Talent Acquisition

Join us to **practise and improve your Italian-English with native speakers every Monday in River Bar** (1 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2) from **6.30pm to 8.30pm**. **Our system:** **• You sit opposite a native speaker of the language you're learning** **• You speak 5mins English, 5mins Italian, then change table** This ensures everyone gets an equal opportunity to practise the language they're learning. Our team seats people, controls the time, organises the table changes etc. What to expect: • Relaxed easy going atmosphere • Professional and quality service • Great networking opportunities • All levels welcome from absolute beginner to fully fluent • A big mix of ages with attendees at each event from 18 to 70+ years old • Topic cards on the tables to help start conversations **Admission fee €7** (€1 off for student card holders). **No pre-registration required, just show up**. Loyalty card system: Come to 5 events and the 6th is free. Over 150,000 people have attended our language exchanges to practise and improve their target language - you can too! Everyone is welcome! For more news and info check: Website: [www.languageexchangeireland.com](http://www.languageexchangeireland.com/) FB: [www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland) Instagram: [www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland) We also have the events every Thursday at River Bar at 6.30pm.

What we are about Does the thought of public speaking fill you with fear? Do you want to improve your confidence? Fancy learning more about the art of public speaking? Got an event or a wedding coming up that you want to improve for?....... You're not alone! Tallaght Toastmasters can help you turn your fear, a very common fear, into a strength. Tallaght Toastmasters, a President distinguished club led by our president, Mary McHugh, is now accepting new members for the coming year. Why not join us for our next meeting on August 25th, 2025, at St Kevin's Family Resource Centre Kilnamanagh D24 (a girls' school) for an evening of fun and friendship while building our speaking and leadership skills? If you want to join us please pm or contact us at tallaghttoastmasters@gmail.com If not just turn up on the night [https://www.bing.com/maps?rtp=~pos.53.301022_-6.358817](https://www.bing.com/maps?rtp=~pos.53.301022_-6.358817&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEwU1BWYmVGbFF3Vm9VSWZGNgEe0Nbey27VFYBXlGxVUe17QQe_wsAVIrO_agUvPS0MW_gjK4I3KbPj-zHgxiw_aem_oIngrMpZkWgxzFOPvI84mw) Our next meeting is on Monday August 25th at 7.45 pm Please try and be there by 7.30pm so we can start on time The first visit is free. New members welcome Please like our page and share [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tallaght-toastmasters/...](https://www.linkedin.com/company/tallaght-toastmasters/?viewAsMember=true&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEwU1BWYmVGbFF3Vm9VSWZGNgEeoa4M9u4irnqHSYz9iLzWeyhRpUD68adV2D37kkfNIIusHJOS8WJd_r15SLA_aem_iMbl4SSVTxAeKCQlgYZ3sg) [https://tallaght.toastmastersclubs.org/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftallaght.toastmastersclubs.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEwU1BWYmVGbFF3Vm9VSWZGNgEelqvjzhYLStLDf5LfMTLmVeMkJWDvKK3InGW_M2z76-IpHwMQ7CwpuC_egTU_aem_GGQ6i-2Vuc-VmUq0P3pIpg&h=AT0j6FUKfzrL5yLHxcdVUNdjfUIIF4WJsIe-0oHRcyDxhSnzT2gb97jp663yjhv7xMkDRQhOtIkfDZHP0qdaOkfcXBK06Fk4unWMRBP34JYP5j57bSXuLR0W1AdXkYnst-8PsNuBXvIKyw&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT1f03RsTVW99-dtlt9fXJo1nt7zGq_xGJeJlnQeSsZWBiVuljJ_WAp1UZsW8hcH1iSObZMkmQsY5X4WAOj__XUZkQHJCRPcUBXwC3W2_yOl1H45Zp-NOAdYXbTvsyZmifbn5CJbqsDfZxuALkwKPaBYtyTmQpqZrAYtQ1tyaf3F4MU6lFXC9O9zc36bNA) [https://www.google.com/.../@53.3071942.../data=!3m1!4b1...](https://www.google.com/maps/search/Tallaght+Toastmasters/@53.3071942,-6.3860674,15z/data=!3m1!4b1?entry=ttu&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEwU1BWYmVGbFF3Vm9VSWZGNgEe33Cx2C8czu-k2NKwBG7sGrNcIWQPMOUDHCtrTaT8lGTQqMvnSZ71XXke-ec_aem_vTQZbdkxUTh2u7pU6FsRJQ)

Join us to **practise and improve your target language with native speakers on Monday in River Bar**(1 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2) from **6.30pm to 8.30pm**. **Our system:** **• You sit opposite a native speaker of the language you're learning** **• You speak 5mins English, 5mins other language, then change table** This ensures everyone gets an equal opportunity to practise the language they're learning. Our team seats people, controls the time, organises the table changes etc. What to expect: • Relaxed easy going atmosphere • Professional and quality service • Great networking opportunities • All levels welcome from absolute beginner to fully fluent • A big mix of ages with attendees at each event from 18 to 70+ years old • Topic cards on the tables to help start conversations Languages: We usually have **native speakers of English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese** and more depending on who shows up. **Admission fee €7** (€6 for student card holders). **No pre-registration required, just show up**. Loyalty card system: Come to 5 events and the 6th is free. Over 150,000 people since 2012 have attended our language exchanges to practise and improve their target language - you can too! Everyone is welcome! For more news and info check: Website: [www.languageexchangeireland.com](http://www.languageexchangeireland.com/) FB: [www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland) Instagram: [www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland) NOTE: The MeetUp attendance does not reflect actual attendance. There are usually around 100 people at each event. We are also in the River Bar every Thursday at 6.30pm

Come join us at The Playground with our weekly drop-in improv workshop! Running on Monday evenings, this is a chance to experience improv among like minded people. No experience necessary and all levels are welcome! Each week we will have a different theme with exercises and activities to allow us improve our improv skills. Whether you are interested in developing the skills for your professional or personal life, or you are someone who currently performs or would like to perform on stage, then there is something for everyone. The long-term objective of The Playground is to create a place for people to develop and create projects and shows, providing regular opportunities for those who wish to perform in shows. Facilitated by two very experienced improvisers, Neil Curran and Quinton O'Reilly, join us for some play! We also have guest teachers join us too. **Important Info** \* Each drop-in session lasts 2 hours and starts at 7pm in the Teachers' Club. \* Each drop-in costs just €12. \* You can also sign up for membership which costs just €30 per calendar month and gets you access to all workshops. \* No experience necessary and all levels welcome. \* Events run on a drop-in basis offering flexibility for those who can't commit to doing a course. \* Payment can be made on arrival. \* After the workshop, many of us stick around for chats in the bar upstairs so do stick around for it. For more about Neil Curran please visit www.lowerthetone.com Check us out on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/improv_playground/

## Weekly Archangels Meditation Group **Host:** [Pranic Healing Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin](https://discoverpranichealing.ie/centre/) **When:** Every **Monday at 7:00pm** **Donation-Based (Pay What You Can)** **Suitable for:** All levels of meditation experience ### About the Archangels Meditation The Archangels Meditation is a guided spiritual meditation recited and presented by **Master Nona Castro**, a senior Pranic Healer and direct disciple of **Grand Master Choa Kok Sui**, the founder of modern Pranic Healing. The meditation focuses on sensing and aligning with the presence and guidance of the Archangels — traditionally Uriel, Raphael, Michael, and Gabriel — to support inner peace, clarity, protection, and energetic balance. Enhance spiritual connection, deepen intuitive awareness, release negative energy patterns, and support emotional resilience. Master Nona Castro integrates influences from her life experience, including spiritual devotion and her work as a healer. ### What to Expect * A welcoming, supportive group atmosphere * A brief introduction to the focus of the meditation * Guided Archangels Meditation practice ### Benefits Participants May Experience Participants often report the following outcomes from consistent practice: * A sense of calm and centred presence * Enhanced emotional resilience and stress reduction * Deeper connection with spiritual support * Clarity of intention and awareness * Greater energetic balance and groundedness ### Format * Doors open at **6:45pm** for arrival and seating * Meditation starts promptly at **7:00pm** * The session typically runs **60 minutes** * No prior meditation experience is required ### Donations This group is **donation based** (suggested contribution optional), Suggested donation: **€10–€20** (all levels welcome regardless of contribution) ### Location **Pranic Healing Centre,** Unit 1a Village Centre,, Watery Lane, Clondalkin Village, Dublin **Enquries: info@discoverpranichealing.ie / 0872386849**

Come along to get rid of the number one fear people have. Every week we have new members and people starting from scratch so you will not be alone. Everything is based around what you're comfortable with and you don't have to stand up, talk or do anything if you don't feel like it. But you will have the opportunity to speak at least 4/5 times a night. You can come along to see what we're doing and take part if you like. We will be running this for beginners every week and anyone is welcome to join us to learn and get better together. Hope to see you there :D We charge €5 to help towards the room rental.

Join us to **practise and improve your Spanish/English with native speakers every Monday at River Bar** at 1 Burgh Quay (Dublin 2) from **6.30pm to 8.30pm**. **Our system:** **• You sit opposite a native speaker of the language you're learning** **• You speak 5mins English, 5mins Spanish, then change table** This ensures everyone gets an equal chance to practise the language they're learning. Our team seats people, controls the time, organises the seat changes etc. What to expect: • Relaxed easy going atmosphere • Professional and quality service • Great networking opportunities • All levels welcome from absolute beginner to fully fluent • A big mix of ages with attendees at each event from 18 to 70+years old • Topic cards on the tables to help start conversations **Admission fee €7** (€1 off for student card holders). **No pre-registration required, just show up**. Loyalty card system: Come to 5 events and the 6th is free. Over 150,000 people have attended our language exchanges to practise and improve their target language - you can too! Everyone is welcome! For more news and info check: Website: [www.languageexchangeireland.com](http://www.languageexchangeireland.com/) FB: [www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland) Instagram: [www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland) We also have the events every Thursday at River Bar on Burgh Quay at 6.30pm.

Want to feel more confident when you speak? Join us for a **free live practice session** of *The Public Speaking Club* on **February 12**. In this interactive session you will: * Practice speaking in a supportive environment * Get simple tools to reduce pressure and anxiety * Receive real-time feedback * Connect with like minded people This session is perfect for: ✔️ Professionals ✔️ Founders ✔️ Anyone who wants to speak with more confidence 🎟️ **Limited spots – free registration required** See you live, Thai

Join us for a fun in-person session where you'll get hands-on experience making your very own resin keychain! Since it's a special Valentine's ❤️event, you can print a 📸 in class and personalize your keychain even more with a photo of both of you. Don’t miss out on this chill, crafty hangout! 💰Advance payment to confirm attendance 40€ Revolut : revolut.me/rocioa6yv o @rocioa6yv

📺 **The Office (US) Quiz – Two Rounds, 100 Questions** That’s what she said. A full night dedicated to *The Office (US)*. We’ll run **two independent quizzes of 50 questions each**: Round 1: 19:30–20:15 Round 2: 20:30–21:15 Join one or both. No repeated questions between rounds. ### ✨ **All-Seasons Challenge:** Explore every season of **The Office (US)**, testing your knowledge from the pilot in Scranton to the emotional finale. From Michael’s “That’s what she said” to Jim and Dwight’s pranks, this quiz ensures a comprehensive and engaging experience. 🔎 **Double-Points Sections:** * **Main Characters Round:** Delve into the traits, backstories, and key moments of the Dunder Mifflin team to earn double points. * **General Knowledge Round:** Prove your overall expertise about the series and reap double points. 🏆 **Sitcoms League 2026** Each time your team attends a sitcom quiz, your score is saved. Scores accumulate throughout the year, and the winning team receives: Custom jerseys for all members, featuring: • Team name • Team photo • Title: **“Sitcom Champions 2026”** **🤝 Teams & Format** • Groups of **4–6** form their own team • Groups of **1–3** are matched with others • Arrive by **19:00** for smooth team formation • Latecomers join the team with the lowest score • **Fries for every table** • **Top 3 teams** win prizes • The winning team gets **free entry to any upcoming quiz** **💸 Pricing** **Per Round:** €7 individual • €5 groups of 2–3 • €4 groups of 4–6 **Both rounds:** +€2 extra **💳 [Membership Options (Save € & unlock perks)](https://buymeacoffee.com/newindublin)** **🟡 Regular Membership (€12/mo)** ✔ Free: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ –50%: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ Extra perks **🔵 Theme Membership (€15/mo)** ✔ Free: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ –50%: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ Extra Perks **🟣 Complete Membership (€20/mo)** ✔ Free access to ALL events ✔ Extra Perks **📱 Stay Connected** 🔗 **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)**[ ](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)– full weekly calendar 💬 **[WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)**[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)– reminders & updates 📘 **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)**[ ](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)– photos & highlights 📸 **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)**[ ](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)– stories & behind-the-scenes 🌐 **[Website](https://newindublin.net/)**[ ](https://newindublin.net/)– all information about our events

Please PREPAY for this game either by https://revolut.me/davidandl or Paypal ([kenna.david@gmail.com](http://kenna.david@gmail.com/)) √ We have just 60 minutes to play, so please come along a few minutes early to ensure we can start on time. √ The maximum number of players is 14. If you are not among the 14, please do not attend the pitch. If you are one of the 14, please be sure you show up. Places are in high demand, so unfortunately, failure to show will result in your immediate removal from the group. √ As always, you participate in these games at your own risk and agree to indemnify the organisers from any injury, loss, claim, or infection.

