Green Bay Packers

Another opportunity to discover good posture and a pain-free spine through the Gokhale Method! **Wouldn’t it be nice to feel comfortable in your body while sitting, standing, or walking? To maintain upright posture with ease?** I’m Sabina Blumauer, a certified Gokhale® Method teacher based in Berlin, where I help people transform their posture and significantly reduce back pain using efficient, practical techniques. **What you**’**ll learn** In this free 1-hour introductory workshop, you’ll discover how to: * Reduce back, neck, and joint pain * Improve posture, flexibility, and energy * Sit, stand, and move in a way your body is designed for * Reduce strain from everyday activities like sitting, standing, and sleeping Many participants already feel noticeable relief and greater ease during or shortly after the session. **What to expect?** You’ll get a clear introduction to the principles behind the Gokhale Method and learn how small changes in alignment can significantly improve comfort and movement. **In this workshop, you will learn how to improve your walking and strengthen your glutes!** **Is this for you?** This workshop is especially helpful if you: * Struggle with back, neck, or posture-related discomfort * Have been told pain is a “normal part of aging” * Haven’t found lasting results from other treatments * Want a natural, non-invasive approach to pain relief **The core idea** Pain is often unnecessary, and is a common result of how we use our bodies in everyday life. This workshop shows you practical ways to change those habits at the source. * *“I have been dealing with severe sciatica for 2.5 years now and you are literally the first person whose information has actually helped me. After tonight’s seminar, I am hopeful and positive for the first time in a very long time!” \~ Gerri Hynes, Ontario* * *“I attended the free Gokhale workshop and after practicing the techniques, I have observed a significant reduction in back pain.”*\~ Andrew Howard, Canberra * *“I considered taking the free workshop but I kept putting it off thinking that I should wait until my back felt better. After all, how was I going to sit for an hour in a classroom when I couldn’t even sit 10 minutes in my own home due to severe sciatica pain? Imagine my amazement when I realized that I had sat pain-free for 45 minutes!”* \~ Jerri Bessat, California Please register for the event on the official webpage: [https://gokhalemethod.com/civicrm/event/info?id=14129 ](https://gokhalemethod.com/civicrm/event/info?id=14129) **See you there!**

Build and Strengthen Your Football Foundation in a Beginner-Friendly Environment. Looking to feel more comfortable and confident on a pitch? Join us for professional training sessions crafted specifically for beginner/amateurs and those eager to strengthen their foundational football skills. Our sessions focus on helping you grasp the basics and build a solid foundation lead by UEFA Licensed Coach - https://www.transfermarkt.co.in/fernando-rebora/profil/trainer/122442 **Beginner-Friendly Coaching:** • Led by UEFA Licensed Coach, our sessions focus on helping you grasp the basics and build a solid foundation. **First Session is FREE:** • Experience our supportive and friendly environment with no commitment. **Affordable Monthly Fee:** • Continue your development for just **50 EUR** per month after your free session. Training Details: We are a beginner/amateur football lovers who train with a coach to improve our technique and practice game knowledge. • When: Every Friday at 5 PM • Duration: 1.5-hour sessions focusing on fundamental skills and confidence-building • Where: Meet us on Platz #1 What You’ll Gain **Essential Skills:** Learn and master the fundamentals to help you play confidently. **Boosted Confidence:** Feel at ease joining any pickup game knowing you have the skills to enjoy the game. **Supportive Community:** Train with like-minded individuals in a welcoming atmosphere. Take the First Step Towards Confident Play! Don’t let inexperience keep you off the field. This is your chance to develop your abilities in a nurturing setting and start enjoying football like never before. **👉 Sign Up Today and Kickstart Your Football Journey with Confidence!**

Come join us for a gentle yet powerful Seitai group practice — a space where silence, breath, and spontaneous movement meet. This is a donation-based event, so you’re free to contribute what feels right (from 0€ to (your choice)€). ✨ What is Seitai? Seitai (整体) is a Japanese practice that helps you reconnect with your body’s innate intelligence. Through subtle awareness and guided techniques, you’ll be invited to: Listen deeply to your body through Yuki (a meditative, hands-on practice of sensing and following the breath). Release hidden tension with Katsugen — allowing involuntary, spontaneous movements to arise naturally. Find balance in stillness and movement, letting your body recalibrate itself in surprising ways. Seitai is not about control or forcing; it’s about giving voice to the movements your body has been waiting to express. Sometimes this brings ease, clarity, and lightness. Sometimes it stirs up dizziness, discomfort, or emotions. Every experience is valid — and you are always free to pause or leave at any time. 🌌 Why join? Discover a practice that many find deeply transformative. Create space for release, renewal, and vitality. Explore in community, whether you’re a curious first-timer or already familiar with Seitai. 👕 Practical details Wear comfortable clothes and bring a towel and water to stay hydrated. Bring openness and curiosity. Watchers are welcome — you can simply observe, or dive into active practice. The session is guided, but the real teacher is your own body. ✨ Learn more: 🎥 Watch a short video: https://youtu.be/KF7agFE1zss?si=6UhmjwaIAfBo-_Op 📖 Read more about Seitai: https://seitaibarcelona.com/what-is-seitai/ Everyone is welcome, whether you are completely new or already familiar with Seitai. Bring comfortable clothes and an open mind. 💰 This event is donation-based, supporting the space and allowing us to keep offering it. Private one-to-one sessions are also available at an affordable price. 🌿 Step into silence, breath, and spontaneous movement — your body knows the way. PangeaHaus, Trautenaustraße 5, 10717 Berlin, Berlin, 2nd Floor, first room. https://maps.app.goo.gl/DUA4DqR7DEP5XhEy7 https://www.eventbrite.de/e/seitai-free-group-session-tickets-1982614595626? Pangea Haus e.V. 2nd floor Trautenaustraße 5, 10717 Berlin Concept and rules: https://www.systemik-im-dialog.de/ Deutsch Komm zu unserer sanften und doch kraftvollen Seitai-Gruppenpraxis – ein Raum, in dem Stille, Atem und spontane Bewegung aufeinandertreffen. Dies ist eine Veranstaltung auf Spendenbasis, du kannst also frei beisteuern, was sich für dich richtig anfühlt (von 0€ bis (deine Wahl)€). ✨ Was ist Seitai? Seitai (整体) ist eine japanische Praxis, die dir hilft, dich wieder mit der angeborenen Intelligenz deines Körpers zu verbinden. Durch subtile Achtsamkeit und angeleitete Techniken bist du eingeladen: \*Tief auf deinen Körper zu hören durch Yuki (eine meditative, praktische Übung des Erspürens und Folgens des Atems). * Verborgene Spannungen mit Katsugen zu lösen – indem du unwillkürlichen, spontanen Bewegungen erlaubst, ganz natürlich zu entstehen. \*Balance in Stille und Bewegung zu finden, während sich dein Körper auf überraschende Weise selbst neu ausrichtet. Bei Seitai geht es nicht um Kontrolle oder Zwang; es geht darum, den Bewegungen eine Stimme zu geben, auf deren Ausdruck dein Körper gewartet hat. Manchmal bringt dies Leichtigkeit, Klarheit und Entspannung. Manchmal wirbelt es Schwindel, Unbehagen oder Emotionen auf. Jede Erfahrung ist gültig – und es steht dir jederzeit frei, eine Pause zu machen oder zu gehen. 🌌 Warum teilnehmen? * Entdecke eine Praxis, die viele als tief transformierend empfinden. \*Schaffe Raum für Loslassen, Erneuerung und Vitalität. * Erkunde die Praxis in der Gemeinschaft, egal ob du neugieriger Anfänger bist oder bereits Erfahrung mit Seitai hast. 👕 Praktische Details \*Trage bequeme Kleidung und bringe ein Handtuch sowie Wasser mit, um hydriert zu bleiben. * Bringe Offenheit und Neugier mit. \*Zuschauer sind willkommen – du kannst einfach nur beobachten oder direkt in die aktive Praxis eintauchen. * Die Sitzung wird angeleitet, aber der wahre Lehrer ist dein eigener Körper. ✨ Mehr erfahren: 🎥 Schau dir ein kurzes Video an: https://youtu.be/KF7agFE1zss?si=6UhmjwaIAfBo-_Op In diesem Video [00:16] wird Seitai als eine japanische Kulturform beschrieben, die den Organismus wieder in Ordnung bringt („Seitai“ bedeutet „Körper in Ordnung“). Es basiert auf der Beobachtung der natürlichen Lebensenergie und nutzt Bewegungen wie Katsugen Undo [00:32], um die Vitalität zu fördern. 📖 Lies mehr über Seitai: https://seitaibarcelona.com/what-is-seitai/ Jeder ist willkommen, egal ob du völlig neu bist oder Seitai bereits kennst. Bringe bequeme Kleidung und einen offenen Geist mit. 💰 Diese Veranstaltung basiert auf Spenden, um den Raum zu unterstützen und es uns zu ermöglichen, dieses Angebot weiterhin aufrechtzuerhalten. Private Einzelsitzungen sind ebenfalls zu einem erschwinglichen Preis verfügbar. 🌿 Tritt ein in die Stille, den Atem und die spontane Bewegung – dein Körper kennt den Weg. PangeaHaus, Trautenaustraße 5, 10717 Berlin, 2. Etage, erster Raum. Anfahrt via Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DUA4DqR7DEP5XhEy7 https://www.eventbrite.de/e/seitai-free-group-session-tickets-1982614595626? Pangea Haus e.V. Zweite Etage Trautenaustraße 5, 10717 Berlin Konzept und Regelungen: https://www.systemik-im-dialog.de/

