Sequoia National Park

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

How to be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life Sunday, 23 February at 2pm. You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

How do we recover from having had a toxic or narcissistic ex? How do we move on from the past, especially something as traumatic as a divorce or breakup? How do we avoid anxiety and depression? How do we have more self esteem? In this meeting, you will learn the mental health secrets to help you quickly get over the past and heal your mind. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

Tickets are now on sale!🥳We also will have lunch before. At the Rusty Bucket in Easton which is posted separately. 😊 Park in the East Garage.The restaurant is across the street then we can walk back together to the movie! 🥳

*We can only take 13 women on this trip.* **The details...** Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure. Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip. ***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** **A guided adventure:** Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality. This is more than a hiking trip. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna). **What to expect...** * Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe. * Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages. * Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center. * Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts. * Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.) * Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels. **Wait, there's more...** * Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms. * Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do. * Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting. * Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. * Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience. * Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey. The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland. Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides? ***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** * Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) * Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about). * Rates start at $6195

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Cincinnati Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=18-32&face_v=1.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=30-46&face_v=1.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=40-58&face_v=1.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=55+&face_v=1.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Cincinnati singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

Join us for 2 loops of the 1.1 mile trail surrounding Civic Park In Reynoldsburg this Thursday (5/7) at 6:30 pm. This is a fully paved trail so no worries about mud after a rainy week. Just come and get some exercise while connecting with others.

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Detroit Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=18-32&face_v=1.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=30-46&face_v=1.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=40-58&face_v=1.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=55+&face_v=1.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Detroit singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

Join us for the Columbus Animal Advocates spring social at Goodale Park! We'll be sharing delicious vegan cookout dishes, playing games, and socializing. Come out to meet CAA, learn more about what they do, relax, and enjoy the beautiful spring weather with other animal lovers.🐷🐮🌱 Just bring yourself, some friends, some lawn chairs, outdoor games if you want, and an appetite! The food was so good last time 😋 If you want to bring a vegan dish to share, you are welcome to, but it's not required. If you cannot find the group when you arrive, just message below and someone will come guide you to us. I hope some of you can come out to join!

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Columbus Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=18-32&face_v=1.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=30-46&face_v=1.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=40-58&face_v=1.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=55+&face_v=1.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Columbus singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

We'll hike four miles at Walnut Woods, which is generally a pretty easy hike - doing the Sweetgum Trail Loop and then out and back on the Monarch Loop to get us to 4 miles. Pace around 17-18 minute miles with no one left behind, and faster walkers can lead out ahead. Optional lunch at Brewdog or Canal Winchester.