Weston A. Price

**NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS** Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members. → **[Learn how DC Metro Dining works](https://tinyurl.com/Landing-Page-DC-Metro-Dining)** → **[Ensure Group Notifications are Setup (Announcements + In on Waitlist/Attending List)](https://app.tango.us/app/workflow/Enable-Meetup-Email-Notifications-3a85109614fc4907940503d096331392)** **RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)** → **RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Sunday 10a, 5/24**. (*Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership*) Let’s explore an upscale dining experience that blends West African tradition with modern culinary innovation. We are heading to **Elmina** in Shaw, from Top Chef finalist and Food Network personality Eric Adjepong, known for bringing modern Ghanaian cuisine into a refined dining setting. **FOOD**: Elmina blends traditional West African flavors with modern technique, with a menu that highlights depth, spice, and layered composition. Dishes frequently called out include the jollof duck pot and egusi stew dumplings, both reworking classic Ghanaian staples into more refined presentations. You will also find grilled meats with suya-style seasoning, seafood dishes with balanced heat and acidity, and rotating plates that reflect regional influences. The menu leans bold and savory, with options across meat, seafood, and some vegetarian-friendly selections. Cocktails often incorporate tropical and spice-forward elements that align closely with the cuisine. Most members should expect total spend to land roughly in the 55 to 85 dollar range, depending on beverage participation. → **Explore Elmina's menu:** **[https://www.elminarestaurant.com/menu](https://www.elminarestaurant.com/menu)** **SPACE**: Stylish, modern dining room with a warm, intimate layout. Expect a lively but controlled atmosphere with moderate noise levels, especially on a Sunday evening. → **Visit the restaurant site (scroll half way down to la carte menu)**: **[https://www.elminarestaurant.com/](https://www.elminarestaurant.com/)** * Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details). * Limited to 8 slots. See you there! JoeN **CLOSEST METRO**: \***U Street–African-Amer Civil War Memorial–Cardozo station** (Green, Yellow) is the closest stop. Walk east along Florida Ave NW. The walk is about 12–15 minutes \*For directions using the Metro, try using the Plan a Trip feature at the WMATA website ([click on your preferred Metro station](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/index.cfm) then at the Station page level click "Plan a Trip". **PARKING**: Street parking in this area can be difficult on weekend evenings. Several paid garages are located within a few blocks along 14th Street and nearby side streets. Plan accordingly. ***Attendance Notes:*** -\* **If you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing up**. *With 5,400+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant.*\* -\*\* New Members / 1st Timers: **Trying to get a slot? Join the Waitlist and check back frequently: spots (*often open up before Noon on the day of the event. You may also receive midweek confirmation emails to reconfirm your RSVP, so please check your Meetup DMs inbox).*** -\* Billing Reminder - Add 30% for tax and tip to your food and drink total.\*\*\* This is part of our group’s expectations and helps smooth out service with the restaurant. Looking forward to dining with you! JoeN

The District Language Exchange meets every Sunday evening around central DC or Arlington. Come practice Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, and more! This week (May 24) we will be meeting at Mission in Dupont Circle from 4-7pm. Note: Mission is a 21+ bar, bring ID. Check us out on social media to find out where the week's exchange will be! Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/districtlanguageexchange](https://www.facebook.com/groups/districtlanguageexchange) Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/dclangx/](https://www.instagram.com/dclangx/)

Join us for a **scenic, social hike at Rock Creek Park** as we explore the "Southern Loop," starting from the Nature Center. Starting at the **Nature Center**, the "Southern Loop via Western Ridge Trail, Rock Creek, and Valley Trail" is a well-loved route. With over 2,700 glowing reviews on AllTrails, it offers beautiful scenery, well-maintained paths, and a refreshing escape close to the city. This **easy hike** winds through lush forested trails, showcasing the beauty of Rock Creek Park. While the trail is mostly straightforward, please note that sections may be **slippery**, so wear sturdy, grippy shoes. To learn more about the trail, click the link in the **Trail Map section below**. Get ready for fresh air, great conversations, and plenty of scenic moments! This hike is perfect for all levels, so bring your good vibes and let’s hit the trail together! **Meeting Time & Location:** Meet us at 9:30 AM at the **Rock Creek Park Nature Center,** located at 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015. There’s plenty of parking available at the Nature Center. We’ll gather right in front of the building to start the hike. **Distance:** 5.6 miles **Elevation Gain:** 685 feet **Difficulty:** Moderate Walk/Hike This hike is a moderate walk with natural trails and a few gentle inclines to get your heart rate up. The terrain includes some uneven sections, and the fallen leaves can make it a bit slippery in spots. With sturdy footwear, it’s an enjoyable and accessible hike for most levels. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 2.5 hours. **Pace:** Moderate Pace We'll walk a steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** Ample parking is available at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, with additional overflow parking located across the street. **Trail Map (AllTrails)** [Rock Creek Park - Southern Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/rock-creek-park-nature-center-a2f0474?u=i&sh=ylk43q) With over 2,700 reviews on AllTrails, this popular route offers insights into the trail’s conditions and highlights. Click the link above to learn more and prepare for your hike! **Restrooms** Restrooms are available at the Nature Center, our meeting point at the start of the hike. They open at 9:00 AM. Additionally, there are restrooms approximately 1 hour into the hike, where we’ll take a brief break. **Dog Attendance** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Lunch After the Hike** After the hike, join us for an optional lunch at **Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza** (4940 Wisconsin Ave. NW), an affordable, counter-service spot just a 10 minute drive away. They serve New England-style pizza, pastas, salads, antipasti, and local brews—something for everyone!

**NOTE: AN RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT SERVE AS A BOOKED SPOT. YOU MUST BOOK VIA LINK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.** **You must book your spot through our website: [[Booking Link Here](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/walk-breathe-rise)]** DC Black Pride weekend is a lot of things. Loud, beautiful, full, unforgettable. And somewhere in the middle of all of that, your body, mind, and spirit deserve a moment to exhale. Lesbifriends Travel is linking up with [We BE Walkin'](https://webewalkin.com/) for Walk, Breathe, Rise for a Sunday morning nature gathering designed to slow the weekend down in the best way possible. Think fresh air, a scenic walk through the U.S. National Arboretum, a grounding yoga flow with Devyn of [Surrender + Flow](https://bio.site/surrenderandflow), light snacks, and meaningful connection with your community. This is how we close out Black Pride. Soft, intentional, and together. **Event Details** 📅 Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026 ⏰ Time: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM 📍 Location: The U.S. National Arboretum, Northeast DC (specific meeting location shared with confirmed guests) 💸 **Early Early Bird: $15** \(through May 8\) \| **Early Bird: $25** \(through May 21\) \| **Regular: $35** (Booking Deadline: May 23) 🎁 **Gifted Tickets Available:** **$15** to send a community member **What to Expect** * A guided 2.8 mile beginner-friendly walk through the Arboretum * A grounding yoga flow with Devyn (gentle asana, breathwork, and her signature handpan) * Healthy snacks, water, and time to connect after * Pet friendly and welcoming to all paces and energy levels * A reset before heading back into the week Tickets are tiered and limited. **The earlier you grab yours, the less you pay.** Sliding scale is intentional. Show up however you can. **Who This Event Is For:** Black queer women and non-binary people who want to close out DC Black Pride feeling grounded instead of depleted, who love being outside and moving their body, or who simply want to spend a Sunday morning the right way. ✨ Lesbifriends Travel and We BE Walkin' invite you to walk, breathe, and rise with your community. **Claim your spot here: [Walk, Breathe, Rise](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/walk-breathe-rise)**! **Note:** By attending this event, you agree to being photographed. However, if communicated, we will try our best not to capture you in photos and post you publicly. That request must be communicated ahead of time/at the beginning of the event to photographer and host.

**Lake Artemesia Walk – College Park** Join us for a relaxed, easy-paced walk around beautiful Lake Artemesia. A chance to unwind, enjoy nature, and connect with others in a calm, welcoming setting. We’ll walk the scenic loop, take in the lake views, and enjoy light conversation along the way. All fitness levels are welcome. **Main parking lot:** **55th Ave & Berwyn Rd** College Park, MD 20740 Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

Speaker: Dr. Priya Parrotta is an environmental historian, composer, singer, and author. She is the founder and director of Music & the Earth International, an academic and artistic initiative that explores and celebrates the role of music in fostering cross-border environmental dialogue. She is a Senior Fellow at the Safina Center, a nominee for the United States Artists Fellowship, and an elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. How are living beings transformed into sources of profit? What can we, as humans, do to reverse this process? Priya Parrotta, PhD, will explore these questions in a presentation which weaves together historical research on beach tourism and original music dedicated to the well-being of all life. She will present lessons and inspiration for the vegan movement from the fight for life on the world’s tropical coastlines. Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

