Research Triangle Park

En honor al Mes Nacional de la Actividad Física y los Deportes, Zócalo Health ofrece un taller para ayudarle a fortalecer su cuerpo y mantenerse activo—sin necesidad de un gimnasio. Este taller, dirigido por una fisioterapeuta licenciada, se enfoca en movimientos seguros y fáciles para todas las edades y niveles. **Para todas las edades. GRATIS.** Langley Park Community Center, 1500 Merrimac Dr, Hyattsville 20783 **Código de boleto:** [SPD-SPEC-GA-20260528](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=bc6M686G1L6Y2D2R213X2L4I5N405Y59725O3Y6D53716Y4M5H6S07734L5U5R1I5K5Z4E4W725O4G6G530J5T4N515Q6S5X4J5C5K715L4I54680969605F4V6H534W6F&quantity=1&begindate=01%2F07%2F2026&enddate=01%2F07%2F2027&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&secondarycode=SPD-SPEC-GA-20260528&display=Detail&module=PST&multiselectlist_value=&pstwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes) Los talleres se presentarán en español. Se requiere inscripción. Utilice el código del boleto para registrarse en [pgparksdirect.com](pgparksdirect.com). Nos puede contactar al correo electrónico [wellness@pgparks.com](wellness@pgparks.com) si tiene alguna pregunta. **Move Well, Live Well: Building Everyday Fitness for a Healthier Maryland (\*PLEASE NOTE\* Workshop will be presented in Spanish)** In honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, join Zócalo Health for an energizing workshop focused on building strength, mobility, and resilience—no gym required. Led by a licensed physical therapist, this session emphasizes safe, functional movement for all bodies and fitness levels. **All Ages welcome; FREE**. Langley Park Community Center, 1500 Merrimac Dr, Hyattsville 20783 **Ticket Code:** [SPD-SPEC-GA-20260528](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=bc6M686G1L6Y2D2R213X2L4I5N405Y59725O3Y6D53716Y4M5H6S07734L5U5R1I5K5Z4E4W725O4G6G530J5T4N515Q6S5X4J5C5K715L4I54680969605F4V6H534W6F&quantity=1&begindate=01%2F07%2F2026&enddate=01%2F07%2F2027&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&secondarycode=SPD-SPEC-GA-20260528&display=Detail&module=PST&multiselectlist_value=&pstwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes) This workshop will be presented in Spanish. Registration is required. Use the ticket code to register at[ pgparksdirect.com](pgparksdirect.com). Email [wellness@pgparks.com](wellness@pgparks.com) if you have any questions.

**🎹🍸🐺 LAST THURSDAY MARTY — Georgetown Piano Bar 🎶🤝** **What happens when you mix ambitious professionals, entrepreneurs, Main Street businesses, live piano music, meaningful conversations, and a mission bigger than ourselves?** **You get a Team Network MARTY — a “Meeting And a paRTY!” 🇺🇸💪** **Join Team Network for our legendary “Last Thursday MARTY” at the iconic Georgetown Piano Bar — where networking feels less like work and more like the kind of night you don’t want to end.** **This isn’t about awkward handshakes, stale chicken skewers, and people trying to sell you copier toner five seconds after meeting you. 😄** **This is about:** **✅ Building real relationships** **✅ Meeting your future power-play partners** **✅ Sharing opportunities and resources** **✅ Supporting great causes** **✅ Laughing, learning, and growing together** **And this month, we are proud to support Habitat for Humanity — helping hardworking families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable housing. 🏠❤️** **Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, professional, creative, contractor, consultant, attorney, lender, coach, or simply someone who believes relationships still matter in business… this is your room.** **Because at Team Network, we believe:** **🐺 “The strength of the wolf is the pack.”** **🤝 One introduction can change your business.** **🎯 And if you have time to breathe… you have time to network.** **Bring business cards.** **Bring energy.** **Bring a friend.** **Bring your appetite for opportunity.** **Join the Team and Run with a Pack! 🐺🤝🇺🇸💪** **#TeamNetwork #MARTY #BusinessNetworking #Georgetown #WashingtonDC #HabitatForHumanity #Networking #Entrepreneurs #MainStreetBusiness #ProfessionalNetworking #GiveAndGo #RunWithAPa**

Join us for FREE classes in the beautiful outdoors throughout Prince George’s County! Learn basic moves to strengthen your body, increase flexibility, and free your mind. Ages 13 & up. **Register Here:** [pgparksdirect.com](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=532319498) Activity Code: 17680-479D Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather or wet grounds. Call 301-927-0822 for weather-related cancellations. For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email wellness@pgparks.com

Dance your way into fitness with this Zumba® class! The use of multicultural dance themes create a dynamic and exciting total body fitness routine. Experience Zumba's benefits to your mood, heart, and dance skills! Level: All. Ages 13 & up Fitness in the Parks is a FREE program that brings a variety of fitness opportunities to parks and natural areas across Prince George’s County, MD! We invite you to find the class that best suits your fitness goals and to come discover the benefits of exercising in nature. Ages 13 & up. Register at pgparksdirect.com. No classes on federal holidays (Memorial Day 5/25). Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather or wet grounds. Call 301-927-0822 for weather-related cancellations. **Register Here:**[ pgparksdirect.com](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=532320136) Activity Code: 17681-279E For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email wellness@pgparks.com **Fairwood Community Park (located under the bandshell)** **12390 Fairwood Parkway** **Bowie, 20720**

JOIN US FOR THE BEST NETWORKING EVENT IN DC! As seen in Entrepreneur Magazine THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= weconnect® is the fastest growing startup, digital & tech networking organization in the country. Our events are comprised of the most influential professionals in the area. THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= Our purpose is to help our members forge strong, lasting relationships within the community – combining Fortune 500/1000s with Entrepreneurs and Startups. We’re creating unique opportunities & connections to help you grow your business and network both offline and online through our proprietary platform (coming soon). Enjoy The Most Successful Startup & Tech Mixer In A Fun, Relaxed Atmosphere Mingle With Highly Successful Men & Women In The Entrepreneur, Startup, TECH Space Find Your Next Client, Employee, Business Partner or Co-founder “Your Network Is Your Net Worth.” Come Build Your Network With Us! THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= COMPANIES OFTEN IN ATTENDANCE\* (... just to name a few) Google • Sony • Electronic Arts • Hulu • Hautelook • The Honest Company • Disney • Apple • Activision • Live Nation • Dollar Shave Club • Facebook • Snapchat • Trunk Club • ZipRecruiter • Experian • DreamWorks Amplify • HBO • Edmonds.com • DogVacay • NBC Universal • YouTube • BeachBody • Playstation • Amazon...and so many more. \*This does not Guarantee that these companies will be in attendance at this event. JOIN US FROM 6:00 - 9:00PM • DRINKS\* • AMAZING COMPANY • NETWORKING \*Cash Bar PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: Connect in Tech We're Hiring THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= ***Event Date & location subject to change as per the organizers discretion.If event changes date your ticket will still be valid for the rescheduled event date.No Refunds, Exchanges or Substitutions***

The Cover6 Community's in-person meetup is back — round three, and we're keeping it exactly where it should be. We're downstairs this time — right by the bar. No conference room, no roped-off section upstairs. Just the right amount of space for real conversation, and drinks already there if you want one. What to expect: • Pure open networking — no agenda, no presentations, no slides • Three hours to connect, catch up, and build real relationships • Genuine conversations with practitioners, newcomers, students, and professionals from across the industry • Good energy, familiar faces — and plenty of new ones When you walk in, skip the elevator. Head straight to the bar and you'll see me close by. Who should come: Anyone in or entering the cybersecurity space in the DMV. It doesn't matter if you've been in the industry for 20 years or you're still studying for your first cert. You belong here. Bring a friend — the more the merrier. Tag someone who needs to be in this room. 📍 AC Hotel by Marriott Arlington National Landing 1999 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202 (Metro accessible — Blue/Yellow Line, Crystal City Station) We're downstairs — look for us by the bar. 📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026 🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM RSVP so we know how many people to expect. See you Thursday. — Tyrone & the Cover6 Community team

