Terraform

📢 Main event starts at 18:30 CET Join us for a deep dive into Seed7, a language shaped by Thomas Mertes’ decades-long pursuit of versatility, efficiency, and memory safety. Thomas will walk us through Seed7’s unique features: declarations, parameters, compile-time execution, parser mechanics, types as first-class citizens, templates, arrays, abstract data types, and the parser’s role in the run-time library. We’ll also look at the Seed7 Structured Syntax Definition, how semantic rules for constructs like for-loops are defined, and the Seed7 test suite. A live demo will follow. Memory safety and management are central topics. Thomas will discuss Seed7’s approach to performance, operating system guarantees, stack, heap, and global data, restrictions on memory access, safety opt-in and opt-out, handling unsafe code, and how Seed7 ensures safety. He’ll also cover OS function calls and string operations. Whether you’re curious about language design or interested in practical safety strategies, this session offers a clear look at Seed7’s architecture and philosophy. 🪙 We appreciate any **voluntary donations** on-site. ⏱️ Arrive early for pre-socializing—simple snacks and drinks will be provided. 🍕 After the event, we will relocate to a pizzeria (at your own expense).

**Vienna Blockchain Week 2026 (VBW26)** Austria's largest Blockchain, Web3 & Digital Assets Conference May 18–19, 2026 · DC Tower, Vienna Where Europe's Crypto Elite Shapes the Next Cycle. ───────────────────────────── DAY 1 · May 18 · Web3Hub Vienna (DC Tower 3) On Chain Evolution — From Digital Gold to Programmable Finance 13:00 – Doors Open & Networking 13:30 – Opening: Austria as Your Strategic Web3 Base (ABA) 13:50 – Opening Keynote: Dr. Alfred Taudes (ABC Research) Sessions include: · L1 vs L2 vs Appchains — Who Wins Which Workloads · Bitcoin as a Strategic Asset — States and Institutions · Stablecoins 2026 — Settlement, Regulation & Payment Rails · Digital Identity & Zero Knowledge — Compliance Without Surveillance · Mining & Staking as a Business Model 19:00 – Afterparty · Live DJ · BBQ · Open Bar ───────────────────────────── DAY 2 · May 19 · DC Tower 1 & DC Tower 3 Digital Assets & Policy — Institutional Adoption Begins Now East Stage + West Stage running in parallel · Stablecoins vs CBDCs — Control, Privacy & Adoption · Crypto Taxation in the EU — with PwC Austria · Institutional Adoption 2026 — ETFs, Custody & Real Allocation · AML & Travel Rule Implementation · MiCA Licensing — From Application to Approval · Tokenized Securities — Market Structure & Settlement · Custody Models — Bank Grade vs Crypto Native · Privacy vs Policing — Chainalysis, Crystal Intelligence & Iknaio in Dialogue · Global Crypto Regulatory Report 2026 — Keynote by PwC Legal 20:00 – VIP Lounge · Hotel Meliá Vienna 20:00 – Official Afterparty · DC Tower 3 · Live DJ · BBQ · Open Bar ───────────────────────────── CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Dr. Alfred Taudes — ABC Research Johannes Edlbacher — PwC Austria Marion Biber — ABA / Invest in Austria Horst Treiblmaier — Modul University Vienna Andrew Forson — DeFi Technologies Markus Sabadello — Danube Tech Luca Castellani — UNCITRAL Marina Markezic — European Crypto Initiative Cristiano Ventricelli — Moody's Andri C. Gmünder — Ledger Enterprise Daniel Winklhammer — 21bitcoin Sander Andersen — H100 Group … and 60+ more speakers from across Europe ───────────────────────────── TICKETS — Second Mover Pricing ends April 30 Prime Pass (1 Day): from €108 (normally €149) 2-Day Prime Pass: from €144 (normally €199) VIP Pass (1 Day): from €240 (normally €349) 2-Day VIP Pass: from €420 (normally €599) Special Deal: 2-for-1 Prime Pass Bring a friend — both attend 2 days for €90 total. Get Tickets: https://viennablockchainweek.org/ Limited capacity. Prices increase on May 1.

