Historic Buildings

Hello everyone, Take a break from your week, make progress on your reading in good company, then join a relaxed chat about what everyone's been reading. **Schedule** 10:30 \- 11:00 \| Arrival & Introduction round 11:00 \- 12:00 \| Silent Reading Hour 12:00 \- 13:00 \| Chat & Discussion **The After-Event** ☕ The trial was a success, so it's officially a thing! After the session, we’ll head over to Zaj kávézó for some tea, coffee, cookies, and sandwiches. Feel free to stick around and join us to keep the conversation going! **Location** Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Public Library, Boulevard Library It will take place in the event room. After you enter the library, turn right, cross the lounge, and go down the stairs at the far end. If you bring snacks, you can have them in the lounge area. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, you're welcome. See you there! **[Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/people/Budapest-Silent-Book-Club/61567388151835)** (previous books read in sessions) **[Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1271292-budapest-silent-book-club)**[ ](https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1271292-budapest-silent-book-club)(monthly book club voting) **[Silent Book Club](https://silentbook.club/pages/about-us)** (the idea itself, where did it come from?) This is a free event, but Meetup has its own fee. If you'd like to contribute and help keep this going, you're welcome to donate [via Revolut](https://revolut.me/schmidtpeter), every bit helps! (we keep track of all donations in this [spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1C_N9CN_pQO5aUYezqzQW4GS7pr8IfplchwG8-ruZ19g/edit?usp=sharing))

Ticket Link: [Click Here](https://cooltix.hu/event/69f0affc59e5398f945e2076 Join us on the ⏰16th of May at 📍Mixát Udvar for a night full of stories about love and heartbreaks💔. Our comedians are going to bare it all👐 🎟️Single Ticket price online: 3000 🎟️Student tickets; 2000 (Online only) 🎟️Door Prices: 3000 🎟️Reserve the best seats (Support Ticket): 4000 ⏰Show starts: 8PM 🚪Doors open: 7pm 📍Mixát Budapest, Krúdy u 7, 1088 Hosted by: Parvez Tauseef We have an amazing lineup in store for you. Featuring local and travelling comedians. Seats are on a first come first serve basis. So, come a bit earlier to make sure you have a good seat.🪑 Follow our page @hotpaprikacomedy to stay updated on future shows) Join us on the 16th of May at Mixát Udvar for a night full of stories about love and heartbreaks. Our comedians are going to bare it all Single Ticket price online: 3000 Student tickets; 2000 (Online only) Door Prices: 3000 Reserve the best seats (Support Ticket): 4000 Show starts: 8PM Doors open: 7pm Mixát Budapest, Krúdy u 7, 1088 Hosted by: Parvez Tauseef We have an amazing lineup in store for you. Featuring local and travelling comedians. Seats are on a first come first serve basis. So, come a bit earlier to make sure you have a good seat. Follow our page @hotpaprikacomedy to stay updated on future shows

Every Saturday at 8:00 PM, we gather in the city to share languages, cultures, and conversations. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CrJ7hXrYgckCM0f1D4kRUZ)] Our group is made up of friendly 20s–30s people — locals, expats, and travelers alike — who come together to meet new people and explore different ways of thinking. Whether you’re new to Budapest or call it home, this meetup is your chance to connect in a relaxed, open-minded space. Join us to swap stories, practice new languages, and build genuine friendships across cultures.

Hey everyone, here we go again with our next event on Saturday! I will host this session, so please follow my instructions! 🙏 IMPORTANT NOTE: Free Cancellation is only until Friday, 18:00 PM. If you cancel after that without noticing the host, You must pay the fee to compensate the court and shuttlecock. WAITLISTED ATTENDEES: If you are in the WAITLIST. Do not come Level of expectation : intermediate - advanced Venue: HODOS TAMAS Badminton Hall Our venue does not provide rackets, which means that you'll have to bring your own racket! There are 2 courts booked for us for 3 hours from 12:00 till 15:00. Showers and changing rooms are available! Extra Note Attendance fee: We will divide the court fee by the number of people showing up. However, in certain circumstance, when the number of people cannot is less than and equal to 12, The Host deserve to contact the people who canceled after the time designated cancellation time. The expected fee is usually around 2000-3000 HUF per person. Payment is done at the court. or The host will reach you out via meetup chat. !!!Last but not least: if you have signed up but cannot make it for some reason, just take a minute to sign off, RSVP = no. This is to help those who are on the waiting list and want to play. The cancellation time with non-sick reason should be 18 hours before the session. In case you are not feeling well on the session day, please kindly contact the host via comment or privately message him/her with the direct message feature maximum 3 hours before the session. Looking forward to seeing you! cheers, Yoga Liability: The participation happens on own risk. There is no liability for any accidents, thefts or damages from the organizer.

Hey everyone, here we go again with our next event on Saturday! Tina will host this session, so please follow her instructions! 🙏 IMPORTANT NOTE: Free Cancellation is only until Friday, 10:00 AM. If you cancel after that without noticing the host, You must pay the fee to compensate the court and shuttlecock. WAITLISTED ATTENDEES: If you are in the WAITLIST, Do not come Level of expectation : Beginner Venue: Tüskecsarnok Sportscentre: 1117 Budapest, Hevesy György út, Sportscentre Map: http://tuskecsarnok.hu/wp-content/uploads/tuske-map-1-full.png Look for #7 on the map. More info in the "How to find us" section of the Meetup event. Our venue does not provide rackets, which means that you'll have to bring your own racket! There are 3 courts booked for us for 1,5 hours from 10:00 till 11:30. Showers and changing rooms are available! Extra Note Attendance fee: We will divide the court fee by the number of people showing up. However, in certain circumstance, when the number of people cannot is less than and equal to 12 people, The Host deserve to contact the people who canceled after the time designated cancellation time. The expected fee is usually around 2500-3000 HUF per person. Payment is done at the court. or The host will reach you out via meetup chat. !!!Last but not least: if you have signed up but cannot make it for some reason, just take a minute to sign off, RSVP = no. This is to help those who are on the waiting list and want to play. The cancellation time with non-sick reason should be 18 hours before the session. In case you are not feeling well on the session day, please kindly contact the host via comment or privately message him/her with the direct message feature maximum 3 hours before the session. Looking forward to seeing you! cheers, Yoga Liability: The participation happens on own risk. There is no liability for any accidents, thefts or damages from the organizer.

FlowDan’s Mix is a Latin-inspired dance party workout. High energy, easy-to-follow choreographies, and nonstop good vibes! Each class has a theme we dance through Class fee: 2500 Huf 5 class pass: 10000 Huf

