Montreal

Let’s get together to speak French! We’ll enjoy tea/coffee and some icebreaker games. Everyone is welcome. Venez parler français! À bientôt, Hassane. \*Merci beaucoup de vous être inscrit(e) à notre prochaine rencontre! Nous sommes ravis de votre présence. Afin de permettre à d’autres de se joindre à nous, nous vous demandons respectueusement : 1. **Si vos plans changent,** veuillez mettre à jour votre statut (passer à 'Non') le plus rapidement possible pour libérer votre place. 2. **Si vous êtes sur la liste d'attente,** merci de ne pas vous présenter à l'événement. Votre statut doit être confirmé pour pouvoir participer. Veuillez vous inscrire directement aux prochaines dates disponibles. Au plaisir de vous accueillir! \*To allow others to join us, we respectfully ask that you: * **If your plans change,** please update your RSVP status (change it to 'No') as quickly as possible to free up your spot. * **If you are on the waiting list,** please do not show up for the event. Your status must be confirmed to participate. Instead, please register directly for the next available dates. IMPORTANT: Veuillez noter que pour profiter pleinement de nos échanges, une aptitude de base à la conversation est vivement souhaitée : ce groupe est un cercle de discussion convivial et non un cours de langue. Please note that to fully enjoy the experience, a basic speaking aptitude is recommended: this group is a social conversation circle, not a formal teaching class. We look forward to welcoming you! Please join our WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LRUdXbjpG8I9aph4dU6Go8

Join us the 4th Friday of every month at 6 pm at Cherie Bistro for another Toronto Humanist & Atheist get-together! Catch up with friends and welcome new people.

**A Korean learning community hosted by a native Korean speaker** **Practice your Korean and connect with fellow learners** Hello everyone! Nice to meet you 😊 I’m building a small community for people who are on a long (and sometimes challenging) journey of learning Korean. What I’m trying to create here is simple: * **A space where mistakes are completely okay** * **A place that helps you keep going with your Korean** * **A chance to meet people who understand your learning journey** Most of the time, we just sit together with coffee or tea and have casual conversations. But from time to time, I also plan small activities to support your learning. If you’re learning Korean in Toronto and looking for people to share the journey with, you’re very welcome to join us 🙂

I am hosting a social drinks night for GTA Art lovers, business professionals and entrepreneurs to mingle and connect. When you enter the venue let one of the bar staff know you are there for the event - ask for Frank. Our reservation will be at main bar Come out and socialize with other GTA Art lovers, business professionals and entrepreneurs over drinks! We have over 7 meetup groups invited to this event so this won't be a small crowd. Remember to bring your business cards as this is a networking event. This event is FREE to attend, food and drinks are at your own cost. Please purchase 1 drink to support the venue. We will have name tags for everyone and encourage people to mingle. \*\*\* FREE BUSINESS CARD RAFFLE DRAW - PRIZE $20.00 LCBO GIFT CARD. \*\*\* Please follow us on social media: Facebook/TikTok: @TorontoSocialMixer Twitter/Instagram: @TOSocialMixer Photos/videos of our previous events have been uploaded to our social media links.

