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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out pittsburgh events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the pittsburgh events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find pittsburgh events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Pittsburgh Events Today
Join in-person Pittsburgh events happening right now
Monday Afterwork Socializing
Drinking & Networking in Brussels. For newcomers, temporary in town - couch surfers and regulars to meet & socialize. What a better day to start the week than drinking & socializing starting on Monday evening?
Odoo Academy eCommerce - Luxembourg
Sluit je aan bij onze volgende Odoo Academy-sessie over eCommerce op 18 mei 2026 in Antwerpen!
De Odoo Academy bestaat uit gratis eendaagse trainingen waarbij deelnemers direct kunnen leren van onze ervaren experts.
Als je geïnteresseerd bent in het opzetten van een eCommerce-website voor je bedrijf, is deze gratis trainingsdag perfect voor jou!
Tijdens deze dag leer je hoe je een krachtige eCommerce-website maakt met Odoo, het alles-in-één bedrijfsbeheersplatform.
Schrijf je gratis in via onze website: [https://www.odoo.com/r/7im](https://www.odoo.com/r/7im)
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Praktische informatie:
Waar? Odoo Antwerpen (Roderveldlaan 3 – Berchem)
Wanneer? 18 mei 2026 van 9:00 tot 17:00
Inschrijving? [https://www.odoo.com/r/7im](https://www.odoo.com/r/7im)
Prijs? Gratis!
We kijken ernaar uit je daar te zien en te ontmoeten!
Speak with Confidence – Public Speaking Training by Dacia Toastmasters
Do you want to become a confident public speaker? To communicate better and connect? And have fun?
Join **Dacia Toastmasters** for an inspiring evening of speeches, impromptu challenges and helpful feedback – all in a warm, international atmosphere.
We are a supportive Toastmasters club where communication and leadership skills grow together – through practice, encouragement and community.
Next meeting:
📅 First & Third Monday of the month
🕗 19:00 – 21:00 (doors open at 18:45)
📍 Marriott Courtyard Brussels EU
Rue Joseph II / Jozef-II straat, 1000 Brussels
(Conveniently located near metro Arts-Loi / Kunst-Wet)
Why join **Dacia Toastmasters**?
✔️ Practise public speaking with prepared speeches and quick-thinking exercises
✔️ Improve your communication and leadership skills
✔️ Receive constructive feedback in a positive setting
✔️ Meet a vibrant, multilingual community
Our meetings are in English with a taste of Romanian and open to everyone.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll find a place to grow.
Guests are always welcome. Just bring your curiosity.
📩 RSVP now and join us for a memorable evening!
Public Speaking and Leadership Training
Do you want to become a confident public speaker? To communicate better and connect? And have fun? Come and join Atomic Toastmasters.
You'll find a supportive learn-by-doing environment.
It doesn't matter if you are an experienced speaker or if you are a guest. We are there to support you, to make you feel good about yourself and to help you learn in a way that's fun.
We have lovely Table Topic sessions (impromptu speeches) and 3 to 4 prepared speeches.
Through practice, peer evaluation and educational tools, we learn how to present our messages effectively, concisely and professionally.
And.. we are excited to welcome you on Monday. Entrance free on the first Monday of the month.
Atomic Team
Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró, African Dance Classes/Cours
EN (FR en bas):
We're still accepting people in our classes. Join us!
-step 1: Book here! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html)
-step 2: Show up!
[Schedule](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#schedule)
Fees :
[All info on trials, packs, subscriptions here](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#fees)
Locations:
-Rue Brialmont 7, Brussels
Metro/Tram: Botanique
Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1:
From base to the dancefloor!
When you come for the first time we go over the base & rhythm with you. Then you are included in the group and everybody learns the same new steps for which you just need the base.
Practice makes perfect: just relax and enjoy Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop and/or Forró!
Our group is very welcoming and looking forward to meet new dancers!
Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2:
Ready to go deeper on Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop &/or Forró? Let's go!
[https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers)
Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3:
Looking for #SalsaChallenge? Already familiar with Forró Root? We've got your back!
[https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates)
More info:
-Web: [https://www.danceproject.be](https://www.danceproject.be)
-Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10
-Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com
-[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project)
-[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)
\-\-\-\-\-
FR:
Nous acceptons encore de nouvelles personnes dans nos cours. Rejoins-nous !
-1ère pas : Fait ta réservation ! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html)
-2ème pas : Vient danser !
[Horaire](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#horaire)
Les prix :
[Toutes les infos sur les essais, packs, abonnements ici](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#prix)
Endroits :
-Rue Brialmont 7, Bruxelles
Metro/Tram: Botanique
Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1 :
De la base à la piste de danse !
Lorsque tu nous rejoins on voit la base et le rythme avec toi. Ensuite, tu es inclus dans le groupe et tout le monde apprend les mêmes pas pour lesquelles tu as juste besoin de la base.
C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron : détend-toi et profite la Salsa, de la Bachata, du Lindy Hop et/ou du Forró !
Notre groupe est très accueillant et a hâte de rencontrer de nouveaux danseurs !
Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2 :
Prêt à approfondir la Salsa, la Bachata, le Lindy Hop &/ou le Forró ? Allons-y!
[https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities)
Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3 :
Tu cherches #DefiSalsa ? Tu connais déjà Forró Roots ? Nous sommes là pour toi !
[https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires)
Plus d’info:
-Web: [https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html](https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html)
-Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10
-Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com
-[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project)
-[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)
Improv for all - Cafe Merlo
IMPORTANT: New Location - This session is at Cafe Merlo
Please take a moment to read the information and rules for the sessions.
**Overview:** Improv sessions in English accepting all levels. We play short and long-form improv comedy, which includes theater-style scenes, guessing, and group games.
**Topics:**
* Timing
* Location
* Participation (Attendees list)
* RSVP rules
* Improv session format
* Who is it for? (Participation requirement)
***
* **Timing**
Being on time will help you and everyone.
**18h15** \- Doors open
*Please take this time to order your drinks/food and settle in.*
**18h30** \- Start of the session
**Are you late?**
Please inform the event host, or comment on the event page. If you arrive late and the session is already in progress, please wait on the side till the game/scene is finished. Wait for the session moderator to indicate when you can start participating.
* **Location**
The session takes place on the first floor of
Cafe Merlo
Quai Aux Briques 80 · Brussels
* **Participation (Attendee list)**
The session is limited to **12 attendees**. This is to ensure that the session is manageable and everybody gets enough chances to participate.
Therefore, only the people on the "attendee list" are allowed to be present at the session and participate.
**Waiting list**: People on the waiting list should keep an eye on the updates, in case someone from the attendees' list drops and you get their spot.
**Just want to observe?** Usually, we don't allow any extra audience during these sessions. We invite you to come to any of our shows.
But if for some reason you are only interested in observing and not participating, please contact the event host on meetup, or talk with them personally at the session and explain your reasons. Admission for this is not guaranteed.
*People on the attendee list are expected to take part.*
* **RSVP Rules**
* Please update your RSVP status in a timely manner, if you can't make it to the session. This applies to people on the **attendee list AND waiting list.**
* If you are on the waiting list, and already know that you won't be able to join in case someone from the main list drops, please update your RSVP to "not going". This will give the chance to the next person on the waiting list.
* Emergencies aside, please update your rsvp status on time. Canceling last minute or just 1 hour before isn't helpful.
* If we see a pattern from someone not showing up after confirming, or last-minute cancellations, we reserve the right to prohibit access to the sessions.
* Please write a comment if you cancel and your spot becomes available. With this others will get an extra notification.
**Improv Session Format**
The session is held in English.
The session is divided into three sections: Warm up, Scene games, and Cool down.
**Warmup:** Quick group games are played to break the ice and get the creative juices flowing.
**Scenes:** Then we move on to scene games. These are mostly from short-form improv, which can include different games with various gimmicks, like story building, character work, guessing, etc
**Cool down:** One or two short group games to end the session. The rules are explained by the moderator before each game.
There is no obligation to take part in games that you are not comfortable with.
There can be feedback after a game is played. This is so that we learn from each other and gain skills and insights.
**Tip**: If you are new, pay attention to the regular players when they are performing and notice small details, like how a stage is cleared before a scene, how to enter a scene, and how to collaborate with each other.
* **Who is it for?**
Anyone who is interested in improv! We accept all levels, beginners, and advanced participants
This is a great place to start if you are new to improv. The basics will be explained. We only require the "Yes, and...!" spirit!
If you are an advanced player and have ideas and games to share and work on, please do let us know.
We look forward to welcoming you and doing improv!
Pittsburgh Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
💃 Dance & Meet Experience @café_Luxembourg
## 💃 Dance & Meet Experience – Afterwork pour danser et rencontrer
*Scroll down for EN*
📅 Vendredi 22 Mai
📍 Barabar
🕖 18h – 21h
Et si on changeait la façon de faire des rencontres à Bruxelles ?
Bienvenue à **Dance & Meet Experience**, un concept original qui mêle **danse, rencontres et bonne énergie** dans une atmosphère conviviale et élégante.
Inspiré de la nouvelle tendance des **soirées dansantes en début de soirée**, cet événement vous permet de profiter pleinement de l’ambiance festive **sans devoir sortir toute la nuit**.
Après le travail, venez vous détendre, bouger, rencontrer de nouvelles personnes et partager un moment vibrant — tout en gardant votre soirée libre.
***
### ✨ Le concept
**Dance & Meet Experience** n’est pas simplement une soirée.
C’est une **expérience sociale autour de la danse**, conçue pour favoriser des rencontres naturelles et authentiques.
La soirée combine :
• une atmosphère chaleureuse et ouverte
• de la musique entraînante pour faire bouger tout le monde
• des rencontres spontanées
• une énergie festive mais détendue
Pas de pression, pas de formats artificiels : **la musique et la danse créent naturellement les connexions.**
***
### 💫 Ce qui vous attend
• une ambiance internationale et conviviale
• un dancefloor accessible à tous
• des rencontres simples et naturelles
• une énergie afterwork positive
Que vous veniez **seul(e) ou avec des amis**, l’atmosphère est faite pour que chacun se sente rapidement à l’aise.
***
### 🕺 Pour qui ?
Pour les personnes à Bruxelles qui ont envie de :
• rencontrer de nouvelles personnes
• danser et relâcher la pression de la journée
• vivre une soirée élégante et différente
***
👗 **Dress code :** smart casual / chic décontracté
📍 Lieu : Barabar
📅 Date : Friday 22 Mai
⏰ Horaire : 18h – 21h
🎟 **Ticket\*:** 12 euros
**\*Restez en contact** avec l'**ambassadeur** pour l'obtenir.
✨ **Danser. Rencontrer. Ressentir l’expérience.**
# 💃 Dance & Meet Experience – Afterwork Party & Social Vibes
📅 Friday 22 Mai
📍 Barabar – Brussels
🕖 18:00 – 21:00
Looking for a different way to meet new people in Brussels?
Welcome to **Dance & Meet Experience**, a fresh social concept where **music, movement and connection** meet in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere.
Inspired by the new wave of **early-night dance events**, this experience offers the joy of dancing and socializing **without the late-night exhaustion**. The idea is simple: come after work, move your body, meet inspiring people and enjoy a vibrant evening — all while still having your night ahead.
✨ **The concept**
Dance & Meet Experience is not just a party.
It’s a **social dance experience designed to spark authentic connections**.
The evening blends:
• a friendly and stylish crowd
• uplifting music to get everyone on the dancefloor
• spontaneous encounters and conversations
• a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere
No pressure, no complicated icebreakers — **just music, energy and human connection**.
💫 **What to expect**
• A welcoming international crowd
• Great music to dance and connect
• A social atmosphere where meeting people feels natural
• A vibrant afterwork energy
Whether you come **with friends or alone**, you will quickly feel part of the experience.
🕺 **Who is it for?**
Professionals, expats, creatives and curious minds in Brussels who want to:
• meet new people
• dance and release stress
• enjoy a classy yet relaxed social evening
💡 **Dress code:** Smart casual / stylish
📍 **Location:** Barabar – Brussels
📅 **Date:** Friday 22 May
⏰ **Time:** 18:00 – 21:00
🎟 **Ticket\*:** 12 euros
\***Stay in contact** with the **ambassador** to obtain it.
Come for the music.
Stay for the connections.
✨ **Dance. Meet. Experience.**
PLUX Social Drinking & Networking - Thursday
Socializing and Networking 🛜🆕 at PLUX on Thursday. Making new friends and drinking 🚰🎈🎉🚿🌊. Everybody Welocme, locals, expats or new 🆕 in town.
Football match at Parc du Cinquantenaire
If you have a ball, please bring it...
Let's gather at the Parc du Cinquantenaire close to the Tour de Tournai (https://goo.gl/maps/RsxFtTJydq92) and organize a *low-level* football match on the grass. Unless it rains badly as we're about to play, the game is on.
Players of any age, weight, sex and size are allowed. Come as you are, at any time after 4pm.
IMPORTANT REMINDER -- As Shitty Players, we don't bite or growl when someone misses the ball. We don't do penalties or yellow cards because we're so gentle we don't need them. We vaguely know of the existence of other rules like off-side but we'd rather ignore them than argue about them. We may or may not keep track of the score: this is a game where everyone wins.
To help build the Team, come with 2 t-shirts white and black (or similar colors: light grey and dark blue etc). Beer session will follow on the grass, for those who survive till the end.
You can also join the Facebook group at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/176606662846112/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/b/3/600_460870931.jpeg
Saturday Morning Coffee - 10:00 @MIR Concept Coffee Store
Hi everyone,
This coffee morning event is @MIR Concept Coffee Store!
Saturday, 23 May 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00.
MIR opened its doors 4 years ago, right off Place Jourdan.
Doriana, the owner, is a super nice host, and is excited to have our group as her café.
The café is very beautiful and has great coffee, and many yummy food options.
Their Instagram channel:
https://www.instagram.com/mirconceptstore/
**The address is:**
MIR Concept Coffee Store
Rue Gray 4A
1040 Etterbeek
***
1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there.
2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take.
3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join!
4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join!
5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))**
**As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!**
[https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==)
**THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:**
* I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday.
* I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday.
* There is sometimes a waiting list.
* In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime.
* **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday.
* **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.**
**IMPORTANT:**
* **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))**
* When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often.
* If you have any questions then, message me.
***
**A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:**
*In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.*
*Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.*
*I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.*
*In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.*
**THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**
Cinema Flagey : Amrum
**Cinema Flagey : Amrum**
23/05 @ 15h00
De twaalfjarige Nanning beleeft het einde van de Tweede Wereldoorlog op een eiland aan de uiterste rand van het Duitse Rijk. Zijn wereld stort in, terwijl het leven doorgaat. De gefictionaliseerde jeugdherinneringen van Neuer Deutscher Film-meester Hark Bohm – en een belangrijke bron voor zijn latere werk.
Amrum, in de lente van 1945. De twaalfjarige Nanning woont met zijn familie op de Duitse Waddeneilanden. Zijn moeder is een fervente nazi-aanhanger; zijn vader een Obersturmbannführer die altijd aan het front is. Het Duitse Rijk van de nazi’s is de enige wereld die Nanning ooit heeft gekend, dus als de Tweede Wereldoorlog bijna voorbij is, stort zijn wereld in. In het laatste shot van de film kijkt een oude man uit over de zee.
Hark Bohm, op wiens jeugd Amrum is gebaseerd, overleed op 14 november 2025. Dit is een passend slotakkoord van zijn filmografie, want Bohm begon in de jaren zeventig met het maken van films voor kinderen (Tschetan, derIndianerjunge, 1973) en jongvolwassenen (Nordsee ist Mordsee, IFFR 2026), wat hij altijd is blijven doen. Amrum laat zien welke ervaringen de basis vormden voor zijn kijk op de kindertijd – en het verleden, het heden en de toekomst van Duitsland.
– Olaf Möller
[Cinema Flagey](https://www.flagey.be/fr/activity/14082-amrum-fatih-akin)
[Internationale Film Festival Rotterdam](https://iffr.com/nl/iffr/2026/films/amrum)
**For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**
Balagan Free open air > terrasse 02 ❘ partyfinder - sat 23 may
BALAGAN X SANCTUM
WE ARE BACK on Saturday, May 23 !
This Saturday 23th of May 2026 \| we are going to La Terrasse O2 for an unforgettable summer party \!
BALAGAN & SANCTUM go to La Terrasse O2 w/ Party Finder - FREE ENTRANCE
☉ Priority free pass : [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16117](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16117)
☉ Facebook [https://fb.me/e/83Gq2wLxJ](https://fb.me/e/83Gq2wLxJ)
☉ Table booking : [https://www.la-terrasse.be/fr/reservation-du-salon/](https://www.la-terrasse.be/fr/reservation-du-salon/)
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
☉ Line Up (A-Z)
→ GERSH
→ VICC
→ JEREMIE CHARLIER
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
☉ DATE ?
→ Saturday 23 May
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
☉ TIME ⏰
→ 6Pm - 12PM
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
☉ LOCATION ?
La terrasse 02
Chaussée de la Hulpe 51-53, 1180 Uccle, Belgique
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
☉ Casual elegance with a touch of summer vibe
priority pass with the free tickets , firt in first served
Climb & Chill 🧗♂️☕️
What's up Friends! 👋
Ready for some bouldering fun? Boulder-what? 🤔 It’s climbing (FR: escalade, le bloc) up to 4.5m high without ropes—and in my case, without much hope! 😂✨
It’s a super fun indoor activity, but be warned: it does require a certain level of physical fitness and/or skill. Most importantly, though, it requires awesome company—which we’ve got! 😎
The Idea:
📍 Meeting Point: For those arriving at 17:00, we’ll meet at the cafeteria (next to the billiards table).
Feel free to start earlier or later—just drop me a message or write in the group chat so we can meet up.
💪 Stay & climb as long as you want - venue closes at midnight!
🥤 Recharge: If you’ve had enough climbing for the day (we usually do this after 2 hours of climbing), we may head back to the cafeteria (or to the rooftop if it's sunny🌤️) for snacks, drinks & games. Cafeteria closes at 22:00.
Where:
📍Arkose: (Brussels Canal)
Rue Willy de Bruyn Straat 52, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique
🔗 https://arkose.com/
Fees:
🤑Entry fee without shoes:
- 18 eur (first-timers 10€ with online promo activated)
- reduced rates: students, minors, job seekers, firefighters, military (proof required)
👟 Shoe Rental: 5€ (if you don’t have your own)
🎫 10-session pass: 150€
Good to Know:
✍️ First-timers need to create an account (takes 5min) - do it in advance and pay online to pay less and avoid wasting time onsite
💦 Hydration is key! Bring a water bottle.
🔐 Lockers available, but bring your own padlock.
🚿 Changing rooms & showers on-site.
👕 Wear comfy sports clothes—it gets intense!
🧴 Only liquid magnesium is allowed (for grip) - in reality most people use powder🤫
👟 Thinking of going regularly? Bouldering shoes are a great investment! (Decathlon: ~45-65€ per pair.)
⚠️ Safety First!
Bouldering is fun, but safety comes first! Stay alert, know your limits, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Enjoy responsibly! 💪
📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing critical 🙄 announcements.
🐈⬛ The Friends Code:
👉Respect and positive vibes, if not 💥🥊
👉Can’t make it? Cancel or drop a message in the chat - helps running things smoothly!
