Young Adults

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!

Hosted by Dawes Arboretum and Community Cultures Learn How to Ferment Soda at Arbor Day (Free admission for Arbor Day Celebration and free tree seedlings while supplies last) **To sign up for these workshops, please sign up when you visit The Arboretum during Arbor Day at the Zand Garden Classroom.** **There will be three sessions:** **10 to 11 a.m.** **11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.** **1 to 2 p.m** Community Cultures is a Pittsburgh-based organization that has provided virtual and in-person fermentation workshops, private events, consulting and fermented products for over a decade. It began when Trevor Ring, its founder, was in college and tried kombucha for the first time. Ring was intrigued by the flavor and used a kombucha mother, which is necessary for kombucha brewing. Shortly after he tried it, batches of vinegary kombucha dotted the floor underneath his dorm bed. Since then, Ring has been creating fermented products and encouraging the community to learn about fermentation. “It became a passion where I was fascinated to see food evolve over time,” he said. “Whether it’s under your bed, or on your countertop, you can experience these wonderful flavor changes and then nutritional benefits.” The process of fermentation is a “metabolic process where microorganisms like yeast and bacteria convert sugars into alcohol, gases or acids.” Simply, fermentation is the breakdown of food through microbes, according to Ring. Fermentation is also considered food preservation. According to Ring, it’s likely one of the most ancient forms of food preservation aside from drying. Simply fermentation is engaging with the microscopic world so humans can preserve food, improve flavor and make it last longer. One of the most interesting things Ring has learned about fermentation is the exploration of people's origins and how they used fermentation as preservation historically. “There are so many ferments that exist all around the world,” he said. “A lot we don’t know about because they’re not shared in textbooks or aren’t studied. I encourage people when I’m teaching my workshops to reflect on their ancestry to explore what fermented products their ancestors were making.” Ring feels like, as a society, we generally have a fear of bacteria. Although there are bacteria to genuinely fear, he wants people to remember that, if done correctly, fermentation practices are very safe, and humans have been practicing them for thousands of years. Beginner fermentation activities include fermented vegetables or fermented sodas. On Arbor Day at The Dawes Arboretum, visitors will have the chance to meet Ring from Community Cultures and participate in his fermented soda workshop! The workshop will entail a brief overview of fermentation and a demonstration of how to make fermented soda at home using simple ingredients paired with a simple process. Participants will be able to taste various sodas and leave with knowledge and a recipe handout so they can practice fermentation on their own at home. Please email information@dawesarb.org if you have any questions.

Love getting lost in a good book? [The Book Loft](https://www.bookloft.com/) of German Village is an iconic independent bookstore packed with hard-to-find literary treasures! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill bookstore; it’s a 32-room literary wonderland that would make even the most seasoned bibliophile’s head spin (one of the largest in the country)! **MEET**: We'll gather outside the storefront and then start browsing... **DESSERT**: We'll grab some famous macaroons to start our foodie tour. [Pistacia Vera](https://www.pistaciavera.com/) is a delicious bakery and cafe in the German Village. This charming shop is especially known for its classic macarons. **LATE LUNCH:** *After we browse the bookstore maze, let's gather for the best traditional Jewish deli in town, [Katzingers!](katzingers.com) Choices include stacked Reubens, hot pastromi on rye, chicken salad, macaroni salad, knish, chicken soup, NY cheesecake, and dozens of other sandwiches and sides!* **PARKING**: Street parking all around here. Check the parking time limit. The bookstore and the foodie stops are all on 3rd Street within 4 blocks on the same side of the street.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. 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.

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.

