Social and Cultural Outings

Γίνετε μέλος της ομάδας Δωρεάν Μαθημάτων Αγγλικών στη Λευκωσία για μια συναρπαστική εκδήλωση ανταλλαγής γλωσσών και κοινωνικής δικτύωσης! Αυτή η εκδήλωση είναι ιδανική για μαθητές Αγγλικών ως Δεύτερης Γλώσσας (ESL) που θέλουν να βελτιώσουν τις γλωσσικές τους δεξιότητες ενώ παράλληλα κάνουν νέους διεθνείς φίλους. Καλώς ήρθατε στα Δωρεάν Μαθήματα Αγγλικών στη Λευκωσία! Είτε θέλετε να βελτιώσετε τις γλωσσικές σας δεξιότητες για καθημερινή επικοινωνία είτε για συγκεκριμένους σκοπούς, όπως εξετάσεις ή συνεντεύξεις εργασίας, σας καλύπτουμε. Είμαστε μια μικρή ομάδα Χριστιανών που προσφέρουμε δωρεάν μαθήματα Αγγλικών σε όποιον θέλει να εξασκήσει, να αναπτύξει και να ενισχύσει τις αγγλικές του δεξιότητες. Θα συναντιόμαστε σε μια δωρεάν τοποθεσία κάθε εβδομάδα για να κάνουμε το μάθημα και θα χρησιμοποιούμε ένα βιβλίο ασκήσεων με θέματα συζήτησης από τα βιβλία του Λουκά και των Πράξεων για να βοηθήσουμε τις συζητήσεις μας. Άτομα οποιουδήποτε υπόβαθρου, εθνικότητας, φύλου, φυλής κ.λπ. είναι ευπρόσδεκτα! Το υλικό είναι μοναδικό επειδή δεν έχει σχεδιαστεί για χρήση στην τάξη, αλλά για ατομικές συζητήσεις. Θα χρησιμοποιήσουμε αυτό το υλικό για να ενθαρρύνουμε τις συζητήσεις μας. Πιστεύουμε ότι μια φιλική σχέση και η ανταλλαγή προσωπικών γνώσεων συμβάλλουν σημαντικά στη βελτίωση των γλωσσικών δεξιοτήτων. Όταν μιλάμε για ιδέες που είναι σημαντικές για εμάς, προσπαθούμε περισσότερο να επικοινωνήσουμε με σαφήνεια και καταβάλλουμε μεγαλύτερη προσπάθεια να κατανοήσουμε τι λέει το άλλο άτομο. Εδώ έγκειται η επιτυχία της προσέγγισης και των πόρων και η συνεχής αξία τους στην εκμάθηση γλωσσών. Αυτό ΔΕΝ είναι ένα διαπιστευμένο μάθημα. Οι καθηγητές στα Δωρεάν Μαθήματα Αγγλικών είναι εθελοντές Χριστιανοί. Δεν μπορούμε να εγγυηθούμε ότι όλοι οι καθηγητές έχουν προσόντα εκπαίδευσης δασκάλων. Τα μαθήματα προορίζονται για αρχάριους (επίπεδα CEF A2 & A3) και μεσαίου επιπέδου (επίπεδο CEF B1) μαθητές και στοχεύουν μόνο στην παροχή πρόσθετης υποστήριξης στην αγγλική γλώσσα - δεν προορίζονται να αποτελέσουν ένα πλήρες μάθημα διδασκαλίας αγγλικών ή να αντικαταστήσουν ένα μάθημα σε μια σχολή ξένων γλωσσών. Οι ομάδες βασικού επιπέδου επικεντρώνονται κυρίως στην καθημερινή ομιλούμενη γλώσσα. Οι ομάδες μεσαίου επιπέδου χρησιμοποιούν κυρίως επεξηγηματικά κείμενα που περιγράφουν ή εξηγούν πράγματα. Περιλαμβάνουμε επίσης αφηγηματικά κείμενα κατά καιρούς. Θα αξιοποιήσετε στο έπακρο τα μαθήματα αν έρχεστε τακτικά, κρατάτε σημειώσεις για το σπίτι κάθε εβδομάδα και επαναλαμβάνετε όσα έχετε μάθει. Κατά την άφιξή σας, θα σας ζητηθεί να καταχωρήσετε το όνομα και τα στοιχεία επικοινωνίας σας αποκλειστικά για σκοπούς επικοινωνίας και θα υπόκειστε στον Νόμο 125(I)/2018. Περιστασιακά τραβάμε φωτογραφίες και βίντεο κατά τη διάρκεια των Δωρεάν Μαθημάτων Αγγλικών τόσο για ψηφιακή όσο και για έντυπη διαφήμιση και μάρκετινγκ, όπως φυλλάδια και μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης. Εάν δεν θέλετε να βρίσκεστε σε φωτογραφίες ή βίντεο, παρακαλούμε ενημερώστε ένα μέλος της ομάδας κατά την άφιξή σας. Παρόλο που θα προσπαθήσουμε να διατηρήσουμε τη συνοχή της μικρής ομάδας, ενδέχεται να αλλάξει ανάλογα με τη διαθεσιμότητα των καθηγητών. Τα Δωρεάν Μαθήματα Αγγλικών δεν είναι πιστοποιημένο μάθημα Αγγλικών. Όλο το διδακτικό υλικό και τα φύλλα εργασίας προστατεύονται από πνευματικά δικαιώματα και δεν επιτρέπεται η αναπαραγωγή τους. Τα Δωρεάν Μαθήματα Αγγλικών θα πραγματοποιούνται δύο φορές την εβδομάδα. Ελπίζουμε ότι μία ή και οι δύο ημέρες θα ταιριάζουν στο πρόγραμμά σας, αλλά κατανοούμε ότι μπορεί να μην λειτουργεί για όλους. Εάν θέλετε να προγραμματίσετε μια συνάντηση ατομικά σε διαφορετική ώρα, στείλτε μας ένα μήνυμα. Ελπίζουμε