\#\# AI & Lunch \- In\-person gathering in Vienna 🇦🇹 Hey there! Join us for another **in-person lunch** in the heart of Vienna where AI enthusiasts come together to chat, share ideas, and enjoy great food. Whether you're a pro or just curious about artificial intelligence, this is the perfect chance to connect and exchange with like-minded people. See you there! **AI & Lunch** is the seated, more intimate format of the **AI & Coffee** community — designed for deeper conversations and real connection around the table. This will be a lunch where we all sit together and so everyone gets the chance to meet the full table, connect, and discover new stories. You’re welcome to bring friends if you’d like. The goal is simple: enjoy lunch together, exchange ideas, value, updates about AI, and meet the people behind this growing community. After our AI & Coffee meetups, previous lunches, dinners, many meaningful connections have already formed — and this format is where they really deepen. 🍽️ **We’ll gather for conversations about:** • AI news, trends, tools, and real use cases • Personal projects, ideas, and feedback • Supporting each other’s personal or entrepreneurial journeys • Strengthening Luxembourg’s AI community 👥 **Who’s welcome?** Developers, entrepreneurs, investors, students, researchers, creatives — and anyone curious about AI who enjoys thoughtful conversation and meeting new people. 💡 **What to expect** • A friendly, open lunch in a nice location • Circulating seats throughout the courses • Great conversations, new perspectives, and genuine connections • No pressure, no presentations — just good people and meaningful exchange **🎉 The only cost is your lunch.** Bring your curiosity, your appetite, and your good energy — and join us for a lunch of conversation and connection.

Herzlich Willkommen zu unserem kostenlosen Meditations Kurs! Einstieg ist jederzeit möglich, geeignet für Anfänger als auch Fortgeschrittene. Hier werden dir Grundlagen und Wissen von Sahaja Yoga-Meditation vorgestellt: speziell über Kundalini, Energiezentren, subtile Kanäle in und einfache Techniken, die unterstützend auf unser inneres Wachstum wirken und uns ins Gleichgewicht bringen. Wir lernen wie wir in unserem täglichen Leben in Balance kommen und in einem Zustand der Stille Kraft schöpfen können. Ein zentraler Punkt ist die spürbare Stille in jedem von uns. Sie ist der Moment im Hier und Jetzt, der uns Inspiration, Freude und vieles mehr schenkt. In diesem Zustand zu verweilen bedeutet Meditation - und das ist die Quintessenz für inneres Wachstum und Weiterentwicklung. Wir freuen uns schon auf dich!

Outdoor Yoga Stunde auf English oder Deutsch, je nach dem wer kommt :) Auf Spendenbasis! Einfach ne Yogamatte mitbringen und entspannen. Bis denn :) PS: Bitte früh genug kommen! English: Outdoor Yoga class in English or German, depending on who comes :) Based on donations! Just bring a yoga mat and relax. See you soon :) P.S.: Please arrive early!

-Outdoor Functional Training for All Fitness Levels- Join us as we combine healthy, balanced movement with fun, gamified ideas to give you our unique FUNctional training! And in case that doesn’t really tell you what to expect, just think short intervals of exercise combined together in a playful and interactive way to help you strengthen your body in a sustainable way while allowing you to meet new people (and often even forget how hard you’re working out). As a reminder for those nervous about their fitness level: Everything we do, we do with all fitness levels in mind; so the exercises are always adjustable to your level and you’re always strongly encouraged to take it at your own pace - I mean, we’re not called My Pace for nothing! How to find us: We meet and train behind the calisthenics workout station on the Zirkuswiese of the Prater. Here a link to the location on Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QdRPEaYTiavZbmVW7 Cost: In the interest of inclusivity, we've decided to make our sessions donations based here, so you're invited to pay what you can afford. If that actually makes you more uncomfortable and doesn't make it easier to come, know that we've received donations from €2 to €20 and they all made us very happy, because our primary goal is to get people moving and to show them it can be fun all in all. The money is secondary. One other thing that’s useful to know: - In the case of bad weather, we do have a back-up location that will protect us from the rain. Should we need to move, we will change the location of this event here. Please feel free to check back here before any event where you suspect bad weather or, even better, simply get in touch with us! We’re available via WhatsApp message or email. --- If you'd like to know more about My Pace, feel free to visit our website at https://www.mypace.at

