Peak Oil

Who do you admire, and why? This discussion explores the idea of idols from every angle: the people we look up to, what draws us to them, and whether that instinct serves or limits us. Are idols a source of inspiration, or do they set us up for disappointment? Come ready to share your perspective, challenge assumptions, and unpack what it really means to put someone or something on a pedestal. **ATTENDANCE POLICY:** To keep this group running smoothly and ensure that spots are available for those who genuinely want to attend, please RSVP only if you are confident you can make it. If you RSVP “Yes” and do not attend without updating your RSVP in advance, you may be restricted from attending future events for a period of time. We understand that things come up. If you can no longer attend, simply update your RSVP as soon as possible so your spot can be offered to someone on the waitlist. Repeated no-shows will result in removal from the group. Thank you for respecting everyone’s time and helping us maintain a reliable and engaged community. **SUPPORT THINKERS AND DRINKERS:** Thinkers and Drinkers International is a registered 501(c)7 nonprofit organization. We work hard to create an organization that adds value to our communities while keeping membership free for all. If you find value in what we’re doing, please consider donating through Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thinkers](https://www.patreon.com/thinkers) **CONNECT:** Instagram: @ThinkersDrinkersInternational Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/](https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/) Podcast: [https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational](https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational) Email: [[[ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com](mailto:ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com)]

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Terrors of Irish Fairylore,”** an introduction to Ireland’s strange and unsettling folkloric “Good People,” with Brittany Warman, former instructor at Ohio State University, co-founder of The Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic, and co-author of the new book *Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-terrors-of-irish-fairlylore2](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-terrors-of-irish-fairlylore2) .] Today it is common to think of fairies as small, childlike, sparkly creatures with glittering wings and dresses made from flower petals. But the fae of traditional Irish folklore were no such things. Amoral, capricious, even malicious when they chose to be, the too-frequently forgotten fairies of times long past would, more often than not, haunt nightmares. Join Brittany Warman, a folklorist who has earned a devoted following among Profs and Pints fans, as she explores the darker side of Irish fairylore. The figures she'll discuss include: The Leanan-Sidhe, a vampiric fairy who gives artistic inspiration in exchange for your mortal spirit. The Dullahan, a fairy with a human spine for a whip and a habit of hurtling across fields in a death coach made from human skin. The Banshee, a mournful fairy whose cry signals a death in the family to which she's attached herself. Dr. Warman also will examine the surprising impact of fairy folklore on two classics of Irish Gothic literature, Oscar Wilde's *The Picture of Dorian Gray* and Bram Stoker's *Dracula.* It’s a talk that will remind you that the relationship between the Irish and the spooky stretches well beyond Halloween. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: “The Banshee Appears,” an 1862 illustration by Robert Prowse (Wicklow Heritage / Public domain).

Hello - The date for the May Maxwell Park Blind Tasting has been CHANGED to Monday, MAY 11. I apologize for the inconvenience but Maxwell Park just informed me that they cannot accommodate us on May 4 so we need to postpone the May meetup until the following Monday. For those people who have already paid, the payment will transfer to May 11. Those who can no longer attend, can request a refund up until 24 hours before May 11 but I kindly ask that you request your refund as soon as possible. PLEASE READ AS THERE IS AN IMPORTANT RECENT CHANGE for the blind tasting at Maxwell Park only: prepayment will be required to attend. Please note that refunds for cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the event start time. But please cancel as soon as you know.) Please bear with me as we navigate this new process. The real maximum number of attendees will remain at 14, but since the Meetup App won’t let me make it a requirement to pre-pay when you RSVP "Yes," I’m not going to set a cap on Meetup's RSVP list, and we will see how that goes. Because there is no linkage between the Meetup App and Maxwell’s prepayment link, you can’t rely on Meetup's RSVP feature to know if there are still spots available. You will only know with certainty that the attendee cap has been reached if you are rejected while trying to prepay. Here is the pre-pay link: [https://www.giftrocker.com/secure/Order/?h=79d20899](https://www.giftrocker.com/secure/Order/?h=79d20899) Let me know if you have any specific questions. Thank you for your patience as we transition to this new process! Maxwell Park is 4 blocks from the Mt. Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center. 🍷 RSVP Please: --**If your plans have changed, please change your RSVP to No.** *Note start time of 6:15 PM!* Please plan to arrive on time. 🍷 What is blind wine tasting? In a blind tasting you use your sense of smell, sight, and taste to try to deduce which variety(wine grape) is in your glass. 🍷 Do I need to be a wine professional? Definitely not - this group is experience diverse and we welcome both wine newbies and wine pros (and everyone else in between). 🍷 How does this work? --Please arrive slightly before 6:15pm to grab a seat. --Maxwell Park will serve us two wine flights: 3 white wines around 6:20 pm and 3 red wines around 7:30 pm. Each flight is $20. A 20% gratuity and tax is added to that. Food and other wines are also available for purchase. --We will discuss each flight as a group and try to reach somewhat of a consensus. Then comes the *big reveal* where we discover if our guesses were right. Full vaccination is required, masks are optional. Unfortunately, while we will try to be as careful as possible, we cannot promise that this will be 100% Covid risk free, please keep that in mind when deciding whether or not to attend. Stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid 19. Please keep an eye on this event for possible changes. Hope to see you there ! \~ Linda Lists of possible wines: [White Wine Varieties](https://www.mastersommeliers.org/sites/default/files/ES%20Tast-CMS%20Probable%20List%20of%20Examinable%20White%20Grape%20Varieties-NEW_2015.pdf) [Red Wine Varieties](https://www.mastersommeliers.org/sites/default/files/ES%20Tast-CMS%20Probable%20List%20of%20Examinable%20Red%20Grape%20Varieties-NEW_2015.pdf)

