MapReduce

A small, safe space for comedy in progress. Come listen to untested jokes, try out your own material, exchange honest feedback, and support fellow comics in Dubai. This is not about polished sets — it’s about experimentation, learning, and community. We’re keeping it intimate with limited spots** so everyone gets a fair chance to perform, listen, and engage. **The Casa Collective**, Al Quoz – Interchange 3 Ample parking available Metro: Get down at **Equiti** (cab) or **Onpassive** (Bus 110) **Free entry** Come curious. Come kind. Come support the scene.

Beginners plus and above Badminton Queuing - 35 AED per head

Calling all Dubai Local Businesses. If Google reviews feel like pure chaos right now, this workshop will feel like a deep breath. In this short 15 minute online session, I’ll show local business owners how to collect positive Google reviews on autopilot from existing customers without awkward asking, chasing people, or praying they click the link. (And how to avoid receiving negative reviews, it will blow your mind!) The system focuses on capturing four and five star reviews publicly while routing unhappy customers into a private feedback survey instead of your Google profile. Your reputation stays clean and your customers still feel heard. Everybody wins. You’ll learn how Google Maps ranking actually works, what signals Google cares about most, and how consistent positive reviews can push your business higher in local search results. More visibility, more calls, more walk ins. No ads. No boosted posts. No wasted budget. This is practical, step by step, and built for real local businesses. Restaurants, salons, clinics, gyms, pet businesses, service providers. If customers already like you but your Google profile doesn’t show it yet, this workshop is for you. Come if you want more traffic, better rankings, and a review system that works quietly in the background while you focus on running your business.

**👋 Are you joining for the first time?** Kindly add your name to the going list, and [click here to WhatsApp Sarfaraz (+971551899547)](https://wa.me/971551899547?text=Hey%20Sarfaraz!%20This%20is%20my%20first%20time%20joining%20Badminton%20For%20All%2C%20Dubai.) to confirm your slot. 📍 **Venue:** Springdales School Al Khail (Cleopatra Sports Academy) We play **intermediate** badminton here every Monday, 7-9 PM. **📝 Key Info** This session is open for intermediate and advanced players of all nationalities, genders and races. *Cost per session: 35 AED* *Duration: Each session lasts 2 hours* *Equipment: We use feather shuttlecocks; please bring your own racket* *Slots: Booked on a first-come, first-served basis* *Play: Players will be rotated around multiple courts and will get games similar to their level of play* **Late Backout & No-Show Policy** **We strictly enforce our late backout and no-show rules to ensure smooth operations.** Organising replacements on short notice is difficult and disruptive, especially as our organisers have day jobs. Please be mindful of our policy: * **RSVP Policy:** Please RSVP for sessions exclusively through the Meetup app. WhatsApp is mainly for regular updates on attendance, timings and last-minute changes. Any requests made via WhatsApp might not be considered for session sign-ups. * **Late Backouts:** Backing out within 9 hours of the session is considered a late backout. You will be required to pay the session fee in full, even if a replacement is found. * **No-Shows:** If you fail to show up without notice, you must still pay for the session. * **Respect for the Organisers:** Our organisers finalise the list the night before or early morning. Last-minute changes mean they need to leave their work to arrange replacements. This affects not just the organisers but the overall experience of the players. * **Waitlist Responsibility:** If you're on the waitlist and no longer wish to attend, it’s your responsibility to remove your name. We assume that anyone on the waitlist still wants to join the session if a spot opens up. * **First-Come, First-Serve Basis:** We ensure fairness by adhering to a first-come, first-serve system. Please do not ask for special treatment or last-minute slots outside of this. **Note: Players may cancel without penalty up to 9 hours before the session. After this time, the session fee applies regardless of waitlist status. Please book and cancel responsibly to avoid disruptions for everyone involved.**

**New participants are required to contact WhatsApp at 0501497147 before signing up for the event to confirm their slot.** Join us for an exciting Doubles Badminton Night at **Cleopatra Sports Al Quoz (Springdale School).** Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the game, this event is perfect for everyone looking to have a great time on the court. Meet fellow badminton enthusiasts, improve your skills, and enjoy some friendly competition in a social and welcoming environment. P**lying every Monday at 8-10 pm Springdale School Al quoz.** **Cost will be AED 40/- Per person including court rent , premium feather** **shuttle and average 8 games will get every plyers.** **New plyers must confirm your slots through WhatsApp ( Rensin +971 501497147)** **Note: No cancellation on game day and full payment is applicable if any cancellation on game day** **Join WhatsApp Group ; https://chat.whatsapp.com/GUlBTloYtkrGVLb2ljK1ZV** This event is ideal for those who enjoy social sports, staying active, and connecting with like-minded individuals. Whether you are a singles or doubles player, come and experience a fun-filled evening of healthy living through exercise and sports. Don't miss out on this opportunity to mingle with new friends, network, and have a blast playing indoor badminton. Let's make this a memorable night of sports, recreation, and social bonding!

