Volunteering for Animals

Venez comme vous êtes ! / Come as you are! Venez dessiner avec nous autour d'un verre au QG de l'Art Club. Cet événement est gratuit et ouvert à tous les niveaux. Venez comme vous êtes ! Ne vous inquiétez pas, si vous ne savez pas dessiner, nous pouvons vous donner quelques conseils. Vous nous trouverez au sous-sol du bar (escaliers à fond du bar à droite). Attention, le réseau n'est pas très bon. Il est possible que nous ne soyons pas en mesure de vous répondre. Veuillez apporter vos propres matériaux (carnet, crayons, stylos) si possible. On propose 2 thèmes à chaque session, ils sont juste là pour donner un point de départ à l'inspiration ✨, si besoin. Mais libre à vous de dessiner tout ce qui vous passe par la tête sans forcément les respectez ! 😊 Au plaisir de vous voir ! *** Notre compte Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/ the_art_club_paris/ Prix : il vous sera demandé d'acheter une consommation du bar (pensez à retirer du liquide, le BDA ne prend pas la carte en dessous de 20€) ———— Come as you are! Don't worry, if you don't know how to draw, we can give you some tips. You will find us at the basement. Be careful, the reception is not very good. We may not be able to answer you. Please bring your own materials (drawing pad, pens, pencils) if possible. We announce two themes for each session. This is just to give a start point for inspiration ✨, if needed. However, you are totally free to draw whatever you would like to, no need to follow them if do not want to. 😊 We look forward to seeing you! *** Our Instagram account: https:// www.instagram.com/the_art_club_paris/ Price: all attendees need to purchase something to drink (please have cash, the BDA do not take card payment under 20€).

Bonjour à toutes et à tous, En mai, faisons ce qu'il nous plait le plus dans l'histoire du Meetup **AgilePlayground Paris** : le **Forum Ouvert**. Une présentation formelle : le Forum Ouvert est une manière dynamique et participative de structurer un événement, en mettant l'accent sur la participation et l'échange d'idées. Plus simplement : **ce sont les personnes présentes qui font le programme**. \- Tu pourras donc proposer une activité : un atelier\, un jeu\, une activité que tu aimerais présenter\, essayer\, partager dans notre cadre bienveillant\. \- Tu peux venir avec un ou des outils gamifiés\, utilisés dans ta vie professionnelle par exemple\. \- Si tu es en phase d’apprentissage ou de prototypage\, tu auras probablement beaucoup de retours qui te permettront de t’améliorer\. \- Et si l’inspiration manque\, c’est ok\, tu pourras découvrir des ateliers\, des outils professionnels \(ou sérieux\)\, des formats d’animation collective proposés par d’autres\. Et bien sûr, nous remercions chaleureusement **Goood Paris** et **[Gwen-Anne Le Corre](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-anne-le-corre-5850732/)** pour l'accueil dans les locaux parisiens proches de Denfert-Rochereau, le **mercredi 27 mai** à partir de **18:30** au **10 villa Lourcines 14e**. **L'agenda indicatif de la soirée :** 18:30 : Accueil 18:45 : Marché aux ateliers (on construit le programme ensemble) 19:00 : Début des ateliers (on va où l'on veut) 20:00 : Poursuite des ateliers (on va où l'on peut) 21:00 : Réseautage (on partage, discute, refait le match ou la partie) 21:30 : Derniers ateliers (on va où l'on meuh) 22:30 : Fin du Meetup Au plaisir de se retrouver en nombre ! PS: Tu peux venir avec tes jeux, tes ateliers, tes envies, ta flemme (aussi) et surtout ta bonne humeur ! ;-) Eric, Gwen-Anne, RegisBob

​Grab a canvas, paint alongside people you've never met, and let the conversation flow. No experience needed. ​During the evening, we'll ask you what you're into: what you like to do, what you'd love to learn. After the event, we use that to connect you with people who share your interests. ## ​**Agenda** ​🎶 19h00 – Arrive & settle in ​💬 19h10 – Icebreaker to get warmed up ​🎨 19h20 – Paint together ​📋 20h30 – Quick form: tell us what you love to do ​🥂 21h00 – Wrap-up, photos & goodbyes ​💡 After – We connect you with people who share your passions ​**Who are we?** ​We're Hold My Club, a community that brings people together through creative, social events. We believe meeting new people should feel natural, not forced. So we create the right setting and help you stay connected with people who share your interests.

