Power Map

SPEAK WITH CONFIDENCE! If you’re interested in improving your public speaking and leadership skills at an entertaining, educational and inspirational meeting, please visit us … it’s free! We meet weekly on Wednesday evenings. The location or link will be sent to those who confirm attendance. Brainwave Speakers Toastmasters club is a place where strangers become friends, where new ideas and experiences are shared. With a wide variety of ages, backgrounds and experiences, our members are an interesting and diverse group. Regardless of whether you are a professional, student, stay at home parent, job seeker or a retiree, you will find something of value at Brainwave Speakers Toastmasters club. Please feel welcome to visit us! Contact our Vice President of Membership at karen.goodyear333@gmail.com for details.

***PLEASE READ ENTIRELY----IMPORTANT ---*** **This event will be played at PICKLEPLEX in Oakville, is a DUPR RATED EVENT and will run weekly until last week of August. Then we start a brand new season.** **Check your DUPR level before you RSVP.** **This is your chance to play in a beautiful state of the art facility.** **➡️You must have at least $100 per player in your PB funds account** **at all times in order to play and you must top up your funds account monthly.** **➡️Payment must be received immediately after you RSVP.** **➡️If you RSVP to multiple events you must submit all the payments in one lump sum.** **➡️If you have not already, here is the link to create an account on the DUPR website and then download the DUPR app:** [[https://dashboard.dupr.com/dashboard/browse/clubs/8087557239](https://dashboard.dupr.com/dashboard/browse/clubs/8087557239) **](https://dashboard.dupr.com/dashboard/browse/clubs/8087557239)** **MATCH RULES:** **1\. Play to 11 win by 2\. Rotate\.** **2\. Email your scores to Rose at: wgtapickleball@gmail\.com** **To jump in:** **1**\*\*\***\***. If you have not done so already, complete the WGTA Pickleball waiver, complete once, covers you for all our events, here is the link:\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* [CLICK HERE](https://forms.gle/JQrg6v2hAphJZXAb9) **2\. E\-transfer event fee\(s\) to\-\-\>wgtapickleball@gmail\.com** **In the memo section of e-transfer include your first, last name and what payment is for...** **EG: Tom Cruise - Wed's at PICKLEPLEX 6pm** **⚠️Minimum 72hrs notice to cancel your RSVP, otherwise you will be charged.** **⚠️No refunds.** **Bring your own paddles. BRING LEAKPROOF WATERBOTTLE. Wear good court shoes. Stretch before you play.** **ℹ️ For more information about our club, check out our** [WEBSITE](https://wgtapbclub.com/) ***Email or txt me if you have any questions or issues:*** ***-->[[wgtapickleball@gmail.com](mailto:wgtapickleball@gmail.com)]([mailto:wgtapickleball@gmail.com](http://mailto:wgtapickleball@gmail.com/)) or text me at-->>289.434.1922*** **See you on the court!** **Rose.**

Play some beach and meet cool people

Cet événement a des frais de 3 $ pour aider à compenser le coût de l'hébergement sur la plateforme Meetup de l’année courante et des années précédentes. **[CLIQUEZ ICI POUR FAIRE VOTRE CONTRIBUTION](https://square.link/u/S6dAAKd1)** Si vous préférez, vous pouvez payer par interac à Pierre: [pierregilbert@bell.net](http://pierregilbert@bell.net/) Bonjour tout le monde! Soyez des nôtres au prochain French meetup au Red Tape. Venez passer une soirée conviviale et rencontrer des francophones et francophiles de Toronto et du GTA. Tout le monde est bienvenu peu importe votre niveau. Si vous ne souhaitez pas que votre photo soit publiée sur le site MeetUp, veuillez informer Pierre. Red Tape fabrique des bières artisanales qui créent une atmosphère conviviale, comme à la maison. La brasserie propose également des boissons non alcoolisées et permet d'apporter votre propre nourriture. Merci Rhema

**NO PHILOSOPHY EXPERTISE REQUIRED!** **🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 19:30-19:45 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the official start. * 19:45-19:55 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 19:55-21:15 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 21:15-21:30 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 21:30 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy is operated entirely on voluntary donations! If we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Donations are 100% voluntary, but they help us to bring the gift of deep conversation to people around the world. If you'd like to support, you can [donate here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-practical-philosophy)! (Practical Philosophy is a registered Canadian charity) **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** **🗣** “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * **Do I need to study or read anything to attend?** No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what you think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it. * **Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?** The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * **Is it mostly men that attend?** Surprisingly, no! Although often, philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * **Can I come alone?** Of course you can, we encourage it :) * **Can I be late?** Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * **Where do you meet?** The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY CLUB - Philosophy, everywhere. ✨** We started in Practical Philosophy back in 2021 and there are now 50+ chapters in over 25 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ **\*\*\*** **Join our [Toronto Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t) 👈** **Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈** **Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈**

