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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out power map events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the power map events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Power Map Events Today
Join in-person Power Map events happening right now
PyData London - 107th Meetup
**Venue:** Riverbank House, 2 Swan Ln, London EC4R 3AD
**Please note:**
1\. šØšØšØ A valid photo ID is required by building security\. šØšØšØ
2\. This event follows the [NumFOCUS Code of Conduct](https://numfocus.org/code-of-conduct). Please familiarise yourself with it before attending.
If your RSVP status says "You're going" you will be able to get in. No need to show your RSVP confirmation when signing in.
If you can no longer make it, please unRSVP as soon as possible.
**Code of Conduct:**
This event follows the NumFOCUS Code of Conduct. Please get in touch with the organisers with any questions or concerns.
As always, there will be free food and drinks, generously provided by our host, Man Group.
**Main Talks**
1. [Robin Linacre](https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlinacre/) - **Rapid deduplication and fuzzy matching of large datasets using Splink**
This talk introduces Splink, a free and open source Python library for probabilistic record linkage and deduplication at scale.
Iāll explain the core ideas behind the approach, show how it can be used in practice, and reflect on the opportunities of building open source tools from within the public sector.
Data deduplication is a common data quality challenge: it arises whenever multiple records are collected about the same person, organisation, or entity without a shared unique identifier.
This talk will introduce the core ideas behind probabilistic record linkage and show how Splink, a free and open source Python library developed at the UK Ministry of Justice, can be used to link and deduplicate large datasets quickly and accurately.
Iāll cover the practical steps involved in training linkage models, using unsupervised learning, improving performance and accuracy, and visualising results and diagnostics. Iāll also touch on what it has been like to build and maintain open source tooling from within the UK public sector, and the opportunities this creates for solving problems at citizen scale.
The talk is aimed at people with basic experience working with tabular data in Python, and assumes no prior knowledge of record linkage.
2. [Filip Makraduli](https://www.linkedin.com/in/filipmakraduli/) - **Small Model Inference Infrastructure: Lessons Beyond vLLM**
Embedding models are evolving rapidly, from dense-only architectures, to hybrid dense+sparse (BGE-M3), multi-vector late interaction (ColBERT), and vision-language models (ColQwen2, SigLIP). Yet while LLM serving infrastructure is well-established (vLLM, SGLang), small model deployment still relies on inefficient single-model containers or custom-built systems. Production teams face a dilemma: deploy dozens of single-model containers with 5-10% GPU utilization, or invest months building complex multi-model infrastructure. This talk explains some of the key concepts of embedding inference and how it is different to LLM inference.
3. [Ian Ozsvald](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianozsvald/) - **Build your own LLM, Live, with MicroGPT**
Andrej Karpathy's MicroGPT is a single file no dependency mini GPT, you can run it live with me. We'll talk about how GPT works, we'll look at the code, we'll reflect on the Torch-based nanoGPT "big brother" and you'll end the talk with stronger intuitions about how our next best token guessing overlords are working. Plus you'll have a mini GPT running on your laptop in 200 lines of Python.
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
**Logistics**
* Doors open at **6.30 pm** (get there early as you'll need to sign in with building security).
* Talks start at **7:00 pm**, with drinks afterwards from **9:00 pm** at The Banker (EC4).
We have reduced capacity for this event, but there will be plenty of people to discuss data science questions with.
Please unRSVP in good time if you realise you can't make it. We're limited by building security on the number of attendees, so please free up your place for your fellow community members.
If you want me to trim lightning talks down to two or shorten any abstracts, say which ones.
Tuesday INTERMEDIATE+ @ GEORGE GREEN'S School (8:15pm - 10:10pm)
**Tuesday - Intermediate+ @ George Green's**
Come and join our friendly badminton club for a fun and competitive doubles session at George Greenās School in Tower Hamlets!
šø **How it works**
* Book your spot here on Meetup ā spaces are limited.
* Pay by bank transfer before the session ā bank details are provided below.
* Bring your own racket and non-marking indoor shoes. Feather shuttles are included.
šÆ **Level**
This is an **Intermediate+ session**. You should be able to play clears, smashes, drops, drives, and net shots consistently in games.
All players **must be at the right level** for this session. Badminton levels vary between clubs, so we strongly recommend checking out our **Instagram page** to see what *we* class as **Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, and High Intermediate** before booking.
We always use the **first game as a level check**. If it becomes clear during that game that the standard isnāt the right match for this session, **you wonāt be able to continue beyond that point**.
As a **small community club**, weāre unfortunately **unable to offer refunds** in these situations.
š Please **only book a session if you are happy to accept these conditions**.
š¬ **Stay connected**
We have a club WhatsApp group for updates, photos, and extra playing opportunities. Message Peter on **07561 100 413** after you've played at your first session and weāll add you!
š **Venue**
* Where: George Greenās School, 100 Manchester Road, E14 3DW (nearest tube: Island Gardens DLR).
* On arrival: Let reception know youāre here for the Tower Hamlets Badminton Meetup.
š· **Price**
Ā£12 per session, payable in advance.
Bank transfer details:
**Badminton Go Ltd**
Sort code: 60-83-71
Account: 78644858
(Use your name + date as ref)
Rabble - Fitness Through Games!
A Rabble session is 1 hour of fun and social team games.
Each game disguises high-intensity intervals within the rules, giving you an effective, all-body workout without even realising it.
We play a bunch of different games at each session (like British Bulldog, Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, Frisbee and many more), and every class is different.
Sessions are open to all, no matter your sporting ability. Each game is explained before we start, so there's no need to have played any of the games before.
Come solo or bring friends! And stay at the end for the social part!
Who knew getting fit could be this fun?
**TO BOOK**:
It's essential that you book onto sessions via our website, using the link below; due to restrictions on games and preparation times we cannot accept walk-ins, or late arrivals.
[https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/)
Use the code **FREEPLAY** to get your first game free!
***
We play every:
* Monday in Finsbury Park (19:00 - 20:00)
* Tuesday in Shoreditch Park (19:00 - 20:00)
* Wednesdays in Elephant & Castle (19:00-20:00)
* Saturday in Southwark Park (10:30 - 11:30)
* Saturday in Finsbury Park (11:00 - 12:00)
* Sunday in Clapham Common (12:00 - 13:00)
We hope to see you playing soon!
PS. We have a group of dedicated regulars, so numbers are usually much higher than meetup might suggest. Sign up at: [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/)
**Love Rabble**
Tue Badminton 7-9pm @ Tower Building - Intermediate & Advanced
**Tue Badminton 7-9pm @ Tower Building**
**Fee £11 for 2 hours (payable in advance upon booking)**
**3 courts in the Tower Building**
Feather shuttlecocks will be supplied. Please bring your own racquets.
**Payment details:**
**\*\*\*Please pay in advance upon booking or at least 24h in advance before the session. Unpaid bookings will be removed from the list.\*\*\***
**REVOLUT BANK ACCOUNT**
**Name: LM BADMINTON LTD**
**Account Number: 19226405**
**Sort Code: 23-01-20**
**Reference: 'YOUR MEETUP NAME & DATE ie 270126'**
\*No cash\*
Please use your profile name and date of session as payment reference, so that it can be identified.
To ensure fair access to the session, anyone who signs up but does not make payment 24h in advance will have their places cancelled and offered to other players.
**Waiting List Update:**
When the event is full, there will be a waiting list for players to put their names on. Once a spot becomes available, i.e. another member cancels, the first person on the waiting list will be added to RSVP automatically. As such, the person will be sent an automated email confirming so. For those who do not wish to be added automatically, please remove your name from the waiting list.
Please cancel waitlist 24 hours before the event if made other plans, as meetup will push you to attending list if spot opens up. We charge on spot basis.
**Late Cancellations Penalty:**
If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice it is your responsibility to liaise with those on the waiting list and find a replacement. If you do then no penalty but if you donāt find a replacement you pay 50% of the session fee, raising to 100% on the second late cancelation. You MUST also inform the organisers who your replacement is.
**No Show Fees:**
Full fee will be added to the profile on the next visit.
**Contacts:**
The best way to get in touch is through meetup as your message will get picked up by the designated organiser for the chosen event. Otherwise please use WhatsApp to message us.
Email: badmclub@gmail.com
uni_badm1nton@yahoo.co.uk
Primary: Vinh 07974 177707
Secondary: Nikita 07585 954797
**Disclaimer:**
Organisers or LondonMet University can accept no liability for any loss or injury, however sustained, while taking part in club activities. If you want to cover yourself against injury to yourself or others, please make sure you have the appropriate insurance.
In the interest of health and safety, proper footwear is a must in this club which means no casual footwear and no barefoot on the court.
šøFEATHERED: Social DoublesšCanning Town š¶ Mid Intermediate
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/46649
**Game Description:**
Come and join our badminton session in Canning Town š„
Join our whatsapp Group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/LsLjg8CxI8MIxSFb82qkdb
Music š¶ 3 courts, social session - the general ability is mid intermediate.
There will be spare rackets but please bring your own racket if you do have one.
1 new tube of FEATHERED shuttles will be provided per session, plus a set of Yonex 300 plastic shuttles.
šŖ Getting Into the School
1\. The school is surrounded by a green fence\.
2\. Entrance is near the stone wall\.
3\. At the gate\, find the intercom on the right\-hand side\.
4\. Press the āCallā button and wait for security to respond\.
5\. When the intercom flashes green\, push the gate open\.
\-\-\-
šø Finding the Indoor Court
1\. After entering\, go through the visitor gate\.
2\. Follow the corridor to the end\.
3\. Look for the yellow double doors ā the badminton courts are inside\!
\-\-\-
š» Facilities
š¹ Changing Rooms & Toilets
\- Located outside the court area in the corridor\.
\- Male facilities ā right\-hand side\.
\- Female facilities ā left\-hand side\.
š§ Water Points
\- There are three water points in the corridor outside the court\.
\- Bring a water bottle to use with the water pump\.
Enjoy your game! šøš„
**Rules**
Games to 21
Max two games on
Max one game off
šVolleyball GamešPoplar š¶ Lower Intermediate
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45396
**Game Description:**
Come and play Tuesday evenings Lower-Intermediate volleyball session in Poplar š„
Picturesque court with plenty of serving space and also space to stay warm on the side when your team is off waiting for the next game š
**Rules**
3 teams of 6
Games to 15 points
1hr Tuesday Night š 3x3 Basketball in Canary Wharf š„
Join our weekly mixed 3x3 basketball run, organised by the GG3x3 (https://www.gg3x3.com/), an hour of non-stop 3x3 action based on FIBA 3x3 rules all levels welcome!
3x3 is an Olympic Sport played in teams of 3 in half court, and is a fun way of experiencing the game of basketball. 3x3 is particularly suited to basketball beginners as you get more touches on the ball, have more space to move into off of ball screens or when you are playing off the ball.
Please join this game using the free GameOn Active app ([download here](https://gameonactive.co.uk/connect.html)) which is a free app we use to organise the run.
Crossharbour Montessori Day Nursery is 1 min walk from Crossharbour DLR station.
On arrival, please let reception know that you are there for a basketball session and you will be let through, at the courts please ask for Scotty. We look forward to balling with you there!
Power Map Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
LET'S PLAY: ZARNITSA Sports Megagame [It's like Russian Capture the Flag]
**Join LCC Sunday, March 8th at the Hackney Marshes playing field as we make another attempt at playing the Soviet Union's very own *Zarnitsa,* a capture-the-flag alternative with a small twist.**
**WHAT IS ZARNITSA?**
Zarnitsa (ŠŠ°ŃŠ½ŠøŃŠ°), or heat-lightning, officially known as the All-Union Young Pioneer military sports game "Zarnitsa", is a massive multi-player physical sports game developed and practiced by the Young Pioneers communist youth organisation during the Soviet era. The game provides a simulation of military actions such as reconnaissance, co-ordinated offensives, giving chase, etc. Popular once again in modern Russia, this is a simple game designed for children and young people in military/cadet organisations, but great fun for active people of all ages.
The rules of Zarnitsa are based on the classic capture the flag concept. Two teams each have a "base area" with a flag contained within, concealed or otherwise. Each team's goal is to protect their own flag and seize the other team's and bring it back to the base area. Players can walk, run, sneak, hide, create diversions and use any means short of physical violence to achieve their objectives.
What makes Zarnitsa different from classic CTF is simply this: every player has two velcro-attached shoulder straps that serve as health indicators and can be torn off by the opponents. Losing one indicates "wounded", losing two indicates "dead". The "wounded" players cannot run and should only walk. The "dead" players return to a respawn point or leave the game in some modes.