👉 Don't show up if you are on the waiting list or show up at your own risk.
See you at the walls folks😉
Pittsburgh Events Near You
Connect with your local Pittsburgh community
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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.
Burnaby Local Singles Speed Dating Zoom
**💎 Personality-Matched Speed Dating for Local Burnaby Singles — No Venue Needed**
You'll go through short private video dates with age-matched personality-sorted Burnaby locals, while a live host keeps things smooth throughout.
As part of the process, a quick compatibility quiz is part of registration — that information feeds the matching to pair you with compatible Burnaby locals, so each round starts with genuine compatibility in mind.
Once the evening wraps up, mutual connections are confirmed and shared — exclusively for mutual selections — and you are in control of what happens next.
**Registration — choose your age group:**
- **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=55+&face_v=3.0)
**⚠️ Final step:** Clicking rsvp here is not the same as registering, so click your age range link above, complete the sign-up, and take the personality questions — spots are kept small by design so register promptly, and both are needed — the RSVP alone counts for nothing.
---
**This is for you if:**
- Members who live in Burnaby who have given up on the app treadmill that goes in circles and are serious about meeting someone.
- Those in the Burnaby area bored of profiles instead of real people and prefer meeting people in person first.
- Professionals living in Burnaby ready to move past matches that ghost after two messages and value real conversation over curated profiles.
- Residents calling Burnaby home who have had enough of endless scrolling and zero real dates and prefer meeting people in person first.
- Daters in the Burnaby area leaving behind conversations that fizzle before a first date and want to try something that actually works.
**The process**
1. **Get started** – by using the link for your bracket above, then fill in the personality questions as part of registration, because registration and quiz together hold your seat.
2. **Click into Zoom** – via your Zoom registration link at the right time, no tech headaches involved since you just click and join, and round management is all on the host from there.
3. **Chat** – short timed video rounds with Burnaby singles curated for you by age and personality, as the host keeps everything smooth and well-timed, since every person you meet was matched to you on purpose.
4. **Find your matches** – we reveal mutual matches once the session ends, since only mutual matches exchange details and everything else stays private, and from there you follow up at whatever pace suits you.
**Details**
- **Format:** Fully hosted in a hosted Zoom session built around structured one-on-one video dates, age and personality sorted before the event begins.
- **Where:** Entirely virtual — from whatever is most comfortable for you, no special equipment — just a device with a camera and internet, and you can join from your couch or anywhere else that works.
- **Host:** A seasoned host runs the session from the opening to the final round, and all you have to do is show up and be yourself — from opening to close everything is taken care of.
- **Vibe:** Friendly one-on-one chats with Burnaby people who are ready for something real, and the rounds go faster than you would think.
- **Duration:** Generally around 60 to 90 minutes from host intro to final round, and it is over before you know it.
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✨ Your next match could be one Zoom call away — click your age bracket and sign up and we will handle the rest in your own time. See you in the first round. 💙 ✨
COhPy Monthly Meeting
**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
COUNT monthly event: Kitchen service at Van Buren Center's shelter
Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above.
There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change.
The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/).
Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers.
For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.
Central Ohio friends 5 year Bar Crawl
For the last 5 years, Central Ohio Friends and Columbus Social Connection have teamed up for some incredible nights out and some of the biggest social events in Columbus with our biggest combined event bringing out 80+ people.
⚠️ Please only RSVP through ONE group to help keep headcount accurate.
Now we’re celebrating where it all started.
On Friday, May 22, we’ll be joining Central Ohio Friends 🍻 **Starting at Whistle & Keg at 8:00 PM** before making our way through the Arena District
Making a stop at Brothers Bar & Grill in the Arena District the same place their very first event was held back in 2021.
Whether you’ve been to one of our events before or **have been waiting for the right one to come out to,** this is a great one to jump into.
Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff.
If you find value in these events consider contributing
Link can be found in comments!




















