Green Infrastructure

Please join us for Bike Ride looping around DC and Bethesda area. We will meet new Pierce Mill in Rock Creek park and ride north on Beach Drive. This is a very scenic ride on the road which is mostly closed to vehicular traffic. After crossing over to Maryland, we might switch riding on the Rock Creek Trail if the traffic is heavy on Beach Drive. We will exit the Rock Creek park near Cedar Ln, heading South next to NIH towards Bethesda Downtown. Most of the hard part of the ride should be done by now. In Bethesda we will have a break at Rooted3. After the break we will take the Capital Crescent trail towards Georgetown. This is downhill so it will be a breeze. In Georgetown we will catch the Rock Creek park trail (again!) to go North towards our starting point. Meeting point: [Pierce Barn/Mill at Rock Creek Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uVWXSL47Ki8AcY7R9) Meeting time: 7:45am Route: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yj6rEaBgi24XsV9E7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yj6rEaBgi24XsV9E7) Length: 24 miles Difficulty level: moderate/strenuous Elevation change: 410 ft up and 413 ft down Bike time: \~2.5 hours at moderate pace (\~10 mph) Total time: \~4 hours (including stops). Biking surface: paved Route type: mostly paved trails, some roads Breaks: multiple possible - we can decide en route: [Rooted 3 at Bethesda](https://www.rooted3.com/) [South Block at Georgetown](https://www.southblock.com/) **Metro Accessibility**: Pierce Mill at Rockville park is easily accessible via the Cleveland Park or Van Ness metro stations on Red line Weather: we will not be riding in rain or windy conditions so stay tuned for Comments on this page. *For important updates, regularly monitor the "Comments" section on this page (below).* *Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.* \*When you sign up to join, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC Activity Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/). *Please also view and abide by the RULES listed below* RULES * Pets are not allowed * Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during this event. * Practice safe biking habits including: * Wearing a bike helmet * Keeping a safe distance between each other (bikes don't have brake lights and tailgating can easily result in crashes) * Avoid side by side riding unless the road gives us ample opportunity By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Standard rally scoring to 15. Skill level should BB and up. See you out there! Only 1 court 135 Crescent Rd greenbelt Md Use St. Hughes Churches parking lot Bring a ball if you have one and water to stay hydrated.

In previous years, the rangers said they try to get to the park and open the gate by 7:45 AM. From the website: [https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm](https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm) Waterlilies are bountiful all over the park! Our volunteers moved the tropical lilies from the hothouses to the display ponds, and they are vibrant. Bird enthusiasts have been enjoying watching the 3 young fledgling red-shouldered hawks, nesting orchard orioles, and kingbirds. Turtles have been laying eggs, and tadpoles and frogs are abundant in the ponds. Every year, we visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens on July 4th. The lotus flowers start blooming in early June and will be plentiful by the end of the month. The best time to visit is in the morning, as the temperatures are cooler and the flowers close up in the heat of the day, usually around 1:30 pm. I know it is outside of the Virginia Beltway, but it is not far. It is a very unique place in Washington, DC. I will be there in my grey pickup and rain or shine (hopefully shine)! Bring: Tripod Comfortable shoes Water Fully charged batteries Empty memory cards Rain poncho and plastic bags for the camera and lens in case of rain. Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Park Facts Entrance Fee: Free Allow Dogs with lease: No Bathroom: Restroom in the Visitor Center Address: 1550 Anacostia Ave, NE, Washington D.C. 20019 Lat, Long: 38.913003, -76.940142 - Parking Lot Plus Code: W375+6W Washington, District of Columbia Website: https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm I generally schedule this meetup on the Fourth of July, as I would have the day off. They are open on July 4th, but one year we waited until 9:00 AM until a ranger showed up to unlock the gate, and it wasn’t a holiday. I also want to mention security, as in the past, a photographer in my group was at the gardens and saw someone’s car being broken into in the parking lot. From the parking lot, walk towards the gardens down the path. I usually stay to the left and head into the lotus fields. Please be careful, as there are just dirt paths between the fields, and if there has been a lot of rain, there can be ruts, and I almost twisted my ankle. You actually need a fairly long lens, as the lotus flowers are tall and can be some distance away. A wide angle is only good for some overall shots, and a good-sized macro works as well. Another thing folks do not realize is that the flowers do bloom into September, but have many full blooms. This is one park where you do not have to worry about mosquitoes, as they are eaten by pond beetles, dragonflies, and damselfly larvae, and also by frogs and birds. There is a boardwalk at the back of the flower fields that goes out to a marsh area. I have seen many types of birds and dragonflies in that area. Being there makes it hard to believe that you are in Washington, DC. On the way out, allow some time to check out the small ponds with different lotus and lilies that also attract frogs and dragonflies. Why you will not see any mosquitoes in the park: https://www.nps.gov/keaq/learn/nature/insects.htm By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

