19:30, Show 20:00. Advance tickets: https://www.improvworksberlin.com/shows

Today we are working in a beautiful location at Alexanderplatz with desks, power sockets, free WiFi, available food/drinks and air conditioning. We will be working on the second floor of the building with a beautiful view of the Fernsehturm. NOTE: We don't share the venue location publicly. Find out where it is by joining our Telegram chat group: **[https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly](https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly)** 😴 Tired of working by yourself? 🌡️ Too hot or too cold to work at home? 🍫 Contents of your fridge or the laundry distracting you? 💻 Come join other freelancers and remote workers for coworking! ☕️ There are no membership requirements, free WiFi, some power sockets, a large desk, some affordable coffee, toasted sandwiches and drinks! ⏰ We'll be there from the start time, but feel free to stop by any time. • WHAT TO BRING • Whatever you need to work on your own project / tasks :) • QUESTIONS? • Join our Telegram chat group to ask any questions: [https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly](https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly) • MORE EVENTS? • To have more events, we need more organisers. If you would like to help out, please get in touch [😀](https://emojipedia.org/grinning-face/)

\#\# 🇩🇪 Berlin Korean\-German Language Exchange 🇰🇷 \#\# \[베를린 한국어\-독일어 언어교환 모임\] 정신없고 비싸기만 한 언어교환은 이제 그만! 체계적이고 친절한 환경 속에서 편안하게 친구들을 만들며 자연스럽게 언어를 배우는 시간을 가져보세요. Stop attending chaotic and overpriced meetups! We pursue a structured, friendly environment where you can make friends and practice languages naturally and comfortably. \*\*\* \#\#\# ⏰ **TIME & SYSTEM (일시 및 운영 방식)** * **Start Date:** May 8th (Friday) / 5월 8일 첫 모임 시작 * **When:** **Every Friday** at 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (1.5 hours) * **언제:** **매주 금요일** 오후 4:00 – 5:30 (총 1시간 30분) * **System:** \* 3 rounds of German (15 mins each) + 3 rounds of Korean (15 mins each) * **Partner swap every 15 minutes!** You will meet a new partner for every round. * **운영 방식:** \* 독일어 15분씩 3라운드 + 한국어 15분씩 3라운드 진행 * **15분마다 파트너를 교체**하여 다양한 분들과 대화할 수 있습니다.💬 **For Shy & New Members (초보 및 내성적인 분들을 위해)** * **Ice-breaking cards on every table!** Each table has a list of fun and easy topics to talk about. No need to worry about what to say next! * **Don't worry if you are shy!** Even if you are an introvert or new to language exchanges, our structured system and friendly atmosphere will help you fit right in. * **테이블마다 준비된 아이스브레이킹 주제!** 각 테이블에는 대화를 도와줄 재미있고 쉬운 질문지(쪽지)가 비치되어 있습니다. 다음 대화 주제를 고민할 걱정이 없어요! * **내성적이어도 걱정 마세요!** 이런 활동이 처음이거나 낯을 가리는 분들도 걱정하지 마세요. 체계적인 시스템과 친절한 분위기 속에서 자연스럽게 어울리실 수 있습니다. \*\*\* \#\#\# 📍 **LOCATION (장소)** * **Venue:** Petit Brunch * **Address:** Schönhauser Allee 140a, 10437 Berlin * **Note:** The venue is subject to change. **Please check our Instagram Story for any location updates before you come!** * **장소:** Petit Brunch * **주소:** Schönhauser Allee 140a, 10437 Berlin * **참고:** 장소는 변동될 가능성이 있습니다. **방문 전 인스타그램 스토리 공지를 반드시 확인해 주세요!** * **How to find us:** Please look for **'Aiden Park** once you arrive. * **찾아오시는 법:** 카페에 들어오셔서 \*\*에이든 박'\*\*를 찾아주세요. \*\*\* \#\#\# 💡 **DETAILS (참여 안내)** * **Language Level:** A2 – C2 / 독일어 또는 한국어 실력 A2\~C2 권장 * **Age Limit:** 20+ years old / **만 20세 이상** * **Entrance Fee:** **5€** (Cash or Bank transfer only / Pay on-site) * **입장료:** **5유로** (현금 혹은 계좌이체만 가능 / 현장 지불) * **1 drink per person is mandatory** (Cafe drinks are separate). * 카페 음료비는 별도이며, **1인 1주문은 필수**입니다. \*\*\* \#\#\# 💬 **CONTACT & RSVP (연락처 및 신청)** * If you suddenly cannot attend, please let us know via **Instagram DM**. * Even if the RSVP is closed, feel free to stop by! If there's an extra seat, you might be able to join at a discounted price. * 갑작스러운 불참 시 **인스타그램 DM**으로 알려주세요! * 모집이 마감되었더라도 자리가 있다면 조금 더 저렴하게 참여 가능할 수도 있으니 편하게 들러보세요. \*\*\* \#\#\# ⚠️ **NOTICE (주의사항)** * Any participant who joins with intentions other than language exchange and makes others uncomfortable may be removed from the group based on a majority vote. * 언어 교환이 아닌 다른 목적으로 입장하여 다른 파트너를 불편하게 만든다면, 다수결에 의해 강제 퇴장 조치될 수 있음을 알려드립니다. \*\*\* **[Organizer Contact]** * **Instagram:** [@kr.de.language.exchange.berlin](http://kr.de.language.exchange.berlin/)

