Hot Springs

Hello, Jakarta Writer! **Are you a member of [Jakarta Friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/) yet?** Want to see **pictures** of past events? **[Take a look here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/photos/)** And feel free to upload a few pictures you will take at the event 😊 JakCre and JakFri is **the** biggest, oldest, most active, and most inclusive MeetUp community in Jakarta… and we invite you to join us for this **WRITERS' CLUB: GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writing!** Everyone is always welcome to join our events. Our community is all about creating authentic in-person connections in this urban jungle. Come as you are... it’s the best version of yourself. **ABOUT THE EVENT** What's one of the most difficult part in writing? Getting high-quality feedback! This event addresses exactly this! Plus, writers will have the chance to be part of a friendly community and a support system for fellow creatives. **We want to help and elevate each other!** This is what we will do: We will meet at the indicated time (please don't be late) and everyone who wishes to can drop their name on a box for a lucky draw. One person is selected by chance and will need to have a text **of any kind** (poetry/fiction/non-fiction/essay/article/script/blog/music lyrics/whatever!) ready to share with everyone on a Google drive folder. Then everyone will take their time and read the piece(s) on their own. We allocate **about 60-90 minutes quiet reading time**. Readers will take notes on what they wish to give feedback to. The author is also welcome to brief readers on what they should pay attention to or give feedback on. People who wishes to be there as readers only (that is, without putting their name in the lucky draw box), are most welcome to! The crucial part is that everyone needs to be respectful of each other's craft and give **polite, constructive feedback**! After reading time, there is the feedback time! **For about 90 minutes, we will discuss what we have read, and give feedback to the author.** Sounds easy, fun, and productive? It is. Everyone will have the chance to learn something new! This event doesn't require any preparation! We will read and give feedback on the spot. This will be a unique occasion to receive a feedback on your writings (of any kind) and to practice your ability to give and receive feedbacks on texts! Just be ready to share (not mandatory) **a piece of your writing of about 2,000 words** (1,000 to 10,000 words is OK, too, but be aware that a shorter piece is more likely to receive plenty of feedback) as a Google Drive link and grant people access to read. Be sure you will join with a device where it's possible to join a video conference (Zoom/GoogleMeet/tbd). **We have done this event before! Take a look here:** * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (Feb 2026)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/events/313180424/) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (Jan 2026)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/312723598/) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (Dec 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/312032052) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (hybrid) (Nov 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/311725541/) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (hybrid) (Aug 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/310122815/) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (online) (Aug 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/how-to-become-a-writer/events/308662343/) * [WRITERS' CLUB (May 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/307536966/) **ABOUT THE VENUE** **Mad for Coffee** is a lovely coffeeshop with great coffe and some nice food on the menu. The owners are so kind to have a room or the upstairs terrace for us! At Mad for Coffee they also have regular comedy shows, including one just after our event at 4 PM which we can attend together! Link to be shared soon -- take a look here at a past free comedy event we attended together: https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/312964219/ (walk-ins at the comedy event are usually possible, too) * Let's meet directly there! There will be tables prepared for us * At the venue, ask for Corrado or MeetUp at the staff. There will be a MeetUp sign on our table to find us * Here is a link to the venue for more information: [https://www.instagram.com/madforcoffeeid/](https://www.instagram.com/madforcoffeeid/) * We encourage you to reach the event by public transportation MRT Cipete Raya is just 15 minutes walk! **ABOUT THE HOST** Corrado Nai has a Ph.D. in microbiology and writes mostly about science. His feature articles has been published in Smithsonian Magazine, New Scientist, Asimov Press, and many more. Currently he's writing [a graphic novel about agar-agar's surprising role in science](https://fanny-hesse-graphic-novel.site/), called "The Dessert That Changed the World" which can be followed and supported through Patreon ([www.patreon.com/corradonai](https://www.patreon.com/corradonai)) **HOW TO REGISTER TO THE EVENT?** To register, just click “Attend”! There are a few simple rules * We kindly ask attendees who cannot manage to join to **update RSVP at least 24 h before the event** as a courtesy to other attendees and event organisers. * **Be on time! Don’t be early!** * Come alone or with a friend, family, or your better half * People in the waitlist cannot attend, and are encouraged to check a few hours before the event if they got a spot * Repeated no-show (3X) without updating RSVP will be removed from the group. * Cancellation at the last minute is unfriendly for other attendees, organisers, and venue. Please cancel whitin 2 hours for exceptional circumstances **only**. Otherwise it will count as no-show! * Attendees who bring a +1 are responsible to make sure that the guest understands and agrees to our rules of respect and inclusivity. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! **WE HAVE A MEMBERSHIP FEE. HOW DOES IT WORK?** As this group is slowly unrolling into a Writers' Group, it will be soon possible to join through Patreon, too: https://www.patreon.com/corradonai Monthly membership through Patreon will grant access to **all** events of Jakarta Writers (this group) **and** of [Jakarta Friends](www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends). Our community has a **monthly membership fee** that can be paid through the app (**2 USD/month or about 33k IDR/month**). Membership can also be paid as a **yearly membership of 320k IDR** valid for 365 days after payment. Membership fee is offered with a **promo discount to first-timers**, who can become members for **240k IDR/year**. First-timers can decide to join with a **sneek peak price of 50k IDR & pay the remaining 270k IDR at the next event** they attend. Registered +1 can attend for free. Renewals (after 365 days) and upgrades (to join JakFri) are offered at a special rate. All this is aimed at encouraging people to sign up, and then to attend as many events as they like! Yearly membership can be paid at an event (cash/bank transfer/Gopay) or beforehand (bank transfer/Gopay). Text Corrado (+62 8211 489 3580) if you have any questions about membership. Membership to **both** Jakarta Friends and Jakarta Writers is offered for **only** 390k IDR/year. Membership gives **access to all events** plus exclusive perks available only to paying members, like for example our [Give Away Birthday Celebrations with lucky draw](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/300470498) (Sept 2024) or [FREE pasta cooking (and eating 😉) workshop](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/304253623/) (Nov 2024) or [Museum visits with FREE GUIDED TOURS](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/301738408/) (Sept 2024). To most events, attendees can **bring a +1 for free**, and we have some events open to all (paid and unpaid) members. To all members we **guarantee** to keep organizing plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months. In the past 3 years we have organised up to 2-3 events per week (browse past event [of JakFri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/?type=past) and [of JakWri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/events/?type=past)). That is, with your membership you can attend up to 5-10 events! We **guarantee** to keep organising plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months. **THE RULES OF OUR COMMUNITY** Our communities are: * **Jakarta Friends**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends) * **Jakarta Writers (former Creatives)**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/) Members often participate in events of both groups. Over the past two years, we held over 250 events with over 2,000 attendees. Attendees rate our events **very positively** and give wonderful feedback, with an average of **4.8**⭐ (out of 5⭐) afrom over 500 reviews ([take a look at our reviews here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/feedback-overview/)) We value diversity, inclusivity, respect, and authenticity. We **do not tolerate** harassment or discrimination of any kinds. * You are invited to join our WhatsApp group where we announce our events regularly: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx) * Feel free to tag us on Instagram, and we will repost! [www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives](http://www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives) * For questions about the event, please post a comment on the event page, or DM the event organisers

Looking for something fun? Come hang out at *Mad For Laughs*, our English open mic featuring a curated lineup of fresh and fearless comics :) **Every Sunday** **Doors open at 3:30 PM \| Show starts at 4:00 PM** **Doors will close at 4:00 PM when the show begins.** To keep the show running smoothly, late entry may not be allowed, and any unclaimed spots may be released to other walk-ins. We have weekly event every Sunday for more details please check it out [here](http://bit.ly/mfl-openmic)! Interested in performing? Sign up [here](https://forms.gle/x1YsKfoNBSsFXsd29)!

Hello, Jakarta Writer! **Are you a member of [Jakarta Friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/) yet?** Want to see **pictures** of past events? **[Take a look here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/photos/)** And feel free to upload a few pictures you will take at the event 😊 JakCre and JakFri is **the** biggest, oldest, most active, and most inclusive MeetUp community in Jakarta… and we invite you to join us for this **WRITERS' CLUB: GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writing!** Everyone is always welcome to join our events. Our community is all about creating authentic in-person connections in this urban jungle. Come as you are... it’s the best version of yourself. **ABOUT THE EVENT** What's one of the most difficult part in writing? Getting high-quality feedback! This event addresses exactly this! Plus, writers will have the chance to be part of a friendly community and a support system for fellow creatives. **We want to help and elevate each other!** This is what we will do: We will meet at the indicated time (please don't be late) and everyone who wishes to can drop their name on a box for a lucky draw. One person is selected by chance and will need to have a text **of any kind** (poetry/fiction/non-fiction/essay/article/script/blog/music lyrics/whatever!) ready to share with everyone on a Google drive folder. Then everyone will take their time and read the piece(s) on their own. We allocate **about 60-90 minutes quiet reading time**. Readers will take notes on what they wish to give feedback to. The author is also welcome to brief readers on what they should pay attention to or give feedback on. People who wishes to be there as readers only (that is, without putting their name in the lucky draw box), are most welcome to! The crucial part is that everyone needs to be respectful of each other's craft and give **polite, constructive feedback**! After reading time, there is the feedback time! **For about 90 minutes, we will discuss what we have read, and give feedback to the author.** Sounds easy, fun, and productive? It is. Everyone will have the chance to learn something new! This event doesn't require any preparation! We will read and give feedback on the spot. This will be a unique occasion to receive a feedback on your writings (of any kind) and to practice your ability to give and receive feedbacks on texts! Just be ready to share (not mandatory) **a piece of your writing of about 2,000 words** (1,000 to 10,000 words is OK, too, but be aware that a shorter piece is more likely to receive plenty of feedback) as a Google Drive link and grant people access to read. Be sure you will join with a device where it's possible to join a video conference (Zoom/GoogleMeet/tbd). **We have done this event before! Take a look here:** * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (Feb 2026)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/events/313180424/) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (Jan 2026)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/312723598/) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (Dec 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/312032052) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (hybrid) (Nov 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/311725541/) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (hybrid) (Aug 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/310122815/) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (online) (Aug 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/how-to-become-a-writer/events/308662343/) * [WRITERS' CLUB (May 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/307536966/) **ABOUT THE VENUE** **Mad for Coffee** is a lovely coffeeshop with great coffe and some nice food on the menu. The owners are so kind to have a room or the upstairs terrace for us! At Mad for Coffee they also have regular comedy shows, including one just after our event at 4 PM which we can attend together! Link to be shared soon -- take a look here at a past free comedy event we attended together: https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/312964219/ (walk-ins at the comedy event are usually possible, too) * Let's meet directly there! There will be tables prepared for us * At the venue, ask for Corrado or MeetUp at the staff. There will be a MeetUp sign on our table to find us * Here is a link to the venue for more information: [https://www.instagram.com/madforcoffeeid/](https://www.instagram.com/madforcoffeeid/) * We encourage you to reach the event by public transportation MRT Cipete Raya is just 15 minutes walk! **ABOUT THE HOST** Corrado Nai has a Ph.D. in microbiology and writes mostly about science. His feature articles has been published in Smithsonian Magazine, New Scientist, Asimov Press, and many more. Currently he's writing [a graphic novel about agar-agar's surprising role in science](https://fanny-hesse-graphic-novel.site/), called "The Dessert That Changed the World" which can be followed and supported through Patreon ([www.patreon.com/corradonai](https://www.patreon.com/corradonai)) **HOW TO REGISTER TO THE EVENT?** To register, just click “Attend”! There are a few simple rules * We kindly ask attendees who cannot manage to join to **update RSVP at least 24 h before the event** as a courtesy to other attendees and event organisers. * **Be on time! Don’t be early!** * Come alone or with a friend, family, or your better half * People in the waitlist cannot attend, and are encouraged to check a few hours before the event if they got a spot * Repeated no-show (3X) without updating RSVP will be removed from the group. * Cancellation at the last minute is unfriendly for other attendees, organisers, and venue. Please cancel whitin 2 hours for exceptional circumstances **only**. Otherwise it will count as no-show! * Attendees who bring a +1 are responsible to make sure that the guest understands and agrees to our rules of respect and inclusivity. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! **WE HAVE A MEMBERSHIP FEE. HOW DOES IT WORK?** As this group is slowly unrolling into a Writers' Group, it will be soon possible to join through Patreon, too: https://www.patreon.com/corradonai Monthly membership through Patreon will grant access to **all** events of Jakarta Writers (this group) **and** of [Jakarta Friends](www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends). Our community has a **monthly membership fee** that can be paid through the app (**2 USD/month or about 33k IDR/month**). Membership can also be paid as a **yearly membership of 320k IDR** valid for 365 days after payment. Membership fee is offered with a **promo discount to first-timers**, who can become members for **240k IDR/year**. First-timers can decide to join with a **sneek peak price of 50k IDR & pay the remaining 270k IDR at the next event** they attend. Registered +1 can attend for free. Renewals (after 365 days) and upgrades (to join JakFri) are offered at a special rate. All this is aimed at encouraging people to sign up, and then to attend as many events as they like! Yearly membership can be paid at an event (cash/bank transfer/Gopay) or beforehand (bank transfer/Gopay). Text Corrado (+62 8211 489 3580) if you have any questions about membership. Membership to **both** Jakarta Friends and Jakarta Writers is offered for **only** 390k IDR/year. Membership gives **access to all events** plus exclusive perks available only to paying members, like for example our [Give Away Birthday Celebrations with lucky draw](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/300470498) (Sept 2024) or [FREE pasta cooking (and eating 😉) workshop](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/304253623/) (Nov 2024) or [Museum visits with FREE GUIDED TOURS](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/301738408/) (Sept 2024). To most events, attendees can **bring a +1 for free**, and we have some events open to all (paid and unpaid) members. To all members we **guarantee** to keep organizing plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months. In the past 3 years we have organised up to 2-3 events per week (browse past event [of JakFri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/?type=past) and [of JakWri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/events/?type=past)). That is, with your membership you can attend up to 5-10 events! We **guarantee** to keep organising plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months. **THE RULES OF OUR COMMUNITY** Our communities are: * **Jakarta Friends**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends) * **Jakarta Writers (former Creatives)**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/) Members often participate in events of both groups. Over the past two years, we held over 250 events with over 2,000 attendees. Attendees rate our events **very positively** and give wonderful feedback, with an average of **4.8**⭐ (out of 5⭐) afrom over 500 reviews ([take a look at our reviews here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/feedback-overview/)) We value diversity, inclusivity, respect, and authenticity. We **do not tolerate** harassment or discrimination of any kinds. * You are invited to join our WhatsApp group where we announce our events regularly: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx) * Feel free to tag us on Instagram, and we will repost! [www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives](http://www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives) * For questions about the event, please post a comment on the event page, or DM the event organisers