**✨ Columbus Virtual Speed Dating – Hosted, Curated & on Zoom** This online speed dating event is built around a host who sets the tone, keeps things easy, and helps people feel comfortable from the first minute. Genuine conversations with real locals — all from your living room. It's simple: complete a short personality quiz, jump on Zoom, and meet Columbus singles in guided one-on-one rounds. Matches shared afterwards. **Pick your age group and sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-singles-connecting-in-person&ar=18-32&face_v=1.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-singles-connecting-in-person&ar=30-46&face_v=1.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-singles-connecting-in-person&ar=40-58&face_v=1.0) **⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration.** To join, pick your age group below, sign up, and finish the personality quiz. Spots are limited. --- ✅ **You will like this if:** - First-timers new to speed dating - Busy professionals who don't want to waste evenings - 🎉 Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience 📍 **Event snapshot** - **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - 💡 **Location:** Wherever you're comfortable – no venue, no travel - **Host:** Professional host keeping the evening smooth and relaxed 🛠 **What the flow looks like** 1. **Pick your age group** – Register through your link above. 2. **Complete the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Click the link, jump on, and the host handles the rest. 4. **Meet your matches** – Cycle through short chats with compatible Columbus singles. 💡 **Tip:** Good lighting and a clean background make a big difference. **Frequently Asked Questions** **Is my info private?** Absolutely. Contact details are only exchanged on mutual match. **What's the personality quiz for?** --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from your home. 💕 ✨ Compressed version with the essentials only. Built for clarity over length. 🤝 **Community angle** - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming - The community matters as much as the session itself - Repeat attendees help create familiarity and momentum We are building this around repeat faces, good energy, and a community that grows event by event.

This month we’ll be reading Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

**✨ Speed Dating on Zoom – Personality Matched for Toledo Locals** For this online speed dating version, the host and the people in the room matter as much as the agenda. The experience is designed to feel guided, welcoming, and social. Ditch the apps. Meet Toledo singles face-to-face on Zoom tonight. Quick, hosted rounds on Zoom with Toledo singles paired to your age group and personality. No awkward pauses — just natural conversation. **Find your age group below:** - 🎉 **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=circle-of-singles-connecting-in-person&ar=18-32&face_v=1.0) - 🚀 **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=circle-of-singles-connecting-in-person&ar=30-46&face_v=1.0) - ⚡ **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=circle-of-singles-connecting-in-person&ar=40-58&face_v=1.0) **⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration.** To join, pick your age group below, sign up, and finish the personality quiz. Spots are limited. --- ✅ **You will like this if:** - 🚀 Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation - People re-entering the dating scene after a break ⭐ *"So much better than apps. Actual conversations with real people."* – Toledo attendee **How the event unfolds** 1. **Pick your age group** – Register through your link above. 2. **Fill in the matching quiz** – Helps us find your ideal matches for the evening. 3. **Log in** – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show. 4. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Toledo locals. 📌 **What to know** - **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - 🎉 **Location:** Wherever you're comfortable – no venue, no travel - ✨ **Host:** Professional host keeping the evening smooth and relaxed 💡 **Tip:** Just be yourself. That's always the best approach. --- ✨ Your next match could be one Zoom call away. � ✨ Short-form version for faster scanning. Built for clarity over length. 🤝 **Community angle** - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming - The atmosphere is guided, social, and easy to join - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly It is meant to feel like the start of ongoing relationships, not just a single session on the calendar.

We’re bringing back Adult Field Day. Last year was a good mix of competition and just hanging out, so we’re doing it again with some new games mixed in. Think team-based challenges, simple races, and a few things inspired by game shows. You don’t need to be athletic. Most of the fun is just being part of a team and getting to know people you wouldn’t normally talk to. The goal isn’t really winning. It’s meeting people, laughing a bit, and leaving knowing a few more names than when you showed up. If you stick around after, we’ll have a potluck, a bonfire, and a couple comedians in the evening. Bring: * Something to share for the potluck * Clothes you can move around in A small contribution helps keep events sustainable and ensures those who RSVP actually show up. Include your Meetup name + event name in the note. Please send $2 per person to guarantee your spot. Venmo (preferred) or PayPal @WiseUnlimitedLLC Actual links in comments below! Include your Meetup name + event name in the note.

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL