Scavenger Hunts

Franjo Kmet – Profesionalni planinski i gorski vodič Osnivač i voditelj brenda **Mountain Fit** – programa usmjerenog na planinarenje, alpinizam i outdoor aktivnosti. Voditelj planinarskih škola, visokogorskih tečajeva, ledenjačkih i sportsko-penjačkih programa. Strastveni prenositelj znanja i iskustava iz planinarenja i alpinizma. Organizator i vodič uspona, trekinga, ekspedicija i planinarskih izleta diljem svijeta – od Alpa do Himalaje i Patagonije. Planine su prirodni "terapeut" koji djeluje na više razina – od fiziologije (endorphini, serotonin) do egzistencijalne promjene. Najmoćniji efekt često dolazi upravo kroz smanjenje ega – kad ego prestane biti glavni lik priče, um postaje tiši, otvoreniji i sretniji. Teme LevelUp Meetup-a: **Smanjenje stresa i anksioznosti** Planine pružaju tišinu, ritmično hodanje i fokus na svaki korak – to brzo prekida krug briga i pretjeranog razmišljanja. * **Povećanje osjećaja prisutnosti i mindfulnessa** Hodanje po stazi, disanje na većoj visini, promatranje oblaka ili slušanja vjetra prirodno nas uvodi u „ovdje i sada“, smanjujući mentalni šum i preopterećenost mislima. * **Doživljaj strahopoštovanja i šire perspektive** Pogled s vrha, ogromnost planina i beskrajno nebo izazivaju duboki osjećaj strahopoštovanja. * **Povećanje samopouzdanja i osjećaja postignuća** Svaki uspješan uspon, savladavanje tehničkog dijela ili dolazak na vrh gradi unutarnju snagu i samopoštovanje. * **Povećana povezanost s prirodom i osjećaj smisla života** Boravak u planinama jača osjećaj da smo dio prirode. Napredak je nemoguć bez promjene, i oni koji ne mogu promijeniti svoj um ne mogu promijeniti ništa! 📍 Pivana, Ilica 222, Zagreb 🗓 11.02.2026. u 18:00 h Organizator: Međunarodni institut za emocionalnu zrelost – zajednica poduzetnika, stručnjaka i znanstvenika posvećenih razvoju pojedinaca i društva.🌐 http://emotionalmaturity.eu

Ciao! L'appuntamento di **febbraio** è per **mercoledì 11 alle 19** con un altro interessante talk in presenza, sempre al [Politecnico di Milano](https://www.google.com/maps/place/45%C2%B028'41.3%22N+9%C2%B013'43.6%22E/@45.478127,9.228763,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d45.478127!4d9.228763?entry=ttu)! Questo mese lo speaker sarà **Cesare Capobianco**, con il talk **Dal sito al sistema: come estendere WordPress con CRM, preventivi, portali e fatture (senza litigare col commercialista)** Abstract Costruiamo ottimi siti WordPress. Ma spesso il sito è solo una piccola parte dell’ecosistema digitale di una PMI. Vendite, preventivi, fatturazione, assistenza clienti e follow-up vivono altrove, in modo frammentato e poco efficiente. Questo talk parte da una domanda concreta: come possiamo estendere il nostro ruolo da “chi fa il sito” a consulenti del sistema digitale dell’azienda, aumentando il valore percepito e la sostenibilità economica del nostro lavoro? L’incontro è pratico e orientato alla strategia, non solo al codice. Vedremo come usare WordPress come punto di ingresso di un sistema aziendale più ampio e coerente, collegandolo a CRM, gestionali, strumenti di marketing, AI chat e helpdesk. In particolare parleremo di: come individuare le applicazioni aziendali che devono dialogare con il sito e come trasformare queste esigenze in consulenza e integrazione, non solo ore di sviluppo; come strutturare proposte semplici da vendere ma percepite come realmente convenienti, capaci di generare fiducia, referenze e nuove opportunità; come affrontare il tema delicato delle fatture elettroniche e dell’integrazione contabile, producendo dati corretti dal sito senza sostituire (né scontentare) il commercialista; come scegliere consapevolmente tra plugin WordPress, piattaforme di integrazione low-code (Make, Zapier) e soluzioni open source modulari come Odoo, anche con il supporto dell’AI per prototipi e demo rapide. Obiettivo Fornire una mappa concreta per ampliare i propri servizi WordPress e competere nel ruolo di consulente per il business digitale, restando nell’open source e con costi controllati \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Saremo in diretta streaming** Non puoi partecipare di persona? Noi non ti giudicheremo! :) Se vuoi, puoi seguirci anche in diretta streaming su YouTube. Il link sarà visibile solo una volta che avrai fatto la tua iscrizione all'evento. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **I prossimi appuntamenti della community WordPress** **Checkout Summit** La prima conferenza indipendente dal vivo per i professionisti di WooCommerce. 23-24 aprile a Palermo https://checkoutsummit.com/ **WordCamp Torino** 8-9 maggio a Torino https://torino.wordcamp.org/2026/ **WordCamp Europe** 4-6 giugno a Cracovia https://europe.wordcamp.org/2026/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **In breve, ecco come sarà organizzata la serata:** 19:00 Benvenuto + networking 19:20 Presentazione (di circa 50 minuti) 20:10 Domande e risposte 20:30 Fine; Chi vuole può continuare il networking in un bar o pizzeria vicino al luogo dell’evento. All’inizio dell’incontro faremo il conteggio per prenotare: per non creare disguidi conferma la presenza solo se sei sicuro di venire. Networking significa che ci sarà tempo per chiacchierare con chi partecipa e fare amicizia. Potresti trovare una persona interessante, un futuro cliente, un futuro fornitore o un nuovo partner di lavoro, chi può dirlo? Non riesci a venire, o devi dare la tua disdetta? Nessun rancore, sarà per la prossima. Ti chiediamo solo di farci sapere 24 ore prima così - liberiamo il tuo posto per altre persone. **Vuoi essere speaker?** Beh, nulla di più facile: **Compila il modulo [cliccando qui](https://wpmilano.org/speaker-form/)**. Ti risponderemo per fornirti tutti i dettagli. Ci vediamo lì! 😉

Fortlaufend werden auf WordPress-Websites von Bots automatische „Brute Force Attacken” ausgeübt. Mit einer Serie ziemlich fieser Bot-Attacken wird die WP-Website nachhaltig auf Schwachstellen abgeklopft. Ziel ist das System zu übernehmen, andere Inhalte auf der Website zu platzieren oder sogar Schadsoftware zu installieren. In diesem Talk tauchen wir in die Welt der digitalen Sicherheit ein und schauen uns an, welche Strategien wirklich helfen können, WordPress-Websites widerstandsfähiger zu machen — und welche beliebten „Tricks” in Wahrheit kaum Schutz bieten. Anhand praxisnaher Beispiele zeigt Bernhard Kau, wo sich der Einsatz lohnt und wo man besser die Finger davon lässt. Es schließt sich eine offenen Diskussion an. [Bernhard Kau](https://kau-boys.de/) ↗ ist PHP- und Webentwickler und Mitorganisator des [WordPress Meetup Berlin](https://www.meetup.com/de-DE/berlin-wordpress-meetup/) ↗ **ACHTUNG: Das Treffen findet komlett online via ZOOM statt, da wir dieses mal für uns Dresdner keinen Raum bekamen.** **Zur Teilnahme ist eine Anmeldung unbedint erforderlich.** Alle dürfen bei unseren [WordPress-Meetups](https://wpdrs.de/) ↗ kostenfrei teilnehmen, unabhängig von den Vorkenntnissen, der Ausbildung, dem wirtschaftlichem oder finanziellem Hintergrund oder aus irgendwelchen anderen Kriterien. ... TREFFPUNKT: [Sächsische Landesbibliothek – Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Dresden (SLUB)](https://www.slub-dresden.de/) ↗ Zellescher Weg 18 01069 Dresden ➡️ Gruppenraum 0.46 (in der Ebene 0); siehe [3D-Gebäudeplan](https://3d.slub-dresden.de/viewer?p=3&b=5&f=11&c=8939&l=3003&lang=de) ↗ (Der zutreffende Gruppenraum für unseren Treff in der SLUB wird hier noch rechtzeitig vorher bekanntgegeben.) ... EINSCHRÄNKUNG: Max. 12 Personen ... HINWEISE Die Teilnahme an unserem WordPress-Meetup ist kostenlos. Es gelten hierbei unsere [Regeln](https://wpdrs.de/ueber-uns/regeln/) ↗ ... CODE OF CONDUCT Als WordPress Meetup verpflichten wir uns den Code of Conduct (sprich: unsere "Verhaltensregeln") einzuhalten. [Diese findest du hier](https://wpdrs.de/ueber-uns/regeln/verhaltenskodex/) ↗. ... VERWEISE • [Unsere Webseite](https://wpdrs.de/) ↗ • [Wir bei Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/wordpress-meetup-dresden/) ↗ • [Wir bei Mastodon](https://mastodon.social/@wpdrs) ↗ • [Nützliche Links](https://wpdrs.de/linksammlung/) ↗