[ENGLISH BELOW ] 16\. maja '26 v Ljubljani 👉 prvi WordCamp Slovenia ♥️ En dan, v celoti posvečen WordPressu, en dan različnih talkov in delavnic, en dan druženja s somišljeniki, poslovnimi partnerji, potencialnimi delodajalci, en da spoznavanja ljudi, ki počnejo iste stvari kot ti! In še kaj se bo našlo za ta en dan. Kako se to sliši? 🤩 Dogodek bo potekal na čudovitem gradu Fužine, kjer bo poskrbljeno za vse: od prve jutranje kavice, kosila in seveda after-partya 🙌 **VABLJENI!** Kot obiskovalci, kot prostovoljci, sponzorji, govorci. 🫶 Več info o dogodku&vstopnice: https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/ 📆16. maj 2026, ob 10. uri 📍Grad Fužine, Ljubljana Program je objavljen spodaj. ENGLISH: 16 May 2026 in Ljubljana 👉 the very first WordCamp Slovenia ♥️ One day entirely dedicated to WordPress, one day filled with talks and workshops, one day of connecting with like-minded people, business partners, and potential employers, one day of meeting people who do the same kind of work you do! And there’ll be plenty more packed into that one day. How does that sound? 🤩 The event will take place at the beautiful Fužine Castle, where everything will be taken care of: from your first morning coffee and lunch to, of course, the after-party 🙌 YOU’RE INVITED! As attendees, volunteers, sponsors, or speakers. 🫶 More info about the event & tickets: [https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/](https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/) 📆 16 May 2026 at 10:00 AM 📍 Fužine Castle, Ljubljana 10:00 – 10:10 Main hall Opening remarks **10:10 – 11:00** Main hall **Davor Jovanović:** *From Constraints to Potential: Engineering Creative Freedom in WordPress* Workshop (Tower) **Dario Jazbec Hrvatin:** *Stop Pasting Translations from ChatGPT* **11:00 – 11:50** Main hall **Bor Jemec:** *WordPress in Slovenia: Current state and security from a hosting provider’s perspective* **11:00 - 11:50** Tower **Haim Michael:** S*oftware Developers’ Evolution in the Era of Artificial Intelligence* **11:50 – 12:40** Main hall **Aleksandar Pasku:** *Storytelling: From Blah-Blah to A-ha!* Workshop (Tower) **Berislav Grgičak:** *Discover How WordPress Playground is Transforming the WordPress Ecosystem* 12:40 – 13:30 Main hall **Bruno Zagorščak:** *Podcast to hire: Turn your show into talent magnet* Workshop (Tower) **Isotta Peira:** *From Classroom to Core: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Open Source* 13:30 – 14:25 Lunch 14:25 – 15:20 Main hal **Remkus de Vries:** *WordPress Performance: What You’re Still Getting Wrong* 15:20 – 16:10 Main hall **Ivana Čirkovič:** *Human first: Content in the age of AI* Workshop (Tower) **Gregor Grešak:** *Fixing Accessibility: From Broken UI to WCAG compliant* 16:10 – 17:00 Main hall **Rade Jekić:** *Scaling Intelligence: Applying AI in WordPress Multisite Environments* Workshop (Tower) **Neven Jevtić:** *How to optimize WordPress: tips and tricks from practice* 17:00 – 17:50 Main hall TBA **Tomaž Zaman** 17:50 – 18:40 Main hall Round table 18:40 – 19:00 Main hall Closing remarks **19:00 – 00:00** After party **SPONSORS** **Global sponsors** [WooCommerce](https://woocommerce.com/) **Golden sponsors** [Bunny.net](https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/sponsor/bunny-net/) **Bronze sponsor** [Domenca](https://www.domenca.com/) **Bronze sponsor** [Metakocka](https://metakocka.si/)

