Outdoors

91st Regular Meeting of Ibaraki Toastmasters Club will be held on from 10.00 to 12.00 (Hybrid). You can join the meeting both online and in person. The meeting will be held based on the way of traditional Toastmasters club meeting. It consists of Table Topic Session, Workshop,Prepared Speech session and Evaluation session in English as follows. 10.00 Call to Order 10.02 Guest Introduction 10.15Table Topic Session 10.30 Intermission 11.00 Prepared Speech Session 11.40 Evaluation Session 11.50 Award Session 12.00 Adjouen The meeting is full of international atmosphere. Members cosist of American, Philippino, and Japanese. The meeting will be held (Hybrid ) . We will give the information of URL to those who register the participation in the event.

***A 3-night / 4-day mindfulness retreat in Azumino, Nagano. Reconnect with yourself, reconnect with each other, and reconnect with nature.*** Join us this **Golden Week** for a slow, grounding reset in the Japanese Alps. For four days we’ll **put our phones away, meditate, hike, soak in onsen, eat incredible home-cooked meals, and spend time in a small, warm community.** The theme of this retreat is **The Art of Forgiveness and Loving-Kindness.** We explore this in two ways: 1\. The practice of opening the heart starts with **forgiveness.** The invitation is to begin to release all the emotional baggage we are holding onto — to let go of trying to change the past — and to make deep contact with what’s happening in the present moment. 2\*\*. Loving-kindness, also known as *metta*\*\* in Buddhism, softens the heart and mind and opens the possibility to build a new relationship to ourselves and each other. To, quite literally, befriend ourselves and enter into a more ‘friendly’ way of being. This has the potential to repattern and deeply shift our baseline inner voice and behavior. We’ll explore these heart-based and compassion practices through **guided meditations, pair practices, and group practices both indoors and outdoors**. There will be plenty of time to go to the onsen, have meaningful conversation, do some light hiking, and enjoy the spacious views of the Japanese alps. **Details:** 👇 * **Dates:** May 1–4, 2026 (3 nights / 4 days) * **Location:** Iramu Karapute, Azumino, Nagano (arrive by 5pm [on this train)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/itqYfenJDFwqvdp47) * **Group size:** Max 12 participants * **Price:** ✅ **What's included** * 3 nights / 4 days at the retreat center * guided meditations + teachings * 3 meals per day * 2 onsen trips transportation to/from Hotaka Station (the nearest station) * optional 1:1 guidance during the retreat **❌ Not included:** The cost of transportation from Tokyo to the retreat center is not included in the price. The easiest way to get to the center is by shinkansen from Tokyo to Hotaka station. This is 7,500 yen one way. Also add-on services (acupuncture, massage, etc. if available) 🌙 **Who this is for** This retreat is for people who want a kinder, more heart-centered way of practicing mindfulness. Maybe you already meditate and want to explore practices like **metta, forgiveness, and compassion**, not just calm or focus. Or maybe you simply want a few days in nature to slow down, soften, and reconnect. It will also be a gentle crash course in heart practices, with space to practice both on and off the cushion. For those interested in going deeper, I’ll also offer guidance on how heart practices like metta and forgiveness can support deeper concentration and the jhanas. 🧘‍♂️ **What we’ll do** Over the four days we’ll blend: * guided meditations * nervous system + presence practices * heart practices * nature walks * two onsen trips * light partner exercises * creative / intuitive practices (movement, reflection, simple expression) There will also be plenty of downtime. This is not a silent retreat, but there will be periods of silence. 🏡 **Accommodation:** The retreat will be at the serene [Iramu Karapute](http://www.iramkarapte358.com/index.html) center in Nagano's wilderness, surrounded by the beauty of the Japanese alps. Food is cooked by the local staff and sourced from their gardens and is one of the highlights. Veggie options available. Max 12 people. 🙂 Picture of rooms [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/14S4j_GMC2J8YFZxSdBksdGM0d7vz48N9/view)**.** 💴 **Price:** **¥88,000.** **[Pay here](https://buy.stripe.com/aFaeVccl5geB0mrdZLafS1q)** by credit card or here by[ ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bq5BFENiVoIQh1ik-dxgyGnjkuiKG4uvIKaS5UgpwBM/edit?usp=drive_web&ouid=106280356530157518704)**[bank transfer](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bq5BFENiVoIQh1ik-dxgyGnjkuiKG4uvIKaS5UgpwBM/edit?usp=drive_web&ouid=106280356530157518704).** Bonus: integration night add-on is ¥17,000 (May 4–5). [Pay here.](https://buy.stripe.com/7sY8wO98TgeBb159JvafS1o) *Cancellation policy:* 100% refund up to 2 days before the retreat 80% refund up to the retreat day. No refunds once the retreat begins. 🌱 **Optional Integration Day** If you want more space to chill, you can stay one extra night: **May 4 → May 5 (checkout at noon): ¥17,000.** This includes meals, guided meditation morning + evening, optional 30-minute private coaching / meditation session with me, and a full free day to walk, journal, rest, return to the onsen, and integrate. That makes the full experience 4 nights / 5 days. **🧥 What to Bring:** * A towel for the shower + onsen * Comfortable clothes; sweat pants, yoga pants, hoodies. * Comfortable shoes for walking/hiking * Water bottle * Notebook * An open heart and open mind :) 📍 **Meeting Point:** [Iramu Karapute](http://iramkarapte358.com/) and location on [Google maps](https://goo.gl/maps/BNabV1G2S4maeJLe9?coh=178573&entry=tt). We will meet at Hotaka station. I recommend [this train.](https://maps.app.goo.gl/itqYfenJDFwqvdp47) The retreat will provide free car transportation from **Hotaka station to the center at 5:00pm Friday,** meeting at Hotaka station. Our dinner is at 6pm and opening ceremony at 7pm. If you plan to arrive earlier or later, you can get a taxi from there to the center. If taking a car directly there, parking nearby is provided free of charge. **📵 Digital detox:** We will take your phone at the start of the retreat and keep it in a safe place until lunch time on Monday. Please make arrangements to be completely offline. Emergency contact is 08051858742 (Misha). Don't worry, we'll get plenty of pictures! 📝 **Questionnaire:** Everyone is required to ***[fill out the questionnaire/ waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ogceqDpuae5rezZwPKtighkLjUpTmTtzvPFIg9mcRQw/edit?usp=sharing)*** before the retreat. 👥 **About Your Guide: Misha Yurchenko** is a Tokyo-based **certified, trauma-informed meditation teacher and somatic coach** with 10+ years of experience. He has spent time on retreat around the world and practiced a range of techniques. After experiencing extreme burnout from his venture-funded startup, he founded **[Tokyo Mindfulness](https://tokyomindfulness.com/) and is dedicated to helping others on their healing journeys.** He takes an integrated and practical approach combining meditation, breathwork, and nervous system healing to help people let go of the ego, release old habit patterns and find inner freedom. He is the author of several books and lives in Nerima with his family.

**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.

This Monday 4/27/26 at 6:30p we will walking at Thompson Park. The address is 5600 Thompson Rd. We will meet at the shelter house. The walk will be approximately 2 miles on paved trails~Join us if you can.

**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.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.