Humans of Dogs at Dog Park

🎇🍾 Welcome the New Year with great people and great energy at **Eurohostel (Katajanokka)**! Whether you’re feeling bold or just want to soak in the atmosphere, come as you are and ring in the New Year surrounded by friendly faces and genuine connections. This is a **purely social** New Year’s Eve gathering — no networking, no work talk, no pressure. Just people meeting people, sharing moments, and starting the year on a high note. 🥂✨ 🎤 **From 19:00–23:00:** Optional karaoke for anyone who wants to sing, cheer, or laugh along — totally fine to just hang out and chat too. 🎶 **After 23:00:** Upbeat music takes over as we count down to midnight and celebrate the New Year together with great vibes and energy. 🎆💃🕺 ✨ **Perfect for:** * Anyone spending New Year’s Eve in Helsinki * People new to the city or staying at Eurohostel * Locals who want to meet fresh faces * Those who want a relaxed, social alternative to clubs 🤝 Come solo, bring a friend, or bring your whole crew — everyone’s welcome. Stay for part of the night or all the way into the New Year. 🎆 Let’s end the year together and start the next one with openness, warmth, and good company. Just show up, be yourself, and enjoy the night! ✨🥂

### **🌍 Open Discussion & Networking Evening at GTC Café** Looking for a friendly and engaging environment to share ideas, meet new people, and expand your network? Join us every **Wednesday at 6 PM** for an open discussion and networking session at **GTC Café**. Whether you’re here to make new friends, discuss professional topics, or simply enjoy thought-provoking conversations, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. *** **🗣️ What to Expect:** * **Free Discussions**: Talk about any topic of interest—current events, cultural insights, personal experiences, or global trends. * **Networking Opportunities**: Expand your professional connections and exchange ideas about career growth and development. * **Friendship Building**: Meet locals and internationals in Helsinki and form meaningful connections. * **Language Practice**: Practice English or learn from others in a supportive environment. *** **📋 Event Details:** * **Day & Time**: Every Wednesday, 6 PM * **Location**: GTC Café, Ruoholahdenkatu 8, 00180 Helsinki 📍 * **Entry Fee**: Free, but ordering a drink or snack is mandatory 🍵 * **Each week's discussion topic** will be announced in our café's WhatsApp group and on our Instagram page — so make sure to follow us and stay updated! *** **✨ Guidelines for a Positive Experience:** * 🍹 Order a drink or snack upon arrival (mandatory). * 🚫 Outside food and drinks are not allowed. * 🧹 Please respect the café staff and ensure the space is clean and tidy when you leave. * 🤝 Be polite and respectful to everyone. *** **👉 Join Our Community:** * 📨 **WhatsApp Group**: Stay updated about future events. [Click here to join.](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JU94iEW0dHlHMgPDwR9s27) European phone numbers are automatically accepted; contact us on Instagram for others. **Why Join Us?** * Expand your professional and personal network. * Engage in meaningful and fun discussions. * Enjoy a welcoming space to meet locals and internationals. Mark your calendar and join us every Tuesday at GTC Café for an enriching evening of conversation and connection. See you there! *** ### **🌍 Avoin Keskustelu- ja Verkostoitumisilta GTC Cafessa** Etsitkö ystävällistä ja innostavaa ympäristöä jakaa ajatuksia, tutustua uusiin ihmisiin ja laajentaa verkostoasi? Liity seuraamme joka keskiviikko **klo 18** avoimeen keskustelu- ja verkostoitumisiltaan **GTC Cafessa**. Olitpa kiinnostunut uusien ystävien löytämisestä, ammattiaiheiden keskustelusta tai mieleenpainuvista keskusteluista, tämä tapahtuma tarjoaa täydellisen tilaisuuden luoda yhteyksiä samanhenkisten ihmisten kanssa rennossa ja kutsuvassa ilmapiirissä. *** **🗣️ Mitä Odottaa:** * **Vapaat Keskustelut**: Keskustele kiinnostavista aiheista—ajankohtaisista tapahtumista, kulttuurieroista, henkilökohtaisista kokemuksista tai globaaleista trendeistä. * **Verkostoitumismahdollisuudet**: Laajenna ammatillisia yhteyksiäsi ja vaihda ajatuksia urakehityksestä. * **Ystävyyssuhteiden Luominen**: Tapaa paikallisia ja kansainvälisiä ihmisiä Helsingissä ja muodosta merkityksellisiä yhteyksiä. * **Kielen Harjoittelu**: Harjoittele englantia tai opi muilta tukevassa ympäristössä. * **Kahvilamme** WhatsApp-ryhmässä ja Instagram-sivulla ilmoitetaan joka viikon keskusteluaihe – joten seuraa meitä pysyäksesi ajan tasalla! *** **📋 Tapahtuman Tiedot:** * **Päivä & Aika**: Joka keskiviikko, klo 18 * **Sijainti**: GTC Café, Ruoholahdenkatu 8, 00180 Helsinki 📍 * **Osallistumismaksu**: Maksuton, mutta juoman tai välipalan tilaaminen on pakollista 🍵 *** **✨ Ohjeet Mukavaan Iltaan:** * 🍹 Tilaa juoma tai välipala heti saapuessasi (pakollista). * 🚫 Ulkopuoliset ruoat ja juomat eivät ole sallittuja. * 🧹 Kunnioita kahvilan henkilökuntaa ja varmista, että paikka jää siistiksi lähtiessäsi. * 🤝 Ole kohtelias ja kunnioittava kaikkia kohtaan. *** **👉 Liity Yhteisöömme:** * 📨 **WhatsApp-ryhmä**: Pysy ajan tasalla tulevista tapahtumista. [Liity tästä](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JU94iEW0dHlHMgPDwR9s27). Eurooppalaiset numerot hyväksytään automaattisesti; muut ottakaa yhteyttä Instagramissa. **Miksi Liittyä?** * Laajenna ammatillista ja henkilökohtaista verkostoasi. * Osallistu mielekkäisiin ja hauskoihin keskusteluihin. * Nauti kutsuvasta ympäristöstä tavata paikallisia ja kansainvälisiä ihmisiä. Merkitse kalenteriisi ja liity seuraamme joka tiistai GTC Cafessa rikastuttavaan keskustelu- ja verkostoitumisiltaan. Nähdään siellä!