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \(English version below\) \-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Tanulj meg tangózni 2 óra alatt – még akkor is, ha soha nem táncoltál!** Fedezd fel Dél-Amerika legbensőségesebb és legszenvedélyesebb táncát, az argentin tangót – egy különleges élményt, ahol a mozdulat és az ölelés találkozik. Ez a workshop pont neked szól, ha mindig is szerettél volna táncolni, de nem tudtad, hol kezdd el. * Kezdőknek is ideális – semmilyen előképzettség nem kell * Partner nélkül is jöhetsz – ott párosítunk * Már az első óra végére tudsz táncolni egy tangót **Mit ad neked ez a 2 óra?** * Megtanulod a tangó alapjait, miközben megtapasztalod: * milyen érzés valakivel egy ritmusra lélegezni, * hogyan ad önbizalmat a mozgás, * és hogyan kapcsol össze két embert egy ölelés. A workshop után azonnal csatlakozhatsz rendszeres tangótanfolyamainkhoz, így lépésről lépésre fejlődhetsz tovább. **Dátum:** Május 17. (vasárnap) – 19:00–21:00 **Helyszín:** Budapest, Andrássy út 35. **Ár:** 9.000 Ft – **elővételben 6.000 Ft,** **ha előző napig befizeted.** **Regisztrálj most!** [https://tangolibre.hu/intenziv-tango-tanfolyam/](https://tangolibre.hu/intenziv-tango-tanfolyam/) ///////////////////////////////////////////// **Learn to dance tango in just 2 hours – even if you’ve never danced before!** Discover South America’s most intimate and passionate dance – the Argentine tango. An experience where movement meets connection, and every embrace tells a story. This workshop is perfect for you if you’ve always wanted to dance but never knew where to start. * Ideal for absolute beginners – no previous experience required * No partner needed – we’ll match you up during the class * By the end of the first hour, you’ll already be dancing your first tango * **What will these 2 hours give you?** * You’ll learn the basics of tango while discovering: * how movement builds confidence, * and how an embrace can connect two people beyond words. After the workshop, you can immediately join our regular tango courses and continue your journey step by step. **Date:** May 17 (Sunday) – 19:00–21:00 **Venue:** Budapest, Andrássy út 35. **Price:** 9,000 HUF – **early-bird 6,000 HUF if paid by the day before.** **Frequently Asked Questions** I don’t have a dance partner – can I still come? \- Yes\! Most participants come alone\, and we’ll pair you up during the workshop\. I’ve never danced before – will I feel lost? \- Not at all\. This workshop was created exactly for you\. We teach step by step\, so even complete beginners can enjoy immediate success\. What should I wear? \- Comfortable clothes that allow free movement and smooth\-soled shoes\. That’s all you need\! **Instructors** Szeghalmi Endre & Serbán Andrea : [https://tangolibre.hu/en/intensive-tango-workshop/](https://tangolibre.hu/en/intensive-tango-workshop/)

Every Saturday at 8:00 PM, we gather in the city to share languages, cultures, and conversations. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CrJ7hXrYgckCM0f1D4kRUZ)] Our group is made up of friendly 20s–30s people — locals, expats, and travelers alike — who come together to meet new people and explore different ways of thinking. Whether you’re new to Budapest or call it home, this meetup is your chance to connect in a relaxed, open-minded space. Join us to swap stories, practice new languages, and build genuine friendships across cultures.

Hey everyone, here we go again with our next event on Saturday! I will host this session, so please follow my instructions! 🙏 IMPORTANT NOTE: Free Cancellation is only until Friday, 18:00 PM. If you cancel after that without noticing the host, You must pay the fee to compensate the court and shuttlecock. WAITLISTED ATTENDEES: If you are in the WAITLIST. Do not come Level of expectation : intermediate - advanced Venue: HODOS TAMAS Badminton Hall Our venue does not provide rackets, which means that you'll have to bring your own racket! There are 2 courts booked for us for 3 hours from 12:00 till 15:00. Showers and changing rooms are available! Extra Note Attendance fee: We will divide the court fee by the number of people showing up. However, in certain circumstance, when the number of people cannot is less than and equal to 12, The Host deserve to contact the people who canceled after the time designated cancellation time. The expected fee is usually around 2000-3000 HUF per person. Payment is done at the court. or The host will reach you out via meetup chat. !!!Last but not least: if you have signed up but cannot make it for some reason, just take a minute to sign off, RSVP = no. This is to help those who are on the waiting list and want to play. The cancellation time with non-sick reason should be 18 hours before the session. In case you are not feeling well on the session day, please kindly contact the host via comment or privately message him/her with the direct message feature maximum 3 hours before the session. Looking forward to seeing you! cheers, Yoga Liability: The participation happens on own risk. There is no liability for any accidents, thefts or damages from the organizer.

**Looking to connect, belong, and grow in Hungary?** Join our unique social event designed for people who want more than just small talk. This is a safe, welcoming space where you can: * Meet new people and build real connections * Share ideas and support each other * Practice and improve your Hungarian in a relaxed way * Feel less alone and more part of a community Whether you’re new in Hungary or have been here for a while but still feel disconnected, this event is for you. 💡 This is not just an event — it’s an experience. We focus on meaningful conversations, mutual support, and creating a positive environment where everyone feels seen and heard. **🎟 Why is it paid?** Your contribution helps us create a high-quality, well-organized experience, ensure a committed group of participants, and build a sustainable community where people truly show up for each other. ✨ Come as you are. Leave with connections, ideas, and a sense of belonging.

