Historical Museum

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* Step back into one of the most sobering chapters of world history on this powerful half-day tour from Berlin to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial. Guided by an expert historian, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Nazi Germany, the Holocaust, and the human stories behind the camp’s walls. This former concentration camp—now a place of remembrance and education—stands as a moving tribute to the victims who suffered here. Walk through the remaining barracks, guard towers, and the punishment cells as your guide provides historical context, survivor testimonies, and insight into the rise and fall of the Third Reich. The tour offers a respectful, educational experience that encourages reflection and awareness. Ideal for travelers seeking to understand Germany’s past and its ongoing commitment to remembrance. ✅ What’s Included Professional licensed guide Fully guided tour of Sachsenhausen Memorial Return train transportation from Berlin (ABC ticket required) Entry and memorial site access Historical context and stories from expert historians **🌟 Highlights** * Visit one of the first Nazi concentration camps * Learn about the history of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany * Explore original camp structures, including barracks and watchtowers * Hear real stories of prisoners and survivors * Guided by an expert with deep historical knowledge

Silent Book Club is a group of book lovers who enjoy reading together in public. All books and all readers are welcome. (Kindly RSVP 'yes' only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and our fellow readers on the waitlist!) This page-turning party will unfold in the Café (1st floor) at the Bode Museum. There's no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the cafe and don't bring any outside drinks :) No quizzes, no pressure, no assigned books - just a group of book-loving souls basking in the beauty of silent reading. **Our thrilling agenda:** 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Arrivals, ordering drinks/food (social time) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - The Great Quiet Reading Hour (where silence is the star) 12:00 pm - 13:00 pm - Optional socializing, share your reading adventures or just keep exploring the pages Stay for lunch, and who knows? You might just find your next favorite book over a pizza. NB: If you plan to go for lunch, please consider bringing cash, as some restaurants only accept card payments after a certain amount.

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* Escape the hustle of Berlin and step into the royal elegance of Potsdam — the former residence of Prussian kings and a UNESCO World Heritage city. On this half-day walking tour, discover the stunning Sanssouci Palace Gardens, grand architecture, and fascinating stories that shaped Europe’s royal past. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll stroll through Potsdam’s historic center, see Cecilienhof Palace, where the WWII Potsdam Conference took place, and admire the beautiful Dutch Quarter and Brandenburg Gate of Potsdam. Then, explore the world-famous Sanssouci Park, with its terraced vineyards and ornate palaces built by Frederick the Great — the “Prussian Versailles.” This tour perfectly combines royal history, scenic beauty, and architectural splendor, making it one of the most enchanting day trips from Berlin. **🌟 Highlights** * Explore the royal city of Potsdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site * Visit Sanssouci Palace Gardens, the jewel of Prussian architecture * See Cecilienhof Palace, site of the post-WWII Allied conference * Wander the charming Dutch Quarter and Brandenburg Gate * Learn fascinating stories of Prussian kings and royal intrigue from your expert guide **✅ What’s Included** * Expert local guide * Half-day guided walking tour * Highlights of Potsdam’s palaces, parks, and historical landmarks * Small group for a more personal experience

Bringt gute Laune, schönes Wetter und Interesse mit. Wir treffen uns je nach Tour an unterschiedlichen Orten. Am 1. April 2018 um 15 Uhr gehts los am Eingang zur Akademie der Künste am Pariser Platz neben dem Brandenburger Tor.