ότι οι συζητήσεις σας θα είναι εποικοδομητικές, η ζωή σας θα εμπλουτιστεί και οι δεξιότητές σας στην αγγλική γλώσσα θα βελτιωθούν. Η μεγαλύτερη επιθυμία μας είναι η κοινοποίηση στον συνομιλητή σας να συμβάλει στην ειρήνη στη ζωή σας και στην ειρήνη μεταξύ των ανθρώπων όλων των εθνών. Join the Nicosia Free English Classes group for an exciting language exchange and social networking event! This event is perfect for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners who want to improve their language skills while making new international friends. Welcome to Nicosia Free English Classes! Whether you want to improve your language skills for everyday communication or have specific purposes like exams or job interviews, we have you covered. We are a small group of Christians who offer free English classes to anyone wanting to practice, grow, and strengthen his or her English skills. We will meet at a free location each week to have the class, and we will use a workbook with conversation prompts from the books of Luke and Acts to aid our conversations. People of any background, nationality, gender, race, etc. are welcome! The materials are unique because they are not designed for classroom use, but instead for individual conversations. We will be using this material to prompt our conversations. We believe that a friendly relationship and the exchange of personal insights contribute significantly to improving language skills. When we talk about ideas that are important to us, we try harder to communicate clearly, and we make a greater effort to understand what the other person is saying. Here lies the success of the approach and resources and their continued value in language learning. This is NOT an accredited course. Teachers at Free English Classes are volunteer Christians. We are unable to guarantee that all teachers have teacher training qualifications. The lessons are intended for beginner (CEF levels A2 & A3) and intermediate (CEF level B1) level learners; and only aim to provide additional English language support - they are not meant to be a complete course of English teaching or to replace a course in a language school. Basic-level groups focus mainly on everyday spoken language. Intermediate groups use mostly expository texts which describe or explain things. We also include narrative texts from time to time. You will get the most out of the lessons if you come regularly, take home notes each week and revise what you have learnt. Upon arrival, you will be required to register your name and contact details solely for communication purposes, and will be subject to Law 125(I)/2018. We occasionally take photos and videos during Free English Classes for both digital and print publicity and marketing such as flyers and social media. If you do not want to be in any photos or videos, please let a team member know on arrival. Although we will attempt to keep the consistency of the small group, it may be subject to change depending on the availability of teachers. Free English Classes is not a certified English course. All teaching materials and worksheets are protected by copyright and must not be reproduced. Free English Classes will occur twice weekly. We hope that one or both days will fit in your schedule, but we understand that it may not work for everyone. If you would like to schedule a one-to-one meeting at a different time, please send us a message. We trust that your conversations will be rewarding, your life enriched, and your English conversation skills improved. Our greater desire is that sharing with your conversation partner will contribute to peace in your life and peace among people of all nations.