**🪷**\*\* Cost:\*\* This challenge has a fee. Multiple price options are available. To participate in this challenge, use this link: [Mindful Hiking Challenge Registration](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-mindful-hiking-challenge-nourish-yourself-nurture-community) 📅 Our challenge runs from July through October ✨ **Description:** What if a walk in nature could nourish your well-being while helping others experience the healing power of the outdoors? Join Imagine Well Being's Mindful Hiking Challenge and discover how simple acts of presence can create meaningful change- for yourself and for your community. You'll explore beautiful landscapes, engage in mindfulness practices, and reconnect with the natural world in ways that inspire curiosity, gratitude, and wonder. Whether you hike a mountain trail, wander through a historic landscape, or pause beside a quiet stream, each step becomes an invitation to slow down, notice more deeply, and remember your connection to the living world around you. To guide your journey, the challenge invites you to explore three distinct types of landscapes: * **Historic Sites:** *Where we listen to the stories of the land.* * **National Scenic Trails:** *Where the path guides us back to ourselves.* * **National Parks:** *Where awe expands our perspective.* ⚙️ **How it Works** You choose how, when, and where you explore. Complete the challenge at your own pace, and enrich your journey by joining our hosted, in-person community events—from hikes and bike rides to forest bathing, sound baths, and mindful movement. 📖 Participants receive a downloadable mindful hiking guide for each landscape, featuring sensory and creative invitations to explore with curiosity, deepen awareness, and discover what the land has to share. 💖 **The Impact:** A Practice of Reciprocity Just like a healthy forest relies on an unseen network of roots to thrive, this challenge creates a beautiful cycle of mutual care between you and your community. 🌿 **Nourish Yourself** Modern life floods us with screens, noise, and constant "doing," leaving us disconnected or overwhelmed. Spending intentional, mindful time in nature lowers stress, boosts immune health, and restores physical energy. Consider this challenge your personal sanctuary—a sacred space to quiet an overactive mind and return to your truest self. **🤝 Nurture Community** While you are out on the trail restoring your own spirit, your registration fee and donations ripple outward. Your generosity supports the work of Imagine Well Being, including: * **Accessible Nature Programs:** Keeping our holistic nature experiences affordable and welcoming to everyone. * **Community Helper Workshops:** Providing Wellness-in-Nature and stress-relief sessions for local library staff and other community workers. * **Therapeutic Outreach:** Bringing the healing power of forest therapy directly to residents in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, as well as adults with developmental disabilities. **🌐**\*\* Newsletter:\*\* [Sign up Today for Imagine Well Being's latest news, upcoming events, and retreats!](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/newsletter-form/sign-up-for-the-imagine-well-being-newsletter) **⭐️ Liability Release:** With my RSVP, I hereby confirm that I am physically able to participate in this event. I understand and agree that all events, gatherings, and retreats are undertaken at my sole risk and that Imagine Well Being guides and co-directors shall not be liable for injuries or damages to my person or property arising out of or connected to any of these activities. I authorize Imagine Well Being guides and co-directors to call 911 in the event that I appear to require emergency medical care, and I assume responsibility for all associated costs. **I have carefully read this agreement and understand its contents. I agree that it is a complete release of liability for any injuries or damage that I may sustain due to Imagine classes, gatherings, and workshops.**

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-annual-bike-ride-to-fort-mchenry-tickets-1990513169473 For informational purposes only. Want to ride July 4? Catonsville Rail to Trails is hosting a ride from downtown Catonsville to Ft. McHenry. You will need to register for a nominal fee on EventBrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-annual-bike-ride-to-fort-mchenry-tickets-1990513169473 This is not an E-Bike Lovers ride. Members who would like to meet up and ride together can use the Discussion section to make arrangements. Looks like fun

Join us for a discussion of ***The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet* by John Green.** Here's the summary: The Anthropocene is the current geological age, in which human activity has profoundly shaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this remarkable symphony of essays adapted and expanded from his ground-breaking, critically acclaimed podcast, John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet - from the QWERTY keyboard and Halley's Comet to Penguins of Madagascar - on a five-star scale. Complex and rich with detail, the Anthropocene's reviews have been praised as 'observations that double as exercises in memoiristic empathy', with over 10 million lifetime downloads. John Green's gift for storytelling shines throughout this artfully curated collection about the shared human experience; it includes beloved essays along with six all-new pieces exclusive to the book. **Let’s meet at Caboose Commons in Fairfax to enjoy some good discussion and meet new friends.**