Everyone’s heard of book clubs where the group reads the same thing and gets together to discuss, which is great… if you have time and interest in whatever’s chosen. This is a different type of book club where you bring whatever you’re currently or recently reading (or just a book you’re super excited about) and talk about it with fellow book lovers. We’ll start with people arriving/ordering food between 615-645, then go around and introduce ourselveslves and give a very brief synopsis of what we’re reading and why we’re excited (or not!) about it. Then devolve into informal conversations until people need to head out. The goal Is to create community and connections in a group of strangers - to facilitate this please make sure you have at least a clear first name on your profile. Upside on Moore has a great selection of food you can order from your phone or at the kiosks. There’s also a bar with happy hour, something for everyone! Arrival tips: if you’re taking the metro, it’s the building above the Rosslyn exit. If you’re driving, you can park in the public lot under the food hall (entrance from the one way bus street) and validate parking after 6!

There is no doubt that spring is Japan’s most beautiful season. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, people gather in parks between late March to early April to enjoy the beautiful pink flowers all over the country. Experience the wonderful spring flowers and the most famous sights in Japan on this tour package. Time to check off your next Bucket List Destination. Highlights Visited Places: * Tokyo * Mt. Fuji, Hakone * Hikone * Kyoto * Fushimi Inari Shrine * Nara Travel Experience: * Local culture & cuisine * Pure nature / Bamboo forest * Scenic drives * Museum, Temple * Sightseeing * Zoo / Wildlife * Bullet train ride * Cherry Blossom (Mar-May) * Tea ceremony * Shopping Tour Start Tokyo Tour End Kyoto Destination Japan Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 4 pm (flexible) Airport: Narita International Airport (NRT) Or Haneda Airport • Return: Day07 anytime after breakfast (flexible) Airport: Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX) Meeting Point * The group meets at the arrival airport or at the hotel on Day01. * More details will be provided via group chat on WhatsApp *** Day01 Tokyo Arrival Day02 Tokyo Highlights Day03 Mt Fuji, Hakone - Shinkansen Bullet Train Ride Day04 Hikone - Koka Day05 Kyoto Highlights Day06 Kyoto - Nara - Osaka Day07 Osaka Departure Cost: $3590 (Room shared with another solo traveler - same gender) $4290 (Private room) Inclusions Price Includes * • 5 nights Western style and 1 night Japanese style accommodation * • Meet and greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport * • Airport transfers on arrival and departure * • Private coach transfers between destinations in Japan * • Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide * Meals * • Breakfast everyday * • 3 lunches and 2 dinners * Admission fees and activities All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary.  Transport Travel by private coach between destinations, hassle free baggage handling. Price Excludes * International airfares * Meals that are not included in the itinerary * Travel Insurance * Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks * Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills * Gratuities Follow the link for complete details and to reserve your spot. [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/japan-highlights-cherry-blossom-or-spring-season/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/japan-highlights-cherry-blossom-or-spring-season/) Questions? Text or call 202-378-7696 Himanshu - Organizer

Everyone, please join us on Monday, May 11 at 7 p.m. to discuss [The Screwtape Letters](https://www.amazon.com/Screwtape-Letters-C-S-Lewis-ebook/dp/B002BD2V2Y/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0) by [C.S. Lewis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._S._Lewis)\. \| 222pp\. This timeless classic recounting the correspondence between two devils is one of Lewis’s most brilliant imaginative creations and has sold millions of copies worldwide. “My Dear Wormwood...."? Enter Screwtape, an experienced devil. His nephew Wormwood is just at the start of his career as a tempter and has been assigned to secure the damnation of an ordinary young man who has just become a Christian.? In this slyly humorous exchange, C. S. Lewis delves into moral questions about good and evil, temptation, repentance, and grace. This is a book for C. S. Lewis fans and anyone who wants to take a deep dive into what it means to be a human. Lewis uses The Screwtape Letters to convey religious concepts like temptation in an understandable way by exploring free will and how it is humanity’s greatest weakness as well as its greatest strength. Our meetings have a $3 fee, purely to offset the cost of Meetup. This can be paid via Venmo, Paypal, or in cash. We do not accept requests from authors to read their books. We will never ask for money beyond the above fee. If you receive offers purporting to come from the club they are part of an online scam.

For our inaugural meat up we will discuss the fan favorite David Grann’s Killers of The Flower Moon. Synopsis: The book investigates a series of murders of wealthy Osage people that took place in Osage County, Oklahoma, in the early 1920s after extensive oil deposits were discovered beneath their land. After the Osage are awarded headrights in court to the profits from oil deposits found on their land, the Osage people prepare to receive the wealth to which they are legally entitled from sales of their oil deposits. The Osage are viewed as the "middle man" and a complex plot is hatched to eliminate the Osage inheritors one by one, by any means possible. Officially, the count of the wealthy Osage victims reaches at least 20 but Grann suspects that perhaps hundreds more may have been killed because of their ties to oil. The book details the new FBI’s investigation of the murders and the eventual trial and conviction of cattleman William King Hale as the mastermind behind the plot. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/193388249-killers-of-the-flower-moon We will meet at ForFive in Rosslyn in the upper floor seating area.

**The Kosciuszko Foundation Next-Gen Association for Young Professionals** invites all peers in the Washington, DC and surrounding areas to the event: ***Scaling Success: Poland’s Private Sector in the Global Economy. Panel with Erik Brattberg and Pablo Rasmussen, Brzezinski Global Strategies.*** Join us for a dynamic KF Next-Gen panel discussion and networking reception featuring Erik Brattberg and Pablo Rasmussen of Brzezinski Global Strategies. Together, we will explore the key drivers behind Poland’s private sector expansion, including entrepreneurship, foreign investment, and regulatory evolution, while examining emerging opportunities in clean energy, digital innovation, and infrastructure, as well as the challenges ahead. **TUESDAY\, May 12\, 2026 \| 6:00\-8:00 PM** **The Kosciuszko Foundation DC** 2025 O Street NW Washington, DC 20036 **Poland has emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic economic success stories**, with its private sector playing a central role in driving sustained growth and innovation. Over the past three decades, the country has transformed into a leading economy in Central and Eastern Europe, with rapid GDP expansion and notable resilience through global economic shocks. Today, Poland ranks among the largest economies in the European Union, supported by a diversified industrial base and a highly skilled workforce. At the heart of this transformation is a vibrant and expanding private sector. Market-oriented reforms have enabled private enterprises to account for roughly 80% of employment, exports, and economic value creation—making them the primary engine of national growth. From advanced manufacturing and logistics to a fast-growing technology and services ecosystem, Polish firms are increasingly competitive on the global stage. **Erik Brattberg** is Managing Partner of Brzezinski Global Strategies. He previously served as Senior Vice President at DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group, advising clients on U.S. national security policy, transatlantic relations, and political risk. A recognized expert on Europe with over 15 years of experience, he has held senior roles at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the McCain Institute, among others. Erik is a frequent commentator in major international media and has written for outlets including *The Washington Post*, *Financial Times*, and *Foreign Affairs*. He holds degrees from Georgetown University and Uppsala University and has completed executive studies at Oxford University. **Pablo Rasmussen** is a Director at Brzezinski Global Strategies. He previously served in the Biden-Harris Administration as an advisor to the Deputy Director of the Peace Corps, supporting global operations and strategic initiatives across 61 country programs. Before that, he worked at Albright Stonebridge Group, advising Fortune 500 companies and organizations on transatlantic affairs, EU policy, and investment strategy. He holds a degree in Government from Harvard University and is fluent in English and Spanish. **Refreshments will be served.** **This is a FREE event. RSVP required to: development@thekf.org**

Details Location: Crimson Whiskey Bar (Either the downstairs whiskey bar, or main floor bar, TBD) The purpose of Thinkers and Drinkers is to facilitate casual but meaningful and interesting conversations with other people in a face-to-face setting. The topics cover a wide variety of issues and are different for every meeting. While conversations may get heated at times, we ask that all members be respectful of each other and refrain from personal insults. \*\*\* **Topic: Are individuals at fault for the fact that the most widely used information sources often fail to provide the nuanced dichotomy required to express the truth? Did our desire for affirmation, entertainment, or oversimplified explanations create the misinformation age?** Modern technology ensures that misinformation can be generated and disseminated faster and at a lower cost than ever before. Algorithms and automated systems facilitate the rapid spread of content that reinforces existing worldviews, often outpacing information that challenges them. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it can provide an endless supply of misleading content that is increasingly difficult to distinguish from the truth. While technological advancements may offer potential solutions for verifying authenticity, the immense profits and political power gained from distorting or controlling reality often create significant incentives to prevent the implementation of such safeguards. Given these profound supply-side challenges, the demand and consumption of misinformation should be explored more. Understanding and then evolving the psychological motivations of consumers —such as the desire for affirmation, entertainment, or oversimplified explanations—may be the final line of defense in reclaiming an objective reality. **Questions to consider:** When is the last time you read something that made you think your opinion had been wrong? Is the misinformation age a demand side problem or is that victim blaming? Can we change ourselves instead of hoping to rein in the tech and news giants that have outgrown government regulations or borders? Did you learn something this week that shocked you/ made you change your mind? **Quotes to ponder:** “Truth will ultimately prevail where pains is taken to bring it to light.” George Washington “The masses have never thirsted after truth. They turn aside from evidence that is not to their taste, preferring to deify error, if error seduce them. Whoever can supply them with illusions is easily their master; whoever attempts to destroy their illusions is always their victim.” Gustave Le Bon **Sources to consider:** Please consider sharing your own source that challenged one of your opinions, whether an article, podcast, book or something else. If you’ve never read it, please consider reading Plato’s allegory of cave (chapter 7 of The Republic) https://web.sbu.edu/theology/bychkov/plato%20republic%207.pdf

The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and there is no better time for a fresh start! As the weather warms up, **Chesapeake Harmony Chorus** is looking for new voices to join our circle of friendship and song. Whether you’ve been singing your whole life or just in the shower, we invite you to experience the joy of a cappella harmony. It’s more than just music—it’s a community. ### **Why Join Us This Spring?** * **A Fresh Start:** Shake off the winter chill and discover a new hobby that energizes the soul. * **Find Your Voice:** Learn vocal techniques and harmony in a supportive, fun environment. * **Community & Connection:** Meet a vibrant group of people who share a love for performance and local fellowship. **What to Expect:** A typical rehearsal includes a physical and vocal warm-up, working repertoire, and plenty of laughs. No pressure—just come ready to listen or join in when ready! Come see what we're all about! You don't need experience, just a love for singing and the ability to carry a tune. We provide the rest: * 🎶 **Expert Vocal Coaching** (It's free!) * 👭 **Instant Sisterhood** and Lasting Friendships **Ready to find your voice?** * **When:** Wednesdays at 7:00 PM * **Where:** 1358 Millersville Road Millersville, MD 21108 * **Who:** Anyone who loves to sing! No professional experience is required—just a passion for music and a desire to learn. **We can’t wait to meet you. Just show up and we’ll handle the rest!** **Chesapeake Harmony Chorus** Where Voices Unite and Friendships are Forever. You can find out more about us at our website, [[www.ChesapeakeHarmony.org](http://www.chesapeakeharmony.org/)]