Join us on **27.05.2026 at 19:30** for the next **Nicosia Tech Meetup**, a relaxed and friendly gathering for people working in tech, IT, and adjacent industries across Cyprus. This meetup is about real conversations, shared experiences, and building connections without pressure. Whether you are a software engineer, product manager, designer, founder, data specialist, student, or simply tech-curious, you are welcome. We are meeting at **New Division**, right in the heart of **Nicosia**. Come after work, grab a drink, meet new people, and exchange ideas in a casual environment. There is no formal agenda, no talks, and no sales pitches. Just good people, good vibes, and open discussion around technology, careers, startups, and everything in between. You can come alone or bring friends. Drop in for 20 minutes or stay the whole evening. Everyone is welcome.

Γίνετε μέλος της ομάδας Δωρεάν Μαθημάτων Αγγλικών στη Λευκωσία για μια συναρπαστική εκδήλωση ανταλλαγής γλωσσών και κοινωνικής δικτύωσης! Αυτή η εκδήλωση είναι ιδανική για μαθητές Αγγλικών ως Δεύτερης Γλώσσας (ESL) που θέλουν να βελτιώσουν τις γλωσσικές τους δεξιότητες ενώ παράλληλα κάνουν νέους διεθνείς φίλους. Καλώς ήρθατε στα Δωρεάν Μαθήματα Αγγλικών στη Λευκωσία! Είτε θέλετε να βελτιώσετε τις γλωσσικές σας δεξιότητες για καθημερινή επικοινωνία είτε για συγκεκριμένους σκοπούς, όπως εξετάσεις ή συνεντεύξεις εργασίας, σας καλύπτουμε. Είμαστε μια μικρή ομάδα Χριστιανών που προσφέρουμε δωρεάν μαθήματα Αγγλικών σε όποιον θέλει να εξασκήσει, να αναπτύξει και να ενισχύσει τις αγγλικές του δεξιότητες. Θα συναντιόμαστε σε μια δωρεάν τοποθεσία κάθε εβδομάδα για να κάνουμε το μάθημα και θα χρησιμοποιούμε ένα βιβλίο ασκήσεων με θέματα συζήτησης από τα βιβλία του Λουκά και των Πράξεων για να βοηθήσουμε τις συζητήσεις μας. Άτομα οποιουδήποτε υπόβαθρου, εθνικότητας, φύλου, φυλής κ.λπ. είναι ευπρόσδεκτα! Το υλικό είναι μοναδικό επειδή δεν έχει σχεδιαστεί για χρήση στην τάξη, αλλά για ατομικές συζητήσεις. Θα χρησιμοποιήσουμε αυτό το υλικό για να ενθαρρύνουμε τις συζητήσεις μας. Πιστεύουμε ότι μια φιλική σχέση και η ανταλλαγή προσωπικών γνώσεων συμβάλλουν σημαντικά στη βελτίωση των γλωσσικών δεξιοτήτων. Όταν μιλάμε για ιδέες που είναι σημαντικές για εμάς, προσπαθούμε περισσότερο να επικοινωνήσουμε με σαφήνεια και καταβάλλουμε μεγαλύτερη προσπάθεια να κατανοήσουμε τι λέει το άλλο άτομο. Εδώ έγκειται η επιτυχία της προσέγγισης και των πόρων και η συνεχής αξία τους στην εκμάθηση γλωσσών. Αυτό ΔΕΝ είναι ένα διαπιστευμένο μάθημα. Οι καθηγητές στα Δωρεάν Μαθήματα Αγγλικών είναι εθελοντές Χριστιανοί. Δεν μπορούμε να εγγυηθούμε ότι όλοι οι καθηγητές έχουν προσόντα εκπαίδευσης δασκάλων. Τα μαθήματα προορίζονται για αρχάριους (επίπεδα CEF A2 & A3) και μεσαίου επιπέδου (επίπεδο CEF B1) μαθητές και στοχεύουν μόνο στην παροχή πρόσθετης υποστήριξης στην αγγλική γλώσσα - δεν προορίζονται να αποτελέσουν ένα πλήρες μάθημα διδασκαλίας αγγλικών ή να αντικαταστήσουν ένα μάθημα σε μια σχολή ξένων γλωσσών. Οι ομάδες βασικού επιπέδου επικεντρώνονται