Embark on a journey of creativity and relaxation as you explore different artistic mediums. Immerse yourself in a sculpture painting workshop and discover a variety of techniques and styles. Led by experienced painting masters, our workshops provide expert guidance and insider tips to enhance your skills. We supply all the necessary materials, from paints and brushes to sculpting tools, so you can fully immerse yourself in the creative process. At the end of each session, take home your unique masterpiece as a memento of your artistic journey! Reserve your spot today by pre-booking through the links below. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to tap into your artistic potential. Join us at GTC Cafe's painting workshops and let your creativity soar! You can also arrange this workshop for special events, birthdays, or any other occasion to enjoy with friends. Simply let us know your preferred date at least one week in advance. We can't wait to paint with you!

🎲 **Board Game Wednesdays at GTC!** 🎲 Every Wednesday at **6:30 PM**, we gather for a fun evening of board games — one featured game each week! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this is the perfect chance to learn, play, and meet new people in a relaxed atmosphere. Bring your friends or come solo , you’ll always find a group to join! ✨ **Entry Fee:** €7 for new visitors \| €5 for loyal customers Pääsymaksu: 7 euroa \| €5 for loyal customers 🎲 **Lautapeli-keskiviikot GTC:llä!** 🎲 Joka keskiviikko klo **18:30** kokoonnumme pelaamaan yhdessä yhtä lautapeliä viikossa. Olitpa sitten aloittelija tai kokenut pelaaja, tämä on loistava mahdollisuus oppia uutta, pelata ja tutustua uusiin ihmisiin rennossa ilmapiirissä. Tule kavereiden kanssa tai yksin, peliseuraa löytyy aina! ✨

