Homebrewing

Today we are Steve's Lab. RSVP and you'll be sent the location. It's in Silver Spring. ***Join us for an evening in an electronics lab where we will attempt to run clean scans of graphene and gold samples, and then clean up that data with post processing.*** This is a high sensitivity experiment, and we do not plan on being successful so early. But we've had promising results lately - so we will be putting in the time. We are NOT meeting at our usual location, but rather at Steve's house/lab. If you RSVP, you will get a DM with the address but it's located in Silver Spring. We will attempt full, clean lab - clean tip repeated scanning tests to see what we can learn and improve. We will experiment with online attendees, but if all possible showing up in person is strongly encouraged. Online join link is: - [https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers](https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers) Our community is building (and documenting for other teams) how to build a scanning tunneling microscope using a mix of common and 3D printed parts. This will allow us to scan and visualize a single atom - an ambitious we are doing over the course of a few months. The MoCo Makers community is one of the most innovative and competent groups in Maryland, and we've done everything from [publishing cancer research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38136356/), to [launching products](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gotim/cozy-curvy-multi-contour-pillow), [winning grants](https://covidinfocommons.datascience.columbia.edu/awards/2014255), and inspiring thousands. Now our biggest challenge yet has appeared. We are building a Scanning Tunneling Microscope, that will allow us to scan and visualize single atoms. To get a better idea of what we are doing, see our reference project here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g) All starting CAD, code, and reference files should exist. However, let's be the first Maker community to document the build process and share it with learners around the world. We will be publishing our work here -[ https://hackaday.io/project/202816-qt-panda](https://hackaday.io/project/202816-qt-panda) If you need a ride, let us know.

**\* New Summer starting time.** **\*\* Gravel** **sections on trail. See "Ride Detail" below please.** **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The Koffee Klatch Ride - Off the Beaten Track (OBT) - Haraz Coffee House * START LOC: Eakin Park, 8601 Tobin Rd, Annandale, VA 22003 * START GPS: The shelter at [https://maps.app.goo.gl/vYeXf7W7z4YsgrrGA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vYeXf7W7z4YsgrrGA) * START PARKING: Eakin Park parking lot (no restrooms but the porta potty is back or restrooms at Wakefield Rec Ctr mile 4) * ARRIVAL: 10:00am * SPEECH: 10:10am ***\*\*you must be present for the speech or no ride for you!\*\**** * ROLLING: 10:15am * LEVEL: Medium * PACE: 11-13 mph (a "social" pace) * DISTANCE: 19.6 miles * TERRAIN: Paved & Compacted Gravel Bike Trail / Street * Ride With GPS Route: * **CBG_KOFFEEK_OBT_HARAZ_2025** * [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51759933](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51759933) **Notes:** * These rides are organized "lean" and may not have a sweep. * Check your brakes and pump your tires on the morning of the ride and please have a spare tube that fits your tire. * It is strongly suggested that you become a NoVA CBG RidewithGPS club member and download the route posted for each "Klatch". * Loading the route onto your Garmin (or other Nav device) is also acceptable. * **NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)** **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++** Welcome to The Koffee Klatch! These rides are normally based off the Arlington Loop, but in our continuing effort to explore new routes and venues this ride is on the western side of the I-495. We will do a 19.8 mile medium level ride at a social pace (11-13 mph). You are not required to drink or even like coffee. We will start from Eakin Park (Tobin Rd) on the Fairfax Cross County Trail (CCT) and ride clockwise through the Fairfax area and to the intersection of US 29 and Main St to Haraz Coffee House. We then go through FFX City and connect again with the CCT at Blenheim Blvd which will take us back to the start. **GRAVEL NOTE:** About 1.2 miles of the route are unpaved, so skinny tires are NOT recommended. There are two main unpaved sections: a quarter mile of compacted gravel on the Judcial Drive Trail, and a mile of gravel along Daniel's Run. We’ve ridden these sections on 32mm tires without difficulty. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** We will meet at the shelter close to the parking lot. [https://maps.app.goo.gl/vYeXf7W7z4YsgrrGA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vYeXf7W7z4YsgrrGA) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** This week's near mile is the Ride WITHIN The Ride! **[HARAZ COFFEE HOUSE](https://harazcoffeehouse.com/pages/locations-and-hours)** 11015 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22031 **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above. .

Join the RunDMV crew every Thursday night at **6:30pm** outside **Caboose Brewing Co.** in Vienna (520 Mill St. NE). We hit the W&OD Trail right behind the brewery for a **40-minute out-and-back run/walk**—go at your own pace, and when you hit 20 minutes, just turn around so we all finish together. No matter if you’re walking, jogging, or pushing the pace, you’ll have company out there. Each week we switch directions (east one week, west the next) to keep things fresh. After the run, we stick around for food and drinks at Caboose—because half the fun of run club is hanging out afterward. 🍻

**NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Thirsty Thursday ("B" group) * START LOC: Jones Point Park (under the bridge) * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) * START PARKING: Parking lot, if full park in the cul-de-sac * ARRIVAL: 6:30pm * SPEECH: 6:35pm * ROLLING: 6:45pm * LEVEL: Medium ("B" group) * PACE: NMT 16mph * DISTANCE: 14.5 miles * TERRAIN: Trail / Street * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_THIRSTY_THURSDAY_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486) **NOTES:** * Try out a Medium Level ("B" group) ride in an encouraging, structured environment (No Drop). * **Bike navigation computer (Garmin, Wahoo, Etc...) or RidewithGPS app on your phone will be required as the season progresses.** * All road riding safety rules, and CBG Good Guy rules WILL BE followed * Heading to Southside 815 afterwards for the "Thirsty" part of the ride (cold beverages and hot food). **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents Thirsty Thursday. Thirsty Thursday is about trying a solid Medium Level ("B" group) ride in an encouraging, structured environment. We welcome strong Beginner Level riders that are willing to push themselves to become better cyclists. This is a NO DROP ride so you will not be left behind but you are expected to really try to keep pace. The lead will go no more than 16mph and other organizers/helpers will attempt to "fill the gaps" as we ride. This is a mostly flat ride from Jones Point to Fort Hunt. Of course the "price of admission" for this ride is a hill that presents itself as soon as we enter the neighborhood across the GW Parkway... we have named it "The PUNISHER". If you successfully climb that hill, you are officially a CBG "B" group rider. Once we get to Fort Hunt we will do laps (or you can rest) for a bit before heading back the way we came. If you normally ride faster than 15mph you are welcome to practice your "keeping pace" skills. If you've done this ride at least once before and have the route loaded on a Bike navigation computer (Garmin, Wahoo, Etc...) or the RidewithGPS app there is also an "A" group version that you can sign up for (aka Very Thirsty Thursday) that rides independently and faster. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Jones Point Park Jones Point Dr. Alexandria , VA 22314 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) Gather under the bridge by the restrooms. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** ***(This is the "Thirsty" part of the ride)*** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Southside 815 815 South Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703.836.6222 [http://www.southside815.com/](http://www.southside815.com/) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.

**🐺🤝🇺🇸💼Welcome to Team Network MoCo Home Team—a high-energy, virtual zoom networking experience built for professionals, entrepreneurs, and Main Street business owners who believe that strong local relationships create outsized business results. Rooted in Montgomery County, the MoCo Home Team brings together community-focused leaders who want to grow together, collaborate intentionally, and win as a group.** **This is not random networking or surface-level conversation. MoCo Home Team meetings are intentional, structured, and process-driven, designed to connect you with your true Power Play Partners—the professionals in complementary industries who can drive referrals, open doors, and create long-term opportunity. Every meeting is engineered to turn introductions into momentum.** **At the center of the experience is Team Network’s proprietary Wolf Pack Connect speed-networking system. This fast-paced, highly engaging format ensures that every attendee meets multiple high-quality professionals in a single morning, with clarity around who they serve, how they add value, and where collaboration makes sense. It’s efficient, energizing, and built to respect your time while multiplying your reach.** **Expect a zoom call filled with prepared business owners, trusted advisors, and local leaders who show up ready to contribute—not just collect cards. Expect meaningful conversations, warm introductions that actually happen, and relationships that extend well beyond the meeting room.** **Weekly Professional Business Networking Zoom** (The first week of each month we meet in person. All other weeks we meet on Zoom.) **Thursdays \| 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM \| Zoom** \*\*[https://my8qfgpy.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fus02web.zoom.us%2Fj%2F3013705351/1/0100019cfbcaed04-6986f508-97c2-42f2-9d88-76ee8d97df49-000000/CmSYbg2lHXOspSBize9tjdnV5Y4=469**](https://my8qfgpy.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fus02web.zoom.us%2Fj%2F3013705351/1/0100019cfbcaed04-6986f508-97c2-42f2-9d88-76ee8d97df49-000000/CmSYbg2lHXOspSBize9tjdnV5Y4=469**) **Passcode: 010192** **Start your Thursday morning with energy, momentum, and meaningful professional connections.** **Each week, Team Network MoCo Home Team join forces with Team Network’s Asburn Growth Hub and Team Network’s Baltimore City Charmers for a dynamic multi-team professional networking Zoom meeting designed to help serious professionals build relationships, exchange introductions, and grow their businesses.** **At Team Network, we believe that business grows through relationships built on Know–Like–Trust. Our meetings are structured, engaging, and focused on helping members become the answer when someone asks: “Do you know a great professional who can help with this?”** **These meetings bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders who understand that:** **• If you have time to breathe, you have time to network** **• Quantity has a quality of its own** **• Consistent weekly engagement creates powerful referral relationships** **During the meeting you will experience:** **✅ Structured professional introductions** **✅ Referral opportunities and warm introductions** **✅ Insight from high-level professionals across industries** **✅ Accountability and business development momentum** **✅ A welcoming but serious environment for professionals who want to grow** **Our multi-team format increases the energy and opportunity in the room by bringing together members from multiple Team Network teams—creating more connections, more introductions, and more opportunity for everyone involved.** **👥 Visitors Welcome** **Professionals who are not yet members of Team Network are invited to attend up to two meetings as a guest. After that, those who wish to continue are encouraged to apply for membership and claim their professional seat.** **Team Network is designed for professionals seeking a long-term marketing and business development cornerstone for their business.** **Make this the year you Join the Team and Run with a Pack! 🐺🤝🇺🇸💪** **Thursdays \| 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM \| Zoom** **Team Network MoCo Home Team** **Bring your energy, bring your introductions, and come ready to grow.**

• What we'll do Economist William Michael Cunningham on Podbeam Thursdays at 6 pm. https://www.podbean.com/