Why are we doing this? Capture the flag is simply top fun and anyone who says otherwise is joking themselves. Zarnitsa's slightly elevated level of complexity should give us just that extra challenge needed to really make it interesting. That said, this is our first go with organising multiplayer sports games, so we'll see what the results are! As always comments, questions, suggestions and concerns are more than welcome - just contact an organiser.
Sports games are a great way to get and stay active, meet new people, and break the monotony of everyday life under British capitalism. Let's get out there!
For our first attempt at organising a little Zarnitsa league here in London, we'll hit up Hackney Marshes and Wick Woodland. We'll divide into two teams; each will receive coloured vests or other garments to which the health indicator strips are attached. Then we'll take up our places, count down from 60 seconds, and let the games begin!
**Note: we'll want at least five people per team for this to really work right, so we'll cancel or reschedule if this one gets less than 9 RSVPs.** There's no limit to how big our group can be of course, so please do join us! Just be sure to either turn up on the day or change your RSVP if you can't make it in the end, just so we know what to expect.
Take care and see you on the pitch!
Free Human Towers Rehearsal + Social (Sunday)
Sunday rehearsal with Castellers of London. Meet us at the OBC Community Centre to help build human towers!
This get together is a great opportunity for you to meet new friends, socialise and have a go and explore your abilities as a human tower builder a.k.a Casteller!
For newcomers we have a team of trained Castellers who will introduce you to the group, guide you through the activity and help you safely take part in this unique Catalan tradition.
When you arrive just approach us as we are really friendly! If in doubt ask for Cuss! Please let us know if you are bringing guests.
After the rehearsal we go to a nearby pub for social drinks where everyone is welcome :)
What do you need?
1. Ideally a cotton shirt: to protect your neck and shoulders, the more durable the shirt/top the better. We do not recommend any thin items of clothing!
2. Jeans: allowing you to move freely without breaking.
3. Mask: We still require the use of a mask as you will be very close to your fellow Castellers - basically you will be hugging people!
The rest of the equipment is on us!
We take health and safety very seriously, both in relation to COVID-19 and also the activity- please be assured that the safety of all participants is of the utmost importance to us and we take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk, ensuring we all have a great time!
Our regular members won't be filling in the Meet Up to say they are going š
So don't be put off if you see only a handful have said they are going.
A minimum of 25 on the day is normal. What the Meet Up may show is how many new people like yourself are going.
Territories: Pub Race | London 20s and 30s
**On Friday 8th May, we're excited to be hosting another unique edition of Friday night fun... our latest āTerritoriesā Pub Race.**
Like our other board game-inspired pub races, this live-action strategy game takes inspiration from the classic board game Risk, reimagined across 32 pubs throughout London.
This team game is played on a virtual map and each pub is a territory on the map, that can be claimed or conquered āļø
**Over the evening, your mission is to build the biggest empire in 2 hours.**
To claim one, you simply visit the pub as a team and have at least one person in your team buy a drink (soft drinks included).
Every extra drink you buy will add yet more ātroopsā to your territory to help fortify it š»
This is crucial as if you fail to properly strengthen your territories - these can also be **conquered** (i.e. stolen) from other teams who visit the same pub and outnumber your troop numbers.
Alongside the race - there will also be fun, themed challenges at each pub that you can complete to earn extra bonus troops for your garrison šø
Some territories are worth more than others, and there are bonuses for controlling entire continents⦠so youāll need to plan your route, pick your battles, and think like a pub-crawling warlord.
At the end of the night, the team with the highest total **territory value** will be crowned champions š
But of course, itās not just about the game - the evening is also a chance to connect with loads of like-minded 20s and 30s, while enjoying an unforgettable start to the weekend.
**\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-**
**WHERE/WHEN**
Meet Point - Gilt of Cain, Fen Court Garden, Hogarth Ct, EC3M 5DL ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/JAphAzeWvxusNT4v5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/JAphAzeWvxusNT4v5))
Closest Tube station: Fenchurch Street (5 min walk), Aldgate (10 min walk), Monument (10 min walk)
Start Time - 6:45pm
Finish time: 11:00pm
\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-
**JOIN THE COMMUNITY**
Set up in November 2021, our community project was set up to help 20s and 30s in London meet, connect and build life-long friendships.
To help make this happen, we also host all kinds of events from free social walks, games evenings, day trips, social events, activity nights to picnics.
To learn more about our community or follow us on social media, please follow one of the links below.
**Website - [https://friendship-project.co.uk](https://friendship-project.co.uk/)**
**Instagram - [https://instagram.com/great.friendship](https://instagram.com/great.friendship)**
North London Football 5-A-Side-Power League Colney Hatch N10 1ST-Every Friday
We are Barnet Multi-Sports Club and we organise football and badminton sessions in North London.
Do join us for some friendly football sessions and not only our football sessions are so fun but it is good for your fitness and to improve your football skills.
We do play either 5-a-side football or 6-a-side football and we follow the powerleague football rules that is no high ball above the waist.
This is a mixed level session and new starters are always welcome.
The Age Group of the Players is from 16yrs old to 65yrs old
We normally play from 8.30pm to 9.30pm at Power League Colney Hatch N10 1ST every Wednesday.
Why wait? come and meet us and let's get the ball rolling.
Our Instagram Page:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CscBPUpqNF2/
Digital Marketing World Forum [London] - Ticket Offer
As official AI Community Partner for the **Digital Marketing World forum,** we (AI Professionals Network) are pleased to offer **discounted and complimentary tickets for the upcoming event at Excel in London on 6-7 May 2026.**
This is a prestigious London event focused on AI and Digital Marketing. Join **3,000+ CMOs, marketing directors and senior leaders** for two days of insight, innovation, and networking covering
**⢠AI, Agentic & Hyper Personalisation⢠Digital Transformation & Leadership Strategy⢠Content Video & StoryTelling Marketing⢠Influencer & Creator Economy\* Omnichannel Marketing and more**
For full details on the event: https://www.digitalmarketing-conference.com/global
**To register for your special tickets visit: https://aiprofessionals.network/dmwf26**
Note: this event is also being promoted by other groups.
As official AI Community Partner for the **Digital Marketing World forum,** we (AI Professionals Network) are pleased to offer **discounted and complimentary tickets for the upcoming event at Excel in London on 6-7 May 2026.**
This is a prestigious London event focused on AI and Digital Marketing. Join **3,000+ CMOs, marketing directors and senior leaders** for two days of insight, innovation, and networking covering
**⢠AI, Agentic & Hyper Personalisation**
**⢠Digital Transformation & Leadership Strategy**
**⢠Content Video & StoryTelling Marketing**
**⢠Influencer & Creator Economy**
**\* Omnichannel Marketing and more**
For full details on the event: [https://www.digitalmarketing-conference.com/global](https://www.digitalmarketing-conference.com/global)
**To register for your special tickets visit: [https://aiprofessionals.network/dmwf26](https://aiprofessionals.network/dmwf26)**
Note: this event is also being promoted by other groups.
Free Personality Analysis - Find Your Strengths and Weaknesses
You want to do your best!
You want to realise your potential!
You want to make the right decisions at the right time!
Obviously- you want to be a success!
Do you have all the skills in place?
Do you have areas in your life or personality that are weaker and you feel can stop you or hold you back?
Would you like a free personal consultation to help locate your strengths and weaker areas?
We can help you to maximise on your potential.
If you would like a free 1 hour consult then register now!
We have various times available for your own personal consultation
This is hosted at the Scientology Life Improvement Centre in London.
We use the Oxford Capacity Analysis test.
https://www.scientology-london.org.uk/personality-test/
šøFEATHERED: Social DoublesšCanning Town š¶ Mixed Ability
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/46671
**Game Description:**
Come and join our badminton session in Canning Town š„
Join our whatsapp Group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/LsLjg8CxI8MIxSFb82qkdb
Music š¶ 3 courts, social session - the general ability is mid intermediate.
There will be spare rackets but please bring your own racket if you do have one.
1 new tube of FEATHERED shuttles will be provided per session, plus a set of Yonex 300 plastic shuttles.
šŖ Getting Into the School
1\. The school is surrounded by a green fence\.
2\. Entrance is near the stone wall\.
3\. At the gate\, find the intercom on the right\-hand side\.
4\. Press the āCallā button and wait for security to respond\.
5\. When the intercom flashes green\, push the gate open\.
\-\-\-
šø Finding the Indoor Court
1\. After entering\, go through the visitor gate\.
2\. Follow the corridor to the end\.
3\. Look for the yellow double doors ā the badminton courts are inside\!
\-\-\-
š» Facilities
š¹ Changing Rooms & Toilets
\- Located outside the court area in the corridor\.
\- Male facilities ā right\-hand side\.
\- Female facilities ā left\-hand side\.
š§ Water Points
\- There are three water points in the corridor outside the court\.
\- Bring a water bottle to use with the water pump\.
Enjoy your game! šøš„
**Rules**
Games to 21
Max two games on in a row
Max one game off in a row
Power Map Events Near You
Connect with your local Power Map community
CBusData - Practical AI for Power BI Developers
Practical AI for Power BI Developers
A year ago, āagentic AIā was mostly hype for Power BI teams. Today, it deserves your undivided attention. For Power BI pros, there is now a real opportunity to reduce repetitive development work, accelerate delivery, and help developers do more, but only when strong DataOps practices are in place to make AI workflows effective.
This session is a no-nonsense introduction to effective AI patterns for Power BI and Fabric development. Along the way, we will make sense of the growing pile of terminology, including skills, plugins, hooks, and MCP. You will see examples of how modern AI tooling can help with development tasks across Power BI and Fabric, along with the prerequisites, guardrails, and DataOps principles needed to use it responsibly.
Whether you're burned out on AI hype or already using Copilot CLI daily, this session will show you the foundations that are finally making AI-assisted development genuinely useful.
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 parkās 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 parkās 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.
Powell Gold Star Referral Club Meetup
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!
Building Scalable Customer Identity Resolution Pipelines on AWS Using AI
Customer identity resolution becomes increasingly complex as organizations scale across multiple systems, regions, and data formats. Traditional rule-based approaches often fail to keep up with data variability, require constant manual tuning, and struggle with real-time processing needs.
This session presents a practical approach to building a scalable identity resolution pipeline using AWS services and modern AI techniques. The architecture combines data ingestion through Amazon S3 and AWS Glue, transformation pipelines using Spark on EMR, and machine learning models deployed via SageMaker for entity matching and standardization. Graph-based relationship modeling is implemented using Amazon Neptune to improve resolution accuracy by incorporating household and shared attribute context.
We will walk through how machine learning models can be used for name and address normalization, how intelligent blocking strategies improve matching efficiency, and how feedback loops can be introduced to continuously improve accuracy. The session also highlights how serverless components such as AWS Lambda can be used for orchestration and real-time processing.
**SPEAKER BIO**
Mosaic Syed is a Senior Data Engineering and Cloud Solutions Architect with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance data solutions across global enterprise environments.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosaic-basha-syed-92300856
**CALL FOR SPEAKERS**
Learn more: [https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/](https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/)
**THANK YOU** *VEEAM* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit their website: [https://www.veeam.com/](https://www.veeam.com/)
**DIRECTIONS**
8800 Lyra Dr #450 Ā· Columbus, OH
go to 4th floor.
**Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?**
Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com
Psychic Development Series II - Pueo Group
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
Columbus, OH Open Menās Group / Intro to Menās Work
Interested? Contact Preston Moore
k.preston.moore@gmail.com
614-300-5989
āāāāāāāāāāāā
Engaging in menās 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 Menās 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 societyās 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 ā and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet.
Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/
Building Momentum: From Ambiguity to Execution
**Building a great product is one thingābuilding momentum behind it is another.**
Join **Senior Product Manager Adam Solaiman** and **User Experience Manager Tyson Smith** for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn complex ideas into scalable products inside large organizations.
In this session, theyāll share how teams move from ambiguity to executionānavigating organizational complexity, aligning stakeholders, and continuously evolving products after launch.
Youāll walk away with insights on how to:
* Build and sustain momentum across teams
* Adapt to changing priorities without losing direction
* Scale products thoughtfully in complex environments
Whether you're driving a new initiative or growing an existing product, this conversation will give you practical strategies to keep things moving forward.
Come connect, learn, and swap stories with fellow product professionals.
\-\-\-
Food and drinks will be provided by Switchbox, our generous host.
Free parking will be available at the front and back sides of the Switchbox Office.









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