Deeper Connections Disguised as Game Night \| Skip Small talk\. Start Playing\! \| Facilitated Games & "Cards FOR Humanity " Play \#1 Card Game\! #### **😍 Deeper Connections *Disguised* as a Conversation Game Night \~ Curated Community** #### 5️⃣ **Welcome to "Wildcard Wednesdays!"** *Inspired by "Timeleft"* we also curate tables of 5+ people based on your **"Play Personality**" a quiz we created exclusively for our events = Intimate Experience & every week is different depending on the group & games. 🎲 **Board Game ForePlay!** \~ "Choose your own Adventure" **100+ Games** Collection \~ Something for Everyone! Connect based on our different themes ***🃏 BYOB \~ Welcome to Bring your own Board Games/convo cards/tarot deck & Booze***🍺🍹 **[💌 PLEASE](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1980401871308?aff=oddtdtcreator) *[CLICK ME](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1980401871308?aff=oddtdtcreator)* [TO RSVP ON EVENTBRITE 🎟️](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1980401871308?aff=oddtdtcreator)** ### **👩‍❤️‍👨 OUR HOSTESS RAINBOW:** ### **Extremely talented in meeting strangers & also connecting them with other strangers, one of the reasons is because she is an Airbnb Superhost = Strangers in your home - what's more personal then that! This had her realize WOW no matter where were from... "Were Not Really Strangers!"** ### **🤗 WHO IS THIS EVENT FOR?...EVERYONE! :)** * 👩‍❤️‍👨 **SINGLES** & Looking to Mingle? Curated Games "Slow Connection" vs "speed dating" * 🙋‍♀️🙋🏽 **FRIENDS/FAMILY** \~ Fun way to reconnect & deepen friendships in a playful way * 💝 **COUPLES:** New Date Nights vs "Netflix & Chill" Learn something new about your boo * **🌈 ALL-INCLUSIVE \~** Including (& not limited to) LGBTQ2S+ & BIPOC & All Ages/Abilities)

Every Wednesday Night! Free Magic The Gathering Commander games at Hairy Tarantula, hosted by Toronto Gaymers! Please note: Masks are required in store! For more information and to RSVP please over to harryt.com/events

Let’s do some coding together at a cafe! No more working alone in the weekend. Here, we write code together. And I mean together together. Not occupying-the-same-space-but-separate together. Here’s how it works: Jennifer brings her mobile app project, tells everyone that it is like Pinterest for recipes and she’d like to work on the nav bar. Paul and Chloe think Jennifer's project is fascinating, and they join the group. They gather around Jennifer’s laptop and work on the nav bar for 2 hours. Jennifer is the one typing out the code while Paul and Chloe research, brainstorm, and offer suggestions. If you’re feeling stuck on your own project or need a motivation boost, bring it to mob programming! Want to learn by watching how others code and solve problems? Join someone else’s project at this event! Oh and we love your half-done projects that you are a bit embarrassed to share. Absolutely bring those to the event! **Discord**: We use Discord to share screen & code snippets during the event. Also feel free to share your projects here before the event! https://discord.gg/xwjDdVSw3E **Event policy**: * We have 0 tolerance for harassment. * We don’t allow the projects that are not meant to be shared in public such as school assignments, interview tasks, or trade secrets. * The goal is to write code. We discourage you from pitching business ideas here, doing code reviews, or spending the whole event on planning what to do. * Please buy a drink, and tip the barista well.

Please contact event host, Christopher, for the event location at christopher.tyrrell@ymail.com [Note: "ymail" is correct. This is not gmail]