[VIBE CODE WEDNESDAY] is a weekly gathering of people, hosted by weXelerate, where we are building things with AI — and we'd love for you to join us. Here's the idea: everyone has a mile-long to-do list and a bunch of ideas they never get around to. Things that don't get scheduled don't get done. So we made it a thing. Every Wednesday at weXelerate in Vienna, we block off the time and vibe code together. Think of it like your weekly gym session — except instead of lifting weights, you're finally building that thing you've been putting off for months. Two reasons people keep coming back: you actually get stuff done, and you're not alone in the room and meet new people. Someone next to you just found a tool you've never heard of or you get honest feedback on your idea. That kind of casual knowledge sharing is hard to find — and it happens naturally here. From pros to newbies everyone is welcome. No experience required. No pressure. Just show up and build. Wednesdays @ weXelerate, Praterstraße 1, 1020 Vienna

Beer at Copa Beach, from 10:00 in the morning, for Unternehmer in Wien , if you want to join just bring a beer and come to join :)

Hi Deep Learners, We are happy to announce our next Vienna Deep Learning Meetup on **May 19** at Bosch. Our topics this time are: Improved Optimizers for Deep Learning and Automatic Speech Recognition in Air Traffic Management. \*\*\* **Agenda:** * 18:15 Arrival * 18:30 **Introduction** by the meetup organizers * **Welcome** by the host: Bosch * 18:45 **Talk 1:** **Momentum, Preconditioning, and Beyond: Practical Advances in Optimization** by Ionut-Vlad Modoranu (*ISTA*) * 19:30 **Announcements** * **Networking Break** * 20:00 **Talk 2:** **Cleared for Takeoff: Automatic Speech Recognition in Air Traffic Management** by Christian Sobtzick & Sahebeh Dadboud *(Frequentis)* * 20:45 **Networking** * \~21:30 **Wrap up & End** \*\*\* **Talk Details:** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Talk 1:** **Momentum, Preconditioning, and Beyond: Practical Advances in Optimization** Modern Deep Learning optimization is largely dominated by first-order methods such as Adam, yet their limitations in memory usage, scalability, and curvature awareness motivate the search for improved alternatives. This talk provides a practical perspective on optimization, starting from the roles of momentum and preconditioning and extending to recent advances that go beyond standard adaptive methods. We present techniques that improve optimization along three key axes: memory, structure, and computational efficiency. In particular, we introduce MicroAdam, a memory-efficient variant of Adam based on compressed optimizer states; Trion, a low-rank method that replaces costly SVD/QR projections with efficient, rank-independent alternatives; and DASH, a GPU-efficient implementation of Shampoo that accelerates second-order preconditioning via improved parallelization and fast matrix inverse root approximations. Together, these methods illustrate how careful algorithmic and systems-level design can overcome the practical limitations of existing optimizers, offering a path toward scalable, memory-efficient, and high-performance training beyond Adam. **About the speaker:** Ionut-Vlad Modoranu is a PhD student at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), specializing in efficient optimization for Deep Learning. His research focuses on reducing the memory usage and computational cost while maintaining the performance, including the development of practical optimizers for large-scale models, with publications at top tier international conferences. **Talk 2:** **Cleared for Takeoff: Automatic Speech Recognition in Air Traffic Management** Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) has made tremendous progress in recent years. However, its deployment in safety‑critical operational environments poses a fundamentally different set of challenges compared to demonstration systems or research prototypes. In this talk, we present how speech‑to‑text models are used in a real Air Traffic Management (ATM) product at Frequentis. We walk through the end‑to‑end lifecycle of an ASR system: how training data is collected and curated, how models are selected and evaluated, and what it takes to deploy and operate them reliably for customers in a regulated, safety‑critical domain. Beyond the models themselves, we discuss practical challenges from bringing ASR from research into production, where reliability and trust matter as much as accuracy. **About the Speakers:** Sahebeh (Saba) Dadboud is an Expert Data Scientist at the Frequentis AI Competence Centre. With over eight years of experience in the tech industry, she specializes in bridging Deep Learning, MLOps, and product development to build trustworthy AI for safety-critical systems. At Frequentis, she plays a pivotal role in driving company-wide AI initiatives, supporting the adoption of advanced technologies in domains where reliability, safety, and strict regulatory constraints are absolutely critical. She holds a Master’s degree in Computational Science from the University of Vienna. Christian Sobtzick is Audio Expert at Frequentis, leading the HET Audio Competence Centre. He is responsible for improving audio quality across all Frequentis voice communication products, drawing on more than 15 years of professional experience. In addition, he supports product development related to automatic speech recognition and contributes to research projects, such as the FFG “Next Generation Safety” project, which aimed to enable AI‑based automation in Air Traffic Management. His background is the field of acoustics, including electroacoustic transducers, acoustic measurements, and signal processing. He holds an MSc in Electrical Engineering and Audio Engineering from Graz University of Technology and the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz. We are looking forward to welcoming you at our next meetup. Your VDLM organizer team.

Yes, you read that right. **Get a glass of Prosecco for free** as a welcome drink by simply **signing up for this event** and showing up. This is a special offer, exclusive to this meetup event! There are also amazing offers on Tapas plates for meetups as well! Not to mention special drink and shot prices! This is a **free** event. They have both Indoor and Outdoor seating. Suitable for all weathers. Friday evenings after work are all about meeting old and new friends. Have a meal and a few drinks before the real weekend fun begins. So come join us at this cozy bar for a lovely evening! All languages and cultures are welcome. Looking forward to seeing you all. **ATTENTION:** Please note the restaurant/bar may collect the payment at the time of your order, since there are so many people and sometimes people forget to pay. Please cooperate with them. They try to provide the best service they can for a large group. Kindly please carry cash to make payment and service easier and faster. Please support them with good reviews on Google if you like them. Best, Your Organiser - Rohit

Every Tuesday, 13:00 – 18:00 Looking for a little extra motivation to tackle your to-do list? Join us for our weekly Body Doubling event at Villa Vida! What is Body Doubling? Body doubling is a productivity technique where simply working alongside others helps you stay focused, accountable, and motivated. Whether you’re studying, working remotely, or just need a space to concentrate, being around others who are also focused can make a difference. What to Expect: A relaxed, supportive environment for getting things done Quiet spaces for deep work and focus Free WiFi throughout the cafe Bring your laptop, notebooks, or anything else you need to stay on track. Drop in anytime from 13:00-18:00 – we’re here every Tuesday to keep you in good company and good spirits while you work. See you there!  *** Jeden Dienstag, 13:00 – 18:00 Brauchst du ein bisschen extra Motivation, um deine To-Do-Liste abzuarbeiten? Dann komm zu unserem wöchentlichen Body-Doubling-Event bei Villa Vida! Was ist Body Doubling? Body Doubling ist eine Produktivitätstechnik, bei der die Anwesenheit anderer dir hilft, fokussiert, motiviert und bei der Sache zu bleiben. Ob beim Lernen, Arbeiten im Homeoffice oder anderen Aufgaben – das Arbeiten neben Gleichgesinnten kann einen echten Unterschied machen. Was dich erwartet: Eine entspannte, unterstützende Atmosphäre zum konzentrierten Arbeiten Ruhige Bereiche für tiefe Konzentration Kostenloses WLAN im gesamten Café Bringe deinen Laptop, deine Notizen oder alles andere mit, was du brauchst, um produktiv zu sein. Komm jederzeit zwischen 13:00 und 18:00 Uhr vorbei – wir sind jeden Dienstag hier, um dir Gesellschaft und positive Energie zu bieten. Bis bald! 