Hi everyone! Join us for the RubyZG February. We'll hear about building a query builder with AI and what is like to work at a company where Ruby On Rails itself was created. This event is hosted by [DECODE](https://decode.agency/about-us/) who will be providing snacks and refreshments after the formal part of the meetup. Btw. they are hiring, so be sure to check [their open positions](https://decode.agency/open-positions/). For those coming by car, there is no dedicated parking but there should be plenty of parking at that time in the street in front of the building. See you at DECODE! \*\*\* How to use AI agents to build query builder by [Lovro Žmak](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lovro-zmak-22706253/) Does code generation with AI agents always help or is it better to manually write it sometimes ? How does Arel fit into the story and how did it influence the code design decisions ? This talk will bring you the story of building a query builder with AI agents, from initial wrong directions to the final solution. Through practical examples and live demos, you will receive guidelines on how to use AI agents to generate usable and sustainable code. **Working at 37signals: The birthplace of Ruby On Rails** by [Stanko Krtalić Rusendić](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanko-krtalic/) Last July Stanko started working at [37signals](https://37signals.com/), the company behind Basecamp, Hey & Fizzy and the place from which the very first version or Ruby On Rails was extracted back in 2004. It's still the company with the largest influence on the direction of Rails development with major contributions like ActiveStorage, SolidQueue, Turbo & Stimulus. We'll hear how the company works and what it's like to work there.

Where locals, expats & travellers turn Thursday into Small Friday. Hey everyone! Whether you’ve just landed in Zagreb, been here a while, or live right around the corner, **Small Friday International Zagreb** (**[SFIZ.FUN](https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb)**) is your go-to for winter evenings, language swapping, and good times with great people. 📍 **Where?** The Beertija, Pavla Hatza 16 🕗 **When?** Thursdays, every other week from 8PM ✨ Free to join, just grab a drink and support the bar’s rockin’ vibe 🍺🎸 ✨ Open to all, all ages, all vibes, all language levels welcome 💬 **What to expect?** 🗣️ **Language Exchange:** English, Croatian, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Ukrainian, Russian… you name it 💬🌐 🌍 **Cultural Vibes:** Locals, expats, travellers, Erasmus students . . . sharing tips, stories & laughs 🎭✨ 🤝 **New Connections:** Real convos, real mates, winter evenings to remember 🤗 🍷 **Weekend Planners:** From concerts, winter sports, partying to fests and day trips, let’s plot our winter adventures 🎶❄️🏔️ 🌟 **Why now?** 🎭 Winter is when Zagreb slows. The days are cold and sometimes snowy, the city quieter, more reflective. It’s the season for winter walks, museums and cinemas, snow-dusted hikes on Sljeme, and simple pleasures like warm food and long conversations indoors.🌍💖💬 Zagreb is unusual in that winter can mean a mini ski break close to home. Sljeme offers easy slopes for beginners and casual skiers, without crowds or queues. Ice skating adds to the rhythm, outdoors at Šalata or indoors at Velesajam and the Admiral Ice Dome. ⛸️🎿 And the best way to share it? At **[SFIZ.FUN](https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb)**. Our meetups are where plans get made, tips get swapped, and crews form to explore Zagreb together. 🌍💖 🍺 **Why The Beertija?** Because it’s that place everyone ends up wishing they’d gone to 😏✨ Warm beer cellar vibes 🍻🔥, cosy living-room energy 🛋️☕, 🚭 non-smoking inside (happy clothes, happy lungs 😌), plus a covered outdoor patio for quick smoke breaks 🚬😉. Skip it, and you’ll hear about it later 👀💬 💡 Top tip: Turn up early, smile, catch someone’s eye, and dive into conversation, that’s how the magic starts 😉💫 No pressure, just rock up and join the crew. 💖 Let’s ditch the screen, grab a drink, and meet the world! See you soon, **SFIZ Crew** P.S. Spread the word https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb 🔎 **How to Spot Us** New here? Best trick is to swing by right at the start, that’s when it’s easiest to find the crew and jump straight in, or ask the bar staff about the event ✨ Need quick updates or can’t see us straight away? No worries, our [WhatsApp group](https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb/faq/sfiz-whatsapp-guide-keeping-it-fun-and-respectful) is where you can ask quick questions. 💖 #ZagrebGlobalMingle 💖