\# 🎯 Welcome to Badminton Lovers Dubai\! **The World's Highest-rated badminton community** from the heart of Dubai \(⭐ 4\.9 ★ \| 3400\+ reviews\) – where fun\, fitness\, and friendship come together on court\! Whether you’re a **beginner eager to learn** or an **advanced player seeking competitive rallies**, you’ll enjoy: ✔ 2 hours of structured, mix-and-match Singles and Doubles games ✔ Professional world-class courts at **Xtra Sports Club Al Qouz** ✔ A friendly, welcoming community of players of all levels \*\*\* \#\# ⭐ Why Join Us? ✔ Dubai’s **#1 rated sports & social group** ✔ Play with 5-6 players per court → **minimum waiting time** ✔ Separate courts for **advanced competitive matches** ✔ Beginner-friendly – guidance & support provided ✔ **Feather shuttles included** + limited rackets (first-come, first-serve) ✔ Exclusive **discounts at leading sports stores in Dubai** ✔ Social, fun, and a great way to meet new friends \*\*\* \#\# 📍 Event Details * ⏳ **Duration:** 2 hours of exciting badminton games * 🏸 **Venue:** Xtra Sports Club Al Qouz * 💵 **Fee:** 45 AED (includes feather shuttles) * 💳 **Payment:** Online (CareemPay/Bank Transfer – **Rauf 0555236521**). *Cash is only for approved regulars (+5 AED surcharge).* * 🔄 **System:** Mix-and-match doubles for maximum variety \*\*\* ## 📱 New Players – Important At the time of RSVP, please WhatsApp the organiser: **Rauf 055523652**1 (Event HOST) https://wa.me/971555236521 📲 0509001406 \| 0502480751 \(Waqsi\) ## 💰 Payment & Cancellation Policy * **RSVP = Commitment** * Your RSVP is your commitment to attend. Please honour it. * Your RSVP blocks a spot, and you are responsible for payment unless you cancel on time. **Payment** * Payment is required **immediately at the time of RSVP** to secure your spot. * If you RSVP but do not pay **and** do not cancel within the allowed time, you are still liable for the session fee. **Cancellation by Players** * ✅ Cancel **12+ hours before the event:** No charge. If already paid, the amount is credited towards a future session. * ❌ Cancel **less than 12 hours before** OR **No-show:** Full payment required, even if you have not yet paid. No credit/refund. **Unpaid RSVPs** * Unpaid RSVPs may be removed by organisers **before the 12-hour window.** * Within 12 hours of the event, all RSVPs (paid or unpaid) are treated as confirmed and subject to the cancellation/no-show policy. **Event Cancelled by Organisers** * If we cancel, you will receive a **full refund** or a **session credit** (your choice). **Non-Payment Consequences** * Players who fail to honour payment after a late cancellation or no-show may be restricted from RSVPing for future sessions until dues are cleared. \*\*\* \#\# 📸 Social Media Policy * Photos/videos may be used to promote badminton & our community * You can request removal in writing for future events * Past media cannot be deleted \*\*\* \#\# 👥 Guest Policy * Guests must be registered with **name & level** * RSVP holder is responsible for guest payment & cancellations \*\*\* \#\# ✅ Ready to Play? Click RSVP, send us a WhatsApp to confirm, and get ready to smash your way into Dubai’s most exciting badminton community!