1 EURO DONATION FEE PER PERSON IS REQUIRED (on site, in cash), to pay back the Meetup subscription fees and support my Events. READ THE DESCRIPTION WITH THE INFO (IMPORTANT). We take a walk in Berlin to meet new people or people we already know 😁 It's a way to spend a few hours together on a Saturday afternoon. **How it works?** The concept is very simple: * We meet at Sonnenallee Station at 14,15 o'clock (we use the Whatsapp Chat to find each other: I will post there my exact location outside the station) * I wait for people for 10 minutes, till 14,25, then we start to walk direction Treptower Park, crossing the entire park 🌳🌳🌳 and going along the Spree river, to then go further * We go on along the Landwehrkanal, exploring Kreuzberg 🏠 * The total length of the walk is about 8kms * We land finally here to take coffee, a drink, or some food, and spend more time together ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/RsUCxwDKK6yVtiF48](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RsUCxwDKK6yVtiF48)) I consider that the event will last in overall around 4 hours (2 hours of walk and 2 hours at the Cafe/Restaurant), but people are free to stay together longer, if they want 🙂 What I provide is leading the walk and the people at the Cafe, but I do not force anyone to stay shorter or longer. I do not provide a "personal support" for people who arrive after 14,25 (do not write to me expecting "private support"). You are responsible to check for the weather and decide if come or not. Thanks for understanding. If you have to contact me, make it via Whatsapp, not here on Meetup. WHATSAPP GROUP 💬 to find each other (join it, we use this group to find and synchronize us) [https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/)

## QUIZ #74.1 @ Alte Turnhalle GERMAN BELOW/DEUTSCH UNTENSTEHEND **Trivia Night – English & Deutsch** A fun, social trivia night for locals, expats, newcomers and long-time Berliners alike. The quiz is **open to everyone** and played **bilingually in English & German**. ### The quiz setup: 📅 **Sunday, 08th of February** 🕔 Doors open: 5:45 pm \| 🕡 Quiz starts: 6:30 pm 📍 **Alte Turnhalle**, near Bhf. Ostkreuz 💰 **4 € per person** 👤 **Solo players welcome** or play as a team (max. **6 people**) 🤝 No team? We’ll match you with others at mixed tables ✍️ \*\*3 to 4 rounds à 10 questions (\*\*Topics include: music, picture riddles, pop culture, general knowledge & more) Languages: 🇬🇧 & 🇩🇪 🏆 **Prizes** for the top 3 teams + the legendary **Lucky Loser** 📍 **Venue:** Alte Turnhalle, Berlin-Friedrichshain, (Holteistraße 6–9, 10245 Berlin) **Good to know:** Most questions are designed to be broadly accessible. However, from time to time there *may* be questions related to **German history, culture, or German-speaking pop culture**. No need to be an expert though – **teamwork is key**, and mixed teams are very welcome. 📸 **Photos & promo:** We occasionally take photos during the event for promotional purposes (website & social media). If you prefer **not** to appear in photos, just let us know briefly during the event – no problem at all. Come solo, bring friends, or find a team on the spot – we’ll take care of the rest. See you there! 🧠✨ *** **Quizabend – Deutsch & Englisch** Ein geselliger Quizabend für Berliner:innen, Zugezogene, Expats und Quizfans aller Erfahrungslevel. Das Quiz ist **für alle offen** und wird **zweisprachig auf Deutsch & Englisch** gespielt. ### Die wichtigsten Infos: 📅 **Sonntag, 08. Februar** 🕔 Einlass: 17:45 Uhr \| 🕡 Quizbeginn: 18:30 Uhr 📍 **Alte Turnhalle**, nahe Bhf. Ostkreuz 💰 **4 € pro Person** 👤 **Solo-Anmeldung möglich** oder als Team (max. **6 Personen**) 🤝 Kein Team? Wir setzen euch an **Mixed Tables** zusammen ✍️ \*\*3 Runden à 10 Fragen (\*\*Themen: Musik, Bilderrätsel, Popkultur, Allgemeinwissen u.v.m.) Sprachen: 🇩🇪 & 🇬🇧 🏆 **Preise** für die ersten 3 Teams sowie den **Lucky Loser** 📍 **Location:** Alte Turnhalle, Berlin-Friedrichshain, (Holteistraße 6–9, 10245 Berlin) **Gut zu wissen:** Die meisten Fragen sind allgemein verständlich gehalten. Dennoch kann es **hin und wieder Fragen mit Bezug zur deutschen Geschichte, Kultur oder deutschsprachigen Popkultur** geben. Dafür muss man kein Profi sein – **Teamwork ist entscheidend**, und gemischte Teams sind ausdrücklich willkommen. 📸 **Fotos & Promotion:** Während des Quiz machen wir gelegentlich Fotos für **Promo-Zwecke** (Website & Social Media). Falls ihr **nicht** auf Fotos erscheinen möchtet, gebt uns beim Event einfach kurz Bescheid – völlig unkompliziert. Ob alleine, mit Freund:innen oder spontan im Team vor Ort – wir freuen uns auf euch! **Bis bald und viel Spaß beim Quizzen!** 🧠🎉

*Trialing a new location now that Brewdog has closed, please bear with us while we get back on our feet :)* Hi folks, this is the special meetup group for the weekly Sunday Blood on the Clocktower games in Berlin, currently at BRLO Brwhaus near Potsdamer Platz. We run beginner-friendly and intermediate-level games throughout the afternoon and evening. **Friendly newcomers of all skill levels are welcome, no experience required!** Our group aims to provide a fun and welcoming space to experience this thrilling game of social deception. **We focus on promoting a positive and fun group atmosphere, where players don’t take themselves or the game too seriously, whether they’re heroically winning or spectacularly losing.** Our players follow the code of conduct for the Berlin Board Gamers group and are expected to treat each other with respect and consideration – “killing with grace, and dying with dignity”. We are usually able to offer two simultaneous games on Sundays. If you are marked as "attending" in Meetup and are in your seat at 15:00, your place is guaranteed for as long as you want to stay. All other seats are first come, first served. We always run at least one beginner-friendly game of the basic version of Clocktower ("Trouble Brewing") throughout the afternoon and evening. We also usually have enough players for a second intermediate-level game. If you are already very familiar with Clocktower, consider also joining our Tuesday meetup for advanced players, when we play with complex custom scripts and characters. Blood on the Clocktower is a deep, mechanical game of murder and mystery, lies and logic, deduction and deception… think Werewolf on steroids. Each player receives a unique secret role and plays either for the good team – the uninformed majority, gathering info and working with others to solve the puzzle – or the evil team, the informed minority, scheming to eliminate good players and protect their demon from execution. In our beginner games no prior experience is expected and we will gladly explain the game rules to any newcomers. We play in English so players should be able to understand and express themselves in English: an exception is possible for one pair of players willing to play together (as a “Revolutionary” pair) where one player can interpret into and out of English. Please let us know in advance if this is the case.

***Note:*** *We regularly receive bookings for the **Free Walking Tour Berlin** from many different platforms, which means you’ll be joining a diverse group of travelers from all over the world. Expect a lively atmosphere, lots of people, and an amazing opportunity to meet new friends while exploring Berlin together.* # Free Walking Tour Berlin – Discover the City’s History & Culture Explore Berlin like never before with our **Free Walking Tour Berlin**, the most authentic and engaging way to experience Germany’s capital. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to discover more, this guided walking tour is designed to help you uncover the stories, landmarks, and hidden corners that make Berlin one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. ## What to Expect On this free walking tour, our professional and passionate guides will take you through Berlin’s most iconic sites while sharing powerful stories about the city’s history, culture, and modern life. Highlights often include: * **Brandenburg Gate** – Berlin’s most famous landmark and symbol of unity. * **Reichstag Building** – Discover the story behind Germany’s parliament. * **Holocaust Memorial** – A moving tribute and space for reflection. * **Berlin Wall & Checkpoint Charlie** – Step into the Cold War era. * **Museum Island & Unter den Linden** – A cultural heart of the city. * Hidden gems, local insights, and surprising stories you won’t find in guidebooks. ## Why Join Our Free Walking Tour in Berlin? * **Pay-what-you-want model** – Everyone is welcome, and you decide the value. * **Expert local guides** – Friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Berlin. * **Meet fellow travelers** – A social and fun way to explore the city. * **Daily departures** – Rain or shine, we walk every day. ## Who Is This Tour For? The Free Walking Tour Berlin is perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, groups, and families who want to get an overview of the city before diving deeper. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just a fun day out, this tour offers something for everyone. ## How It Works The tour is **free to join** – no upfront cost. At the end, you are welcome to leave a tip that reflects what the experience was worth to you. Simply book your spot online to secure your place, as tours often fill up quickly. ## Join Us Today See Berlin through the eyes of a local and experience its history come to life. Book your spot now and get ready to walk, learn, and connect on the **Original Free Walking Tour Berlin**.

