Paleontology

# 🌟 Season of AI – Episode 02 \| Hosted by Nepal Cloud Professionals 📅 Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026 🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM NPT (UTC+5:45) 📍 Venue: Microsoft Teams **([Click here to join the meeting](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZGQyNjM0ZjYtZjcwZS00Y2RiLWJjMjktODRhM2E0MGJjNjUz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22942f34d1-b21c-46c1-a4e8-c79db96ed93d%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22f1522c8b-70ee-46af-bcab-e645a23d62df%22%7d))** (If you wish to receive occasitional community updates, do sign up at [https://forms.microsoft.com/r/q2NZr5YUhF](https://forms.microsoft.com/r/q2NZr5YUhF) Welcome to the Season of AI Series, a community-driven initiative by Nepal Cloud Professionals in collaboration with Microsoft and supporting partners. This series is dedicated to exploring the latest innovations in Microsoft AI, including Azure OpenAI, Microsoft Copilot Studio, and other cutting-edge technologies. Join us for Episode 02 as we kick off this exciting journey with expert-led sessions, hands-on demos, and networking opportunities. Whether you're a developer, IT professional, student, or AI enthusiast, this event is designed to help you learn, connect, and grow. ## 🎤 Agenda Highlights ### Session 1 – From Prototype to Production: The AI App Lifecycle in Azure AI Foundry **By Rijwan Ansari (Solutions Architect, Microsoft MVP)** 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn – [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rijwanansari/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rijwanansari/) In this session, Rijwan will walk through the complete lifecycle of building AI-powered applications using **Azure AI Foundry**—from prototyping with prebuilt models to deploying scalable solutions in production. He will demonstrate how Azure’s integrated tools streamline development, testing, and monitoring, enabling faster innovation and enterprise-grade reliability. *** ### Session 2 – Model Context Protocol (MCP): The Key To Agentic AI **By Pasang Tamang (Solutions Architect, C# Corner MVP)** 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn – [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ptamang/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ptamang/) In this session, Pasang will introduce the concept of **Model Context Protocol (MCP)** and its role in enabling **Agentic AI** systems. He will explain how MCP structures context for autonomous agents, allowing them to reason, adapt, and collaborate more effectively. This session is ideal for developers and researchers exploring the next frontier of intelligent systems. ## 🎙️ Want to Speak at a Future Meetup? We’re always looking for passionate speakers to share their insights and experiences. If you're interested in presenting at an upcoming session, please fill out the speaker form here: 👉 [https://forms.microsoft.com/r/cywefzeBAV](https://forms.microsoft.com/r/cywefzeBAV) Note: Speaking slots are limited and typically fill up at least 2 weeks before the event. For questions, reach out to us at 📧 [mailto:info@nepalcloudpro.org](http://mailto:info@nepalcloudpro.org/). ## 🤝 Hosting Partner • Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs), NCP Volunteers' Leadership Board ## 🤝 Digital Partner • Makura Creations ## 🤝 Supporting Partner • Microsoft ## 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Website: [https://nepalcloudpro.org](https://nepalcloudpro.org/) 👍 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/NepalCloudPro](https://www.facebook.com/NepalCloudPro) 💼 LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/NepalCloudPro](https://www.linkedin.com/company/NepalCloudPro) 🐦 X: [x.com/NepalCloudP](http://x.com/NepalCloudP) 📧 Email: [mailto:info@nepalcloudpro.org](http://mailto:info@nepalcloudpro.org/) ## 📣 Social Hashtags #NepalCloudPro #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #MicrosoftAI #AzureAI ## 👥 About Nepal Cloud Professionals Nepal Cloud Professionals is a vibrant community of IT professionals, developers, solution architects, and tech enthusiasts passionate about cloud computing and emerging technologies. We host regular meetups, discussions, and mentorship opportunities to foster learning and collaboration. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned expert, we welcome you to be part of our growing community.

**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

To secure your spot please register on the official registration site here --> [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-opportunities-government-contracting-construction-panel-tickets-1988031527816](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-opportunities-government-contracting-construction-panel-tickets-1988031527816) Part of the Pathways to Procurement series. Hear from construction and government leaders, followed by networking. Join us for an engaging panel discussion designed to connect businesses within the construction and government ecosystem. We're bringing together experienced professionals from local government, construction, and related industries to share insights on upcoming projects, procurement processes, and what businesses need to know to successfully engage in public-sector opportunities. Panelists will discuss trends, expectations, and real-world considerations when working with government entities. Following the panel conversation, attendees will have the opportunity to **network with panelists and fellow business owners**, build relationships, and continue the discussion in a relaxed setting with light food and refreshments. **Event Highlights** * Networking * Light food and drinks * Panel Discussion: Expert guidance on upcoming city projects and opportunities Whether you are actively pursuing government contracts or looking to better understand the landscape, this event offers valuable perspectives and meaningful connections.

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

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.

**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.

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.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia