Mini Quad
Meet other local people interested in Mini Quad: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Mini Quad group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out mini quad events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the mini quad events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find mini quad events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Mini Quad Events Today
Join in-person Mini Quad events happening right now
๐ King/Queen of 2 courts-SOLO๐Canary Wharf ๐ถ Mid Intermediate
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45154
**Game Description:**
Weโre opening up \*\*2 courts at In2Sports\*\* for a fun \*\*King/Queen of the Courtโstyle tournament\*\*. Hereโs how it works:
๐ \*Format\*
\- 2 matches at the same time
\- Winners move to \*\*Court A\*\*\, losers referee the next round before playing again
\- Teams rotate based on match results
\- Matches are \*\*12 minutes each\*\*\, aiming for \~8 rounds total
\- Max \*\*3 consecutive wins\*\* on Court A \(after that\, the challenger stays regardless of result\)
๐ \*Rules\*
\- Mixed net height\, \*\*no gender restrictions\*\*
\- Hosts manage timekeeping โฐ
\- Resting teams help with refereeing ๐ฉ
\- Court A videos uploaded to Balltime\.ai for rewatching ๐ฅ and highlights editing\.
๐ธ \*Sign Up Options\*
\- ๐ฅ \*Team signup\*: ยฃ60 per team \(โยฃ10 pp\)
\- ๐ค \*Solo signup\*: ยฃ12 per player
Rules
-Winner stays on (maximum 3 consecutive games)
-Each game lasts 12 minutes
-Court winners move on to play each other in the next round
-Mixed net โ all genders welcome
-Teams rotate as referees when not playing
-6 teams total, with 6โ7 players per team
\*Privacy policy for games sessions\*
By attending this game session, you agree to the following:
\* Video recordings/photos are allowed only during the games
\* Attending means consenting to recordings by the organiser which will be shared via private links
\* Distribution limited to session participants only
\* Explicit consent required for any public sharing
\* Respect others' privacy and comfort
\*Please contact the co-organisers if you have any questions about the policy.
Social Badminton Session for Corinthians Badminton Club
Join the Corinthians Badminton Club for a fun and social evening of badminton! This event is perfect for anyone at **Intermediate level** looking to improve their skills, meet new people, and have a great time on the court. We will have friendly matches and plenty of opportunities to socialize with fellow badminton enthusiasts. Feel free to share the event with a friend so they too can come along and enjoy a night of sports and recreation in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
We play with feather shuttlecocks and unfortunately cannot accommodate beginners. This is to ensure games are fair and enjoyable for everyone. We currently have 15 regular members and are opening up 8-10 guest slots using MeetUp.
Guest fees are ยฃ10 per session, please arrange payment 24 hours before session starts otherwise we would have to release your place. We are unable to offer refunds at this point.
Bank Transfer Details:
Account: Corinthians BC
Account No: 22788263
Sort Code: 60-19-01
Reference: Your Full Name
Venue:
Emerson Park Academy
Wych Elm Road
Wingletye Lane
Hornchurch
Essex
RM11 3AD
๐ King/Queen of 2 courts-TEAM๐Canary Wharf ๐ถ Mid Intermediate
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45147
**Game Description:**
Weโre opening up \*\*2 courts at In2Sports\*\* for a fun \*\*King/Queen of the Courtโstyle tournament\*\*. Hereโs how it works:
๐ \*Format\*
\- 2 matches at the same time
\- Winners move to \*\*Court A\*\*\, losers referee the next round before playing again
\- Teams rotate based on match results
\- Matches are \*\*12 minutes each\*\*\, aiming for \~8 rounds total
\- Max \*\*3 consecutive wins\*\* on Court A \(after that\, the challenger stays regardless of result\)
๐ \*Rules\*
\- Mixed net height\, \*\*no gender restrictions\*\*
\- Hosts manage timekeeping โฐ
\- Resting teams help with refereeing ๐ฉ
\- Court A videos uploaded to Balltime\.ai for rewatching ๐ฅ and highlights editing\.
๐ธ \*Sign Up Options\*
\- ๐ฅ \*Team signup\*: ยฃ60 per team \(โยฃ10 pp\)
\- ๐ค \*Solo signup\*: ยฃ12 per player
Rules
-Winner stays on (maximum 3 consecutive games)
-Each game lasts 12 minutes
-Court winners move on to play each other in the next round
-Mixed net โ all genders welcome
-Teams rotate as referees when not playing
-6 teams total, with 6โ7 players per team
\*Privacy policy for games sessions\*
By attending this game session, you agree to the following:
\* Video recordings/photos are allowed only during the games
\* Attending means consenting to recordings by the organiser which will be shared via private links
\* Distribution limited to session participants only
\* Explicit consent required for any public sharing
\* Respect others' privacy and comfort
\*Please contact the co-organisers if you have any questions about the policy.
Badminton Wednesdays
Badminton Wednesday is a fun, friendly weekly session for badminton enthusiasts who are looking for regular competitive sessions.
Our sessions are for players who can compete at intermediate to advanced level.
We provide hybrid feather shuttles and games are organised to maximise competition and allow players to rotate partners.
We have access to 4 courts and attendees must wear the appropriate footwear and clothing.
**Venue:**
School 21
Pitchford Street
London
E15 4RZ
**General Play:**
Costs for general play is ยฃ10 for a 2 hour session from 8pm - 10pm.
**Racquet hire:**
If you wish to hire a racquet, hire cost is ยฃ5 + ยฃ20 returnable deposit when the racquet is returned to us in it's original condition. We operate a pay and play policy so we ask that all members make payment either in advance or when you arrive for your session - see payments details below.
Payable by cash or bank transfer to Christopher Butcher
Monzo Bank
Account Number : 73518191
Sort code :04-00-04
Please include your name and session day as reference eg Julie220223
**Disclaimer:** Shuttlers and School 21 do not accept any responsibility for any breakage, loss or injury during the session.
The venue is based in Stratford, East London and offers male and female changing rooms, shower facilities and onsite parking.
**Please do not attend this session if you have not joined the event on the Meetup group as demand is high and games cannot be guaranteed if you turn up without joining the event.**
**If you RSVP to join an event and cannot attend the session, we kindly request that you amend your RSVP as soon as possible so that the spot is made available to other members on the waitlist.**
We at Shuttlers look forward to welcoming you to the group. Members can contact Chris on 07565 790725 or Julie on 07956 957696 if you require further information.
AAA Warm Winter Social: Private Bar & Food Discount.
Free Social drinks with AAA to meet new people, make friend and join our community, might have a game or two there as well to play.
Some of our AAA hike leaders will be there too meet and greet.
Promise no marketing speeches of our inspiring day hikes, delicious weekends away and European trips abroad :)
[FAQs](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) \| [Terms and Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaahiking/) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@aaahiking) \| [Trip Advicer](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [TicTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@aaahiking) \| [Website](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/)
Badminton in EC1
Intermediate +
**Note: The cost is increasing for 2025 to cover increased court and shuttle costs**
Central Badminton Club is a long-established, sociable group who enjoy badminton at an intermediate level. A reasonable standard of play is expected: guests should be regular players with a few yearsโ experience โ no beginners, please.
Join us for two hours of friendly, competitive badminton with like-minded enthusiasts. We use four courts, but even so we need to limit numbers so that everybody gets a fair number of games. We play from 8 to 10pm, with optional drinks and socialising in the pub afterwards.
The cost of ยฃ12 per two-hour session includes feather shuttles. You can pay in cash at the session, or via bank transfer:
* Account name: Central Badminton Club
* Account number: 25977568
* Sort code: 30 98 97
Our commitment is to ensure that you have an enjoyable evening. However, since we are a non- profit club with tight finances, we expect that once you RSVP you commit yourself to play. You may cancel up to 24 hours before the the session to avoid any attendance charge and to allow other people on the wait list to play. If you do not show without notice we reserve the right to charge a full non-attendance fee if you come again and persistent offenders may be blocked from our club. So please be thoughtful and let us know in good time if you cannot attend.
๐ Drills + Games for Intermediate๐Leyton ๐ถ Lower Intermediate
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45157
**Game Description:**
๐ Drills led by experienced players who also join the session.
๐ช Intense volleyball skills practice for individuals.
๐ฎ Drills and game setting.
๐ Positive co-learning environment for
rapid improvement.
๐ Access to 18 volleyballs.
Rules
\- point to 15
\- max 2 games in a row
\- 3 team of 6 players
\- modified games situation might be applied depending on situation \(5:1\, modified 5:1 or 6:2 etc\.\)
\*Privacy policy for drills and games sessions\*
You may not record any footage or take photos during the session unless explicitly authorised by the organisers.
Mini Quad Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
๐ 94. Feet Hoops Run๐Elephant & Castle ๐ถ Advanced
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/44128
**Game Description:**
๐ 94 FEET โ The Run
๐ฅ Multinational. Competitive. Focused on Growth.
Welcome to 94 Feet โ where hoopers from all backgrounds come together to compete, connect, and elevate.
**Rules**
5v5v5
Games to 13 (3s and 2s)
Winner stays on
18+ only
Quantum Security Community - London - 2026 Kickoff Event
**How to Engage with the Community + Quantum Readiness Updates**
The global quantum-security landscape is accelerating quickly - from PQC migration and crypto-agility, to CRQC capability forecasts, Q-Day horizon modeling, regulatory pressure (NIST, ENISA, ETSI, ISO, CISA), and lessons learned from early enterprise adopters.
To begin 2026, weโre hosting the first community event to bring everything together - and to show how you can get the most value from the Quantum Security Community ecosystem.
This session will cover two parts:
***
### **1\. How to Engage With and Benefit From the Quantum Security Community**
*Presenter: Marin Ivezic*
An introduction to the mission, structure, and tools of the Quantum Security Community, including how to use our Slack workspace, LinkedIn Group, upcoming Forum, events, newsletters, and community resources.
Youโll learn how each channel fits together - and how to participate in a way that builds value for you and for the wider community.
***
### **2\. Quantum Readiness Updates for 2026**
A fast-paced, research-driven overview of where we stand at the start of 2026, including:
* Latest **Q-Day predictions** and capability thresholds
* Key signals from **CRQC hardware progress**
* Regulatory pushes and global standards alignment (NIST, ENISA, ETSI, ISO, NCSC, CISA, MAS)
* Lessons learned from early **PQC migration** and **crypto-agility** projects
* What organizations are doing right now to become quantum-resilient
* Emerging risks in **QKD**, **quantum sensing**, and **quantum-secure architectures**
This session is designed to be high-signal and vendor-neutral - suitable for security leaders, cryptographers, architects, engineers, researchers, and policymakers.
***
## **๐
Date & Time**
**Thursday, 12 February 2026**
**18:00-20:00 + Networking**
***
## **๐ Location**
**Shoreditch / Old Street (To be confirmed)**
***
## **๐ About the Quantum Security Community**
The Quantum Security Community (Quantum.Security) brings together practitioners, researchers, engineers, architects, and policymakers working across PQC migration, crypto-agility, Q-Day readiness, CRQC capability analysis, quantum communications, sensing security, and emerging global standards.
Our community hub: **https://quantum.security**
From there you can join:
* Slack (real-time technical discussions)
* LinkedIn Group (professional community)
* YouTube + Podcast (coming soon)
* Meetups & events
* Quantum Security Community Digest
* Learning resources & tools
***
## **๐ฌ Join the Discussion**
Weโll continue the conversation after the event on Slack.
Join here: **https://slack.quantum.security**
Aerial Relaxation Podsโฆ with Sound journey! Two sessions 7:15-8:30 & 8:45-10pm
Aerial Relaxation Podsโฆ with Live Ambient Music!
- London's Deep Relaxation Experience -
Aerial Relaxation Pods - Lift Your Spirit
Please watch our video to give you a taste of the experience:
Our Aerial Relaxation Pods video on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxlR9u44llw
London's first multi-sensory, aerial relaxation experience with Live ambient music, aromatherapy and featuring our beautiful sky-blue silky Aerial Hammocks.
"An oasis of calm in our busy lives."
Two sessions per evening on Thursdays:
IMPORTANT: Please note your space is only confirmed once booked through Eventbrite.