Dear friends, the loess-face on the Ungerberg near Weiden/Neusiedlersee is a marvelous place to watch: bee-eaters, jackdaws, starlings and maybe, rabbits on the same wall. There are two options afterwards, we can decide on the spot 1. We can go downhill, to the Zitzmannsdorfer Wiesen, a protected meadow in the national park: Neusiedlersee. There are flowering already, so I hope, different kinds of Iris and with a certain probability, we can see stilts, lapwings or other rare birds. Please note: this option means 10 km by feet, minimum. 2. Or we can return the same way with a stop in one of the numerous Heurigen on the way to the railway station. It’s the shorter way. The dryness in this season indicates that we go as soon as possible, because the flowering period of many plants is shorter than usual. Meeting point is **Hauptbahnhof: 9:00** We go by train with Destination **Pamhagen** **Departure: 9:09** please look at the timetabe for the right platform, because ist net yet indicated. **Buy a ticket to Weiden/See, go and return.** I hope to see you again at this great hiking occasion with best regards ADI Liebe Freunde, Die Löss-Wand am Ungerberg bei Weiden/Neusiedler See ist einer der faszinierendsen Plätze um folgende Arten zu beobachten: Bienenfresser, Dohlen, Stare und manchmal auch Kaninchen. Sie alle haben in der selben Wand ihre Nisthöhlen, die man aus nächster Nähe beobachten kann. Danach gibt es zwei Optionen, die wir vor Ort noch wählen können 1. Wir können den Berg runter gehen, zu den Zitzmannsdorfer Wiesen, die ein Teil des Nationalpark Neusiedlersee sind. Wir werden dabei ca. 10 km zu Fuss gehen, wenn das ein Problem ist, bitte nicht diese Variante wählen. 2. Oder den selben Weg zurück zum Bahnhof und im Ort einkehren, was wesentlich weniger Wegstrecke ist ist. In den Zitzmannsdorfer Wiesen blühen, so hoffe ich, verschiedene, seltene Arten Iris und es besteht die Wahrscheinlichkeit, Rotschenkel, Stelzenläufer und Kiebitze zu sehen. Die Trockenheit in diesem Jahr legt nahe, dass wir diesen Ausflug so bald wie möglich machen, weil viele Blumen früher und zugleich kürzer blühen, als sonst. Wir fahren mit dem Zug Richtung **Pamhagen, vom Hauptbahnhof** ab und treffen uns dort um **9:00.** **Abfahrt: 9:09**, bitte auf der Anzeigetafel nachsehen, auf welchem Gleis. Das ist im Fahrplan noch nicht angegeben. Bitte kauft ein **Ticket nach Weiden/See mit Rückfahrt.** Ich freue mich auf möglichst viele Interessierte. Liebe Grüße Adi

**❗️ 👉 TO THE EVENT:** [Java & Friends + Architecture² Mashup — Edition ](https://www.meetup.com/java-and-friends/events/313430813/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2&member_id=357085385)**❗️** In cooperation with the [Java and Friends](https://www.meetup.com/java-and-friends/) Community are hosting a meetup **at the Certible Office Vienna** **👉** Please register on the dedicated[Java & Friends + Architecture² Mashup — Edition ](https://www.meetup.com/java-and-friends/events/313430813/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2&member_id=357085385) Page to join us on May 20th at 5:30 PM 🥳 We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Customer identity resolution becomes increasingly complex as organizations scale across multiple systems, regions, and data formats. Traditional rule-based approaches often fail to keep up with data variability, require constant manual tuning, and struggle with real-time processing needs. This session presents a practical approach to building a scalable identity resolution pipeline using AWS services and modern AI techniques. The architecture combines data ingestion through Amazon S3 and AWS Glue, transformation pipelines using Spark on EMR, and machine learning models deployed via SageMaker for entity matching and standardization. Graph-based relationship modeling is implemented using Amazon Neptune to improve resolution accuracy by incorporating household and shared attribute context. We will walk through how machine learning models can be used for name and address normalization, how intelligent blocking strategies improve matching efficiency, and how feedback loops can be introduced to continuously improve accuracy. The session also highlights how serverless components such as AWS Lambda can be used for orchestration and real-time processing. **SPEAKER BIO** Mosaic Syed is a Senior Data Engineering and Cloud Solutions Architect with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance data solutions across global enterprise environments. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosaic-basha-syed-92300856 **CALL FOR SPEAKERS** Learn more: [https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/](https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/) **THANK YOU** *VEEAM* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit their website: [https://www.veeam.com/](https://www.veeam.com/) **DIRECTIONS** 8800 Lyra Dr #450 · Columbus, OH go to 4th floor. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