☀️🛼 **SUNDAY SKATE FUN: NW, LeDroit Park & The Met Branch Trail!** 🛼☀️ Ready for another beautiful Sunday roll? Since Freedom Plaza is still closed, we are shifting our starting point just across the street. The one and only **Big Mike** is leading the pack this week for an awesome, scenic loop through the heart of DC! This route takes us up through Northwest DC on New Hampshire Ave to a meander through LeDroit Park. We will close the loop via the Metropolitan Branch Trail before circling back through Capitol Hill and the National Mall. ### ⏱️ The Timing * **Meet Up:** 10:00 AM * **Roll Out:** 10:10 AM sharp! * **Meeting Location:** **Pershing Plaza** (since Freedom Plaza is closed) * **Skate Leader:** Big Mike ### 🗺️ The Route * **Distance:** \~12 miles * **Elevation Gain:** 420 feet * **Difficulty:** Intermediate * **Interactive Map Link:** [https://onthegomap.com/s/dmo62ogu](https://onthegomap.com/s/dmo62ogu) ### 🎒 What to Bring * **Water & Snacks:** Stay hydrated, friends! * **Safety Gear:** Helmets and pads are highly recommended. * **Good Vibes:** Ready to roll and have a blast! Grab your skates, check your gear, and let's get moving. See you Sunday at Pershing Plaza! #weareskatedc For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you Sunday!

**This is INSTRUCTION PICKLEBALL for “NEW AND BEGINNERS”.** **See quiz below.** **Sellkirk paddles will be available for all who attend to try and hopefully learn the game. if you’re interested, you can buy one.** **Note $5 fee for wear and tear on paddles and replacement of pickle balls** **Reminder: This session is for beginners. If you have already taken four or five of the classes, you will on the waitlist to give newer members an opportunity to learn the game.** **We’ll start by simply hitting the ball around, focusing on basic skills such as dinking and serving until everyone feels comfortable. From there, we’ll move into an introduction to pickleball and cover the fundamentals of the game.** **Below is the link to a** **Montgomery County classes.** **When you open the link, go to the** **Pickleball** **section.** **https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/montgomeryvillage/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&days_of_week=1011000&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=pickleball%20adults&viewMode=list** **Please study the rules of Pickleball see link below. There will be a quiz. ** **https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/fitness/a41889595/pickleball-rules/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_ghk_md_dsa_prog_org_us_a41889595&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADA2MEqo78AlxWw25v72aAqTYZy2o&gclid=CjwKCAiAtYy9BhBcEiwANWQQLzWcA4GRJ5dNAtBpRG0nMJqvUlr67XGuB8hSrEaEZmWioeNiorM6jRoC0BkQAvD_BwE** **There is a Porta Johns at this location** **Bring a baseball cap, sunglasses and water**

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45899232](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45899232) 26.1 miles. Lunch is at the Great Falls overlook 18.2 miles into the ride. There are toilets at Great Falls and Fletchers' Boathouse. We will e-bike from Glen Echo Park in Maryland to the majestic Great Falls. We will be biking on the Capital Crescent Trail, the C&O Canal pathway, and McArthur Blvd with separate biking lanes. This tour captures the essence of adventure and natural beauty. We will be meandering alongside the serene Potomac River and the C&O Canal, offering E-bike Lovers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the lush landscapes that define this region. Glen Echo Park, with its rich tapestry of cultural and artistic heritage, serves as the perfect prologue to a journey that gradually unfolds into the wild, untamed beauty of the Great Falls. The route is just over 26 miles on gravel and asphalt. The gravel is compact. If you don't like the gravel on the C&O Canal pathway, this is not your route. Entrance to the Great Falls National Park is for free as we enter from the C&O Canal. We park at the large parking lot off Oxford Street, NOT at the smaller lot at McArthur Blvd. Please bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water. FYI: Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers Club membership is now for free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. **REMEMBER:** This is a self-guided event. This event empowers each participant to take the lead, as there are no designated bike leaders within E-bike Lovers. We all embrace the role of leaders in this self-guided experience. Please RSVP only if you are coming so we know how many E-bike Lovers will participate. We enjoy a nearly 100% RSVP success rate. Thank you so much for your help! As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. DISCLAIMER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, RICHARD CAMER TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

The Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is a splendid location to enjoy a [picnic](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/picnic-at-kenilworth.htm) with your fellow LGBTQ+ vegans and veg-curious folks, coordinated by the [Veg Society of DC (VSDC)](vsdc.org). The gorgeous lotuses and water lilies are blooming and there is always lots of wildlife to spy. There are also a few wooded paths in case the group decides to check those out too. **To bring:** You will need to bring your own vegan picnic lunch if you feel like joining the group to eat together. You can also feel free to bring vegan snacks to share if you'd like. Remember to bring lots of water and/or other beverages since it's likely to be hot! *Note that no alcohol is allowed in the park.* There are picnic tables but there is no guarantee we will be able to snag one that day so you might want to bring a blanket. You should also bring insect repellant and sunscreen, hat, or other appropriate gear for weather. There are bathrooms and a water fountain at the nature center but they don't have concessions so you'll need to bring everything to the park that you'll need. The host plans to bring a sketch book and pencil and/or other art supplies and invites her fellow art lovers to bring their own e*n plein air* materials to document some of the beautiful nature we'll see. Around 1-1:30pm-ish we'll start wandering around the park so you can also skip the picnic and just come then if that works better for you. Just comment on this event page when you arrive and we'll check those before we leave the picnic area to explore the park. And, the host will do her best to post comments throughout the event to track our location, as possible. If there is light rain that day, the host will still go but probably won't picnic and will just walk around the ponds with an umbrella. If there is heavy rain or lightning, this event will be cancelled and the host will post an urgent message on this event page. **When:** Sunday, July 5 12pm-3pm **Location:** Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens (1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20019) **Where to meet:** outside of the visitor's center **Transportation:** The Aquatic Gardens are a 15-ish minute walk from [Deanwood Metro Station](https://www.wmata.com/ridertools/station/deanwood) on the Orange Line. See detailed directions on the [park website](https://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm). There is also a parking lot. The park is also accessible by bike on the Anacostia River Trail, which is a lovely ride. **Cost:** Free ***About the Group*** *Unless noted otherwise, VSDC's LGBTQ+ events are intended for queer/questioning folks who self-identify as LGBTQ+. The events are meant to serve as a safe space to share community with other self-identified queer or questioning LGBTQ+ vegan or vegan-curious people. However, we appreciate our allies and we plan to host "LGBTQ+ & ALLIES" events approximately quarterly - to welcome non-queer allies into our events in order to share community with our fellow vegans/veg curious VSDC participants. If the event is an "& ALLIES" event, it will be clearly identified as such in the name of the event. Any person who participates in an "& ALLIES" event must be supportive of LGBTQ+ persons, their lifestyle, and their gender expression; unsupportive or combative individuals will be removed from events and banned from future VSDC LGBTQ+ events. Please note that any and all questions related to gender/LGBTQ+ issues that may arise during either LGBTQ+ or LGBTQ+ & ALLIES events must be posed ONLY to event host, Susan, and not be asked of any other meetup participants in order to respect their privacy and promote their personal safety.* **Update Your RSVP** Please change your RSVP if you can no longer make it. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). *VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.*

We are encouraging participants to wear your PNP Juneteenth Jerseys if you have them! PNP ride to the US Capitol Saturday July 4th Meet’N - 6:00 am Push’N - 6:30 am 30 mile route Group A - 18+ AMS Group B - 16+ AMS [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55815196](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55815196)

Gravel Gardens 101 with Native Plants Thursday, July 9, 2026 Learn how to design, install, and maintain a water-wise and low-maintenance gravel garden. We will cover plant selection (like drought-tolerant natives), proper gravel depth, and weed prevention. FREE! Register by July 7th at Licking Parks website https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/272/July-2026 Or just show up! (Registering will let you know of any date/time changes) 6PM - 7:30 PM

**💥 Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!** **💥 At Columbus’ Hottest New Salsa Venue!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday! 8 pm – 1 am **.** **💥 Gorgeously Renovated Studio!** **💥 Free Parking!** **💥 BYOB!** **💥 Easy Access from Highway!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215 **.** **ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING** **Behind Anthony’s Pharmacy!** **.** **PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!** **.** **🟣 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!** **.** **🟣** 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm **𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻** **.** **🟣** 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm **𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Class!** **.** **🟣** 9:30 pm – 1 am **𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆!** **.** **✅ Questions?** **Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)** Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 **.** **✅ No Experience Necessary!** **✅ No Partner Required!** **✅ Plenty of People to Dance With!** **.** **✅ $15 Cash / $16 Card** **✅ College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!** **✅ BYOB** **✅ Age 18+** **.** **✅ Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place for…** **.** **👉 Learning to Dance** **👉** Social Dancing **👉 Birthday Celebration** **👉** Bachelorette Parties **👉 Girl’s Night Out** **👉 Date Night** **👉** Getting Fit / Burning Calories **👉 Meeting New People** **👉** Having Fun, Fun, Fun! **.** ✅ **Questions?** Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/ "https://columbussalsadancing.com/") Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 .

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

The only Metro Park with a fire tower! **History** [Scioto Grove Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-grove/) officially became the 19th park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system when it opened to the public on May 6, 2016. Located along a scenic bend of the Scioto River in Grove City, just south of Columbus, the 620-acre park was designed to blend preservation with modern recreation. Long before it became a park, this river corridor served as a vital footpath and trade route for Indigenous communities. Decades later, the mature forests and dramatic river bluffs caught the eye of conservationists looking to expand regional green spaces. The grand opening was a major milestone, drawing over 19,000 visitors in its very first weekend. The creation of the park was made possible through a sequence of land acquisitions and strong community partnerships. In October 2009, Franklin County voters approved a critical property tax levy that funded the initial purchase of 66 acres. Shortly after, the City of Grove City generously donated nearly 193 acres of land, previously known as Talbot Park, to anchor the project. Additional parcels were acquired using state grants from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, successfully closing the gap between properties by December 2012. This collaborative funding model ensured that pristine wilderness areas remained completely protected from commercial development. From its inception, the park aimed to introduce innovative amenities to the regional park system, most notably the concept of "urban backpacking". Through a key partnership with the outdoor gear retailer REI Co-op, the park established the scenic REI River Trail. This trail features five rustic, reservation-only campsites along the river, specifically designed to give newcomers a safe place to practice backpacking close to home. Additionally, planners prioritized making the park fully pet-friendly, allowing leashed dogs across all trails and areas. This open-pet policy uniquely distinguished Scioto Grove from many other traditional Columbus Metro Parks. As the park grew in popularity, community members established special commemorative landmarks to honor local lives. In June 2019, a dedicated memorial garden was unveiled near the park entrance in memory of Reagan Tokes, an Ohio State University student. The serene space features a central pond bordered by bright blue flowers, representing her favorite color. A primary buckeye tree stands alongside a dedicated plaque, surrounded by four additional buckeye trees to represent her immediate family members. This addition transformed a portion of the park into a meaningful place for community reflection, healing, and peace. The historical depth of the park took a significant leap forward with the relocation of a massive piece of Ohio history. In August 2023, Metro Parks officially unveiled the Keystone Forest Lookout Tower, which had been carefully moved from Jackson County, Ohio. Originally constructed in 1942 by the Aermotor Windmill Company, the 82-foot-tall metal structure spent decades guarding southern Ohio’s vast forests from devastating wildfires. Workers painstakingly disassembled, re-galvanized, and reassembled the historic landmark at Scioto Grove. Today, visitors can climb its 111 steep steps to experience a panoramic view stretching all the way to the downtown Columbus skyline. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Scioto Grove](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SGR-map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** We will hike around 5 miles on the Overlook, REI River, Mingo, and Arrowhead Trails. While the configuration of the trails can lead us to occasionally taking longer hikes than at other parks, Scioto Grove is not generally a very strenuous place to hike. If you use hiking poles and inadvertently forget them, this is not a park where you're likely to end up caring that much. That said, Scioto Grove is one of the better Metro Parks for hiking as well as other things. They are the only Metro Park with five camping areas where you can literally pitch a tent and sleep for the night. You must contact the park and reserve these in advance; they are however free. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Area, near the restrooms and playground. Arrowhead is the main picnic and parking area of the park, and it also has the only water fountain at Scioto Grove. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Grove City Brewing](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/) for [drinks and food](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/menu). They have pretty good hamburgers. I was mortified to discover that I've never had their [Grove City Hooyah](https://www.beermenus.com/beers/486553-grove-city-hooyah) before, but I will correct that during this event. The actual address of the brewery is [3946 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3946+Broadway,+Grove+City,+OH+43123/@39.8836912,-83.0919635,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88389b3a28d0f4ad:0x3d85c41f608406c6!8m2!3d39.8836912!4d-83.0919635!16s%2Fg%2F11g8dh6h1_?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. **New to electronics or curious about tinkering?** You’re absolutely welcome. If you’re a beginner and want to experiment, I’ll have a couple of starter kits available so you can try things out—whether that’s blinking your first LED, putting something on a display, or experimenting with simple sensors. No pressure and no experience required—just an interest in learning and building. While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability.