Paleontology

Peru: Coast to Clouds – Sea Lions, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Trails. **1 spot left** Would you like to go on unforgettable journey through Peru? where ancient legends, natural wonders, and thrilling adventures collide. This unique itinerary takes you from the vibrant streets of Lima to the mystical heights of the Andes, offering a rare blend of wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and bucket-list experiences. ✅What’s Included: Shared accommodation (SEPARATE BED) Experince swim with sea Lion Hike & Guide to Rainbow Mountain 4xBreakfast Buffet lunch 1x **Date: 16-24 May 2026** Arrival Airport: Lima Airport Meet up: at the accommodation [Click here ](https://www.joinmytrip.com/en/trips/peru-discovery-adventure-machu-picchu-rainbow-mountain-sea-lions-Ufws)for more details or [DM me on WhatsApp here ](https://wa.me/393755267768)or Instagram [@windyrann_](https://www.instagram.com/windyrann_), if you are interested in joining!

After a long time, we are practicing our Greek and English again! We will meet on Mavili Square where the ice-cream shop (Epik Gelato) is, grab some ice-cream/drink/souvlaki from the shops/bars around and head to the Eleftherias Park where we will sit on the grass and enjoy the sunset-time. *Bring your beach towel or picnic blanket! I will also bring a couple for 4-5 people to share. *The event is free of charge.

Jump in our whtsapp group,introduce yourself, start connect,put your ideas and lets hangout and make friends https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt ✨ Start Your Night With People, Not Noise ✨ Saturday night at Mint Bar isn’t about standing alone with a drink 🍸 It’s about arriving somewhere you’re already expected 🤍 This is a social meetup where people actually talk 💬 laugh 😄 move around 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ and connect—naturally, without forcing anything ✨ Think of it as the starting point of your night 🌙 A place to warm up 🔥 meet people 🤝 feel the vibe 🎶 and see where the evening wants to go ✨ 🌊 How the Night Flows We gather around the big tables first 🪑🪑 Easy group conversations 💬 No pressure. No “who do I talk to?” 🙌 From there, the night opens up ✨ • People rotate naturally 🔄 • Small chats turn into bigger ones 🗣️➡️🗣️🗣️ • You meet someone new without trying too hard 😊 • Sometimes we dance 💃🕺 sometimes we don’t 🚶‍♀️ • The vibe decides 🎧✨ You’re free to move 🚶 stay 🪑 join 🤝 step back 🌿 rejoin 🔄 Nothing is fixed. Everything is fluid 🌊 🤍 You’re Not Walking In Alone I’ll be there the whole night 🙋‍♂️ Welcoming people 👋 introducing faces 🤝 connecting energy ⚡ If you come solo 🚶‍♂️ you won’t stay solo—unless you want to 😊 This event brings together people from multiple social networks & platforms 🌍📲 Different backgrounds 🌎 different circles 🔵🟢🟣 same open mindset ✨ Every week: New faces ✨ Familiar smiles 🙂 Easy connections 🤍 🎶 The Atmosphere • Social & warm 🤍 • Music that supports conversation 💬 then lifts the room 🎶 • Open-air space 🌿 room to breathe 😌 • Friendly, curious, respectful people ✨ Easy to join 🤝 Easy to stay 🪑 Easy to feel part of it 🤍 🍹 Community Drink Prices Vodka Portokali / Whiskey Cola / Gin & Tonic — €7 Sangria — €3 🍷 Shots — €2.5 🥃 📍 Logistics 📌 Mint Bar https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ffi2B7Riw73TJM4Q9 🕤 Start: 21:30 ⏳ End: when the night naturally evolves ✨ 🎟 Entry: FREE Just say you’re with the community 🤍 👕 No dress code Comfort > fashion 😌 🚇 Getting Around Saturday nights in Athens run smoothly 🌃 🚇 Metro all night 🚌 24h buses Safe, easy, stress-free travel ✨ 🌟 Why This Works No plan needed 🧠 No friends required 👥 No pressure to stay 🕊️ Come for one drink 🍸 Stay for the people 🤍 Leave with a smile 😄 For many, this becomes: ✨ The start of the night ✨ The place they meet their people ✨ The reason the night turns memorable 💫 Final Thought Some nights start with music 🎶 Better nights start with people 🤍 This is where we gather 🤝 Connect ✨ And let the night take shape 🌙 See you Saturday 💫 Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA== Mamad – The organiser of Athens locals&Travellers events #LanguageExchange #Travelers #Locals #Nightlife #BarLife #PubVibes #PartyTime #SocialEvent #MeetFriends #MeetNewPeople #Conversation #Chat #Dating #RelationshipGoals #Connection #Singles #AdventureTime #FunNight #GoingOut #SoloNight #Drinks #Cocktails #MusicLovers #DJNight #DanceParty #ClubVibes #WeekendVibes #MeetupGroup #InternationalFriends #ExpatsLife #TouristsInAthens #CityLife #UrbanCulture #Ταξιδιώτες #Ντόπιοι #ΝυχτερινήΖωή #Μπαρ #Πάρτι #Κοινωνικό #Εκδήλωση #Φίλοι #Γνωριμίες #Κουβέντα #Συζήτηση #Ραντεβού #Σχέση #Σύνδεση #Σινγκλς #Περιπέτεια #Διασκέδαση #Έξοδος #Μόνος #Ποτά #Κοκτέιλ #Μουσική #Χορός #Κλαμπ #VibesΠάρτι #Σαββατοκύριακο #ΟμάδαMeetup #Διεθνές #Εξάπτες #Τουρίστες #ΖωήΠόλης #Πολιτισμός #Εξερεύνηση #Κοινότητα #Κοινωνικοποίηση #Δικτύωση #ΒραδινήΈξοδος #Φιλία #Lifestyle #ΤοπικοίΟδηγοί #ΤαξιδιωτικέςΣυμβουλές #HangoutSpot #ΔιασκεδαστικήΝύχτα #ΣχέδιαΣαββατοκύριακου

Jump in our whtsapp group,introduce yourself, start connect,put your ideas and lets hangout and make friends https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt ✨ Start Your Night With People, Not Noise ✨ Saturday night at Mint Bar isn’t about standing alone with a drink 🍸 It’s about arriving somewhere you’re already expected 🤍 This is a social meetup where people actually talk 💬 laugh 😄 move around 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ and connect—naturally, without forcing anything ✨ Think of it as the starting point of your night 🌙 A place to warm up 🔥 meet people 🤝 feel the vibe 🎶 and see where the evening wants to go ✨ 🌊 How the Night Flows We gather around the big tables first 🪑🪑 Easy group conversations 💬 No pressure. No “who do I talk to?” 🙌 From there, the night opens up ✨ • People rotate naturally 🔄 • Small chats turn into bigger ones 🗣️➡️🗣️🗣️ • You meet someone new without trying too hard 😊 • Sometimes we dance 💃🕺 sometimes we don’t 🚶‍♀️ • The vibe decides 🎧✨ You’re free to move 🚶 stay 🪑 join 🤝 step back 🌿 rejoin 🔄 Nothing is fixed. Everything is fluid 🌊 🤍 You’re Not Walking In Alone I’ll be there the whole night 🙋‍♂️ Welcoming people 👋 introducing faces 🤝 connecting energy ⚡ If you come solo 🚶‍♂️ you won’t stay solo—unless you want to 😊 This event brings together people from multiple social networks & platforms 🌍📲 Different backgrounds 🌎 different circles 🔵🟢🟣 same open mindset ✨ Every week: New faces ✨ Familiar smiles 🙂 Easy connections 🤍 🎶 The Atmosphere • Social & warm 🤍 • Music that supports conversation 💬 then lifts the room 🎶 • Open-air space 🌿 room to breathe 😌 • Friendly, curious, respectful people ✨ Easy to join 🤝 Easy to stay 🪑 Easy to feel part of it 🤍 🍹 Community Drink Prices Vodka Portokali / Whiskey Cola / Gin & Tonic — €7 Sangria — €3 🍷 Shots — €2.5 🥃 📍 Logistics 📌 Mint Bar https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ffi2B7Riw73TJM4Q9 🕤 Start: 21:30 ⏳ End: when the night naturally evolves ✨ 🎟 Entry: FREE Just say you’re with the community 🤍 👕 No dress code Comfort > fashion 😌 🚇 Getting Around Saturday nights in Athens run smoothly 🌃 🚇 Metro all night 🚌 24h buses Safe, easy, stress-free travel ✨ 🌟 Why This Works No plan needed 🧠 No friends required 👥 No pressure to stay 🕊️ Come for one drink 🍸 Stay for the people 🤍 Leave with a smile 😄 For many, this becomes: ✨ The start of the night ✨ The place they meet their people ✨ The reason the night turns memorable 💫 Final Thought Some nights start with music 🎶 Better nights start with people 🤍 This is where we gather 🤝 Connect ✨ And let the night take shape 🌙 See you Saturday 💫 Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA== Mamad – The organiser of Athens locals&Travellers events #LanguageExchange #Travelers #Locals #Nightlife #BarLife #PubVibes #PartyTime #SocialEvent #MeetFriends #MeetNewPeople #Conversation #Chat #Dating #RelationshipGoals #Connection #Singles #AdventureTime #FunNight #GoingOut #SoloNight #Drinks #Cocktails #MusicLovers #DJNight #DanceParty #ClubVibes #WeekendVibes #MeetupGroup #InternationalFriends #ExpatsLife #TouristsInAthens #CityLife #UrbanCulture #Ταξιδιώτες #Ντόπιοι #ΝυχτερινήΖωή #Μπαρ #Πάρτι #Κοινωνικό #Εκδήλωση #Φίλοι #Γνωριμίες #Κουβέντα #Συζήτηση #Ραντεβού #Σχέση #Σύνδεση #Σινγκλς #Περιπέτεια #Διασκέδαση #Έξοδος #Μόνος #Ποτά #Κοκτέιλ #Μουσική #Χορός #Κλαμπ #VibesΠάρτι #Σαββατοκύριακο #ΟμάδαMeetup #Διεθνές #Εξάπτες #Τουρίστες #ΖωήΠόλης #Πολιτισμός #Εξερεύνηση #Κοινότητα #Κοινωνικοποίηση #Δικτύωση #ΒραδινήΈξοδος #Φιλία #Lifestyle #ΤοπικοίΟδηγοί #ΤαξιδιωτικέςΣυμβουλές #HangoutSpot #ΔιασκεδαστικήΝύχτα #ΣχέδιαΣαββατοκύριακου