### 💫 Explore Women-Only Experiences on eSeek View all information at [eseek.app](https://eseek.app). * Whatsapp Group For explanation 🚨Women Only - men dont join🚨[https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjIbmHx2xOAwT29rul521?mode=wwt](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjIbmHx2xOAwT29rul521?mode=wwt) To keep things simple 😊 1️⃣ We host a **coffee meetup every weekend** at a different **luxury café around Dubai** ☕️✨ 2️⃣ To join, download the app 👉 **eseek.app** 📲 3️⃣ Head to the **Events** menu and follow the **“How to Join”** instructions 🗓️📝 4️⃣ If no one **RSVPs**, the event won’t happen — so please RSVP! ✅ We also encourage attendance through our **WhatsApp group** 💬💖 5️⃣ Didn’t make it this weekend? No worries! There’s always **next weekend** 😉 Keep checking the app and **RSVP if you’d like to join** 👀✨ 🌴✈️ **Bonus:** We have an **exciting group trip to Bali this July**! This is the perfect chance to make new **female friends** and join our fun, adventurous community 🌸🌍 We are trying cafe meetups for women only - we have introduced facial recognition to ensure women only signups for now. [https://www.instagram.com/p/DRVZDxFDOKu/](https://www.instagram.com/p/DRVZDxFDOKu/) Join the whatsapp group for explanation 🚨 WOMEN ONLY 🚨[https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjIbmHx2xOAwT29rul521?mode=wwt](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjIbmHx2xOAwT29rul521?mode=wwt) ***

Hi tech entrepreneurs! Let's meet up over morning coffee at Cafeine Club, Cluster R, Lake level, JLT. There's plenty of parking nearby. You are welcome whether you are an established entrepreneur, a beginner or an entrepreneur-in-waiting. Join in, bring your learnings and see what you can learn from others. The mission of these events is to help create a community of entrepreneurs. To share information, advice, fresh ideas, tips and tricks, solutions and to build connections with like-minded entrepreneurs. This is a casual, pitch-free hangout. Please, no sales pitches. The event starts from 9.30 and goes on till 12. You are welcome to join at your comfortable time. +++ As an entrepreneur one of the biggest challenges we have is to build connections with others in the game. To freely share the problems and ideas and get the perspective of our peers. To connect and build long-term friendships and partnerships with people who truly get what we are doing and why we are doing it. This is the group that hopes to give you that. COMMUNITY: Please join this WhatsApp Community and introduce yourself if you have never attended our event before. Click here https://chat.whatsapp.com/CRkTSixWuLIBSok2dHH6S3

*🔥 Full Body Fat Burn at Kite Beach!* Join us for an energizing bodyweight workout that will help you *burn calories and build muscles* 🗓️ **Day:** Saturday 🕓 **Time:** 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 📍 **Location:** Kite Beach 💧 **Free water provided** 🎶 **Good music all session** 🧘 **Bring your own mat** 💰 **Price:** 60 AED *CONFIRMATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY 9PM* ⛔ 055 577 8561 https://chat.whatsapp.com/DxZF4saBmBBIfoxsv8b0WN

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyFTY6UsJ8k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyFTY6UsJ8k) * Whatsapp Group For explanation 🚨Women Only - men dont join🚨[https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjIbmHx2xOAwT29rul521?mode=wwt](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjIbmHx2xOAwT29rul521?mode=wwt) * ✨ **Weekly [WOMEN ONLY] Adventure Update!** Events run through the app [eseek.app](eseek.app)✨ facial recognition - gender verification on signup female only events. We host weekly café meetups ☕ plus brunch, beach club, and adventure meetups 🏖️ **IF YOU WANT TO ATTEND, MAKE SURE YOU RSVP ON THE APP SO PEOPLE WILL GO** Simply browse a curated collection of experiences on the app 🎥 and ❤️ the ones you’re excited about. The top 2 picks get scheduled as weekend experiences on the app 📅 To join, RSVP, hop into the group chat 💬, and DM 3 fellow RSVPs before the event 🤝✨ The best way to create new experiences with other women in dubai. You can **carpool with friends 🚗** in your neighborhood using the app’s carpool feature, or simply meet your friend matches at the event. Make sure to **check out the community board 📌** in the app — it’s the perfect place to start! [https://www.tiktok.com/@eseek_app](https://www.tiktok.com/@eseek_app) [https://www.instagram.com/eseek_travel_app/](https://www.instagram.com/eseek_travel_app/) ### 🌸 How It Works * **Step 1️⃣ — Sign Up eseek.app:** * Join the app to unlock our **weekly women-only social carpool event** 🚗💃 — every week we head to a new social destination around Dubai! 🌆 * **Step 2️⃣ — Connect:** * Use the **community board 💬** to sync up and chat with other women attending the same event. * **Step 3️⃣ — Find Your Pickup Point:** * Check your **email 📩** for this week’s carpool destination. * Search it in the app to see your **nearest pickup café ☕️** — that’s your **initial carpool pickup spot! 🚘** * **Step 4️⃣ — Meet Your Neighbors:** * Walk to your pickup café to **meet other women in your area 👯‍♀️** who are also heading to the social. * **Step 5️⃣ — Ride Together:** * After meeting your **carpool friends at the local café ☕️👋**, jump into a **shared ride 🚙** and head to the **main event 🎉**! * **Step 6️⃣ — Arrive & Share:** * Once you’ve arrived at the **main social destination 📍**, **grab a table 🍽️** and **post a photo 📸** on the **community board 💬** so other women can easily find the group.