Get ready for an electrifying lineup of live tribute concerts at **Rama Gaming House Scarborough**. The **RGH Powerplay Series** brings legendary rock, pop, and soul to the stage with some of the most authentic tribute artists and bands in Canada. If you love classic hits, high-energy live performances, and unforgettable nights out in Scarborough, this series is for you. 🎶 **April 25 – Philcos** **25 Years of Live Music Excellence** Kick off the series with the seasoned sounds of Philcos. With over two decades of stage mastery, this band delivers a high-caliber performance covering a massive range of hits. Experience the precision, soul, and infectious energy that has made them a staple of the live music scene for 25 years. *Perfect for fans of premium live music and dance hits in Scarborough.* 🎤 **May 16 – The Beatle Band** **Relive The Beatles Live** Step back into the 1960s with the ultimate tribute to the Fab Four. The Beatle Band captures the look, the sound, and the magic of the British Invasion. From "She Loves You" to "Hey Jude," enjoy a nostalgic journey through the greatest discography in rock history. *A must-see Beatles tribute concert in Scarborough.* 👑 **June 06 – Memories of the King** **A World-Class Elvis Tribute Starring Bruno Nesci** Experience the charisma and vocal power of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Starring the internationally acclaimed **Bruno Nesci**, this world-class tribute brings the 70s Vegas era to life with iconic costumes and show-stopping hits like "Suspicious Minds" and "Can't Help Falling in Love." *The premier Elvis Presley tribute experience in Scarborough.* 🎟 **Why Attend the RGH Powerplay Series?** * **Only $20 per ticket** (Limited Early Bird tickets with 25% off) * **Top-tier live concerts** in the heart of Scarborough * **Doors open at 7PM** – arrive early for the best spots * **High-energy performances** from world-class tribute acts * **Perfect night out** for music lovers and friends * Enjoy Pizza, Chicken Wings or Burger for just **$9.99** * **3 RGH Beers for only $10** Whether you are a fan of 60s nostalgia, classic rock, or the golden era of Vegas, the **RGH Powerplay Series** offers something for every music lover. Don't forget to sign up for **House Rewards** on-site to claim your **RGH Passport to Excitement!** 🎫 **Buy your tickets now and secure your spot.** These shows will sell fast. Visit **[ramagaming.com/events](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://ramagaming.com/events&authuser=2 "https://www.google.com/search?q=https://ramagaming.com/events&authuser=2")** or purchase in-house at 991 Kennedy Rd.

FIRST TIME IN TORONTO AND SPACE IS LIMITED! ## Some experiences create a **before and after.** This is one of them. There are workshops. And then there are experiences that truly give you the chance to **reorganize how you see yourself, your work, and the people around you** — that create a genuine fork in the road. TIAMAT is the latter. It has done this for performers, clinicians, seekers, and skeptics across four continents. Now, for the first time, it is coming to Toronto. This is not a weekend of concepts and takeaways. It is a **full-body encounter with a framework** built at the intersection of cognitive science, philosophy, contemplative practice, and embodied performance — designed specifically to transfer. What shifts in the room follows you home. We are in a moment of profound disconnection — from purpose, from one another, from a sense that our lives cohere. Most offerings gesture at this problem. **TIAMAT does something about it.** It gives you a living, rigorous, embodied practice for navigating the world differently — and access to a community of people taking that seriously alongside you. Awaken to Meaning is proud to bring this to Toronto for the first time. **This is a rare opportunity**, and seats are limited. **Two audiences. One experience.** Whether you come as a practitioner or as someone who knows something is missing, TIAMAT meets you there. **Clinicians, Coaches & Therapists:** Sharpen your sense of transference and countertransference in real-time / develop a more robust lens for where clients get stuck - somatically and relationally / expand capacity to track body, affect and relational field simultaneously / deepen self-awareness as your primary clinical instrument / gain a shared language you can bring directly into practice **Seekers, Builders & The Curious:** A framework that bridges cognitive science, philosophy and lived practice / Real agency over how you think, feel and act - through skill, not willpower / Entry into a fellowship taking the meaning crisis seriously / A language for your inner life that holds under pressure / Transformation that doesn't fade by Monday morning ## **TIAMAT has travelled. Now it visits a new place.** ## Before Toronto, TIAMAT has been delivered across **four continents** – to performers, clinicians, researchers, educators, and people who simply knew something was missing. Each cohort has shaped the practice. ## TAIWAN \| JAPAN \| INDONESIA \| FRANCE \| NETHERLANDS \| CZECHIA \| UNITED KINGDOM \| SINGAPORE \| UNITED STATES \(MAY 2026\) **Schedule** \- Friday\, May 22nd \- 6pm to 10pm \- Saturday\, May 23rd \- 10am to 8pm \- Sunday\, May 24th \- 10am to 5pm **Fee:** $650 USD **Facilitation** by Ethan Hsieh, Taylor Barratt & Dr. John Vervaeke **For more information** on this and the residential Tier 2 (June 7th - 12th, 2026) please visit [our site](https://awakentomeaning.com/tiamat-training-program-in-toronto-2026/).

Get ready for an electrifying lineup of live tribute concerts at **Rama Gaming House Mississauga**. The RGH Powerplay Series brings legendary rock, soul, funk, and metal to the stage with some of the most authentic tribute bands in Canada. If you love classic rock concerts, high-energy live performances, and unforgettable nights out in Mississauga, this series is for you. ## 🎤 April 11 – Only Journey **The Ultimate Journey Tribute Experience** Relive the arena rock glory of Journey with soaring vocals and powerful renditions of classics like *Don’t Stop Believin’* and *Separate Ways*. Only Journey delivers an immersive, high-energy performance that transports fans back to the golden era of rock. Perfect for fans of classic rock concerts in Mississauga. ## 👑 April 18 – Queen’s Court **A Royal Tribute to Queen** Experience the theatrical brilliance and musical mastery of Queen. Queen’s Court recreates the iconic sound, harmonies, and stage presence that made Queen one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Expect powerful vocals, epic anthems, and a crowd-engaging live show. A must-see Queen tribute concert in Mississauga. ## 💜 May 2 – Soul Beautiful **A Celebration of Soul, Funk & R&B Classics** An electrifying tribute to Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Prince, Earth, Wind & Fire, and more. Deep grooves, smooth vocals, and vibrant live energy make this the ultimate soul and funk party night. If you love R&B live music in Mississauga, this is your night. ## 🦅 May 9 – Motel California **The Eagles Tribute Experience** From *Hotel California* to *Life in the Fast Lane*, Motel California recreates the rich harmonies and signature dual-guitar sound of The Eagles. A polished and authentic concert experience celebrating one of the most influential bands in rock history. A classic rock tribute you do not want to miss. ## ⚡ May 23 – Hell’s Highway **The Ultimate AC/DC Tribute Experience** High voltage energy. Thunderous riffs. Nonstop rock and roll. Hell’s Highway delivers the raw power and explosive stage presence of AC/DC with crowd-shaking performances of *Highway to Hell* and *Back in Black*. For fans of hard rock concerts in Mississauga. ## 🎵 May 30 – Solitary Man **A Tribute to Neil Diamond** Experience the timeless hits of Neil Diamond performed with precision, charisma, and audience interaction. From *Sweet Caroline* to *Forever in Blue Jeans*, this show captures the magic of Diamond’s legendary 70s concert era. Sing along and relive the classics. ## 🔥 June 13 – Sandman **The Officially Licensed Metallica Tribute** Since 1994, Sandman has delivered crushing, note-for-note Metallica performances. Officially recognized and endorsed, this is the closest you will get to the real thing. Expect thunderous sound, explosive energy, and a true heavy metal experience. For fans searching for a Metallica tribute in Mississauga. 🎟 Why Attend the RGH Powerplay Series? * **Only $20 per ticket** (Limited Early Bird tickets with 25% off) * **Top-tier live concerts** in the heart of Mississauga * **Enjoy Pizza, Chicken Wings or Burger for just $9.99** * **3 RGH Beers for just $10** * **Doors open at 7PM** – arrive early for the best spots * **High-energy performances** from world-class tribute acts * **Perfect night out** for music lovers and friends Whether you are a fan of classic rock, soul, funk, or metal, the RGH Powerplay Series offers something for every music lover. 🎫 **Early Bird Tickets available for limited time. Buy your tickets now and secure your spot. These shows will sell fast.** Purchase tickets in-house or visit ramagaming.com/events

Join your community of fellow Intuitives and MBTI nerds for a casual evening of engaging conversation. We get together every second Sunday – with a mix of regulars and new friends. There is no fee to attend, though we ask that you support the venue by ordering something to eat or drink. **Feel free to contact event host B. via Facebook/Meetup messenger, or text/call 416-712-8635 for directions**. About the venue: The Pint Public House Nearest Subway: Union Station Map / Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G5GfXDSQXeifJ5ot5 We make an effort to find pubs that are quiet and introvert friendly, with a section to ourselves. We make no effort to muffle our extroverts, but should they get out of hand, our resident INTJ will use their death stare, to pull them back in line.

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

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You’ll gain insights into: ✅ The true definition of the subconscious ✅ How it generates unwanted emotions ✅ Its real purpose and function ✅ What determines the pressure it exerts on you And the most important topic: **How do you take control of your subconscious!** But this isn’t just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It’s interactive and engaging—you can ask questions at any time. 📅 Reserve your spot now! Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!

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

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/

**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.

**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