**Saturdays are for dancing 🪩** **At Bardeau Bar we dance all night long** **Dj sets by March & Paradox**

Το Shut Up & Write διοργανώνει δωρεάν τοπικές φυσικές και διαδικτυακές εκδηλώσεις συγγραφής για συγγραφείς από όλο τον κόσμο. Οι εκδηλώσεις μας χρησιμοποιούν την αποδεδειγμένη φόρμουλα μας: 15 λεπτά εισαγωγής, 1 ώρα συγκεντρωμένης γραφής και 15 λεπτά τελικού απολογισμού για να μοιραστούν οι συμμετέχοντες την πρόοδο τους. ***Τι να περιμένετε*** Δηλώστε συμμετοχή και παρακαλούμε να φτάσετε 10–15 λεπτά νωρίτερα για να τακτοποιηθείτε. Ο οικοδεσπότης θα οδηγήσει σε συστάσεις και στη συνέχεια όλοι θα γράψουμε για ένα ήσυχο, συγκεντρωμένο χρονικό διάστημα. Στη συνέχεια, θα έχουμε προαιρετικό χρόνο για να συζητήσουμε και να γνωριστούμε. Τα μέλη συχνά μιλούν για τις επιτυχίες και τις προκλήσεις τους ως συγγραφείς. Οι εκδηλώσεις μας είναι ένας ασφαλής χώρος για τους συγγραφείς να εργαστούν πάνω στην τέχνη τους. Κανείς δε θα διαβάσει ή θα ασκήσει κριτική στα γραπτά σας. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες σχετικά με τις εκδηλώσεις μας, επισκεφθείτε το τη διεύθυνση: [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) ***Δεν πειράζει να αργήσετε:*** Απλώς εμφανιστείτε και τακτοποιηθείτε και μετά επικοινωνήστε μαζί μου μετά τη συνεδρία. ***Τι να φέρω;*** Ό,τι χρειάζεσαι για να μπορείς να γράφεις! Laptop, κινητό, χαρτί και μολύβι. Ο χώρος έχει απόλυτη ησυχία, και θα πρέπει να κάνουμε και μεις απόλυτη ησυχία. Άλλες σημαντικές πληροφορίες: ***VENUE WIFI NAME/PASSWORD:*** Free - open Wi-Fi ***TRAVEL / PARKING:*** Βρίσκεται εντός του ΚΠΙΣΝ. Πρόσβαση με αμάξι ή λεωφορείο και τραμ. Πληροφορίες πρόσβασης στο link του SNFCC Shuttle Bus, τηλέφωνο επικοινωνίας: 2168091000 ***SEATING INFORMATION:*** Συνάντηση κατευθείαν στον μεγάλο πορτοκαλί καναπέ στην γωνία μετά τα βιβλία στην είσοδο της Εθνικής βιβλιοθήκης. Στη συνέχεια αφού γίνουν οι συστάσεις, ΞΕΚΙΝΑΜΕ ΓΡΑΨΙΜΟ! Ο χώρος είναι ελεύθερος για το κοινό και η διοργάνωση δεν γινεται από την Εθνική Βιβλιοθήκη. Μην αρχίσετε να ρωτάτε στις πληροφορίες. Το πλήρες πρόγραμμα εχει ως εξής: 15 λεπτά συστάσεις να γνωριστούμε, έπειτα 1 ώρα όπου θα γράψουμε με ησυχία και έπειτα μπορούμε να πιούμε καφέ στα τραπέζια στο ποτάμι και να συζητήσουμε τις συγγραφικές μας προκλήσεις. ***GUIDELINES:*** Δεν επιτρέπονται ποτό ή φαγητό εντός της βιβλιοθήκης. Εφόσον η ομάδα συμφωνήσει θα συνεχίσουμε τη συνάντηση για καφέ στα εξωτερικά τραπέζια.

Book your place at www.basketble.com Time: 17.00-18.30 (Athens Time) Duration: 1.5 hours Price: 10 Euros (payment at the basketball court) Facilities: Underground parking Game Setup (depending on the number of players) 3 teams of 5 players playing against each other Winner stays on but maximum 2 games 7 minute games You can play in the same team with your friends or we will place you in a team Come Out and Play!