Join us for a special evening of networking and community building at the TTE Galaxy Entrepreneur Networking Time. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals in a casual and welcoming environment. This event is perfect for those looking to expand their network, forge partnerships, and share entrepreneurial insights. Make meaningful B2B connections, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations that can elevate your business. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event is designed to support and inspire you on your entrepreneurial journey. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the thriving TTE Galaxy Entrepreneur Community and take your networking game to the next level. See you there!

Casual basketball for all level players to join. Whatsapp +971585129190 to join our community of players. NOTE- confirmation of slot has to be given on whatsapp only. Cost is 30 AED per person

The January Ohio North Database Training user group meeting will be held on **January 6th, 2025 at 5:00PM**. This will be a **HYBRID** event and we will be joined online by **Jason Romans**. You're welcome to come meet in-person at our meeting location, the offices of Improving at **[6000 Freedom Square Dr,](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** **[Unit 110,](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** **[Independence, OH 44131](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** [Teams Link ](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_N2Q3ODVjM2YtNDQ1NS00MDBjLWI5MzYtNDQ3YmFlZjkzMjAx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22b966f302-6b93-4686-9041-c084635642c5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2278c760cb-657f-46aa-bd2f-7066d9403bdb%22%7d)if anyone needs it after RSVP-ing for in person. If you would like to subscribe to our email list outside of Meetup, we have changed platforms recently and you will need to register [here in Kit ](https://ohio-north-data-training.kit.com/b8f036f615)instead to receive emails. Agenda: **5:00 PM EST**: Online and in-person meeting begins with a social hour. This is an unstructured hour where you can join us to catch up and meet other group members before the session starts. There will be food brought in for in-person attendees. **6:00 PM EST**: Updates and announcements, followed by our feature presentation. See below for presentation details. **7:30 PM EST**: Optionally after the main presentations, the in-person crowd may go out for snacks and drinks at a local establishment. We hope to see you there! Session Abstract **Data on Fire: A Hands-On Intro to Spark in Fabric** Curious about Apache Spark but not sure where to start? This hands-on session introduces you to Spark in Microsoft Fabric Notebooks—a powerful and accessible way to process and analyze big data using familiar tools in the Microsoft ecosystem. We’ll break down key Spark concepts like distributed computing, DataFrames, and lazy evaluation, then show how they come to life inside Fabric’s notebook experience. You’ll see practical demos that cover loading, transforming, and analyzing large datasets—while leveraging Fabric’s modern data stack, including OneLake, Dataflows, and Pipelines. You’ll also learn how to choose between Spark and pure Python notebooks in Fabric, based on execution needs, data integration, and use case fit. Whether you're a SQL pro, BI developer, or data engineer, this session will give you the tools and confidence to start using Spark in your own projects—no cluster management required. \*Please note, that we will be using Microsoft Teams for the online portion of this meeting. You may want to join a few minutes early to ensure you do not have any issues. If you are attending in person, there are large TVs at the office, and you do not need to bring a laptop or use Teams.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. *** Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ).

**New Dojo Location!** **Draft Day Columbus** 1130 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for topic suggestions and people interested in presenting at our monthly meetings. To this end we've set up a survey form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc)

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ). This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us.

SQL Server 2025 delivers a major round of improvements across performance, security, manageability, and hybrid connectivity, and this session gives you a practical, no‑nonsense tour of what matters most. We’ll cover enhancements to the core engine, query processing, storage, and availability that benefit DBAs and developers regardless of where SQL Server runs. You’ll see how SQL Server 2025 aligns with Azure SQL’s roadmap while still supporting strong on‑premises and VM‑based deployments. We’ll highlight new management, monitoring, and troubleshooting capabilities designed to simplify operations and reduce firefighting. AI‑powered features exist in this release, but the focus here is on the foundational improvements you can use immediately. Whether you’re modernizing, maintaining, or planning your next upgrade cycle, this session will help you understand what’s new and how to prepare your environment and your team.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. We meet in the bar in the room on the right (the cigar shop). You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. *** Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ).

**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.