🚀 PLUG-IN #1 **Scale Your Idea or Career with AI** Got an idea you want to grow? Thinking about your next career move? Curious how AI can actually help you move faster? This one’s for you. Welcome to **The Plug-In** — a new monthly gathering for founders, professionals, creatives, and ambitious builders who want to use AI as a real strategic advantage (not just another buzzword 🤖). Each month, we bring together: ✨ One expert-led workshop ✨ A shared dinner to network and connect For our very first edition, we’re diving into how AI can help you: 💡 Strategize on and strengthen your ideas 📈 Build momentum in your business or career ⚡ Work smarter and scale faster 🎯 Create a clearer strategy for growth You’ll hear from an AI growth strategist (Angeley Mullins), take part in a hands-on workshop, and connect with other people building exciting things in Berlin. Whether you’re: — Building a startup — Exploring a side hustle — Navigating a career pivot — Or simply trying to stay ahead in the AI era… …you’ll leave with practical tools, fresh ideas, and meaningful connections. ### What you’ll walk away with: ✅ A practical AI toolkit tailored to your goals ✅ A smarter go-to-market mindset ✅ Real conversations with people who are building and growing ✅ Actionable next steps you can apply immediately 🍽 Food & drinks included 🎟 Limited seats available 📍 Berlin 📅 May 15th, 2026 This is the very first Plug-In session — come be part of the launch. We look forward to seeing you there Secure your spot using Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/XQMQSUS8H35N2 Or via eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.de/e/plug-in-scale-your-idea-or-career-with-ai-tickets-1988825889774?aff=oddtdtcreator For 25 euro tickets, download the BIT app and get a member's discount

**Luxury & Empowerment: Refining capacities to receive and to give** with ***Jorge De Hoyos*** for **GBTQ+ men\*** **[Book a ticket](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/sensual-touch/w20-2026)** Member: **15€** Non-member: **30€** Ready to rewrite your scripts on intimacy? Join us for an exploration of the delicate dance between giving and receiving. By tuning into your body’s unique signals of “yes” and “no,” you’ll learn to transform old habits into playful new roles. Whether you’re seeking the “luxury vacation” of a perfect touch or the thrill of radical generosity, this workshop offers a safe, consent-based space to expand your capacity for pleasure. What are your patterns in getting what you want? Is it vulnerable to ask for what you truly desire? And if something is requested of you, are you confident to give appropriately and enough? The relational work of cultivating pleasure through consent requires listening to where your body registers expanded channels and resistances & blocks to the flows of intention and energy. Which habits then would you like to transform? What new and fresh roles might you try on? What touch would be a luxury vacation, and how adventurous can you be in your generosity? All capacity levels welcome! \*Nudity and gential touch is possible, but no where near expected or required. 🔵 **Luxus & Empowerment: Die Kunst des Empfangens und Gebens verfeinern** Sensual Touch Lab Series mit ***Jorge de Hoyos*** Bist du bereit, deine Skripte über Intimität neu zu schreiben? Begib dich mit uns auf eine Entdeckungsreise durch den feinen Tanz zwischen Geben und Nehmen. Indem du lernst, auf die ganz eigenen Signale deines Körpers für „Ja“ und „Nein“ zu hören, transformierst du alte Gewohnheiten in spielerische neue Rollen. Egal, ob du den „Luxusurlaub“ einer perfekten Berührung suchst oder den Nervenkitzel radikaler Großzügigkeit – dieser Workshop bietet dir einen sicheren, konsensbasierten Raum, um deine Fähigkeit für Genuss zu erweitern. Welche Muster zeigst du, wenn es darum geht, das zu bekommen, was du willst? Fühlst du dich verletzlich, wenn du nach deinen wahren Wünschen fragst? Und wenn etwas von dir erbeten wird: Hast du das Selbstvertrauen, angemessen und aus vollem Herzen zu geben? Die Beziehungsarbeit, Lust durch Konsens zu kultivieren, erfordert ein tiefes Hineinhören: Wo spürt dein Körper offene Kanäle und wo zeigen sich Widerstände oder Blockaden im Fluss von Absicht und Energie? Welche Gewohnheiten möchtest du transformieren? In welche neuen, frischen Rollen würdest du gerne schlüpfen? Welche Berührung wäre für dich wie ein Luxusurlaub, und wie abenteuerlustig kannst du in deiner Großzügigkeit sein? Alle Erfahrungsstufen sind willkommen! \*Nacktheit und genitale Berührungen sind möglich, werden aber keinesfalls erwartet oder vorausgesetzt.