FIRST TIME IN TORONTO AND SPACE IS LIMITED! ## Some experiences create a **before and after.** This is one of them. There are workshops. And then there are experiences that truly give you the chance to **reorganize how you see yourself, your work, and the people around you** — that create a genuine fork in the road. TIAMAT is the latter. It has done this for performers, clinicians, seekers, and skeptics across four continents. Now, for the first time, it is coming to Toronto. This is not a weekend of concepts and takeaways. It is a **full-body encounter with a framework** built at the intersection of cognitive science, philosophy, contemplative practice, and embodied performance — designed specifically to transfer. What shifts in the room follows you home. We are in a moment of profound disconnection — from purpose, from one another, from a sense that our lives cohere. Most offerings gesture at this problem. **TIAMAT does something about it.** It gives you a living, rigorous, embodied practice for navigating the world differently — and access to a community of people taking that seriously alongside you. Awaken to Meaning is proud to bring this to Toronto for the first time. **This is a rare opportunity**, and seats are limited. **Two audiences. One experience.** Whether you come as a practitioner or as someone who knows something is missing, TIAMAT meets you there. **Clinicians, Coaches & Therapists:** Sharpen your sense of transference and countertransference in real-time / develop a more robust lens for where clients get stuck - somatically and relationally / expand capacity to track body, affect and relational field simultaneously / deepen self-awareness as your primary clinical instrument / gain a shared language you can bring directly into practice **Seekers, Builders & The Curious:** A framework that bridges cognitive science, philosophy and lived practice / Real agency over how you think, feel and act - through skill, not willpower / Entry into a fellowship taking the meaning crisis seriously / A language for your inner life that holds under pressure / Transformation that doesn't fade by Monday morning ## **TIAMAT has travelled. Now it visits a new place.** ## Before Toronto, TIAMAT has been delivered across **four continents** – to performers, clinicians, researchers, educators, and people who simply knew something was missing. Each cohort has shaped the practice. ## TAIWAN \| JAPAN \| INDONESIA \| FRANCE \| NETHERLANDS \| CZECHIA \| UNITED KINGDOM \| SINGAPORE \| UNITED STATES \(MAY 2026\) **Schedule** \- Friday\, May 22nd \- 6pm to 10pm \- Saturday\, May 23rd \- 10am to 8pm \- Sunday\, May 24th \- 10am to 5pm **Fee:** $650 USD **Facilitation** by Ethan Hsieh, Taylor Barratt & Dr. John Vervaeke **For more information** on this and the residential Tier 2 (June 7th - 12th, 2026) please visit [our site](https://awakentomeaning.com/tiamat-training-program-in-toronto-2026/).

**Explore the scenic Humber River in Toronto with our Kayak, Canoe, and stand-up paddle board 2-hour rentals during the week!** Use the following link to book your spot:[ ](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/)**[https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/)**[ ](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/) The calm meandering Humber River is one of Toronto’s hidden gems! Home to a huge variety of wildlife, including Beaver, Blue Heron, Deer and much more, you’ll feel like you’ve left the city behind! *Events are subject to weather and other factors out of our control. If we must cancel or delay an event we will those booked on the [torontoadventures.ca](http://torontoadventures.ca/) website know as soon as possible.* **Weekday Pricing (per 2-hour rental), Payable online through:** [https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/) Single Kayak (seats 1 person) : $44.95+taxes Tandem Kayak (seats 2 people) : $79.95+taxes Regular Canoe (seats 2 people) : $69.95+taxes Large Canoe (seats 3 people) : $79.95+taxes Stand-up Paddle Board ( 1 person): $44.95+taxes **Included:** * Boat(s), Paddle(s), PFD(s)/ “Life Jacket(s)”, & Coast Guard Safety Kit. * Brief orientation covering paddling safety, Toronto Adventures’ rules, and the Humber River paddling route * Our friendly staff to help you launch your boat(s) and/or boards. * SUP Leash (For Paddle Board Rentals Only) **What to bring?** * Dress for the weather! * Wear closed-toe athletic footwear you don’t mind getting wet & muddy (shoes not required on SUPs). * Sunscreen, sunglasses & hats, are all recommended for sunny days. * A water bottle. * Government Issued Photo ID. **Important Information** Anyone under the age of 18 must have a Parent/Guardian/Adult accompany them all the times on the water. Online Adult Waivers are available through confirmation emails. For minors, waivers will need to be signed in person on location. There must be an Adult to Child ratio of 1:4 in the children are under 12 years of age. From ages 12-18 we require a 1:5 adult to youth ratio. We have lifejackets starting at 30 pounds and are fully adjustable. * Paddlers must be comfortable treading water while wearing a PFD and reaching a shoreline (minimum 20 metres to shore). * Late Fees Returning Boat(s)/Equipment – $20/15 minutes per boat. **[Google Link Directions](https://torontoadventures.ca/directions/#humberriverlocation)** **[Cancellation Policy](https://torontoadventures.ca/faq/#cancellation)** We hope to see you out on the water!