Hey everyone, here we go again with our next event on Saturday! Tina will host this session, so please follow her instructions! 🙏 IMPORTANT NOTE: Free Cancellation is only until Friday, 10:00 AM. If you cancel after that without noticing the host, You must pay the fee to compensate the court and shuttlecock. WAITLISTED ATTENDEES: If you are in the WAITLIST, Do not come Level of expectation : Beginner Venue: Tüskecsarnok Sportscentre: 1117 Budapest, Hevesy György út, Sportscentre Map: http://tuskecsarnok.hu/wp-content/uploads/tuske-map-1-full.png Look for #7 on the map. More info in the "How to find us" section of the Meetup event. Our venue does not provide rackets, which means that you'll have to bring your own racket! There are 3 courts booked for us for 1,5 hours from 10:00 till 11:30. Showers and changing rooms are available! Extra Note Attendance fee: We will divide the court fee by the number of people showing up. However, in certain circumstance, when the number of people cannot is less than and equal to 12 people, The Host deserve to contact the people who canceled after the time designated cancellation time. The expected fee is usually around 2500-3000 HUF per person. Payment is done at the court. or The host will reach you out via meetup chat. !!!Last but not least: if you have signed up but cannot make it for some reason, just take a minute to sign off, RSVP = no. This is to help those who are on the waiting list and want to play. The cancellation time with non-sick reason should be 18 hours before the session. In case you are not feeling well on the session day, please kindly contact the host via comment or privately message him/her with the direct message feature maximum 3 hours before the session. Looking forward to seeing you! cheers, Yoga Liability: The participation happens on own risk. There is no liability for any accidents, thefts or damages from the organizer.

FlowDan’s Mix is a Latin-inspired dance party workout. High energy, easy-to-follow choreographies, and nonstop good vibes! Each class has a theme we dance through Class fee: 2500 Huf 5 class pass: 10000 Huf