**Autogenic training** is a method that, by directing attention to specific parts of the body and entering a state of deep relaxation, reconnects the brain with the body. By establishing communication between the brain and physical organs and body parts, we can positively influence our overall health. The **RDD Club** is organizing an **Autogenic Training session in Zagreb**, Maksimir, held in the hall at **Ružmarinka 15** (ground floor of the building). The training will take place on **February 13 and February 20, 2026**, both dates being **Fridays at 6:30 PM**. The session on **February 20** will be held as a **dual-language session**, in **Croatian and English**, so participants who do not understand Croatian are also welcome. **No prior registration is required.** The donation is **€15**.

We’re happy to announce the next **AWS User Group Zagreb meetup**, once again focused on a **recap of this year’s AWS re:Invent**, followed by a short startup spotlight. **Date**: February 12, 2026 **Time**: 18:00 **Venue**: Planinska 13a, third floor, Tellus [Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bMHxbf56yZni87ip6) When you exit the elevator, the doors are on the right with a sign "Tellus". ### **Speakers** **Bojan Sovilj** Bojan is an active AWS community member and frequent speaker who regularly attends AWS re:Invent. He focuses on translating AWS announcements into practical insights, helping teams understand how new services and changes impact real-world architectures and development workflows. **Bruno Rožman** Bruno is part of the Sonder AI team and will briefly introduce the product and its motivation. **Ante Čerkez** Ante is the CTO at Sonder AI and will touch on how AWS is used to support the Sonder platform. *** ### **Agenda** #### **AWS re:Invent 2025 Recap** **Speaker:** Bojan Sovilj AWS re:Invent continues to grow every year, with a large number of announcements across infrastructure, application development, data, and AI. In this session, Bojan will deliver a **structured and practical recap of AWS re:Invent 2025**, focusing on the announcements and trends that are most relevant for AWS users today. The talk will cover: * The most important **service launches and updates** * Key **technology and architectural trends** introduced at re:Invent * Context on what is truly new versus incremental changes * How these updates may influence **application design, infrastructure, and operations** Rather than attempting to cover everything, the session will focus on **relevance and impact**, helping attendees decide what’s worth exploring further. *** #### **Startup Spotlight: Sonder AI** **Speakers:** Bruno Rožman & Ante Čerkez **Topic:** **Why networking is inefficient today and how Sonder is building a “personal connection system” using AWS** A short startup-focused talk on: * The problem Sonder is addressing in modern networking * How AWS supports their product development *** ### **Networking** After the talks, we’ll continue with informal networking, drinks, and discussions with fellow AWS community members. *** **Attendance is free, registration is required.**