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“How AI Alters Thinking,”** on dealing with artificial intelligence’s capacity to change and undermine our thought processes, with Eli Alshanetsky, assistant professor of philosophy at Temple University, principal investigator at its Cognitive Integrity Lab, and author of an upcoming book on AI and freedom of thought. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-how-ai-alters](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-how-ai-alters) .] Doctors who give bad advice can be sued for malpractice. Teachers belong to a profession with set standards. When artificial intelligence guides you, however, that guidance comes with a disclaimer: Use at your own risk. Every day millions of people take that risk, and usually AI seems genuinely helpful. But even if AI gives us good answers, might its use over time do bad things to how we think? Explore the relationship between AI and our own minds with Eli Alshanetsky, whose Cognitive Integrity Lab studies how artificial intelligence changes how we think, learn, and build trust. Author of *Articulating a Thought* and the upcoming book F*reedom of Thought in the Age of AI*, he’s on the cutting edge of efforts to answer AI-related questions such as: How can we tell when work is truly our own? How can technology support rather than replace authorship and reflection? What does trust mean when AI mediates our relationships with others and with our own thoughts? To set up his discussion of potential consequences of AI, he’ll describe how social media’s impact on society serves as a preview. Social media didn’t just give people what they wanted to click on, it actually changed what they regarded as click-worthy. It broke attention spans and fueled radicalization across millions of very different people. It left us with people who doom-scroll for hours, who can’t focus, who don’t know what to trust anymore. If you’d shown people this version of themselves ten years ago, would they have chosen it? Artificial intelligence is making a similar deal with us, but the stakes are higher. It isn’t chasing clicks. It’s optimized for giving you the most satisfying response to whatever is on your mind right now. The risk over time isn’t just that you’ll get lazy. More profoundly, even when you think hard, your sense of what counts as good thinking—as well as what sounds like you—will shift to match what AI has been feeding you. We’ll consider what kind of person this produces and whether this is someone we want to be or want children to become. Professor Alshanetsky will lay out a practical framework, which he calls “the interaction layer,” for using AI without letting it replace the thinking it’s supposed to support. He’ll also talk about what AI-related concerns should be the focus of parents and educators. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Illustration by David S. Soriano / Creative Commons.

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Nightmares and Creativity,”** on the relationship between frightening dreams and real creative achievements, with Bernard Welt, emeritus professor of arts and humanities at George Washington University, former member of the board of the International Association for the Study of Dreams, and contributing editor of *DreamTime*. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at[ https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-nightmares-and-creativity]( https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-nightmares-and-creativity).] Nightmares are associated with creativity—but how, exactly? Why do so many famous accounts of genius in the arts and sciences originate with a frightening dream? Explore such questions with the help of Bernard Welt, who has taught courses on recalling dreams and dream journaling and written extensively on the relationship between dreaming and the arts. Using excerpts from texts, illustrations of artworks, and clips from classic films derived from nightmares, Professor Welt will look at the relationship between bad dreams and celebrated innovations and creative accomplishments. You’ll learn why psychologists consider the nightmare to be a key to understanding the creative power of the unconscious mind. We’ll consider sleep scientists’ definitions of the nightmare, asking why it still remains controversial, and explore contemporary theories about the relationship between nightmares and creativity from psychoanalysis, Jungian archetypal theory, evolutionary psychology, and other sources. Though dreams have special authority in many cultures, in the western world it’s only among the nineteenth-century Romantics that we began to see personal accounts of creativity inspired by dreams—curiously, preponderantly bad ones. We’ll look at how *Frankenstein* arose from Mary Shelley’s famous dream of a scientist confronted by his own fearful creation, and how art’s Surrealist movement taught us to value our nightmares. You’ll learn how dreams of all kinds can result in sudden inspiration because they relax inhibitions, transcend habitual trains of thought, and permit ideas that would be rejected by the thought processes of waking life. You’ll even come to see why we may welcome our nightmares as opportunities to expand our vision and our understanding. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From Francisco Goya’s 1799 etching “The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters” (public domain).

**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.

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Who’s up for a fun night out? Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun! Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together. • Lively atmosphere with country vibes • Delicious food + drinks • Music, dancing, and lots of laughs • Great conversation and new connections

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!