Looking to play at Eglinton Flats on Sunday afternoon.

I picked a new location for this very exciting series between Montreal and Carolina. It should be very tight and entertaining

À travers 13 textes couvrant plus de 300 ans, revisitez des faits divers et des événements aussi savoureux qu’étonnants de l’histoire du Québec. Le maniaque au rasoir de Montréal; la momie d'un célèbre pharaon à Niagara; le naufrage du Granicus; les draveurs canadiens en sauvetage sur le Nil; l'extraordinaire "fausse médium" Ann Odelia Diss Debar; le scandale financier de Bre-X; l'expédition de Cavelier de La Salle; Conrad Labelle le Capone du Québec; Marcel Ouimet le témoin de la chute d'Hitler; le KKK et les feux de 1922; quand le Canada a tenté de voler une île à la Russie; l'arrestation du meurtrier Hawley Harvey Crippen; et finalement le vrai visage de Grey Owl.

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** Elizabeth Simcoe named the area now known as Mimico for the thousands of pigeons that blackened the sky at the western end of the settlement. Mimico was originally located at the confluence of Mimico Creek and Dundas Street. William Gamble, opened a sawmill and built a settlement for the workers nearby. Etobicoke's first church, Christ Church was opened on Church Street which became Royal York Road. Mimico is a walkable neighbourhood and a great place to stroll and discover our amazing history. The Lakeshore Hospital was built in 1888 as the Mimico Asylum, its doors opened on January 21, 1889. The original idea for the hospital was a series of cottages designed by Doctor Joseph Workman who wanted a resort type feel to the hospital. The architect was Kivas Tully, who worked with gardener Samuel Matheson. Most of the buildings were built by the patients themselves, and helped with laundry duties, and tended to the vast gardens. But a different story emerged that most Canadians had no idea about. And that was the story of Camp M - Mimico. In 1887, the Victoria Industrial School for Boys opened on old Horner Avenue in Mimico, just blocks from the site of the new Mimico Hospital for the Insane (Humber College.) The school, which was a juvenile reformatory, hoped to break the bad boys through moral and academic education and old fashioned hard work. I hope there was a positive outcome. In 1927, the school changed its name to the Mimico Reform School. But it was the war years 1939-1945 that really surprised me as a Torontonian. It was known as Camp M or Internment Camp 22, the largest camp for POWs in the centre of a large Canadian city. Most camps were constructed in rural areas, and the camp provided space for more than 520 German nationals. The history of this camp is fascinating and had links to the Toronto Central Prison on Strachan Avenue and the Mimico Hospital directly to the south on lakeshore where we begin this tour. This walking tour is for all levels and walkers. The tour begins at the New Toronto Public Library Branch at 110 Eleventh Street just south of Lakeshore. We end this tour at Kipling and Horner Avenue, just a few blocks to the north of the old hospital! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Non-hosted event. If anyone is interested in hosting the group, send me a message. **\*\*If you can no longer come to the meetup, please un-RSVP as soon as possible (i.e. not the day of) so someone else from the waiting list can attend\*\*** This is an informal conversation group for anyone wanting to practice / use their French and meet some new people. All levels are welcome, but having a conversational level is strongly recommended (and of course native French speakers are very welcome too!). / Il s'agit d'un groupe de conversation informel pour toute personne souhaitant pratiquer / utiliser son français et rencontrer de nouvelles personnes. Tous les niveaux sont les bienvenus, mais il est recommandé d'avoir un niveau de conversation approximatif (et bien sûr, les locuteurs natifs du français sont également les bienvenus !) Nous nous rencontrerons dimanche, de 14h00 à 16h00, au foodcourt de Brookfield Place, qui heureusement a beaucoup de tables et garde la musique basse! **+ Juste un rappel que ce groupe est un lieu d'échange détendu avec les autres dans un esprit de respect, de tolérance et de réceptivité à la multiplicité des cultures et des niveaux de français représentés. Merci de respecter ces principes en participant aux meetups.**

This group is to discuss and practice our French . Everu

**Laughter Yoga, Sound Healing & Breathwork Experience (Toronto/GTA)** By **[Lynn Himmelman, Life Transformation Mentor](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/laughter-yoga-sound-healing-breathwork-experience-torontogta-registration-1972773377277?aff=erellivmlt#organizer-card)** [The Redwood Studios: 3rd floor (stairs)Toronto, ON](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/laughter-yoga-sound-healing-breathwork-experience-torontogta-registration-1972773377277?aff=erellivmlt#location) Sunday, May 24 • 10 AM - 4 PM **Overview** An embodied experience of laughter, breath, movement, and vocal sound play - where voice and expression are felt - not performed. **Remembering Who We Are: A Day of Radical Joy through Laughter Yoga & Vocal Sound Play** Join us **in person** for an uplifting and interactive experience - a **one-time** unique intertwining of the expertise from two well-seasoned workshop facilitators: Lynn Himmelman, Champion of Laughter & Play and Ann-Marie Boudreau, Vocal Sound Play Specialist Extraordinaire! **“Before the world told you who you should be, who were you?”** Most of us have spent years perfecting a "mask"—a version of ourselves that is quiet, composed, and compliant. But behind that mask lies a version of you that is ***loud, rhythmic, and wildly alive.*** In a world that often asks us to "dampen down" our inner spark to fit into boxes and meet societal expectations, it’s easy to lose the melody of our own spirit. ***This workshop is an invitation to strip away the "shoulds" and step back into the vibrant, uninhibited version of yourself.*** This full-day intensive is ***a sanctuary for the unmasked version of you to come out and play***. By weaving together the breathwork of **Laughter Yoga** with the resonance of **Vocal Sound Play**, we create a safe container to dissolve the "cloak" of adulthood and remember our original state: ***pure, uninhibited connection.*** **What to Expect** This isn't a choir rehearsal or a gym class—it’s a journey of reconnection. We use movement, rhythm, and sound to bypass the analytical mind and tap into the wisdom of the body. * **Laughter Yoga:** We utilize intentional laughter as a form of exercise. No jokes are required! Through playful movement and eye contact, "fake" laughter quickly transforms into the genuine, contagious, belly-aching variety. * **Vocal Sound Play:** We move beyond lyrics and "good singing" to explore the raw power of the voice. Through toning, chanting, and melodic improvisation, we release stored tension and reclaim our unique frequency. * **Childlike Play:** We revisit the freedom of childhood - before life lured you into a box of limitations - to rediscover a sense of wonder and curiosity. **The Journey Back to "You"** The goal of this workshop is a profound **"Remembering."** Together, we will: 1. **Shed the Armor:** Use movement to shake off the weight of societal expectations. 2. **Open the Heart:** Use laughter to break down emotional barriers and foster deep connection. 3. **Find Your Frequency:** Use vocal play to express the truths that words often fail to capture. 4. **Reclaim Play:** Remember that joy is your birthright, not a luxury. ***"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people, and song is the bridge between the human and the divine."*** **Who This Is For** **This space is for those who feel:** * A longing to express more fully, but something holds them back * A sense that their voice—literal or metaphorical—has been muted * A desire to reconnect with joy in a way that feels real, not forced You do not need to be "funny," and you certainly do not need to be a "singer." You only need a willingness to listen inwardly…and allow something to shift. If you have a heartbeat and a voice you are perfectly qualified to attend. Come as you are . . . and leave as who you ***really*** are. **What You Will Reclaim** * **The Freedom to Play:** Reconnect with your "Inner Child"- the one who laughed without a punchline and sang without a stage. * **Somatic Release:** Use the combination of sound and laughter to flush cortisol out of your system and replace it with a "cocktail" of endorphins and oxytocin. * **Vocal Empowerment:** Stop "dampening down" your soul. Learn to take up space with your breath and your sound. * **Heart-Centered Connection:** Experience the profound bond that forms when a group of people drops their guards and meets in a space of shared vulnerability. **What You Will Leave With** Not just an experience - but a felt sense you can return to. * The memory of your unfiltered voice * A body that knows how to release, not just hold on * A deeper trust in your natural expression And perhaps most importantly: **the recognition that what you’ve been seeking…** **has been within you the entire time.** **Facilitators' Note** *This is a "no-talent" zone. You don’t need a singing voice, and you don’t need to be in a good mood. We don't use jokes; we use the body. All you need is the desire to be seen and heard in your most authentic form. This workshop provides you with the “How”.* **Participant Checklist** * **Comfortable Clothing:** Wear something you can move, dance, and lie down in. Dress in layers to accommodate periods of heating up and cooling down. * **Relaxation Props:** Bring a yoga mat, 1-2 pillows for under your neck and knees, a blanket or towel to cover yourself * **An Open Mind:** Leave the "adult" at the door; they can pick you up at 5:00 PM. * **Water Bottle:** Laughter and toning are thirsty work! * **Brown Bag Lunch:** Bring food for yourself (Lean towards, fresh, organic, vegetarian choices in order to align with The Redwood Studios vegetarian policy)and (optional)food to share. Get to know your workshop playmates, socializing and breaking bread together, between our morning and afternoon workshop sessions, in our community gathering spot, The Redwood Green Room, 3rd floor. If you prefer to break away on your own for lunch, be aware that there are limited "eating out" options close enough to the venue to be back within the hour. ***Reconnect with your true self through fun, community, and joyful expression.*** **How to Claim Your Spot in the Workshop** Please note that this event can be attended **in-person only**. **Pre-registration is required.** Registration closes at 10pm May 23. Register using this link: [https://yourlifetransformed.coachesconsole.com/laughter-sound-play-immersion](https://yourlifetransformed.coachesconsole.com/laughter-sound-play-immersion)