Pojďme se pravidelně potkávat a sdílet zkušenosti z Power Platformy, co nás na ní baví, co nás trápí a co nového zajímavého přichází. A pokud už nám to někde reálně běží, pochlubme se, jak to funguje nebo nefunguje. Témata jsou primárně Power Automate, Power Apps, Power Pages, Power BI, Copilot Studio, Dynamics 365 a Dataverse. Budeme rádi i za méně pokročilé příspěvky, protože většinou jsme velmi hluboko v technických detailech. **Lokalita:** Fyzicky v Microsoftu v Praze Vyskočilova 1561/4a, Praha 4, 140 00 Místnost Morava Případně online na [https://ppug.community/stream](https://ppug.community/stream) **Jazyk:** čeština **Agenda:** [https://ppug.community/agenda](https://ppug.community/agenda) **Přihlašte vlastní příspěvek:** [https://ppug.community/sessions](https://ppug.community/sessions) **Link na stream:** [https://ppug.community/stream](https://ppug.community/stream) **Občerstvení:** Bagety **Úroveň:** 100-300 Tak si prosím naplánujte čas ve svých kalendářích a přijďte, pokud bude chuť a čas, tak si po meetupu určitě můžeme sednout na pivo.

**ToWork è una micro-community che ogni settimana organizza dopo lavoro informali tra LAVORATORI DIGITALI, FREELANCE, CREATIVI E REMOTE WORKERS.** **Ad ogni incontro ti sentirai parte di un gruppo e farai nuove interessanti amicizie partendo dal tuo lavoro.** Ti sentirai subito tra amici, garantito! ⚠️*PER PARTECIPARE È FONDAMENTALE REGISTRARSI AL LINK QUI SOTTO.* **La location la scoprirai SOLO DOPO LA REGISTRAZIONE.👇🏻** [CLICCA QUI PER REGISTRARTI](https://luma.com/e6u1nmr7)

Hallo liebe Java User Group Mitglieder! Im ersten Meetup des Jahres geht es mit Felix Tensing um das Thema Bottom-Up-Tests. Wir freuen uns euch zu sehen (virtuell oder vor Ort). Dank an [BRANDAD](https://brandad-solutions.de/) für Location, Bier und Pizza! \-\-\- Frühes Testen in der Softwareentwicklung gilt längst als bewährte Praxis – dennoch verlassen sich viele Entwickler:innen weiterhin auf „den Tester“, um ihre Arbeit zu prüfen. Entwicklung und Test laufen getrennt, Feedbackschleifen verlängern sich und es entstehen Wissenssilos. Die Folge: Fehler werden spät entdeckt, Korrekturen teurer und das gemeinsame Verständnis für Anforderungen und Nutzer:innen bleibt lückenhaft. Exploratives Testen bietet hier eine einfache und wirkungsvolle Lösung. In selbstorganisierten Sessions können Teams ohne Vorwissen unmittelbar starten. Test-Chartas geben Orientierung, ohne die kreative Erkundung einzuschränken. Schon kurze, fokussierte Sessions liefern wertvolles Feedback, decken blinde Flecken auf und fördern den Wissensaustausch im Team. So profitiert das ganze Team vom Knowledge-Aufbau – sei es fachliches Wissen, Testmethoden oder Aspekte wie Barrierefreiheit. Der Vortrag zeigt praxisnah, wie Entwickler:innen exploratives Testen bottom-up einführen können – auch ohne offizielles „Go“ von oben. Anhand von Beispielen, konkreten Anleitungen und leicht übertragbaren Formaten erhalten Teilnehmende einen Hands-on-Einstieg, mit dem sie sofort beginnen und profitieren können. Exploratives Testen zeigt sofort Wirkung – wenn ihr es einfach ausprobiert. \-\-\- Dein Vortrag bei der Java Usergroup Nürnberg! Hast du dich in letzter Zeit in deinem Projekt oder privat mit einem interessanten Thema beschäftigt? Vermutlich ist das nicht nur für dich selbst interessant! Hast du Lust, selber einmal einen Vortrag bei der Java-Usergroup Nürnberg zu halten? Wir sind nicht nur auf Java-Themen fokussiert, sondern beschäftigen uns gern mit und um alles über Software Entwicklung und IT. Wir wollen bei der JUG nicht nur bekannten Speaker\*innen eine Plattform geben und die neuesten State-of-the-Art Technologien vorstellen. Wir freuen uns auch besonders, wenn wir Themen aus unserem technologischen (Arbeits-)alltag Raum geben zu können. Melde dich gerne bei uns, wenn du dazu Lust hast, wir geben wenn gewünscht gerne auch Hilfestellung bei der Vorbereitung!