SQUASH SWEAT + TEARS WOMEN / MEN ACTIVITIES Players meetup at the club, play squash (with others around any level), train (if they wish), watch & learn from better players, make new friends, have a few drinks. Please be aware, we must take care to use our allotted courts. We arrange for these based on the sign-up lists. If many people sign up, but do not appear then the courts go unused and those on the waiting list miss a chance to play. In order to ensure this if a party on the attending list has not appeared, their future reservations will be moved to the waiting list. In addition, reservations will be allowed up to fourteen days in advance only. PRICE: €12 Kindly pay at the front-desk reception "before" you play on a squash court. Free for club members. COURTS 3 courts (1 + 2 + 3) @ 18:00 to 21:00 NEW JOINERS / TOTAL BEGINNERS We, the organizers — Oliva or James— are always available to teach you the basics and improve your skills to learn the rules and get introduced to players. Ask for "demo racket" at front-desk if you don't have one. PARTICIPANT RULES 1. RSVP to participate in meetup and play. MAX is 12 players. 2. Cancel your RSVP if you cannot attend. Be courteous to others who would like to attend. 3. Pay fee at club front-desk before playing. Thanks for your understanding and support AIRPORT SQUASH & FITNESS CLUB WEBSITE http://www.airportsquash.de Become a club member for 36 EUR per month and play UNLIMITED! SQUASH CLUB INTERIOR as a [3d view](https://www.keepeyeonball.com/Tour/d77705fd-24dd-44a1-9f12-15bf3648036b/4K?sc=7&y=110&p=-1&tz=100&r=-1.13;0.18&l=0.00;0.00&mz=-8.70&d=0&m=1) courtesy oc keepeyeonball.

Wie jedes Jahr versammelt sich die Bitcoin-Community in Berlin, um den legendären „Bitcoin Pizza Day“ zu feiern. Die Transaktion von Laszlo Hanyecz gilt als eine der ersten bekannten Zahlungen mit Bitcoin für reale Güter: 10.000 Bitcoin im Austausch gegen zwei große Pizzen. Zur Feier dieses historischen Moments treffen wir uns dieses Jahr im Restaurant Viale dei Tigli. Auch dort werden Bitcoin-Zahlungen akzeptiert und natürlich gibt es Pizza. **Bitte beachtet: Jede Person bezahlt ihr Essen und ihre Getränke selbst vor Ort.** Das Ganze ist als lockeres Get-together ohne feste Agenda gedacht – einfach zusammenkommen, austauschen und gemeinsam Pizza essen. Wir freuen uns über viele Teilnehmer. Da die Plätze begrenzt sind, bitten wir um möglichst verbindliche Zusagen. Vielen Dank.