**🚨 Inscription gratuite et obligatoire sur [ce lien](https://www.lewagon.com/fr/events/comment-l-ia-transforme-le-product-management-HPFVtl) 🚨** L'IA change le product management. Mais comment, vraiment ? Rejoignez-nous pour une table ronde sans langue de bois avec Louis Comte (Station F) et l'équipe product de Welcome to the Jungle, qui vient de sortir toute une suite de produits IA. On parlera des compétences qui comptent aujourd'hui, des nouveaux métiers qui émergent, et de ce qui change vraiment au quotidien pour les PMs. Du concret, des exemples, zéro bullshit. Ce qu'on va explorer ensemble : → Les nouvelles pratiques : comment l'IA modifie la façon de faire du product, de la discovery à la delivery → Les compétences qui émergent : prompt engineering, data literacy, AI ethics... Qu'est-ce qu'un PM doit maîtriser en 2026 ? → Les nouveaux métiers : AI Product Manager, c'est quoi exactement ? Qui fait quoi dans une équipe product aujourd'hui ? → Les produits qui deviennent possibles : qu'est-ce qu'on peut construire maintenant qu'on ne pouvait pas il y'a 18 mois ? **🚨 Inscription gratuite et obligatoire sur [ce lien](https://www.lewagon.com/fr/events/comment-l-ia-transforme-le-product-management-HPFVtl) 🚨**

**Némo Biennial 2025 is back in Paris and across Île-de-France! 🌟** This major event dedicated to contemporary and digital art explores the connections between the real, the virtual, and the imaginary. Expect immersive installations, audiovisual performances, and unique interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. **What’s on the program?** • Artworks and devices that blur the line between humans and machines 🤖 • Captivating sensory and visual performances 🎭 • Innovative creations from artists, designers, and researchers from around the world 🌍 We will be visiting exhibitions at **CENTQUATRE-PARIS**, one of the key venues of this edition. It will be a great moment to share impressions, discuss the artworks, and enjoy an inspiring collective experience together. 💫 More information: [https://www.biennalenemo.fr/](https://www.biennalenemo.fr/) **Want to get more involved?** Become a **co-organizer, event organizer, or assistant organizer** and help plan the outing, suggest ideas, or give a hand so everything runs smoothly. 📩 **How to participate**: Just reply directly to this message on Meetup and let us know your interests or availability. Let’s organize everything together to make this an unforgettable experience! 💫 **Spread the word!** If you have friends or colleagues who might enjoy this kind of cultural outing, invite them to join our Meetup group! The more passionate people we have, the more fun, lively, and inspiring our experiences become. 🎊 See you soon, **The Art&More Team**

Notre meet-up réunit une fois par semaine anglophiles et francophiles de plus de cinquante ans afin de discuter de tout et de rien. Le but est d'offrir la possibilité aux uns et aux autres de pratiquer la langue dans laquelle ils souhaiteraient se perfectionner dans un cadre convivial. Nos directives sont de s'amuser et de respecter les différents points de vue et antécédents personnels. Il est interdit d'insulter ou de dénigrer d'autres membres en raison de leurs antécédents personnels. Le meet-up se termine précisément à 18h. Si vous souhaitez rester après 18h, veuillez vous déplacer dans une autre partie du café afin que la direction comprenne bien que la réunion est terminée. Nous vous invitons à prendre au moins une boisson pour soutenir le cafe. Si vous arrivez tard, vous pouvez commander au bar et le café vous apportera votre commande. Our meet-up group meets once a week. We are English and French speakers of a "certain age" (over 50), and we meet to talk about everything and nothing. The goal is to offer each of us the chance to practice whichever language he/she is learning, or just to have a conversation in either language with a friendly group in a relaxing atmosphere. Our guidelines are to have fun and to be respectful of different points of view and personal backgrounds. Insulting or disparaging other members because of their personal background is not permitted. Our meet-up ends promptly at 6pm. If you wish to remain after 6 pm, please move to a different section of the café so it is clear to management that the meet-up has ended. Please buy at least a drink to support the café. If you arrive late, you can order at the bar and they will bring your order to you.