Hello! This is a free event but you need to book a ticket. We meet in the foyer on the ground floor around 540pm. We'll take our seats at 550pm or whenever everyone arrives, whichever happens first. Thanks! Alan https://www.riam.ie/whats-on/riam-young-artists-in-concert Students on the Young Artist Programme are high-potential musicians who are nurtured through additional performance opportunities, high-performance coaching, and lessons with expert faculty in a shared commitment to living in music. The Young Artist concert series affords audiences a wonderful opportunity to delve into the storehouse of talent that lodges in the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Please PREPAY for this game either by Revolut https://revolut.me/davidandl or Paypal ([kenna.david@gmail.com](http://kenna.david@gmail.com/)) √ We have just 60 minutes to play so please come along a few minutes early to ensure we can start on time. √ The maximum number of players is 18. Please be sure you show up. Places are in high demand so unfortunately, failure to show will result in you being automatically removed from the group. √ As always, you participate in these games at your own risk and an agreement to indemnify the organisers from any injury, loss, claim, or infection.

**[GET YOUR TICKET HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/social-singles-meetup-4339703)** **Ditch the awkward one-to-ones — this is NOT speed dating.** Welcome to a fresh, modern and social way to meet other singles in Dublin through group games, laughs, and zero pressure. Expect an evening full of energy, fun challenges and natural conversations where sparks can appear without forcing anything. Perfect for newcomers, locals, shy people, confident people… everyone’s welcome. And yes — it’s especially **female-friendly**. **💛 What Makes Social Singles Meetup Different?** 🔥 Fun, fast-paced group activities 🥳 Inclusive & relaxed atmosphere 💬 Guided interactions 🎁 Winners get drink tokens **💳 [Membership Options (Save € & unlock perks)](https://buymeacoffee.com/newindublin)** **🟡 Regular Membership (€12/mo)** ✔ Free: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ –50%: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ Extra perks **🔵 Theme Membership (€15/mo)** ✔ Free: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ –50%: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ Extra Perks **🟣 Complete Membership (€20/mo)** ✔ Free access to ALL events ✔ Extra Perks **📱 Stay Connected** 🔗 **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)**[ ](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)– full weekly calendar 💬 **[WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)**[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)– reminders & updates 📘 **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)**[ ](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)– photos & highlights 📸 **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)**[ ](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)– stories & behind-the-scenes 🌐 **[Website](https://newindublin.net/)**[ ](https://newindublin.net/)– all information about our events **🎉 Join the Experience** No pressure. No awkward silences. Just games, great vibes… and the chance to meet someone special (or many amazing friends). We can’t wait to see you! ❤️

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

**People Analytics 101: Making Sense of Compensation Data** Compensation data is one of the most widely used and widely misunderstood forms of people analytics. The session will cover where compensation data comes from, including market pricing data, internal payroll data, and benchmarking sources, and how companies think about structuring and analyzing that information. We will explore how compensation data is leveraged to set salary ranges, manage internal equity, support hiring and retention, and align pay with business strategy. A portion of the session will address common data challenges and limitations, such as market noise, inconsistent job matching, and incomplete datasets, while keeping the primary focus on practical use rather than technical depth. The session will also look ahead at where the space is going, including the growing impact of pay transparency laws, expanding pay equity requirements, and emerging regulations in the US and Europe that require organizations to report on gender and pay gaps. The goal is to give attendees a clear mental model for how compensation analytics works today and why getting it right is becoming increasingly critical. (note: we are back at Rev1 this month!) **About Our Speaker** [Alex Moore](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexscottmoore/) is the founder of [Moore Cooperative](https://moorecooperative.com/), where he advises organizations on compensation strategy, pay equity, and people analytics. His work focuses on helping organizations like the Ohio Supreme Court design, analyze, and communicate compensation systems that are data-informed, defensible, and aligned with organizational goals. Alex lives in Granville, Ohio and has three little kiddos. More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

***(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.

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