κυρίως στην καθημερινή ομιλούμενη γλώσσα. Οι ομάδες μεσαίου επιπέδου χρησιμοποιούν κυρίως επεξηγηματικά κείμενα που περιγράφουν ή εξηγούν πράγματα. Περιλαμβάνουμε επίσης αφηγηματικά κείμενα κατά καιρούς. Θα αξιοποιήσετε στο έπακρο τα μαθήματα αν έρχεστε τακτικά, κρατάτε σημειώσεις για το σπίτι κάθε εβδομάδα και επαναλαμβάνετε όσα έχετε μάθει. Κατά την άφιξή σας, θα σας ζητηθεί να καταχωρήσετε το όνομα και τα στοιχεία επικοινωνίας σας αποκλειστικά για σκοπούς επικοινωνίας και θα υπόκειστε στον Νόμο 125(I)/2018. Περιστασιακά τραβάμε φωτογραφίες και βίντεο κατά τη διάρκεια των Δωρεάν Μαθημάτων Αγγλικών τόσο για ψηφιακή όσο και για έντυπη διαφήμιση και μάρκετινγκ, όπως φυλλάδια και μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης. Εάν δεν θέλετε να βρίσκεστε σε φωτογραφίες ή βίντεο, παρακαλούμε ενημερώστε ένα μέλος της ομάδας κατά την άφιξή σας. Παρόλο που θα προσπαθήσουμε να διατηρήσουμε τη συνοχή της μικρής ομάδας, ενδέχεται να αλλάξει ανάλογα με τη διαθεσιμότητα των καθηγητών. Τα Δωρεάν Μαθήματα Αγγλικών δεν είναι πιστοποιημένο μάθημα Αγγλικών. Όλο το διδακτικό υλικό και τα φύλλα εργασίας προστατεύονται από πνευματικά δικαιώματα και δεν επιτρέπεται η αναπαραγωγή τους. Τα Δωρεάν Μαθήματα Αγγλικών θα πραγματοποιούνται δύο φορές την εβδομάδα. Ελπίζουμε ότι μία ή και οι δύο ημέρες θα ταιριάζουν στο πρόγραμμά σας, αλλά κατανοούμε ότι μπορεί να μην λειτουργεί για όλους. Εάν θέλετε να προγραμματίσετε μια συνάντηση ατομικά σε διαφορετική ώρα, στείλτε μας ένα μήνυμα. Ελπίζουμε ότι οι συζητήσεις σας θα είναι εποικοδομητικές, η ζωή σας θα εμπλουτιστεί και οι δεξιότητές σας στην αγγλική γλώσσα θα βελτιωθούν. Η μεγαλύτερη επιθυμία μας είναι η κοινοποίηση στον συνομιλητή σας να συμβάλει στην ειρήνη στη ζωή σας και στην ειρήνη μεταξύ των ανθρώπων όλων των εθνών. Join the Nicosia Free English Classes group for an exciting language exchange and social networking event! This event is perfect for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners who want to improve their language skills while making new international friends. Welcome to Nicosia Free English Classes! Whether you want to improve your language skills for everyday communication or have specific purposes like exams or job interviews, we have you covered. We are a small group of Christians who offer free English classes to anyone wanting to practice, grow, and strengthen his or her English skills. We will meet at a free location each week to have the class, and we will use a workbook with conversation prompts from the books of Luke and Acts to aid our conversations. People of any background, nationality, gender, race, etc. are welcome! The materials are unique because they are not designed for classroom use, but instead for individual conversations. We will be using this material to prompt our conversations. We believe that a friendly relationship and the exchange of personal insights contribute significantly to improving language skills. When we talk about ideas that are important to us, we try