**Casual Brunch Group (CBG, get it?): A series of weekend rides with brunch as a feature.** Some rides will be beginner rides (shorter), some will be medium (longer), all will be Casual pace. Bring a bike lock. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Casual Brunch Group - The Falls * START LOC: near front of Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) * START PARKING: Any Parking Garage * ARRIVAL: 10:30am * SPEECH: 10:45am * ROLLING: 11:00am * LEVEL: Beginner Level * PACE: \~12+mph * DISTANCE: 14 miles * TERRAIN: trail, local streets * Route: Route TBD **NOTES:** * Bring a spare tube. * Bring a bike lock. * Brunch in the middle of the ride: The Falls * [The Falls](https://www.thefallsva.com/?y_source=1_NDE3NjcwMDktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=) **The Ride: Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** It's a classic ride from Shirlington west on the W&OD as we try another Falls Church restaurant, The Falls \~7 miles out on Broad Street. Here we will enjoy a nice brunch. There are tables outside where we can also park our bikes nearby. The good news (after riding uphill all the way to The Falls) is that the hardest part of the ride is over. It is mostly downhill all the way back to Shirlington. **On the way home, if the roses are still blooming, we will stop and see the Rose Garden, located here:** [Bon Air Rose Garden](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rBPWo6AMiLrXe6jTA) **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **++++++++++++++++++++** Shirlington Library 4200 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) **We will meet in front of the Bearded Goat**, next to the Shirlington Library. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Brunch** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Falls** 370 W Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 [703-237-8227](https://www.google.com/search?q=godfrey%27s+falls+church&sca_esv=d62f6f0fe79c7edb&sxsrf=ANbL-n65pWp2ZXOqfrK2xiUODobrrC5fkQ%3A1778962076142&source=hp&ei=nM4Iap7_Bdij5NoP0pieoAQ&iflsig=AFdpzrgAAAAAagjcrLR1G0Nbq5xsEGUXmw8_eWa5kJSH&gs_ssp=eJzj4tVP1zc0zDHMLTGoqLQwYLRSNaiwsEwyTzI1tTA2t0w2MzVPszKoME0zNU5JNkyzSDQwTUxMM_cSS89PSStKrVQvVkhLzMkpVkjOKC1KzgAAak4Xww&oq=&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IgAqAggAMg0QLhjHARivARjqAhgnMg0QIxjwBRieBhjqAhgnMgcQIxjqAhgnMgcQIxjqAhgnMg0QIxjwBRieBhjqAhgnMgcQIxjqAhgnMg0QIxieBhjwBRjqAhgnMg0QIxieBhjwBRjqAhgnMg0QIxjwBRieBhjqAhgnMg0QIxieBhjwBRjqAhgnSKIMUABYAHABeACQAQCYAQCgAQCqAQC4AQHIAQCYAgGgAgSoAgqYAwTxBSrFNQd2xrDXkgcBMaAHALIHALgHAMIHAzItMcgHA4AIAQ&sclient=gws-wiz#) website: [Thefallsva](https://www.thefallsva.com/?y_source=1_NDE3NjcwMDktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=) menu: [The Falls](https://www.thefallsva.com/menus/?y_source=1_NDE3NjcwMDktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLm1lbnVfdXJs) location: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZeToDv911b2XB2VW6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZeToDv911b2XB2VW6) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * zBeginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above. ...........

Learn more about our Home Buyer Program * get up to $202k in down payment assistance through HPAP * get up to $25K in grants from Maryland Mortgage Program * downpayment assistance options through DC Open Doors * how to qualify and what loans are available * loan application and approval process * repeat home buyer options * purchase price limits * market insight and home buying steps in a competitive market SIGN UP AT THE LINK BELOW: [https://www.enggarcia.com/egpwebinars/](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.enggarcia.com/egpwebinars/&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1705256818169980&usg=AOvVaw0qgqMgQjduPHADDDggU6H6)

We’ll sample the espresso at this Fairfax cafe next. There are some unique offerings on the menu, so let’s get together and compare notes. Enjoy your favorite drink or try something new. I love to start my weekends off this way. Come join us. (Please keep your RSVP updated if you know you won't be able to attend, so others who can join have the opportunity to. No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

Every Saturday at 11am! RSVP at the following link to receive login details: https://www.enggarcia.com/hbscaphill/ The Districts Best first time home buyer webinar Learn about the home buying process How to qualify & what loans are available Qualifying for DC Open Doors and other programs Reduced down payment and closing cost opportunities We're looking forward to seeing you soon!