We will show how to build custom agents with Microsoft Agent Framework. Attendees will learn how to build and custom host agents when Microsoft Foundry is not a viable option.

**🌻 Virtual Speed Dating for Singles near Surrey — Real People** Each evening, you'll be guided through short private video dates with Surrey singles age-grouped and personality-curated, as a friendly host guides every transition. Right after registering, a quick compatibility quiz is part of registration — the matching data comes from to pair you with compatible Surrey locals, so your conversations have a better chance of going somewhere. Once the evening wraps up, we share who chose whom — without any awkward one-way messages — and what happens next is entirely up to you. **Sign up below — pick your age range:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=investing-in-connections-for-long-term&ar=18-32&face_v=5.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=investing-in-connections-for-long-term&ar=30-46&face_v=5.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=investing-in-connections-for-long-term&ar=40-58&face_v=5.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=investing-in-connections-for-long-term&ar=55+&face_v=5.0) **⚠️ Heads up:** Just clicking rsvp will not save your spot in the session, so use your age group link above to register and complete the short personality quiz — capacity is intentionally small so get in early, and the quiz plus registration together hold your place. --- **Made for:** - First-timers around Surrey leaving behind the app treadmill that goes in circles and are serious about meeting someone. - Individuals from around Surrey who no longer want swiping left and right with no results and want real chemistry over profile photos. - People across Surrey wanting to escape profiles that never convert to actual dates and need a better way to meet people. **Details** - **Format:** Dedicated and hosted through Zoom video built around curated one-on-one dates, age-matched and quiz-curated for the whole session. - **Where:** No travel required — on any internet-connected device, nothing is needed beyond a device and a stable connection, and whichever room suits you best is ideal. - **Host:** A welcoming host coordinates every round and every transition, meaning you never have to think about the format — from opening to close everything is taken care of. - **Vibe:** Social individual rounds with Surrey people who wanted something genuine, and the energy in every round is genuinely good. - **Duration:** Typically between one and one-and-a-half hours covering all rounds, and it is over before you know it. **The evening in four steps** 1. **Lock in your place** – using the link that matches your age bracket, then answer the short personality questions, as both steps are required and neither can be skipped. 2. **Hop on** – at the event start time via your Zoom link, no tech headaches involved since you just click and join, and the host takes over from that moment forward. 3. **Get into the rounds** – quick private video rounds with Surrey singles tailored to your age bracket, while a live host keeps the pace comfortable throughout, as the quiz results already did the work of choosing who you meet. 4. **Receive your matches** – once it wraps we notify both sides of any mutual selection, and only confirmed mutual matches receive each other's contact details, and then the rest is yours to decide entirely. ⭐ *"Finally something that is not swiping — met someone I am actually excited about"* – Surrey attendee, second event --- ✨ Try something that actually works — use the link above to register and everything else is sorted before spots go. Can not wait to see you there. 🥰 ✨

**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.

Join us for lunch and meet our very successful group. We are each others sales team...always looking for referrals for our members. If you are looking for new clients, let us help you out! Bring your business cards and brochures to share with us. We have a speaker each week so that we can learn about their business. Because we have only one member per business, we have many of the spots filled. However, we are specifically looking for an estate attorney, a handyman/electrician, and an event planner. We have referrals for you! All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)

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