Looking for something fun? Come hang out at *Mad For Laughs*, our English open mic featuring a curated lineup of fresh and fearless comics :) **Every Sunday** **Doors open at 3:30 PM \| Show starts at 4:00 PM** **Doors will close at 4:00 PM when the show begins.** To keep the show running smoothly, late entry may not be allowed, and any unclaimed spots may be released to other walk-ins. We have weekly event every Sunday for more details please check it out [here](http://bit.ly/mfl-openmic)! Interested in performing? Sign up [here](https://forms.gle/x1YsKfoNBSsFXsd29)!

*We can only take 13 women on this trip.* **The details...** Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure. Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip. ***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** **A guided adventure:** Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality. This is more than a hiking trip. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna). **What to expect...** * Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe. * Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages. * Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center. * Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts. * Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.) * Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels. **Wait, there's more...** * Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms. * Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do. * Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting. * Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. * Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience. * Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey. The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland. Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides? ***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** * Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) * Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about). * Rates start at $6195

Open to public: Friday, 5/15/26: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 5/16/26: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by OSU The 2026 Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser Location: Lawn area south of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center 2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 Spring Plant Sale Spring into greenery at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens! Join us for our annual Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser and dive into a lush world of botanical delights. With over 16,000 fresh, exotic, and time-tested edible and ornamental plants, there's something for every green thumb! Experience the thrill of our tree and shrub auctions, where you can bid on unique specimens to enhance your garden sanctuary. Step into our Learning Lab, where engaging educational demonstrations on various garden topics will unfold throughout the three-day sale, enriching your knowledge and inspiring your green endeavors. Take part in an exciting, live auction offered each day, as well as a silent auction on Thursday and Friday. Explore vendor booths brimming with gardening essentials and delightful treasures. And while you shop 'til you drop, indulge in delectable treats from a delicious, local food truck. Proceeds from this event go directly to The Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum, student organizations, and local businesses alike. Come one, come all! Let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together. Credit/debit cards only.

**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.

Get ready to connect, collaborate, and grow your community at the ***Smashing Your Sales Goals (SYSG) Spring Meet-N-Greet!*** *Smash Nation*— a vibrant and welcoming community for creative consultants, social innovators, professional service providers, entrepreneur support professionals, and the small business ecosystem builders —invites you to join in welcoming the Spring 2026 Cohort of dedicated business owners ready to take their venture to the next level. Join ***SYSG*** cohort members, trainers, sponsors, and partners for an engaging and interactive networking experience. This isn't just another meet-and-greet; it's a dynamic opportunity to gather, strengthen relationships, and actively brainstorm business development opportunities in a relaxed and supportive environment. Come ready to: * ***Connect*** with key players and potential collaborators in the small business community. * ***Share*** your successes, challenges, and insights with peers. * ***Brainstorm*** innovative strategies for sales and business growth. * ***Discover*** new partnerships and future partners. Let's amplify our collective impact and smash those sales goals together! **Who Should Attend:** Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025 Cohort Members, Spring 2026 Cohort members, Trainers, Facilitators, Program Sponsors, Future Sponsors, Velocity Applicants, and Program Partners. **When**: Tuesday, May 26, 2926 **Where**: Warner Wood Park and Pavilion [4747 Central College Road, Columbus, OH 43081](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Warner+Woods+Park+%26+Pavilion/@40.0999435,-82.8601323,839m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x88385f0025d4381b:0xc15eb51285691f4f!8m2!3d40.1002108!4d-82.8612015!16s%2Fg%2F11wb2pg50g?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAwNS4yIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) **Time**: 4pm-6pm [To Officially Register Go To --> https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/W0CGLL8jvz4EkLNK5jav?notrack=true](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/W0CGLL8jvz4EkLNK5jav?notrack=true) Meet ***Smashing Your Sales Goals*** expert trainers, sales coaches, community supporters and partners. Learn more about upcoming SYSG events, trainings coaching opportunities to help take your business from surviving to thriving today! This event is FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC!

⭐ **GOLD STAR SPRING SOCIAL — YOU’RE INVITED!** ⭐ #### I’m excited to share the flyer for our upcoming Gold Star Spring Social at Crooked Can Brewing Co. on Thursday, May 21st, from 5–7 PM! Although it’s hosted by Gold Star Hilliard, this event is open to EVERYONE — members, families, friends, neighbors, coworkers… if you’re part of the community, you’re welcome. ⭐Great conversation ⭐New connections ⭐A fun, relaxed mid‑week reset If you love good people and good energy, this is your night. ✨Come as you are. ✨