\*Hello everyone! \* Join us to meet people from all over the world in a friendly atmosphere. Participants are Russian, Spanish, Greek, Italian, French, Ukrainian, Indian… They come from everywhere – it’s the international afterwork! We’re here for a friendly meetup!!! **Concept** Internationals and Parisians gather to talk with everyone, in all languages! On arrival, ask the organizer for a numbered sticker. It’s also an icebreaker game: find the person with the same number as you and both of you win a free shot or a small cocktail tasting to break the ice! You can arrive whenever it suits you, but the earlier you come, the better to enjoy the vibe. **Practical info:** Time: 7pm – 10:30pm Free with the pass to collect on the free Socializus app WhatsApp for quick info: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BLqzcnC8SmbDBfYouCiOye](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BLqzcnC8SmbDBfYouCiOye) **How to join:** * Check the exact address with the free app and free pass: [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) * Support the association to cover meetup costs with an annual membership card here: [https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html](https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html) **Stay connected everywhere:** Meetup – [https://www.meetup.com/internationals-events-paris/](https://www.meetup.com/internationals-events-paris/) WhatsApp (info & reminders): [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BLqzcnC8SmbDBfYouCiOye](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BLqzcnC8SmbDBfYouCiOye) (Activate “Receive all” to not miss anything!) Facebook Group – [https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/](https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/) Facebook Page – Photos & updates: [https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/](https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/) Socializus: [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) Become an Organizer: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm) and get a free drink It’s 100% free because we’re a non-profit association with the goal of creating friendly encounters. ✦✦ Last-minute changes may happen, but everything is updated via the app with the free pass. To better manage the number of participants, we rely on registrations with the free pass. Sign up only if you’re sure to come – we’re counting on you! / By joining, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed. Photos and videos may be shared on our social networks or used commercially. You may also share your own photos with #socializus

🍷 Why become a volunteer? We invite you to join our team of volunteers to organize fun activities while enjoying a free drink, a small perk, but things are moving forward as we aim to support organizers. For organizers, the first drink is free! It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, practice different languages, and discuss how you can, if you wish, contribute to the evolution of the Socializus project. Whether you’re a graphic designer, a developer, or looking to develop your skills in communication, event planning, or another field, you’re welcome. Our goal is simple: support organizers and promote friendly meetups and language exchanges. Over time, our community has grown to become the largest in Paris, and we’re thrilled to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to share great moments. Our initiative is driven by a non-profit association. This means we move forward slowly, with the resources we have, but always with the desire to create connections and support organizers who want to develop similar events. **Practical Info:** 🕖 From 9:30 PM 💸 Free with the Socializus pass on the free app! 📲 WhatsApp for quick info:[https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa) **How to participate:** Check the exact address with the free app and free pass:[www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) Or support the association with an annual membership card:[https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html](https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html) **Stay connected:** 🔹 Meetup –[https://www.meetup.com/internationals-events-paris/](https://www.meetup.com/internationals-events-paris/) 🔹 WhatsApp (info & day-of reminders):[https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa) (Activate “Receive all” to stay in the loop!) 🔹 Facebook Group –[https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/](https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/) 🔹 Facebook Page – Photos, memories, and updates:[ ](https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterwork.paris)[https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/](https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/) 🔹 Socializus:[www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) 🔹 Become an Organizer:[https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm) ✦✦ Last-minute changes can happen, but everything is updated via the app with the free pass. To better manage the number of participants, we rely on registrations via the free pass. Please only sign up if you’re sure you can attend—we’re counting on you! 😊

🍷 ¿Por qué ser voluntario? Te invitamos a unirte a nuestro equipo de voluntarios para organizar actividades divertidas mientras disfrutas de una bebida gratuita, ¡un pequeño beneficio, pero todo está avanzando porque queremos apoyar a los organizadores! Para los organizadores, la primera bebida es gratis. Es una gran oportunidad para conocer gente nueva, practicar diferentes idiomas y discutir cómo podrías, si lo deseas, contribuir al desarrollo del proyecto Socializus. Ya seas diseñador gráfico, desarrollador o quieras mejorar tus habilidades en comunicación, organización de eventos u otro ámbito, eres bienvenido. Nuestro objetivo es simple: apoyar a los organizadores y fomentar encuentros amistosos e intercambios lingüísticos. Con el tiempo, nuestra comunidad se ha convertido en la más grande de París, y estamos encantados de reunir a personas de diferentes orígenes para compartir momentos geniales. Nuestra iniciativa está impulsada por una asociación sin fines de lucro. Esto significa que avanzamos despacio, con los recursos que tenemos, pero siempre con la voluntad de crear conexiones y apoyar a los organizadores que desean desarrollar eventos similares. **Información práctica:** 🕖 A partir de las 20:30 💸 ¡Gratis con el pase Socializus! 📲 WhatsApp para información rápida: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa) **Cómo participar:** Consulta la dirección exacta con la app gratuita y el pase gratuito: [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) O apoya a la asociación con una tarjeta de membresía anual: [https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html](https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html) **Mantente conectado:** 🔹 Meetup – [https://www.meetup.com/fiesta-latina-paris](https://www.meetup.com/fiesta-latina-paris/)/ 🔹 WhatsApp (info y recordatorios del día): [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa) (Activa “Recibir todo” para no perderte nada) 🔹 Grupo de Facebook – [https://www.facebook.com/paris.fiesta.latina/](https://www.facebook.com/paris.fiesta.latina/) 🔹 Página de Facebook – Fotos, recuerdos y noticias: [https://www.facebook.com/paris.fiesta.latina/](https://www.facebook.com/paris.fiesta.latina/) 🔹 Socializus: [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) 🔹 Conviértete en organizador: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm) ✦✦ Pueden ocurrir cambios de última hora, pero todo se actualiza a través de la app con el pase gratuito. Para gestionar mejor el número de participantes, contamos con las inscripciones a través del pase gratuito. Por favor, regístrate solo si estás seguro de asistir, ¡contamos contigo! 😊

