Natural Building

### Saltwater & Stories — Saltwater & Stories is a monthly gathering for women who love books, meaningful conversation, and community. Inspired by the beauty and rhythm of island life, we come together to read and discuss books written by Black women from the Caribbean, the United States, and across the diaspora. From novels and memoirs to poetry, essays, romance, and everything in between, our selections will celebrate the creativity, strength, and storytelling of Black women while encouraging us to fall back in love with reading without limits. Many of us are working professionals and women navigating full lives — balancing family, careers, friendships, growth and self-care. This space was created for women who are craving connection with others in a similar season of life, especially women of color who value social connection, community, and meaningful new friendships. I’m starting this group because years ago I belonged to a book club where I met incredible women who shared my love of reading. Those conversations, friendships, and moments of connection stayed with me, and I realized how much I missed that sense of community. Each month we’ll gather at different spots around the island — whether it’s a breezy beachside space, a local café, or a cozy restaurant — to share thoughts on the book, connect with one another, and enjoy great conversation. My vision for this community is simple: • Read broadly and boldly across genres and topics • Meet once a month for inspiring book discussions (in person or occasionally online) • Build lasting friendships and authentic connections • Support accountability, consistency, and personal growth • Plan dinners, drinks, outings, and small meetups beyond book club meetings to build sisterhood This is more than a book club. It’s a social circle, a support system, and a space where women can show up for themselves and each other again — connecting over great books, great food, great drinks, and great conversation! Whether you're here for the reading, the friendships, or both, you belong here. Come as you are, bring your book, bring a friend and join the circle! Let’s read, connect, and grow — one book, one conversation, and one meetup at a time.

### Saltwater & Stories — Saltwater & Stories is a monthly gathering for women who love books, meaningful conversation, and community. Inspired by the beauty and rhythm of island life, we come together to read and discuss books written by Black women from the Caribbean, the United States, and across the diaspora. From novels and memoirs to poetry, essays, romance, and everything in between, our selections will celebrate the creativity, strength, and storytelling of Black women while encouraging us to fall back in love with reading without limits. Many of us are working professionals and women navigating full lives — balancing family, careers, friendships, growth and self-care. This space was created for women who are craving connection with others in a similar season of life, especially women of color who value social connection, community, and meaningful new friendships. I’m starting this group because years ago I belonged to a book club where I met incredible women who shared my love of reading. Those conversations, friendships, and moments of connection stayed with me, and I realized how much I missed that sense of community. Each month we’ll gather at different spots around the island — whether it’s a breezy beachside space, a local café, or a cozy restaurant — to share thoughts on the book, connect with one another, and enjoy great conversation. My vision for this community is simple: • Read broadly and boldly across genres and topics • Meet once a month for inspiring book discussions (in person or occasionally online) • Build lasting friendships and authentic connections • Support accountability, consistency, and personal growth • Plan dinners, drinks, outings, and small meetups beyond book club meetings to build sisterhood This is more than a book club. It’s a social circle, a support system, and a space where women can show up for themselves and each other again — connecting over great books, great food, great drinks, and great conversation! Whether you're here for the reading, the friendships, or both, you belong here. Come as you are, bring your book, bring a friend and join the circle! Let’s read, connect, and grow — one book, one conversation, and one meetup at a time.

Join me for a small, mindful photography walk in nature. (**NOTE Time is 9:00 AM EST(Meetup is having technical Issue))** This is a slow, intentional gathering — not focused on fitness or perfect photography — but on simply pausing, observing, and being present. We’ll walk at a gentle pace, with moments of quiet, and a few light prompts to help you notice details you might normally miss. 📷 You don’t need any photography experience — a phone camera is enough. This is also not a business networking event. It’s a calm space to connect with nature and, if it feels natural, with like-minded people. 🌿 What to expect: • A slow-paced, relaxed walk • Moments of silence and observation • Simple reflection prompts 📍 Location: [ Red Trabue Nature Preserve] ⏱ Duration: \~90 minutes

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Community Backyards Workshop Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) * Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 * Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM * Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

Nature Printing with Gelli Plate Thursday May 21, 2026 Join local artist Diana Andrews to explore the process of gelli plates. This hands-on, creative experience is suitable for all skill levels, focusing on creating unique monoprints without a traditional printing press. All materials will be provided, but participants are asked to bring additional leaves. Class Fee - $30 6PM - 8PM Location: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park Register and pay here: [https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/269/May-2026](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/269/May-2026)

Nature’s Bounty: Teas & Traditions Hosted by Ohio History Connection: * May. 30 * Time: Noon-4 p.m * General - $15 * Ohio History Connection Member - Free * Location: Newark Earthworks - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Octagon Earthworks 125 N. 33rd St., Newark, OH 43055 Did you know that Red Willow has the same natural compounds as aspirin? What about Staghorn Sumac and Purple Coneflower, containing large amounts of Vitamin C? Join us as we learn all about the uses of plants. This program will hike the grounds of the Octagon to learn about nature’s bounty. In addition, it will explore the vast knowledge of American Indian peoples regarding how plants help humans. Guests will be able to sample several teas made from plants that will be discussed. Disclaimer: This is for interpretative purposes only, and we are not promoting natural healing or any use of self-care or medical advice. Click here to register [https://hopewellearthworks.org/events/natures-bounty-teas-traditions/](https://hopewellearthworks.org/events/natures-bounty-teas-traditions/) Contact 740.344.0498 or newarkearthworks@ohiohistory.org https://hopewellearthworks.org/site/octagon-earthworks/

We will show how to build custom agents with Microsoft Agent Framework. Attendees will learn how to build and custom host agents when Microsoft Foundry is not a viable option.