Before I head to Atlanta to host , I wanted to create space for us to gather right here in Maryland. I will be sharing how I moved to Panama, sight unseen in 5 months. Join us.. If you’ve been quietly thinking: “Maybe it’s time for a different life…” “Could I really move abroad?” “Where would I even start?” “What about money, healthcare, safety, housing, visas, or income?” This gathering is for you. Join us for an intimate social meetup for Black women who are curious about living abroad, actively planning their exit, or simply exploring what life could look like beyond the U.S. This is not a formal seminar. This is a room full of women having real conversations about what it means to build a softer, safer, more aligned next chapter. Come meet other Black women who are asking the same questions you are. Come hear stories. Come ask questions. Come connect with women who are already making moves. We’ll talk about: • How women are actually relocating abroad • Countries Black women are considering most • Cost of living, healthcare, visas, and lifestyle • Income and retirement concerns • Starting over after 40 or 50 • Fear, uncertainty, and what’s really keeping women stuck • The first steps to creating your own relocation plan Whether you are thinking about moving in the next 24 months or you’re just beginning to explore the possibility, you belong in this room. And yes… refreshments will be served. Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. Bring the version of yourself that knows she wants more from life.

DC Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. It's community-led and community-run by devs, for devs. People of all skill levels attend. Whether you’re dev-curious, aspiring, or a professional developer, we’d love to have you! Come chat or learn to code on a Sunday afternoon with coffee and cool-inclusive people. Bring your laptop! We typically meet every month on the weekend. **Join our online community!** For all things Tech in DC and to get latest updates and tech events from the DMV area, join the [DCTech Slack](https://dctech.chat/). All DC Code & Coffee announcements are in the #dccodecoffee channel **How it works** Near the beginning of the event, we do an introduction circle. You say your name, what you can help others with, and what you would like help with. You can also share job opportunities. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

Please join Columbus Tea Lovers for a tasting of loose leaf teas at a private residence in Worthington. (The address will be sent out via private Meetup message a day ahead to those who have RSVP'd.) June 20th is the Worthington Arts Festival so feel free to attend that event which is down the street in addition to the tea party. For this tasting please bring a tea or tisane (an herbal brew that contains no tea leaves) does not come in a prepackaged tea bag. You can feel free to bring it pre-brewed in a carafe or thermos; please leave out the milk and sweetener as we will have some on hand to mix and match. We will have the kettle on and fillable single serve disposable tea bags if you would like to bring the tea leaves unbrewed and extra tea cups on hand as well. We welcome you to bring snacks or desserts that are you enjoy pairing with tea. You can bring a chair if the day is nice in case we sit outside. There is a cat in the house, so be aware in case of allergies. If you want to write in the chat what you plan to bring so we don't have a lot of the same thing, please do so!

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Unshackled will be one of the largest The Prisoners wines tasting in the nation this Thursday, hosted by Stuart, in my absence. The Prisoner Wines have several dozen white and red blended wines using unusual combinations that are very different than traditional blends from Bordeaux or The Rhone regions. ***The Prisoner Red Blend*** is comprised of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Sirah, Syrah, Merlot, and Malbec. ***Saldo***, in the $30 range, has Petite Sirah, Grenache, Syrah, Mataro, Verdelho, and Cabernet Sauvignon. ***The Prisoner Chardonnay*** has, Chardonnay, Viognier and Gewürztraminer. You get the idea: no traditional limits in blending grapes. I will get a table for people to gather. It will be crowded, so be patient with this very popular. Feel free to bring your own food as it is welcomed at this local gem or order from the newly opened Worthington Inn, or local favorites such as Dewey's, Everest, Jet, Worthington Tavern and The Whitney. Each person pays their tasting fee, typically $15, and gets their wine glass, then approximately five pours of the wines being served. **Parking is tough**. Try the second lot behind House Wine accessed by the land by the back parking lot or the municipal lot one block north of House Wine. **Waiver and Liability and Attendance Policy.** Participation by you and your guests means you agree to the Waiver of Liability and Attendance Policies on our Group Page. People who have two more or Attendance policy violations are subject to removal from the group.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!