**Looking for a fun, social outdoor sport in Berlin this summer?** Join us to get to know Strandvölkerball - a German twist on dodgeball played on sand! **🏐 What is Strandvölkerball** Strandvölkerball is a **German version of dodgeball played on sand**, combining quick reflexes, teamwork, and a lot of laughs. No experience needed! Most people who join are beginners or haven't played since school. Our ball is very soft! **📍Central Berlin Location** We play **weekly games right next to the East Side Gallery** **in Friedrichshain**, one of the most iconic spots in Berlin. It's the perfect setting for enjoying summer evenings, moving in the sand, and meeting new people. You also have a great view of the beautiful Oberbaumbrücke. **🌞 Weekly Social Games - All Levels Welcome** * **Mixed games every week during the summer** * Focused on **fun, movement, and community** * **Beginner-friendly** – easy to learn, no pressure * Come solo or bring friends! * **Check back on the day of the event** \- sometimes we have to cancel due to **heat, storm, or lack of participants** During the season, some of our training sessions may be reserved for tournament preparation. **🏆 Friendly Tournaments & Special Events** We also host occasional **tournaments**, which are still focused on **fun and inclusive competition**. To join a tournament, you should visit at least some of our social games to learn the rules. Please read the tournament descriptions carefully. 🔥 **Season Highlight: The StrandVÖLKERball-WM** Our biggest event is the **StrandVÖLKERball-WM**, a multi-day festival with: * Teams from all over Germany * Great music, good vibes, and lots of high-quality Strandvölkerball games * Open participation, attend a few trainings, and you'll likely find a team * Want to start your own team? Awesome! Register at: [strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/](https://strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/) **If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us or check our [Website](https://strandvoelkerball.de/).** We can help you with everything, from joining your first social game to finding a team for one of the tournaments. \-\-\- **Auf der Suche nach einem unterhaltsamen, geselligen Outdoor-Sport in Berlin diesen Sommer?** Komm zu uns und lerne Strandvölkerball kennen – eine deutsche Variante von Völkerball, die im Sand gespielt wird! **🏐 Was ist Strandvölkerball** Strandvölkerball ist eine deutsche **Variante von Völkerball, die im Sand gespielt wird** und schnelle Reflexe, Teamwork und jede Menge Spaß vereint. Keine Vorkenntnisse erforderlich! Die meisten Teilnehmer sind Anfänger oder haben seit ihrer Schulzeit nicht mehr gespielt. Unser Ball ist sehr weich! **📍Mitten in Berlin** Wir spielen wöchentlich **direkt neben der East Side Gallery in Friedrichshain**, einem der bekanntesten Orte Berlins. Es ist der perfekte Ort, um Sommerabende zu genießen, sich im Sand zu bewegen und neue Leute kennenzulernen. Außerdem hat man einen tollen Blick auf die schöne Oberbaumbrücke. **🌞 Wöchentliche Community Games - Alle Spielstärken willkommen** * **Jede Woche im Sommer gemischte Spiele** * **Spaß, Bewegung und Gemeinschaft** stehen im Vordergrund * **Anfängerfreundlich –** leicht zu lernen, kein Druck * Komm alleine oder bring Freunde mit! * **Schau am Tag der Veranstaltung noch einmal vorbei** – manchmal müssen wir aufgrund von **Hitze, Sturm oder zu wenigen Teilnehmern** absagen. Während der Saison können einige unserer Trainingseinheiten für die Turniervorbereitung reserviert sein. **🏆 Freundschaftsturniere & Sonderveranstaltungen** Wir veranstalten auch gelegentlich **Turniere**, bei denen der **Spaß und der integrative Wettkampf** im Vordergrund stehen. Um an einem Turnier teilzunehmen, sollten Sie mindestens einige unserer Community Games besuchen, um die Regeln zu lernen. Bitte lesen Sie die Turnierbeschreibungen sorgfältig durch. 🔥 **Saison-Highlight: Die StrandVÖLKERball-WM** Unser größtes Event ist die **StrandVÖLKERball-WM**, ein mehrtägiges Turnier mit: * Teams aus ganz Deutschland * Toller Musik, guter Stimmung und vielen hochkarätigen Strandvölkerball-Spielen * Offene Teilnahme – Nimm an ein paar Trainingseinheiten teil und du wirst mit Sicherheit ein Team finden! * Möchten Du dein eigenes Team gründen? Super! Registrier dich unter: [strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/](https://strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/) **Wenn Du Fragen hast, zöger bitte nicht, uns zu kontaktieren oder unsere [Website](https://strandvoelkerball.de/) zu besuchen.** Wir helfen dir gerne weiter, vom ersten Community Game bis hin zur Suche nach einem Team für eines der Turniere.

Finding for something fun, energetic, and just a bit competitive? Join Us for a lot of Flag Football Fun this Sunday at **Tempelhofer Feld!** We’ll be meeting **from 13:00 onwards**, playing on the field right next to the Biergarten... or rather next to where the Biergarten is supposed to be... when it's warmer... now, like my buddy Phil likes to sing, *it's just an empty space* **Attention New Players**: Don’t worry if the sign-ups look “low”. We play **every Sunday** and Friends a.k.a. *Regular Players* always magically appear from beyond this MeetUp, so We’re always at least 11. Expect a wild mix of joy, fun, competition, trickery, music, drinks, laughter, dancing, and an overall a fantastic vibe. ... yellow flags included! To find us easily, paste these coordinates into Google Maps: **52.478936, 13.410279** This Group is for anyOne who wishes to Play **American** **Flag Football**! Bring Your happiest smile… and cleats, they’ll come in veeeeeery handy All skill levels are welcome — whether You’re picking up a Football for the first time or ready to show off Your inner Sam Darnold, JSN or Christian Gonzalez! ‍♂️ And of course... don’t forget to bring some beers/tea/Glühwein (or whatever You fancy... like cake or cookies... now that would be something) for the post-game hangout. The field is about a 10-minute walk from the bus stop **M43 Friedhöfe Columbiadamm**, and roughly a 20-minute walk from **U8 Boddinstr.** Looking forward to seeing **You** on the field — sharing joy, fun, challenges, trick plays and lots of laughter together! *Take what the Defense/Day/Life gives You - Me*