New year start. If you feel alone. You're more than welcome to join us and meet some new friends. You won’t be alone here. Come share your best (or worst) comedic mishaps, stories, and gossip in a relaxed, conversational meetup at **Kallio Bar** (right next to Street Bar) in Hakaniemi, Helsinki. Beers from **€6.50** 🍺, wine bottles **€25** 🍾 — and there will very likely be extra discounts 😉 We also have discount there Later in the evening, we might head to a nightclub together 🤗 Hope to see you there!

Welcome to join our Ren Xue Yuan Gong practice! The practice is simple but yet practical and powerful. It is easy to learn and will help you: -gain energy, feel less tired and stressed -more mental clarity, easier to concentrate -boost your immune system Time: Sundays at 13:00 - 15:30 for advanced (over 1 year in the group) and at 15:30 - 17:00 for beginners NOTE: on the 16th and 30th of November, the beginners lesson will be in Wanha labra (through Kahvila Lähde, above the stairs of the auditorium) WHERE: Tallipääty, MIITTI office Lapinlahden Lähde Lapinlahdenpolku 8 00180 Helsinki How to find us: When entering into the courtyard of the yellow main building, MIITTI's office is through the first door on the left-hand side. About REN XUE Ren Xue is a comprehensive system for uplifting human life. It includes a unique form of Qigong (Yuan Qigong); three foundational theories (Theory of Qi, Theory of Consciousness, Theory of Totality) and a large body of teachings. It was created by world-renowned teacher and healer Yuan Tze who continues to offer online and in-person events worldwide. Ren Xue combines ancient Chinese wisdom traditions with modern insights into health and well-being. The goal of Ren Xue is to help individuals improve their physical, emotional, and mental health through a holistic approach that emphasizes the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. REN XUE FINLAND Ren Xue Finland (RXF) is the Finnish branch of the global movement, an organization dedicated to the promotion and teaching of Ren Xue and its associated practices, including Yuan Gong and Yuan Ming Medicine. It provides easy entry into the Ren Xue system through local in-person sessions, online courses and workshops/retreats. Other learning methods can be found here: Ren Xue TV, a YouTube channel and Learn Ren Xue website. More about Ren Xue: [https://www.renxueinternational.org/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.renxueinternational.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR06uJQRSC7BE3zhPePQ7X_KO7WXa60cr7NK25KdOqfbSIHpYqBLO3dYgVM_aem_alDR7a6KhbNhG3u9NhCUVA&h=AT18asmYaRkvHCJemaC7rr9GVu579uflDCg7T6mLNodWdtMVhuxwFhIyz0p5ONeJbm3WQ3ZGIwONIa0_pDvih4t9BCCJUBkjhK4BdIMEl4aQ_qPzR5ykW-aiOndhYDPeAW9_2_eWZaMsv889HKbp8_c&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT35KTjVjr2kCnYHrXXjXPxEGFK-RFbZnFVdDmWrTe5WwbSZZ5ulNxFEjPPhejS8Pf4xetwkU1hhM1P2K_ABugpnXL6w-CKE25ARXwtLSexv-4fPJ4s2_Kcqgj3g2XWjCVkPPgcjwrPoNWOvdKa2f1VqyVa-2kcTojodTS3wn9zrnRjZLcG7) If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

🔥 Sauna Session – Helsinki Sauna & relaxation session in Helsinki. A calm and grounding moment designed to slow down, relax, and enjoy a shared experience in a peaceful atmosphere. 📅 Date: Sunday, January 4th, 2026 ⏰ Time: 13:00 – 15:00 📍 Location: Löyly, Helsinki This session is about: • relaxation and well-being • simple conversations in a calm space • enjoying the sauna at your own pace No agenda, no pressure just a structured moment to disconnect and reset. 🧖‍♀️ Swimsuit & towel required ☕ Optional drink after the sauna ⚠️ Limited spots – participation must be confirmed in advance. — Jasméa Coffee Club

Hello everyone 🤍 We’re happy to invite you to a guided exhibition tour followed by a relaxed coffee moment together ☕✨ A perfect opportunity to discover something new, connect, and enjoy good company. 📅 Date: Saturday, January 3rd ⏰ Time: 12:30 📍 Location: Fazer Exhibition (Helsinki) 🎟 Tickets: Each participant needs to buy their own ticket in advance via this link: 👉 https://www.visitfazer.com/en/exhibition-tours/buy-tickets-for-guided-exhibition-tour/ ⚠️ Important: There are limited spots available (14 left), so please book as soon as possible. After the tour, we’ll go for a coffee together to chat and connect 💬🤍 Looking forward to seeing you! — Jasméa Coffee Club ✨ Join WhatsApp after that https://chat.whatsapp.com/CFTK0djSovGL3YPbZZGksK?mode=wwt

Join us on **Fridays, 18:00 - 19:30** at **Lapinlahden Lähde** for a free session where we’ll explore the topic of the week. After 19:30, you're welcome to hang out with us. Depending on what the group decides, we sometimes: \- go out for dinner \- stay in\, enjoy tea and cookies and play board games ✅ Your **RSVP counts as your registration**, we expect you to **honour it**. 🤝 All conversations are confidential. What’s shared, stays in the group. 🌿 Small group, big heart: Everyone gets a chance to share. 🧘‍♀️ Come comfy, come curious. 💧 Bring water. Skip heavy meals & caffeine. 📍 **Tallipääty, Lapinlahdenpolku 8, Helsinki** (Through the gate, first door on the left!) **Kind reminder:** Last-minute cancellations or no-shows mean others miss out. To keep it fair, repeated cases may result in losing the spot in future sessions. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

**Welcome to Sketchy Collective!** A relaxed and social drawing group for anyone who enjoys sketching — or just wants to give it a try. \*\*\* We meet **every Sunday at 15:00** in **Oodi Library**. \*\*\* **HOW TO FIND US** We meet on the **top floor of Oodi Library**, on the stairs **opposite** the children’s area. It's a good idea to **keep your sketchbook visible** so others can easily recognize that you're there for the sketching meetup. And if you’re a regular participant, making it clear that you're part of the sketching group can be very helpful for newcomers! The main organizer is currently not in Helsinki. The meetings have been continuing without organizer's attendance, but please be considerate and make it easy for new participants to join — for example, once the group gathers, **please stay at the designated spot in the library described above.** \*\*\* **HOW IT WORKS** At each meetup, attendees take turns being the model for a quick **10-minute sketch session**. One person poses, everyone else sketches, then we rotate. \*\*\* **WHAT TO BRING** Pencils and paper (or any sketching tools you like). No fees, no pressure. The only thing we ask is that everyone takes a turn posing for the group. You can sit however you feel comfortable — the 10 minutes go by quickly! Draw as much as you like, skip a round if you’re tired or just want to chat, and leave whenever it suits you. The event continues as long as there’s interest. \*\*\* **STAYING CONNECTED** Due to issues with spam and advertising, the group has decided that **only people who have attended at least one meetup will be accepted into the WhatsApp group**. To be added, please ask other participants at the meetup — a few members have permission to approve new people, and at least one of them will likely be present. \*\*\* **SOCIAL MEDIA** If you’d like to share your drawings from the meetup, you can send them via message on Facebook or Instagram, or use the Instagram collab function. We warmly encourage everyone to share their work and take part in building our international sketching gallery — together with artists from all the cities where Sketchy Collective meetups are organized. \*\*\* **SUPPORT** Meetups are always free, but if you’d like to chip in for the cost of the Meetup.com subscription and future events in Helsinki (plein airs, exhibitions, etc.), you can use: https://buymeacoffee.com/sketchy.collective

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. 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

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.