7:15-8:30pm book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/84883457707
8:45-10pm book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/84878729565
COST:
1 x ticket ยฃ17 (ยฃ18.92 inc ticket fee)
Offer (limited availability) 2x tickets ยฃ28 (ยฃ30.77 inc ticket fee)
"Words are inadequate to express the uniquely nurturing experience I had during your Aerial Relaxation Pod class... and the music was amazing! The feeling of being securely wrapped in a silk hammock from head to toe, suspended in the air, slowly rocking, with the crystal bowls and ambient music created a sublime and profound atmosphere. It was as if I was in a cocoon of total support, allowing peace to flow into my entire being." - Alison
COVID SAFETY GUIDELINES & PREVENTION MEASURES:
- If you are showing any symptoms, please do not attend. Any participant repeatedly coughing in the space will be asked to leave immediately.
- You can wear a face-covering during the sessions if you choose to.
- Please come already dressed in comfortable clothing ensuring your knees, armpits and torso are covered, and with a bag for your belongings. There are bathrooms at the venue but no changing rooms.
- We will provide antibacterial wipes and hand sanitisers at the venue. Please wash your hands regularly and use the hand sanitiser supplied upon entering the venue.
- All touch hotspots will be regularly cleaned with disinfectant between each session.
- We ask that all participants keep at least 1m physical distance at all times. Any participant repeatedly breaching this distance will be asked to leave.
- We will provide clean lavender eye pillows and covers will be changed between each session. You are welcome to bring your own eye pillow/ eye mask.
- All hammocks will be disinfected with antibacterial spray between each session.
- Blankets and cushions: we will provide separate sets for each session. You are welcome to bring your own blanket & cushion.
- The venue has skylights that will be opened to allow more airflow in the space.
PLEASE NOTE:
1) Strictly no latecomers! - Sorry, please arrive on time! Unfortunately, if you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be allowed entry, (and there can be no refunds if you are more than 10 minutes late, very sorry!) as we need to make it a calm & peaceful space for people who are already here.
2) Please only arrive 5 minutes before the start of the session, as there is no waiting room.
3) No Refunds. No refunds are available as we need to have enough time to fill the space left. You are welcome to pass on your ticket to a friend, colleague or family member.
4) Clothing: Please wear a sleeved shirt that covers the armpits and leggings or yoga trousers that cover your knees. Wear form-fitting clothing. Please do not wear baggy clothing as they can snag and catch on the slingโs fabric causing accidents. Ensure that your clothing is "zipper free" and remove all jewellery (body piercings, watches and hair clips. These items can snag and damage the silk hammocks.
Squash Meetup session at Actonians sports club!
Hi all
Welcome to the squash Meetup!
All levels are welcome, make sure you RSVP early if you want a spot as it fills up quick.
Please bring a squash racket and indoor court shoes (no tennis/running shoes).
If you want to cancel, please do so at least 24h in advance to give other people a chance to sign up. **The cost (as of Sunday 10th December 2023) is ยฃ6, cash payment only.** The session will start at 11am and finish at 12.30. Drinks in the bar afterwards optional!
Free parking is available and the nearest tube stop is Acton Town.
See you soon!
Graham
Indoor Ultimate Frisbee at *All Saints Catholic High School* on *Thursday*
***Make sure you understand how payment works before signing up (details below)!***
It's too dark to play weekday pickup ultimate outside in the winter, so we've booked a venue to play frisbee indoors! As this is indoors, sadly space is limited (18 people) and it also costs money (ยฃ8.50 per session).
We'll be playing 2 hours of super casual 5v5 pick-up games. As always, all skill levels/experience are welcome! We're happy to teach if you're happy to learn. You just have to be ready to run around a lot :)
***Signup***
Signup will open to the week before each session (at 20:30 when the previous session ends!) - there will be a waitlist if we reach capacity, just sign up and meetup will automatically move you to "going" when someone drops out.
***Payment***
* ยฃ8.50 per session
Account details are as follows:
Hans Erik Crefcoeur
04-29-09
32058497
Please use your name **as it is on meetup** as the payment reference.