***“Terrible Frisbee – Fantastic People!”*** *Low Pressure. No intensity, Terrible Skills. Maximum Fun.* Are you unfit? Uncoordinated? Confused by frisbees? **CONGRATULATIONS, you’re perfect for this.** We a re a group of people who has no idea how to play ultimate frisbee, but want to have fun while trying! Join the worst game of frisbee ever attempted by the friendliest bunch in town. No pressure, no score, just chaotic joy. 🎯 **Expect:** * Frisbees flying in the wrong direction * Chaotic and weird running * Out-loud laughter * Very cool people doing very uncool moves 🚫 **Not welcome:** * Intense players * People who wants to show off their skills * Folks who want to win 🎒 Bring: comfy clothes and shoes, water, and your weirdest energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landlsc/

Welcome! This football session is for individuals who like playing on moderate to high intensity (run a lot and change position to give player with the ball option to pass). Usually play on a pretty competitive level. Our football skills are average to good. To keep things fair and enjoyable for all, we follow a few simple rules: ***Show up at 07:15 **so that you can get checked by the organiser* *If you are not checked by the organiser by kick-off at 7:30 then \*\*1 match penalty applies\*\*(being moved to waitlist)* *Related, if you sign out from the attending list after Friday at 3pm, a 1 match penalty applies (moved to wait-list)* *** No studs *If you show up with studs, then you wont be allowed to play - No dangerous tackling *If you get tackled, you need to call the foul - In case of handball only people close (1-2m) can call handball *Since we play 12v12, we have offsides (0-1m difference is still tolerated) - No penalties for handball in penalty box(no way of proving handball and please be fair) *In case of handball, the other teams goalkeeper gets the ball

Please contact me on WhatsApp if you’d like to join our group, as this group will soon be deleted from Meetup. 017684589930 Thanks, Marco We play every Sunday—year-round—and are looking for a few players who are willing to join regularly. Average age is around 27-50. We play on grass using poles as goals, which allows us to adjust the field and goal size depending on the number of players. Please arrive on time, as we need to divide the teams. Game starts 11:30 sharp. Wir spielen jeden Sonntag - ganzjährig - und suchen nach ein paar Spielern, die sich vorstellen können, regelmäßig dazuzukommen. Alter im Schnitt ca. 27-50. Wir spielen auf Rasen mit Stangen als Toren, wodurch wir die Platz- und Torgrösse flexibel a die Anzahl der Spieler anpassen können. Bitte pünktlich da sein, weil wir die Mannschaften aufteilen müssen. Das Spiel beginnt pünktlich um 11:30 Uhr.

Do you like to play football - but relaxed and not with competitive or aggressive players? Are you a bit lazy, a bit old, a bit unfit or not so talented? Are you tired of insecure bros who only want to show off their skills? **Then [Lousy & Lazy Football](https://www.instagram.com/landlsc/) is the right thing for you!** We are a group of friendly people who just want to have a relaxed kick. All genders, ages (+18) and nationalities welcome. **Feel free to join the waitlist even if it seems long - sometimes we make the event larger and play on two pitches (24 players, four teams) or even three pitches (36 players, six teams), depending on demand.** Note: **We do not allow high-studded football boots during our sessions.** To avoid injuries, we only play with "Multinocken" (multistuds) or shorter. Please have a look here: [link](https://www.11teamsports.com/de-de/fussballschuhe/multinocken/). Rules for lazy & lousy football 1. **Don’t be competitive** 2. **No hard tackling/sliding challenges** 3. **Support new players by giving them the time and space to play the ball** 4. **Don’t dribble past multiple players (trying to take on a player is fine but at no point should you be trying to dribble past multiple players).** 5. **Don’t close down the defenders too quickly. Give the team a chance to play the ball out.** 6. **Rotate the goalkeeper** 7. **Be a teamplayer** Waiting list: This meetup is for members of the Lousy & Lazy Sport Club. If you want to try out our lousy & lazy sport events, you can do a trial run (Probetraining).

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

**Get your creative flow going with a Sunday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Martin Luther King Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

**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.