[ENGLISH BELOW ] 16\. maja '26 v Ljubljani 👉 prvi WordCamp Slovenia ♥️ En dan, v celoti posvečen WordPressu, en dan različnih talkov in delavnic, en dan druženja s somišljeniki, poslovnimi partnerji, potencialnimi delodajalci, en da spoznavanja ljudi, ki počnejo iste stvari kot ti! In še kaj se bo našlo za ta en dan. Kako se to sliši? 🤩 Dogodek bo potekal na čudovitem gradu Fužine, kjer bo poskrbljeno za vse: od prve jutranje kavice, kosila in seveda after-partya 🙌 **VABLJENI!** Kot obiskovalci, kot prostovoljci, sponzorji, govorci. 🫶 Več info o dogodku&vstopnice: https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/ 📆16. maj 2026, ob 10. uri 📍Grad Fužine, Ljubljana Program je objavljen spodaj. ENGLISH: 16 May 2026 in Ljubljana 👉 the very first WordCamp Slovenia ♥️ One day entirely dedicated to WordPress, one day filled with talks and workshops, one day of connecting with like-minded people, business partners, and potential employers, one day of meeting people who do the same kind of work you do! And there’ll be plenty more packed into that one day. How does that sound? 🤩 The event will take place at the beautiful Fužine Castle, where everything will be taken care of: from your first morning coffee and lunch to, of course, the after-party 🙌 YOU’RE INVITED! As attendees, volunteers, sponsors, or speakers. 🫶 More info about the event & tickets: [https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/](https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/) 📆 16 May 2026 at 10:00 AM 📍 Fužine Castle, Ljubljana 10:00 – 10:10 Main hall Opening remarks **10:10 – 11:00** Main hall **Davor Jovanović:** *From Constraints to Potential: Engineering Creative Freedom in WordPress* Workshop (Tower) **Dario Jazbec Hrvatin:** *Stop Pasting Translations from ChatGPT* **11:00 – 11:50** Main hall **Bor Jemec:** *WordPress in Slovenia: Current state and security from a hosting provider’s perspective* **11:00 - 11:50** Tower **Haim Michael:** S*oftware Developers’ Evolution in the Era of Artificial Intelligence* **11:50 – 12:40** Main hall **Aleksandar Pasku:** *Storytelling: From Blah-Blah to A-ha!* Workshop (Tower) **Berislav Grgičak:** *Discover How WordPress Playground is Transforming the WordPress Ecosystem* 12:40 – 13:30 Main hall **Bruno Zagorščak:** *Podcast to hire: Turn your show into talent magnet* Workshop (Tower) **Isotta Peira:** *From Classroom to Core: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Open Source* 13:30 – 14:25 Lunch 14:25 – 15:20 Main hal **Remkus de Vries:** *WordPress Performance: What You’re Still Getting Wrong* 15:20 – 16:10 Main hall **Ivana Čirkovič:** *Human first: Content in the age of AI* Workshop (Tower) **Gregor Grešak:** *Fixing Accessibility: From Broken UI to WCAG compliant* 16:10 – 17:00 Main hall **Rade Jekić:** *Scaling Intelligence: Applying AI in WordPress Multisite Environments* Workshop (Tower) **Neven Jevtić:** *How to optimize WordPress: tips and tricks from practice* 17:00 – 17:50 Main hall TBA **Tomaž Zaman** 17:50 – 18:40 Main hall Round table 18:40 – 19:00 Main hall Closing remarks **19:00 – 00:00** After party **SPONSORS** **Global sponsors** [WooCommerce](https://woocommerce.com/) **Golden sponsors** [Bunny.net](https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/sponsor/bunny-net/) **Bronze sponsor** [Domenca](https://www.domenca.com/) **Bronze sponsor** [Metakocka](https://metakocka.si/)

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

Customer identity resolution becomes increasingly complex as organizations scale across multiple systems, regions, and data formats. Traditional rule-based approaches often fail to keep up with data variability, require constant manual tuning, and struggle with real-time processing needs. This session presents a practical approach to building a scalable identity resolution pipeline using AWS services and modern AI techniques. The architecture combines data ingestion through Amazon S3 and AWS Glue, transformation pipelines using Spark on EMR, and machine learning models deployed via SageMaker for entity matching and standardization. Graph-based relationship modeling is implemented using Amazon Neptune to improve resolution accuracy by incorporating household and shared attribute context. We will walk through how machine learning models can be used for name and address normalization, how intelligent blocking strategies improve matching efficiency, and how feedback loops can be introduced to continuously improve accuracy. The session also highlights how serverless components such as AWS Lambda can be used for orchestration and real-time processing. **SPEAKER BIO** Mosaic Syed is a Senior Data Engineering and Cloud Solutions Architect with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance data solutions across global enterprise environments. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosaic-basha-syed-92300856 **CALL FOR SPEAKERS** Learn more: [https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/](https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/) **THANK YOU** *VEEAM* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit their website: [https://www.veeam.com/](https://www.veeam.com/) **DIRECTIONS** 8800 Lyra Dr #450 · Columbus, OH go to 4th floor. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

**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.

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Let's check out the Maker's Market in German Village, a large outdoor Artisan Market, featuring over 65 Makers, Goods, Art and Delicious Food Trucks! Admission is FREE! [GVMM](https://www.gv-mm.com/) Let's get outside and enjoy the New Spring Season and Warm Weather! We will meet at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village on South 3rd Street at Noon, 12 PM and then take a brisk walk to the Maker's Market, just south of Schiller Park. We can initially get coffee at Stauf's Coffee Roasters, if anyone may want to do so. Parking is widely available at Schiller Park and surrounding side streets. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."