***Note:*** *We regularly receive bookings for the **Free Walking Tour Berlin** from many different platforms, which means you’ll be joining a diverse group of travelers from all over the world. Expect a lively atmosphere, lots of people, and an amazing opportunity to meet new friends while exploring Berlin together.* \# Free Walking Tour Berlin – Discover the City’s History & Culture Explore Berlin like never before with our **Free Walking Tour Berlin**, the most authentic and engaging way to experience Germany’s capital. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to discover more, this guided walking tour is designed to help you uncover the stories, landmarks, and hidden corners that make Berlin one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. \#\# What to Expect On this free walking tour, our professional and passionate guides will take you through Berlin’s most iconic sites while sharing powerful stories about the city’s history, culture, and modern life. Highlights often include: * **Brandenburg Gate** – Berlin’s most famous landmark and symbol of unity. * **Reichstag Building** – Discover the story behind Germany’s parliament. * **Holocaust Memorial** – A moving tribute and space for reflection. * **Berlin Wall & Checkpoint Charlie** – Step into the Cold War era. * **Museum Island & Unter den Linden** – A cultural heart of the city. * Hidden gems, local insights, and surprising stories you won’t find in guidebooks. \#\# Why Join Our Free Walking Tour in Berlin? * **Pay-what-you-want model** – Everyone is welcome, and you decide the value. * **Expert local guides** – Friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Berlin. * **Meet fellow travelers** – A social and fun way to explore the city. * **Daily departures** – Rain or shine, we walk every day. * \#\# Who Is This Tour For? The Free Walking Tour Berlin is perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, groups, and families who want to get an overview of the city before diving deeper. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just a fun day out, this tour offers something for everyone. \#\# How It Works The tour is **free to join** – no upfront cost. At the end, you are welcome to leave a tip that reflects what the experience was worth to you. Simply book your spot online to secure your place, as tours often fill up quickly. \#\# Join Us Today See Berlin through the eyes of a local and experience its history come to life. Book your spot now and get ready to walk, learn, and connect on the **Original Free Walking Tour Berlin**.

**Silent Reading Book Club** A new way to enjoy reading! Ditch the old book club, where everyone has to read the same book…this is better! It works like this: Bring your own book. Come chat, have some tea or coffee, get to know your neighbors. Then we quietly read together, side by side, for about one hour, each one reading their own book, and afterwards we talk with each other about what we are reading. You may read in any language, you may read any book. We are a group of international residents of Berlin from many different countries, of all ages, and we converse in English. We welcome you! no registration needed- the event is donation based

**Note:** *We regularly receive bookings for the Free Walking Tour Berlin from many different platforms, which means you’ll be joining a diverse group of travellers from all over the world. Expect a lively atmosphere, lots of people, and an amazing opportunity to meet new friends while exploring Berlin together.* **Free Walking Tour Berlin – Discover the City’s History & Culture:** Explore Berlin like never before with our Free Walking Tour Berlin, the most authentic and engaging way to experience Germany’s capital. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to discover more, this guided walking tour is designed to help you uncover the stories, landmarks, and hidden corners that make Berlin one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. **Why Join Our Free Walking Tour in Berlin?** * Pay-what-you-want model – Everyone is welcome, and you decide the value. * Expert local guides – Friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Berlin. * Meet fellow travellers – A social and fun way to explore the city. * Daily departures – Rain or shine, we walk every day. **Who Is This Tour For?** The Free Walking Tour Berlin is perfect for backpackers, solo travellers, groups, and families who want to get an overview of the city before diving deeper. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just a fun day out, this tour offers something for everyone. **How It Works:** The tour is free to join – no upfront cost. At the end, you are welcome to leave a tip that reflects what the experience was worth to you. Simply book your spot online to secure your place, as tours often fill up quickly. **Join Us Today:** See Berlin through the eyes of a local and experience its history come to life. Book your spot now and get ready to walk, learn, and connect on the Original Free Walking Tour Berlin.

**Note:** *We regularly receive bookings for the Free Walking Tour Berlin from many different platforms, which means you’ll be joining a diverse group of travellers from all over the world. Expect a lively atmosphere, lots of people, and an amazing opportunity to meet new friends while exploring Berlin together.* **Free Walking Tour Berlin – Discover the City’s History & Culture:** Explore Berlin like never before with our Free Walking Tour Berlin, the most authentic and engaging way to experience Germany’s capital. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to discover more, this guided walking tour is designed to help you uncover the stories, landmarks, and hidden corners that make Berlin one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. **Why Join Our Free Walking Tour in Berlin?** * Pay-what-you-want model – Everyone is welcome, and you decide the value. * Expert local guides – Friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Berlin. * Meet fellow travellers – A social and fun way to explore the city. * Daily departures – Rain or shine, we walk every day. **Who Is This Tour For?** The Free Walking Tour Berlin is perfect for backpackers, solo travellers, groups, and families who want to get an overview of the city before diving deeper. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just a fun day out, this tour offers something for everyone. **How It Works:** The tour is free to join – no upfront cost. At the end, you are welcome to leave a tip that reflects what the experience was worth to you. Simply book your spot online to secure your place, as tours often fill up quickly. **Join Us Today:** See Berlin through the eyes of a local and experience its history come to life. Book your spot now and get ready to walk, learn, and connect on the Original Free Walking Tour Berlin.

A bookclub meet-up organized by our member Oana. We will meet in this cozy cafe with delicious brunch style food, and talk about what we are currently reading :) and, if we have time, chat in general about books. Please also feel free to read a sample from your book if you wish. Usually we read both fiction and non-fiction (history, philosophy, sociology, and other topics). Bring your Kindle, your tablet, or your paper books. The discussion will be in English, but of course feel free to bring books in any language.

Berlin Rebels Alternative Pub Crawl: Dive Bars, Back Alley Beats & Insider Stories. Experience Berlin’s underground nightlife like a true rebel. Experience Berlin’s underground nightlife like a true rebel. This alternative pub crawl takes you beyond the typical tourist circuit and into the beating heart of the city’s subcultures — punk, goth, squatters, techno heads, and creative misfits. In intimate groups, we explore lesser-known venues across Prenzlauer Berg, Neukölln, Kreuzberg, and more. Leave behind the commercial party strip and join the alternative crawl. On this 5-hour nighttime adventure, you’ll discover Berlin’s rebellious spirit through its grungiest, weirdest, and most unforgettable nightlife spots. Our route changes nightly but could include: • Ping pong matches with locals in hidden bars • A secret rock or metal bar with horror-movie décor • Absinthe lounges, beach bars, techno bunkers, or surreal basements • Squatter spaces turned legal venues and hidden alley speakeasies Your guide — a true Berlin nightlife insider — will take you to places most tourists never hear about. You’ll also uncover the stories behind these venues: how post-wall Berlin became a global nightlife capital, how music scenes shaped entire neighborhoods, and how many of these bars still operate just under the radar. Whether you’re into indie rock, dark-wave, hip hop, punk, or Berlin-style techno, this crawl adapts to the vibe of the night. Nothing cookie-cutter. No two nights are the same. Please bring valid ID and a public transport ticket (Zone AB).

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

The topic for February is "Transitions" 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!