This moderate hike begins at Meadowbrook Park in Montgomery County, MD. Enjoy the quiet woodland trails and creek views which are a hidden joy in this northern section of DC’s Rock Creek Park. We may see woodpeckers, waterbirds and other wildlife, along with lingering wildflowers as we hike. The path will take us into DC at the boundary bridge and we will travel the Valley trail, then cross over one of the small bridges that span Rock Creek to the Western Ridge trail for our return. This peaceful walk along Rock Creek and through mature woodlands has rolling hills with several ups and downs, and a steam crossing or two. Poles might come in handy for the stream crossings and some of the steeper sections, but are not strictly necessary. Most of the trail is natural surface with some rocks and roots, so please wear appropriate footwear. Please make sure to bring water to drink! And consider sunscreen and insect repellent. There are portable toilets near the start of our hike. (I will check on this–the last time I walked this they had been removed, but typically there are facilities near the playground.) **Time to meet:** Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00 **Contact information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike leader is Nancy 240-498-1034 Call or text if urgent. **Directions to the trailhead:.** The address: 7901 Meadowbrook Lane, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Go all the way to the end of the road where there is a parking lot near a playground and ballfields. We will meet near the stone building. (You may see signs directing you to Candy Cane City, which is the local name of the playground.) The GPS coordinates: 38.98672981029209, -77.06160880892341 **Elevation Gain**: 348 ft. **Pace:** 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour **Cancellation:** In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting **Notes:** **PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. DO NOT SHOW UP UNREGISTERED!** If YOUR PLANS CHANGE, UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY NOON THE DAY PRIOR TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO FILL YOUR SPOT. **SIGNING OUT AFTER NOON WILL BE CONSIDERED A "NO SHOW," AND REPEATED INSTANCES MAY RESULT IN BEING BARRED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE HIKES.** IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST, PLEASE CHECK YOUR STATUS AFTER 4:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE TO SEE IF YOU HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THE "GOING" LIST. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST AND NO LONGER WISH TO ATTEND, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SIGN OUT EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT CONFIRMED, OTHERWISE YOU MAY BE MARKED AS A NO SHOW. -A well-trained, leashed Fido is welcome on this hike. -Please keep this a fragrance free event. -To find out more about PATC, [ click here](https://www.patc.net/). -Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here.](https://www.patc.net/membership).

Join other parents from [Neighborhood Church](https://www.neighborhoodc.org/) as we reflect on God's characteristics and how His posture toward us can directly impact our posture toward our children. Gather every Saturday morning with or without the kids for a casual time of hanging out at [Blueberry Hill Park](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Blueberry+Hill+Local+Park/@39.128916,-77.1565103,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7d2f3bb090ff9:0x92add00fbaa79b7a!8m2!3d39.128916!4d-77.1565103!16s%2Fg%2F11bbrnzjr5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUwMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) with one another. Throughout the week, we’ll study [Bible Project’s “Character of God Word Study”](https://bibleproject.com/videos/collections/character-of-god/) at our own pace & share our thoughts, reflections & questions with one another through a What’s App group.

Join PSW Science® on May 29 at 8 PM as we welcome Michael Garrett (U. of Manchester) & Adam Thompson (NVIDIA). During the question and answer period, in-person attendees and live stream viewers may ask the speaker questions, and in-person attendees may also engage with the speaker during the post-lecture reception. Refreshments are served. For more information on this meeting, please visit: https://pswscience.org/meeting/2536 The meeting will be held in the John Wesley Powell Auditorium, adjacent to the Cosmos Club. The Powell Auditorium is located at 2170 Florida Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008. Use of the Cosmos Club is restricted to the Powell Auditorium, the entryway to the auditorium, and the restrooms immediately outside the auditorium. Please note there is no onsite parking available. PSW Science, founded in 1871, is one of the oldest scientific societies in Washington D.C. Now, over 150 years later, we celebrate the Society's rich history and contributions to scientific discovery and cross-disciplinary collaboration. For information on how to become a member of PSW Science and membership benefits, please visit https://pswscience.org/join/