***A premium art & countryside escape through the landscapes that inspired Vincent Van Gogh — just outside Paris.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS EVENT?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/van-gogh-countryside-30may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/van-gogh-countryside-30may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **🌿 WHY GO?** Step into the landscapes that inspired some of the most powerful paintings in art history. Just outside Paris lies the charming village of Auvers-sur-Oise — forever connected to the life and legacy of Vincent van Gogh. In the final months of his life, Van Gogh painted more than **70 masterpieces** here. The rolling wheat fields, quiet village paths, and historic buildings became the inspiration for some of the most emotional paintings in modern art. On this **premium art & countryside experience**, you won’t just visit a destination — you will **walk through the landscapes that shaped one of the world’s greatest artists**. Expect a perfect blend of: 🎨 Art history 🌿 Scenic countryside walking 🏡 Historic French village charm 📸 Iconic photography locations This is a **carefully curated cultural escape from Paris**. ✨**WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?** 🎨 **Auvers-sur-Oise – The Village of Van Gogh** Explore the charming countryside village where the artist created some of his most iconic paintings. ⛪ **The Church of Auvers** Visit the famous church immortalized in Van Gogh’s painting *The Church at Auvers*. 🏰 **Château d’Auvers-sur-Oise** A stunning historic castle surrounded by elegant gardens and countryside landscapes. 🌾 **Van Gogh Wheat Fields Walk** Walk through the landscapes that inspired some of the artist’s final masterpieces. 🪦 **Van Gogh & Theo Graves** Visit the peaceful cemetery where Vincent and his brother Theo rest side by side. 🌊 **Oise River Countryside Trails** Relaxed scenic walking paths along quiet riverbanks. 🌳 **Hidden Valley Forest Trails** Discover tranquil woodland paths far away from tourist crowds. 🏡 **Traditional French Village Streets** Stone houses, bakeries, cafés, and charming streets that feel frozen in time. ☕ **Relaxing Countryside Café Break** Enjoy coffee, pastry, or lunch in a picturesque French village setting. 📅**TRIP DETAILS** **Start and End Date:** Saturday, 30 May. **Meeting Location and Time:** * **Option A:** Meet inside Paris Gare du Nord[ ](https://share.google/Xe6TrbqMlCKmi2eXn "https://share.google/Xe6TrbqMlCKmi2eXn")at 9:00 am on Saturday. * **Option B:** Meet outside Auvers-sur-Oise Train Station at 10:00 am on Saturday. **Note:** Exact platform location in Paris Gare du Nord will be advised in the WhatsApp group for confirmed participants the day before the trip. **Finishing Location and Time:** * **Option A:** Paris Gare du Nord at 5:30 pm on Saturday. * **Option B:** Auvers-sur-Oise Train Station at 4.30 pm on Saturday. **Hiking Distance:** 12 km from Auvers-sur-Oise and back. **Hiking Duration:** \~5–6 hours including breaks\*\*.\*\* **Elevation Gain:** \~150 m. **Hiking Difficulty:** Easy to Moderate - Walking through village streets, countryside trails and historical landmarks. **Pace:** Relaxed & social. **Kid and Pet Friendly :** Yes **What is Included?** * Community Leader and Guide for the entire duration of the trip. * Transportation for the entire trip starting from the meeting location to the finishing location (depending on ticket selection). * Scenic countryside hike around Auvers-sur-Oise. * Guided art & history storytelling throughout the trip. * Visit to key Van Gogh locations in Auvers-sur-Oise. * Entry to **Château d’Auvers-sur-Oise**, **Van Gogh Museum** and **Absinthe Museum**. * Group coordination for train travel (Option A). * Small friendly group atmosphere. * Access to a WhatsApp group and Google photos album dedicated for this trip. **Note:** Email us immediately if you do not have WhatsApp and we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication. **What to Bring?** Weather is temperament and can vary between raining and sunny weather. Would recommend the following at a minimum: * Packed lunch for break during hike * Comfortable walking shoes / hiking shoes * Light rain jacket * Rain trousers * Small day backpack * Sun protection * Sunglasses * Water (minimum 1L) **How to get to Auvers-sur-Oise?** **Train:** Auvers-sur-Oise can be reached from Paris Gare du Nord in about **1 hour** via regional trains. Regular regional trains run throughout the day. **Need Assistance:** For travel planning help or future multi-day trips, reach out directly: 📲 WhatsApp / SMS +49 152 2150 6123 +49 151 2486 7229 **🗺 WHAT IS THE PLAN?** 🕘 **9:00 AM – Meet at Paris Gare du Nord** Meet your guide and fellow travelers. After a quick introduction, we board the train to Auvers-sur-Oise. 🚆 **9:15 AM – Train Journey to Auvers-sur-Oise** Enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside as we leave Paris behind. 🏡 **10:15 AM – Arrival in Auvers-sur-Oise** Introduction to the village and the final chapter of Vincent van Gogh’s life. ⛪ **11:10 AM – Church of Auvers & Village Walk** Visit the famous church from Van Gogh’s painting and stroll through the charming village. 🌾 **12:30 PM – Countryside Walk through Van Gogh’s Landscapes** Walk through scenic wheat fields and peaceful countryside paths. 🍽 **1:30 PM – Lunch Break in the Village** Relax at a café or enjoy your packed lunch. 🏰 **2:30 PM – Château d’Auvers-sur-Oise** Explore this historic château with immersive Impressionist exhibitions. 🪦 **3:45 PM – Van Gogh & Theo’s Graves** Visit the peaceful resting place of Vincent and his brother Theo. ☕ **4:10 PM – Free Time in Auvers-sur-Oise** Enjoy coffee, explore local shops, or relax in the village square. 🚆 **4:30 PM – Return Journey Begins** Head back to Paris by train. 🕔 **\~5:30 PM – Arrival at Paris Gare du Nord** End of a beautiful art & countryside escape. 🎨🌿 **🌿 A DAY OF ART, NATURE & SLOW TRAVEL** Step away from the busy streets of Paris and walk through the **timeless countryside that inspired one of the world’s greatest artists.** 🎨 Art 🌿 Nature 🏡 French countryside charm **Join us for a unique cultural escape into the landscapes of Van Gogh.** **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES:**. Please do join our WhatsApp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

Quoi ? Une opportunité de faire du bien, rencontrer des amis et embellir la place Charles Vallin et les rues autours (dans le 15ème à Paris). Nous nettoyons la rue et jardinons pendant une heure puis prenons un verre ensemble après. Nous apportons tout le matériel nécessaire. Quand ? Tous les jeudi (hors vacances scolaires Zone C), RDV Place Charles Vallin dans le 15e Jeudi à 19h ... près du banc et nos bacs à fleurs :)

​ A social photo walk around Parc Monceau — grab your phone and explore one of the most vibrant areas of Paris **while meeting new people.** ​Along the way, you'll get paired with a photo partner, someone to shoot with and get creative with. We'll rotate partners so you get to meet different people as we walk. ​**This edition includes Color Hunt,** our playful photo challenge for the walk. Each person picks a color to focus on. As you move through the streets, look for it in details, textures, objects, or light, and capture it in your own way. ​At the end, we'll grab a drink together at a nearby bar, share your favorite shots, and vote on the best photos. **Best photo wins a secret prize 🤫** ## ​Schedule: 📍 16h00 — Meet at Musée Cernuschi (7 Av. Velasquez, 75008 Paris) 📸 16h10 — Partners assigned, walk begins 🚶 16h10–17h30 — Walk around the park 🍻 17h30 — Drinks at a bar nearby 📷 17h30–18h00 — Share your best shots & vote 🏆 18h00 — Winner announcement & wrap-up ## ​Who are we? ​We're Hold My Club, a community that brings people together through creative and social events. We believe meeting new people should feel natural. So we create the right setting and help you stay connected with people who share your interests.

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

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.