harder to communicate clearly, and we make a greater effort to understand what the other person is saying. Here lies the success of the approach and resources and their continued value in language learning. This is NOT an accredited course. Teachers at Free English Classes are volunteer Christians. We are unable to guarantee that all teachers have teacher training qualifications. The lessons are intended for beginner (CEF levels A2 & A3) and intermediate (CEF level B1) level learners; and only aim to provide additional English language support - they are not meant to be a complete course of English teaching or to replace a course in a language school. Basic-level groups focus mainly on everyday spoken language. Intermediate groups use mostly expository texts which describe or explain things. We also include narrative texts from time to time. You will get the most out of the lessons if you come regularly, take home notes each week and revise what you have learnt. Upon arrival, you will be required to register your name and contact details solely for communication purposes, and will be subject to Law 125(I)/2018. We occasionally take photos and videos during Free English Classes for both digital and print publicity and marketing such as flyers and social media. If you do not want to be in any photos or videos, please let a team member know on arrival. Although we will attempt to keep the consistency of the small group, it may be subject to change depending on the availability of teachers. Free English Classes is not a certified English course. All teaching materials and worksheets are protected by copyright and must not be reproduced. Free English Classes will occur twice weekly. We hope that one or both days will fit in your schedule, but we understand that it may not work for everyone. If you would like to schedule a one-to-one meeting at a different time, please send us a message. We trust that your conversations will be rewarding, your life enriched, and your English conversation skills improved. Our greater desire is that sharing with your conversation partner will contribute to peace in your life and peace among people of all nations.

Join us for an enriching session at Nicosia Bible Study Meetup as we delve into the Gospel of Luke. Together, we will explore the life, teachings, and miracles of Jesus Christ as documented in this profound book of the Bible. This study will provide deep insights into the nature of Jesus, his role in the Christian faith, and how his teachings can guide our spiritual growth. Whether you are new to the Bible or a seasoned reader, this gathering offers a welcoming space to learn, discuss, and reflect on the timeless messages found in the scriptures. Come connect with fellow believers, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of the foundational principles of the Christian faith. Let's grow together in our knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ as we study the Gospel of Luke with open hearts and minds.

**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.

**Summary** We will play TV-style game shows at [Game Show Battle Rooms](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/columbus/) ("GSBR"). These will include *Family Feud*, *Wheel of Fortune*, and *The Price is Right*, and we will play them over the course of an hour. We ran this event for the second time back in October, and it was an even bigger hit than it was the first time we ran it the February prior. GSBR has nearly 10,000 reviews on Google and a 5-star rating. If there were any event where you were just about guaranteed to have a good time, it's this one. GSBR changes their questions and answers every month, so if you attended in October (or even if you went with another group as recently as April), you will not see any of the same questions you saw before. **The Date and Time of This Event** Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. However, if someone books the 3:00 p.m. time before I do (meaning before I have enough paid attendees), well, that's the way the cookie crumbles and we'll have to move to Plan B. That might involve trying for either one of GSBR's 1:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. slots, or just cancelling the Meetup altogether. We'll cross that bridge if we get to it, but be aware of these possibilities. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to whatever our actual showtime ends up being. (Hence, this meetup's 2:45 p.m. start time.) **Cost** The cost to play, per person, is $36.95 plus 8% sales tax of $2.96, plus a refundable 8% gratuity of $2.96 (see the next section for more details), for a total cost of $42.86 per person. **Mandatory Gratuity (If 20+ Participants)** If we have 20 or more participants in this event, GSBR will assess a mandatory gratuity of 8%, or $2.96 per person. If we have 20 or more attendees, GSBR will give our group an extra 15 minutes of playing time. I am collecting the gratuity up-front to prepare for the case in which we have at least 20 people. However, in the event that we do not, I will refund this $2.96 to you. In the event we have fewer than 20 people and your gratuity is refunded, your cost for the event will end up being $39.91 (instead of $42.86). I will say more below on the actual exchange of money for this event. **Drinks** GSBR does allow beverages into the game room, and they also sell some on-site. These include bottled water, soft drinks, and some alcoholic beverages. You can bring your own bottled water, too, if you want. **Cancellations and Refunds** Per GSBR's [website](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/questions/): *If you cancel your show 5 or more days in advance of your booking time, you will receive a full refund.* *You may reduce the number of tickets and receive a refund if you provide at least 5-days’ notice.* More on this in a moment. **Number of Participants** GSBR does not run events for fewer than 6 people. I will not purchase tickets for this event with fewer than 10 paid, and I will not send out a solicitation for money without at least 12 signed up for this Meetup. More on this below. **The Actual Exchange of Money** Tickets for GSBR events are not purchased piecemeal. I will need to book our GSBR event as a bloc. This means that everyone will need to send me his or her entrance fee via either Venmo or Paypal prior to me booking our time. Anyone failing to send me his or her money will be removed by me from this event. Once 12+ people are signed up here for this Meetup, I will send out a DM through the Meetup messaging system to those 12+ participants with my Venmo/Paypal information. You will then have 72 hours to wire me your share of the money. After 72 hours, if I don't have money from you, I'll remove you from event. If I don't have money from at least 10 people, I'll refund everyone's money, and we'll either re-start the process or I'll just cancel the event. I'm not going to book any event with GSBR unless I'm reasonably certain we're going to be able to run it. Assuming I have money from 10+ people, then I will book the event through GSBR's website. If you decide to cancel and you want a refund, you ***must*** give me time to contact GSBR with at least 5 days notice. Since the date of this event is Saturday, June 27, you have to let me know not later than Sunday, June 21, to allow me time to call GSBR not later than Monday, June 22, in order to get a refund for your share. Once I have confirmation from GSBR for the refund, I will Venmo/Paypal the money back to you immediately from my account. (There will probably be a 3-5 day delay before GSBR actually processes the refund, but I will absorb the cost of the float and get your money back to you right away.) **"Hey, Eric! I just saw this event! Can I sign up late?"** Yes, but you still need to Venmo/Paypal your share of the booking fee to me, which will be $40.55. If I don't get it within 72 hours after you sign up (or time permitting for me to book you in with GSBR if you sign up last-minute), then I'll remove you from the event. **Mandatory GSBR Waiver Requirement** GSBR policies *require* that each attendee signs a liability waiver prior to the event. You can find the waiver [here](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/questions/) (on the right-hand side toward the bottom of the page under the section "Do I Need To Sign A Waiver Form?"), and you should also be able to skip directly to the form [here](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5c473bb934d6a/web/). *You must fill out this waver in order to participate in the event*. The form is short and this really shouldn't take you more than 2 minutes, but please send me a DM if you have any issues filling out the document. **Denouement** Afterward, for those who are interested, we'll drown our sorrows or celebrate our exultations at [Crooked Can Brewing](https://crookedcanohio.com/) in Hilliard. They also have extensive food options. The actual address of the brewery is [5354 Center St, 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/5354+Center+St,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@40.0339813,-83.1623519,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x883893f9f30108a7:0xbe4c8919aa69e3e7!8m2!3d40.0344541!4d-83.1598828!16s%2Fg%2F11gxsh9f_0?entry=ttu).

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.