ComedyShorts Berlin is a fast-paced competitive improv comedy-match played like a sporting event. Two teams go head-to-head in a playful, highly interactive battle-of-wits where the audience yells out suggestions all night and votes for which team brings on the ‘funny.’ The group performs in English, and established itself as the the first English-speaking improv group in Berlin since its premiere in 2005. Tickets are only 12 eu sold through YesTicket, at 14 eu at the door. Ticket link: [https://www.yesticket.org/e/fxegY8tDXi](https://www.yesticket.org/e/fxegY8tDXi)

Join us for an upcoming in-person Lean Coffee meetup. Lean Coffee is a lightly-structured meeting format where the attendees create the agenda. Bring your management challenges; whether you're managing people, products, processes or beyond, and solve them together with peers from a diverse set of backgrounds. This event is great for anybody trying to create better ways of working and wants to share with + learn from others trying to do the same.

**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!

🤝 **Co-Founder Matching** ​Finding the right co-founder can change everything. ​Join us for an interactive networking session designed to connect founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, developers, creatives, and people looking to build something together. ​Whether you already have an idea and are searching for the right person to join you, or you’re looking to become part of a startup journey, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people and explore potential collaborations. ​Through guided networking and open conversations, participants will have the chance to introduce themselves, share their interests and skills, and connect with others who complement their vision. *** # ​💡 What to Expect ​• Founder introductions • Guided networking • Conversations around ideas, skills, and goals • Meeting people with complementary strengths • Opportunities for future collaboration *** # ​🎯 Who Should Join ​• Founders looking for a co-founder • Developers & designers • Marketing & business enthusiasts • Aspiring entrepreneurs • Anyone interested in joining a startup journey *** # ​📅 Event Details ​📅 **May 16, 2026** ⏰ **13:00 – 15:30** 📍 **The Social Hub** ​See you there! Check out our websites: Company-[[Datenstrom-3ag.com](http://datenstrom-3ag.com/)]([https://datenstrom-3ag.com/?utm_source=luma](https://datenstrom-3ag.com/?utm_source=luma)) Application-[[Growfirma.com](http://growfirma.com/)]([https://growfirma.com/?utm_source=luma](https://growfirma.com/?utm_source=luma))

**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

**Join us this Saturday for a relaxed drawing session and creative exchange.** Connect with fellow drawing enthusiasts of all levels—everyone is welcome! We’ll start with a short warm-up exercise, then dive into free drawing until the end. ☕ Coffee will be provided. 🕐 The session ends at 1:00 PM. We’re looking forward to seeing you there! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Kommt am Samstag zu einer entspannten Zeichenrunde und kreativem Austausch.** Trefft andere Zeichenbegeisterte – alle Niveaus sind willkommen! Wir starten mit einer kurzen Aufwärmübung und gehen dann über ins freie Zeichnen. ☕ Für Kaffee ist gesorgt. 🕐 Die Runde endet um 13 Uhr. Wir freuen uns auf euch!

Join us for a curated afternoon walk through some of Berlin’s most exciting gallery spaces in the heart of Mitte — followed by coffee and conversation at a cosy spot nearby. We’ll visit a carefully selected route of 4 galleries, each offering a different perspective on contemporary art. I’ll be there to guide the experience, share context and stories, and make sure we leave with a lot to talk about over coffee. The full gallery route will be shared with everyone on the day when we meet. The café will be announced to all participants one day before the event — a little something to look forward to! ☕ 📋 Agenda 🖼️ Gallery walk through 4 curated spaces in Mitte ☕ Café to finish — share impressions, connect, unwind 📅 Date & Time: Saturday, 16.05 · 11:30 📍 Meeting Point: Sprüth Magers, Oranienburger Str. 18, Berlin Mitte 💶 Participation Fee: 10 EUR 📌 RSVP required — intimate group, spots are limited ✅ Event Info & FAQ 🕐 How long will it last? The full experience runs approximately 3-4 hours including the café. 💶 Payment — How do I pay? Payment is made on the day — cash or PayPal. Please bring 10 EUR. If your plans change, please update your status to “Not Going” so someone on the waiting list can take your spot. 🙏 🥐 Can I join only for the café or only for the galleries? No — it’s one full shared experience. ❗ What if I show up without signing up? Unfortunately a spot can’t be guaranteed. Only confirmed RSVPs are accepted. ✨ The walk is curated and guided by Yuliya, founder of Berlin Ladies Art Culture — a growing community of over 2,000 women passionate about art, culture, and meaningful connection. With a background bridging hospitality, real estate, and creative studies, Yuliya has lived in Ukraine, France, China, and now Berlin — and most recently completed studies at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. She curates experiences that blend art history, conversation, and exploration — always with the goal of making culture feel alive, shared, and inspiring.

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

## 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

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**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.

**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.*

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

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.