SATURDAY: This event is 2:30 - 4 pm SATURDAY. Conversation tends toward intermediate/advanced, but everybody is welcome. If you come and don't see us right away, keep looking. We could be anywhere in the restaurant.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Welcome to the group! We are kicking things off with our very first meetup and would love for you to join. **All levels are welcome**, from absolute beginners to native speakers. This is a purely casual get-together to practice speaking, make new friends, and have a good time. Drop by, say hi (*or salut!*), and let's hang out! At Panera Bread 300 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 *Note: We're kicking things off at Panera for this first one to see how it goes, but we can definitely look into other fun spots or activities for future meetups based on what the group wants to do!* Can't wait to see you there! ☕️🥖

REGISTER HERE: [SIGN UP TODAY](https://link.elitereimm.com/widget/form/mUCJcb9LFDGoPqRg82jP?am_id=debbie4540) Should a real estate investor get a real estate license? Sometimes it’s a massive advantage… and sometimes it can complicate your business if you don’t know what you’re walking into. In this training, we’ll cut through the “agents vs investors” drama and focus on one thing: **what makes you more money and gives you more leverage**. You’ll learn: * **When being licensed helps investors win** (better access, better data, better terms, better deal flow) * How investors use a license to **create extra profit centers** (commissions, referrals, listings, buyer rep, property management pathways) * The truth about **MLS access, pocket listings, and being first to the good deals** * How licensing impacts **wholesaling, double-closing, assignments, and disclosures** * What brokerages don’t tell you: **fees, splits, compliance, and time requirements** * When it’s smarter to **partner with an agent** instead of becoming one * A simple decision framework: **licensed vs partnered vs hybrid model** You’ll walk out knowing whether licensing fits your goals—and if it does, the cleanest path to do it without slowing down your investing. REGISTER HERE: [SIGN UP TODAY](https://link.elitereimm.com/widget/form/mUCJcb9LFDGoPqRg82jP?am_id=debbie4540)

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

**❤️‍🔥 Richmond Online Speed Dating on Zoom** Online speed dating for Richmond locals — personality matched, hosted live on Zoom. **Choose your age range to sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=30-46&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=55+&face_v=9.0) **⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't confirm a place.** Click your age group below, register, and take the personality quiz. Spots are limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Speed dating from home — easy, matched, and fun. 💕 ✨

**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.