Tired of dating apps or surface-level social events? This is different. Relational Labs is a guided connection experience for singles who want more honest, playful, emotionally intelligent interaction — without performance, pressure, or endless small talk. This is not speed dating. Not networking. Not “pitch yourself to strangers.” It’s a facilitated relational container rooted in psychology, emotional intelligence, attachment work, social dynamics, nervous system awareness, and real-world human connection — made practical enough that you can actually live it instead of reading another 50 books about it. ## What happens • A 2-hour guided online relational experience • Real-time connection exercises designed to create authentic interaction • A format that adapts in real time to whoever is present • Optional participant-led in-person continuation afterward • WhatsApp connection thread after the session ## This may be for you if: • You’re tired of shallow or repetitive social spaces • You want deeper connection without forced intimacy • You enjoy personal growth, psychology, communication, or relational work • You’re open to meeting people in a more intentional way ## Important This experience runs with whoever is present and takes its own shape each time. Sometimes expansive. Sometimes intimate. Both are the real thing. Booking happens through our website. 👉 Reserve your spot: [https://consciousconnectionsclub.com/join](https://consciousconnectionsclub.com/join) Optional in-person continuation: same day or within 48 hours depending on the city Most people come alone. People often leave surprised by how quickly strangers can feel human, warm, honest, and real. Sometimes awkwardness turns into ease. Sometimes curiosity turns into chemistry. Sometimes people simply remember what it feels like to actually connect again.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Athens Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new brunch spots in your city, together. \* Curated brunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your brunch group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on Meetup.com is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Coffee & Chat (& Brunch) Come and make new friends this Sunday over a nice coffee & chat (& Brunch), the perfect way to end the weekend. Everyone is welcome, International & Greek, meeting in English (but other languages are welcome) Let's meet at En Aithria from 12 to 16/17. Ask for the coffee group https://maps.app.goo.gl/ecdSiXxg6sT8h6kF7 +32486805343 Whatsapp Looking forward to seeing you all there!

**Join us to celebrate 4 years of Bardeau 🎉** **11 DJs, hot dogs in the back yard and dancing till the sun goes up**

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 11:00 - quick intros. 11:15 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 12:15 - (the end) chat / take off / keep writing / socialising. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you at To Theatron! What Should I Bring? Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Ideally come with your laptop fully charged in case there are not enough plugs for everyone. Other Important Details: -Theatron is close to the newly-opened metro station Dimotiko Theatro. The tram also stops right outside, and there are several bus stops nearby. -There is a parking service nearby on Kountouriotou 137 if you are unable to find a parking space. -Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

**Get ready to hop from bar to bar, sip on unlimited drinks, and dance the night away at the Athens Party Pub Crawl - it's gonna be legendary!** ## Highlights * Feel the rush of excitement of **meeting new people** and dancing the night away * Opt to include an **open bar for 1 hour**, including beer and wine or long drinks * Be led by **experienced and fun local hosts** and explore Athen's nightlife * **Dance, drink, and mingle** with fellow party enthusiasts from around the globe * Breeze past long lines at the nightclub and relax knowing **entry is covered** ## Full description Experience the ultimate night in Athens with 1 FULL HOUR of Unlimited Drinks (8€ - 35€+ Value!)\*, free shots, and Free Nightclub Access (10€ Value!) while meeting nightlife lovers from around the world! Get ready to celebrate like never before with the Best Pub Crawl in Athens! Embark on an epic pub crawl through Athens' hottest nightlife spots. Dance, drink, and mingle with fellow nightlife enthusiasts from around the globe. Enjoy an hour of unlimited drinks and free shots at each\* venue, while our energetic party hosts lead you through the night. Skip the lines and get access to the city's best clubs. Book now and make your night in Athens unforgettable! **\* We offer three ticket options:** 1\. The **Sober Owl Ticket**: Does not include an open bar \| Includes: A Free Shot at each Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club 2\. The **Tipsy Owl Ticket**: Includes 1 hour of unlimited beer or wine\. \| Also includes: Free Shot at 1st & Last Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club 3\. The **Drunken Owl Ticket**: Includes 1 hour of unlimited long drinks \(Gin/Vodka/Rum/Tequila\)\, beer\, and wine\. \| Also includes: Free Shot at 1st & Last Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club ## Includes * Local Experienced event host(s) * Bar crawl: Visit 2 Bars & 1 Nightclub * 1 hour of unlimited drinks (depending on ticket option chosen) * 2-3 Free Shots (depending on ticket option chosen) * Discounts in Cocktails (1st Venue) * Skip-the-line & Free entry to Nightclub ## What to bring * Your Best Mood 🤩 * Comfortable shoes for dancing 🕺💃 * Camera * Charged Smartphone ## Not allowed * Intoxication ## Know before you go * This is an Adults only event. 18+ years old ## Booking Terms & Conditions - Code of Conduct By participating in any event (including pub crawls) organised and hosted by Athens Party Pub Crawl, you the participant & every person your booking is consisted of, agree to the following terms and conditions without restriction: [https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct](https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct "https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct")