If you have not paid by **3pm the day before**, we reserve the right to remove you from meetup to allow someone else from the waitlist to attend.
**IMPORTANT:** Please keep your RSVP up to date on meetup (even if you are on the waitlist, as a drop out will automatically move you to "going") - don't be a no show and stop someone else from playing!
***Location***
We're playing in the main sports hall of All Saints Catholic High School.
***Other details***
* Afterwards we always head to a pub and have a drink or two :)
* Frisbee is a non-contact sport, but the occasional bumps can happen, we're all playing at our own risk
In terms of equipment, as it's an indoor basketball court, please bring:
* indoor, non-marking shoes (like most trainers)
* a light **and** a dark top (for splitting into teams)
* water
SE1 Badminton Club - Badminton & Lunch
Hi everyone!
Booking is now open for our next badminton session, 11am-1pm on Sunday at Ark All Saints Camberwell 140 Wyndham Road SE5 0UB.
The cost is only ยฃ10 per person plus ยฃ1.62 Meetup booking fee, paid in advance before the start of the session. Bring your racket or lease one for the session for a nominal ยฃ2.00, shuttlecocks is provided.
The lease rackets are available at the venue, so just make your way down. Please note we don't have enough for everybody just a few. If you damage your racket during the session you get one to use for free.
So if you wish to play and donโt yet have a racket make your way down, try and have a couple of nuggets (ยฃ2.00) handy because the racket lease fee is not included with the session booking fee.
Payment is by PayPal, Debit card, Credit card, Bank transfer, and Cash. Contact the host if you encounter any problem with making payment or wish to pay by other method (Payment by Bank transfer & Cash is ยฃ10.00)
Direction: The badminton hall is situated at the rear of the school, read on for direction on how to locate the hall.
The main entrance to the school is located on Wyndham road, on Wyndham road look for Toulon Street it is on the same side as the school. If you stand facing the school Toulon Street should be to your right. Toulon street lead on to Pitman Street which is where the entrance is located. Use the pedestrian gate to let yourself in, if it is locked use the intercom and somebody should let you in.
Immediately inside the school premises the entrance to the badminton venue is the building to your immediate right.
For more info, contact the host
Look forward to seeing you!
Many thanks
Afam
๐ Volleyball Games ๐ Poplar ๐ถ Lower Intermediate
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45131
**Game Description:**
๐ฎ Warm up and game only setting.
๐ Positive environment.
**Rules**
\- point to 15
\- max 2 games in a row
\- 3 team of 6 players
\- modified games situation might be applied depending on situation \(5:1\, modified 5:1 or 6:2 etc\.\)
โ-
\*Privacy policy for games only sessions\*
By attending this game session, you agree to the following:
\* Video recordings/photos are allowed only during free game\* sessions
\* Attending implies consent to potentially being recorded by other participants
\* Any videos must only be shared via private links
\* Distribution limited to session participants only
\* Explicit consent required for any public sharing
\* Respect others' privacy and comfort
\*Please contact the co-organisers if you have any questions about the policy.
Mini Quad Events Near You
Connect with your local Mini Quad community
Free Seminar: How to Improve Your Self Confidence & Social Life
Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you:
-Feel isolated
-Can't express yourself openly
-Get nervous or anxious in front of people
-Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied
-Feel introverted
-Don't feel comfortable in any social setting
-Can't make more friends
-Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way
And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above.
This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us!
COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY
This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.
1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Trails & Valentines! Quarry Trails Metro Park / Johnnie's Tavern
***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails**
[Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space.
In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration.
The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours.
Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks.
Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city.
***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day**
The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269โ270 AD.
The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era.
Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection.
***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park**
Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg).
***(She loves me not.)* Summary**
For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way.
***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet**
Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event.
Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't.
We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going.
***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains**
There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails.
***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike**
Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.
Columbus Arduino Raspberry Pi Enthusiasts (CARPE) (Check Location)
Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration!
This session is open forum to share your current projectsโwhether complete or in progress, itโs all interesting! Whether youโre deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, youโll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired.
(NOTICE - Location change!) This session will be at the Karl Road Branch of the Columbus Library in the Conference Room 2.

