Join us for FREE classes in the beautiful outdoors throughout Prince George’s County! Learn basic moves to strengthen your body, increase flexibility, and free your mind. Ages 13 & up. Register at *pgparksdirect.com*. No classes on federal holidays. Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather or wet grounds. Call 301-927-0822 for weather-related cancellations. **New this season! Yoga in the Parks has extended to include meditation, Balance & Stretch, & Pilates at select locations!** **Register Here:** [pgparksdirect.com](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=532319730) Activity Code: 17680-279G For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email wellness@pgparks.com

Let GRASP take you back in time to the 80's on Friday. May 29 start at 10pm and ends at 1am .Join us at Clydes of Chevy Chase with the totally awesome, gnarly tunes by Quantum Leap. Quantum Leap is a unique 80's Tribute band that will keep you dancing all night long! Quantum Leap is taking the DC area by storm! Performing to packed clubs and quickly gathering a loyal following around the beltway. Let them take you back to greatest music era in history by enjoying such 80's artists as Billy Idol, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, The Go Go's, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Salt n Pepa, Flock of Seagulls, The Police, Journey, Prince, Joan Jett, ZZ Top, J. Geils Band, Simple Minds and many many more! Quantum Leap brings an unmatched versatility so everyone's either singing along to their favorite hits or just plain dancing their 80's butts off! **How to find us** Go downstairs and you'll find Edward with his name tag and "GRASP" at the booths on the right side towards the back wall. [Clyde's of Chevy Chase](https://www.clydes.com/location/chevy-chase/?y_source=1_MzcwMDQ4MjMtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D)

**Info below: Welcome! Download Songbook, Seating** *** \*\* WEATHER: Please check the your email before heading to the jam. I will send out an email if it will be cancelled due to rain. \*\* \*\* SAFETY: Please note by participating in this event you agree to the Health and Safety Waiver/Release below \*\* *** **ALL Jammers! All Instruments! All Skill Levels Welcome!** JOIN US FOR A JAM - IT IS A GREAT WAY TO: * Get in some practice time * Learn new songs * Socialize with other musicians * Build your confidence Come join us make music together! Anyone who can play any instrument at any skill level is welcome to stay and play for some or all of the Jam. We all play and sing songs from our song books of lyrics and chords. Everyone gets a chance to pick a song or pass. No pressure! *** **a. BRING SONGBOOKS: Please DOWNLOAD our TWO song books.** Download our TWO song books: at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhpjam/files/ b. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Safety is our number one priority! We want to be sure everybody attending the jam understands personal responsibilities to keep themselves and others safe. By attending this event you agree to the terms of the HEALTH AND SAFETY WAIVER which can be found in any one of the following: 1. At this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhpjam/permalink/2276132525918969 2. At this link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gzfqo4fnw0a2268zr95nx/MITCHELL-PARK-JAM-HEALTH-AND-SAFETY-WAIVER-RELEASE.pdf?rlkey=gztmv5k1shtxunjkc40hj5ij6&st=rek95rkg&dl=0 Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Only people who are fully vaccinated can attend. Local laws allow for some exceptions to this rule. Please contact me if you fall under these exceptions so we can make the appropriate arrangements. All members should follow CDC and Washington, D.C. guidelines. In addition, please respect other members needs for space. *** c. FACEBOOK: Join the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhpjam/ *** d. SEATING: You may want to bring a chair as seating may be limited. *** e. LOCATION: The jam will be held at Mitchell Park in Washington, DC. You can find our exact location on this map: https://bit.ly/mhpjamloc1 *** d. DONATIONS: Suggested donations: $2 per jam -OR- $5 per month -OR- $20 per 6 months. You can Venmo @Eric-Cohen-114 Meetup costs money. Eric pays for most of the costs out of his own pocket, but he asks you to help defray some of the costs with a small donation. Thank you.

NOTE: This working session is at Lamond-Riggs Library not MLK. It is near the Fort Totten Metro Station. A game development **Working Session** involves 3 key parts: 1. Tell people what you're going to do 2. Actually do stuff 3. Show people what you did **What to bring**: Laptop, Charger, maybe a power strip if you have one handy, any other game development tools you need. Try to download any software you need before the working session. There is Wifi at this location, but it may be slow if you have to download any large files.

Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites. YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM \***Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697** Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website. WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are. WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise \~50% of class. TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day. Fee: $295 (Earlybird)

QA or the Highway is a one-day, affordable, regional, professional conference featuring real-world experience and thought leadership in the QA and testing industry. This is a ticketed event please register here: https://www.qaorthehwy.com/ Featured Keynote Speakers: **Matthew-Hope Eland** **(Wizard at Leading EDJE)** \- An AI Specialist and Wizard at Leading EDJE who is known to teach software engineering\, AI\, and data science concepts in the most ridiculous ways possible\. Matt has used machine learning to settle debates over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie\, reinforcement learning to drive the behavior of digital squirrels\, data analytics to suggest improvements to his favorite TV show\, and AI agents to play board games and create an AI agent with the personality of a dog\. Matt is the author of "Data Science in \.NET with Polyglot Notebooks" and "Refactoring with C\#" as well as several LinkedIn Learning courses\. Matt helps organize the Central Ohio \.NET Developer Group\, runs several blogs and a YouTube channel\, has a Master’s of Science in Data Analytics\, and is a current Microsoft MVP in AI and \.NET\. **Tatyana Arbouzova** **(CEO at Innovate QA)** \- Tatyana Arbouzova is an engineering and business leader with a strong background in Quality Engineering across multiple industries\, including Big Tech\, Healthcare\, and Entertainment\. She has held leadership roles at world\-class companies such as Microsoft\, VMware\, Disney\, and The Pokémon Company International\, where she focused on building quality\-driven cultures and scaling teams to deliver high\-impact products\. With decades of experience\, Tatyana has helped organizations transform their quality practices so teams can deliver software efficiently\, confidently\, and with measurable business outcomes\. Today\, Tatyana advises software companies on adopting AI to optimize quality practices and improve how software is delivered at scale\. She is also a passionate community builder and the founder of Innovate QA\, a thriving Seattle\-based community and conference for quality professionals\.

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **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

The Alliance is part of the Greater Central Ohio Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. We are an all-voices chorus dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all those who love to sing, regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation or musical background. The Alliance is the first and only all-voices barbershop chorus in Central Ohio. **Who:** Anyone with a passion for singing at a high level. Previous barbershop chorus/quartet experience not required. **When:** The Alliance rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7pm-10pm. **Where:** Lord Of Life Lutheran Church: 2480 W Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 To become a full member of The Alliance, we welcome you to start by visiting us for a few rehearsals to experience the group and sing with us! Then, you may begin the 2-part audition process for membership: the assessement, and audition. We strive to make our auditions as stress-free as possible to help you let your best singing self shine.

PLEASE NOTE!!! This event will be In-Person for our very 1st Improving collab! If you know the [Columbus Unity group](https://www.meetup.com/columbus-unity-user-group/) location, we'll be at the same place. This is our 1st event and are doing a soft launch with limited attendance. 1st come 1st serve. If you want to be there and we fill up, please email me at [info@thecogg.com](mailto:info@thecogg.com) and I'll be in touch. All street parking is free on Sundays but you can also pay to park in any of the local garages. See image of [parking map here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mr9_LFIggbs-0_Zd3AJTGNqEhgMf2TzQ/view?usp=sharing). \-\-\- On the last Sunday of the month, we're having our usual end-of-the-month social gathering with our GameDev Meetup meeting. There will be announcements and presentations followed by some social networking Let's continue the conversations with good vibes and friends. All are welcomed from all ages and backgrounds to this public event. If we can, we'll be streaming or uploading the video later via our COGG YouTube channel here: [https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams) (Also please do subscribe if you have not done so!) No game development experience required! If you are interested in doing a 20 minute game development related presentation, please fill out our form online here: [https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1](https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1) Or e-mail us at info@thecogg.com with the following: Your Name, Company/Affiliation, Name of Your Game/Topic, Description, Tech Needs, and Your Contact. Be sure to check out our Discord for real time news updates: [https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ](https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ)

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.