Book your place at www.basketble.com Time: 17.00-18.30 (Athens Time) Duration: 1.5 hours Price: 10 Euros (payment at the basketball court) Facilities: Underground parking Game Setup (depending on the number of players) 3 teams of 5 players playing against each other Winner stays on but maximum 2 games 7 minute games You can play in the same team with your friends or we will place you in a team Come Out and Play!

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** TBD **YouTube Link** TBD

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: This month John Lairson will share a notebook describing the Alpaca (Paper) Trading API and discuss different algorithms for evaluating stock trades. We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com

# **Saturday, May 16, 2026** **Beginners’ Session 1:30 to 2:00 PM** **Dancing 2:00 to 4:30 PM** **Please note that this is an afternoon dance!** **You are invited to join us for dinner at Olive and Lime (in the church’s back parking lot) after the dance.** **Kim Thompson, from Athens, will take the mic and we’ll dance to the music of Roscommon Sessions. Kim will lead us through a variety of old and new dances that welcome newbies and delight experienced dancers.** **Roscommon Sessions, a traditional Irish music quartet from Columbus, Ohio, began their musical journey centered around the energy and spontaneity of Irish sessions. They are excited to bring their lively jigs and reels, a couple of flowing waltzes, and the occasional musical surprise to the All Soles contra dancers!** **Roscommon Sessions is Steve Steele (guitar), Jim Lindroth (percussion), Carol Metheny (fiddle) and Sarah Sigmon (fiddle).** **We hope to see you dancing!** **Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road, Columbus, OH 43214.** **Cost is $10 for adults, $5 ages 12-25.** **New to dancing? A beginners’ session, from 1:30 to 2:00 PM, will get you started. You will learn some basic figures that will be repeated in the afternoon’s dances. All dances will be taught and no partner is needed. Dancing is from 2:00 to 4:30 PM.** **Please bring your own refillable water bottle.** **All Soles Dance upcoming dance dates are, as follows:** **June 20, 2026** **Tentative:** **July 25, 2026–Summer Potluck and Dance** **No August Dance** **September 26, 2026** **October 17, 2026** **November 21, 2026** **December 19, 2026** **Visit our website at: https://firstuucolumbus.org/connection/all-soles/**

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Feeling down? Sometimes depressed? Can't focus? Negativity & stress? Recent losses? Creativity in career and personal life hindered by mental blocks? Sometimes we never fully recover from traumatic experiences. Whether it was yesterday, last week or a year ago, traumatic experiences - a loss of a loved one, losing a job, a breakup - can leave you scarred. You talk about it and feel a little better, but it never goes away. After you hang up the phone, it's still there; the sadness, the cloud, the over-thinking, the worry, the guilt. You try to focus, but you're blocked. You try to look forward into new experiences, new relationships but a cloud is hanging over you, casting a shadow on what you once considered a bright, cheerful future. What happened to your courage? Your strength of character? You're 'why not' attitude? Whoever said 'time heals' must have had a special time machine, because after weeks, months, years, you're wondering - when exactly does that kick in? Sometimes it seems like drinking or drugs are the way to go. But they wear off, and now the problem is still there with added side effects from the drugs. At this free local Meetup event we will talk about: * What causes grief, anxiety and depression to become chronic. * Is it possible to regain your joy and happiness even after traumatic experiences? * How to break away from negativity and focus on the future * What are the steps to take to get control of your mind and your emotions? Learn about a safe, gentle, do-it-yourself counseling that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Let's explore safe, effective solutions for healing from traumatic experiences. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.

**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.