Join us for a CMG Discount Tuesday event to see the hilarious, action-packed and absolutely-bonkers-looking sci-fi-action-comedy, GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE! The film follows a man from the future who recruits diners at an LA restaurant to help combat rogue AI. Here’s a description, trailer and our plan for this event: GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE: A man from the future arrives at a diner in Los Angeles where he must recruit the precise combination of disgruntled patrons to join him on a one-night quest to save the world from the terminal threat of a rogue artificial intelligence. The film is directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean series) and stars Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chaudhry, Tom Taylor, and Juno Temple. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkFW7BZyqkI EARLY BUZZ AND REVIEWS: Early reviews have been stellar with the film earning a 94% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes! “It offers laughs, thrills, and it’s a thinker; you will not be disappointed.” It’s a “laugh-filled yet incredibly dark and poignant fever dream that pleads for a safer AI tomorrow” and director Gore Verbinski's “command over utter chaos is nothing short of marvelous!” PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:20pm showing and meet in the bar area between 5:45 and 6:00pm! A smaller theater so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! (If we fill it up, we can sometimes persuade them to move it to a larger theater.) One you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below. Should be a fun one, Dan

Let’s try MILO this week. Back to our old stomping ground COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available for first time players. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

We'll play board games at the [Land-Grant Brewing Company](https://landgrantbrewing.com/). They have multiple [food trucks](https://landgrantbrewing.com/food/) on Sundays. Ray Ray's also has coffee, and the brewery has free water (and Jeni's ice cream). You can come late or leave early. Please just sign up so I know to expect you. **Notes on Parking** * You'll (probably) have to park on the street, but street parking is free on Sundays. * There are [parking garages](https://landgrantbrewing.com/parking/) a little farther away if you want. These are obviously not free, though. * There is a [lot next door](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'26.0%22N+83%C2%B000'40.9%22W/@39.957211,-83.0119921,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m12!1m7!3m6!1s0x88388f3efd89238b:0xc139207386232411!2sLand-Grant+Brewing+Company!8m2!3d39.9577613!4d-83.011426!16s%2Fg%2F1pzt7t9df!3m3!8m2!3d39.957211!4d-83.011347?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D) to the brewery that you're allowed to park in, but it is not free. I've never parked there, so I don't know anything about rates. (I'm told though that if you eat at Milo's Deli next door to this lot that Milo's will stamp your parking so it's free.) * You're going to see odd signs on [Lucas St](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'26.1%22N+83%C2%B000'40.3%22W/@39.957256,-83.0124134,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zMznCsDU3JzI4LjgiTiA4M8KwMDAnNDEuNSJX!8m2!3d39.957993!4d-83.011536!3m3!8m2!3d39.957256!4d-83.011197?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D) (saying it's a "private street") that will lead you to believe you're not allowed to park there, but you actually are. * Columbus parking cops literally do not work on Sundays. This means that, even if you're driving a non-EV, you can park in the EV spots near the brewery. **Games** I do bring many games, but please bring some of your own as well.

Thursdays just got smarter (and sassier). 🧠🍻 Join us at TownHall Short North for Trivia Night with Marquis—where the questions are fun, the competition is friendly, and the vibes are immaculate. Grab your crew, sip something good, and prove you know random facts you absolutely shouldn’t.

***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails** [Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space. In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration. The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours. Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks. Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city. ***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day** The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269–270 AD. The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era. Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection. ***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park** Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg). ***(She loves me not.)* Summary** For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way. ***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet** Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event. Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't. We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going. ***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains** There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails. ***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.

Join us for Valentines Day and play some sweet games!!