Inspired by the successful events like "Pot Luck in the Park" and "Saturday Mornings @ East Market," this meetup promises a fun and engaging atmosphere where like-minded individuals can connect over a shared love for languages and cultures. Whether you're a language learner, ESL student, or simply passionate about exploring new cultures, this event is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a diverse and welcoming community. Come join us for an enlightening afternoon of language, culture, food, of course, and connections! (Everyone will individually choose from the buffet and pay for their own meal, by weight.)

Let's check out a Popular Astronomy and Science Based Film at COSI Science Center on their HUGE 360 Degree 4K Spherical Dome Screen Theater, in which is touring the nation and has already sold over 10,000 tickets! COSI is one of the leading Science Centers in America. Alan Watts was one of the Most Influential Amateur Astronomers of the 20th Century and held fascinating views of the Galaxy. Tickets are only $33 plus a small fee and taxes and can be purchased here: [Trust the Universe: Immersive Dome Show](https://www.sphericalpictures.com/tickets) PLEASE purchase tickets for the 8:15 PM Feature on Friday, February 13. There seem to be at least 10 tickets left, possibly more. We should be able to sit together in the same row or at least in the general section. This is an exciting chance to view actual footage of the Solar System on a Large 4k Resolution Screen plus added in Cosmological and Astronomical Related Philosophy! We will plan on meeting at about 7:50 PM by the Atomic Cafe on the first Floor of COSI, where the Movie Theater is located, in order to give us time before the show starts to purchase refreshments. Parking is available at the COSI Garage and in the area on side streets and adjacent garages. We can also walk somewhere in the area and get food afterwards, if anyone wants to do so. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

#### Turning Rentals Into Income: How Investors Pay Off Properties Faster #### **Featuring Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** #### A lot of people get into real estate because they want freedom. Then they buy a rental…and realize most of the rent goes straight to the bank. They technically own property, but the mortgage controls the income. And waiting 30 years for properties to be paid off doesn’t feel realistic. This meetup is about understanding a different way to think about rental properties… one that focuses on paying them off sooner so the income is actually usable. **Featured Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** We’re excited to welcome John Blackburn as our guest speaker for this event. John has been actively investing in real estate since 2006 and has: * Been involved in **5,000+ real estate transactions** * Helped investors **acquire over $150 million in rental property** * **Raised more than $100 million** in private capital John didn’t start with family money or shortcuts. He built his portfolio by focusing on clear systems, real numbers, and long-term strategy. For this meetup, John will walk through how investors shift their focus from simply owning rentals to building properties that eventually pay them…without a mortgage attached. **What You’ll Learn** John will break down, in simple terms: * Why most rental properties don’t produce much usable income early on * Why buying more rentals isn’t always the answer * How investors structure their properties to pay off mortgages in a fraction of the time * How properties can work together to eliminate debt faster * What changes once rentals become free and clear This approach is often referred to as an accelerated paydown strategy — using rental income intentionally to reduce debt sooner, rather than waiting decades for mortgages to run their course. John will also share a simple calculator you can use to see how this works with real numbers and realistic scenarios. **The Core Idea** When a rental has a mortgage, the rent has one job: **pay the bank.** When a rental is paid off, the rent has a different job: **pay you.** Most people only see one timeline…30 years. This session shows how investors shorten that timeline and gradually increase their income as properties become free and clear. **Who This Event Is For** This event is for people who want more than just “owning rentals” on paper. * Rental owners who are tired of most of the rent going to the bank and want a clearer path to real, usable income * New investors who want to understand how rental properties actually build wealth over time before jumping in * People with capital who want to invest in real estate with intention and a long-term plan * Anyone serious about freedom and curious how rental properties transition from debt-heavy assets into income-producing ones **Event Details** **Location:** Ohio Brewing Company - 421 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 **Date & Time:** January 25th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** If you’ve ever wondered how rental properties actually turn into freedom —this is the room to be in.

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. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails** [Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space. In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration. The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours. Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks. Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city. ***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day** The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269–270 AD. The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era. Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection. ***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park** Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg). ***(She loves me not.)* Summary** For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way. ***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet** Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event. Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't. We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going. ***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains** There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails. ***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.