RESCHEDULED DUE TO RAIN. This is a moderate circuit hike of 7.6 miles with 1320 feet of elevation gain on trails rich in both history and scenery. Adventuring's very first hike occurred 47 years ago this month, as our Founders ventured out in 1979 to Hoover Camp in the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. It's an exceptionally scenic spot, where two modest streams (Mill Prong and Laurel Prong) merge to create the Rapidan River. Hoover Camp was originally built by President and Mrs. Herbert Hoover as a mountain hideaway and fishing retreat, a precursor to today's Camp David. Though many of the original structures have disappeared, the President's House (a.k.a. the Brown House) and the Prime Minister's Cabin survive to this day. Our hike will begin at Milam Gap, just south of Big Meadows. We'll have one stream crossing at Big Rock Falls before we reach Hoover Camp, where we'll lunch on or near the porch of the Brown House and then explore the rest of the site. Our return route will first use the Laurel Prong Trail and then the Cat Knob Trail to reach the Appalachian Trail, which will take us back to our cars at Milam Gap. We will decide at the end of the hike whether to enjoy refreshments at the charming New Market Taproom in Big Meadows Lodge or somewhere on the drive home. Total length of this moderate circuit hike will be 7.6 miles with 1320 feet of elevation gain on the return leg. Bring plenty of beverages, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy boots, and $5 for the Adventuring trip fee. On the way to the hike, we'll stop at Sheetz in Warrenton so folks can pick up snacks or lunch. Carpool passengers should pay their drivers $20 (assuming each car has at least one rider with a Park Pass, which is usually the case). Meet at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning May 24 in the Kiss & Ride Lot of the East Falls Church Metro Station at North Sycamore and 19th Streets, to your right as Metro riders leave the station's only exit. NEW! Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

We willl view 2 exhibits, one on [Mary Cassatt](https://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/mary-cassatt-1) & one on [Niagara falls](https://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/niagara-falls). It’s a large museum, so you are also welcome to stay longer & explore more. We’ll meet out front of the [entrance on 6th St NW](https://www.nga.gov/visit) at 10:30. The exhibit is in the West building (main building) Main Floor. Check comments day-of for how to find me. INHERENT RISK AND LIABILITY: Organizers carefully plan events and check public sources for weather and safety. Common sense dictates that conditions may change and there is inherent risk associated with attendance. Organizers do not accept any liability for accidents/injuries or any other incidences that may occur in connection with the activities published herein or on linked sites.

Reserve a spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1987253204831?aff=oddtdtcreator)** in advance so we can provide accurate guest reservations. Please reserve a spot in advance so we can provide accurate space reservation numbers. We will gather at Federico Ristorante Italiano. Usually 10 LGBTQ+ gather for casual dining. Federico is your destination for authentic Italian cuisine, drinks, and decadent desserts. The event is free to attend, but any drinks or meal are on your own. If you wish to optionally dine (on separate checks of course), the lunch menu is at [https://www.federicoristoranteitaliano.com/menu](https://www.federicoristoranteitaliano.com/menu) Don't forget dessert! Federico is known for its desserts, including Tiramisu, Cannoli, Chocolate Fudge Cake, Creamy Cheesecake, Crema Caramel, Spumoni, Cherries Jubilee, and Great Falls Dairy Ice Cream. This event is hosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com/)**, Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It now reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](http://www.gogaydc.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3tnvUeywC6ri_JvRX9jb8qdg183cdVkOA9p9mR_GTNp6iJCGuhuReJTMo_aem_2-v23xVXvRXt19uutxg7uQ) Mingle with fabulous LGBTQ+ folk and allies. Go Gay DC Leader **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** will be there to greet you. Bring your friends and meet new people from all over the world. Casual attire is fine. Feel free to invite all your friends to join you there. Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. **Street [Parking is free](https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Transportation/Parking/Paying-for-Parking)** on Sundays in Arlington. **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Metro rides are now capped at only $2.50 on weekends, depening on distance traveled. Federico is only about a 15 minute walk from Pentagon City Metro. There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket. Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for all ages. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol is carded of course. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC/) Follow on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://twitter.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](http://%5Bhttps//www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExN2tRNWxxbmJINDBLRjgyeHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6w6hV7nnd4_ib7hO4sGpsSn_cdXfPd75Bu3M7zmEi9Dl9TPCaWhdsOiMuyEg_aem_2P-pfs9FaQjn7QAvmFHriw%5D(https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExN2tRNWxxbmJINDBLRjgyeHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6w6hV7nnd4_ib7hO4sGpsSn_cdXfPd75Bu3M7zmEi9Dl9TPCaWhdsOiMuyEg_aem_2P-pfs9FaQjn7QAvmFHriw)) Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies non-binary

**SUNDAY SKATE: The Anacostia Loop Edition!** Ready to roll this weekend? We are tackling the beautiful Anacostia Loop! It is a scenic, mostly flat \~12.3-mile route hitting some awesome spots across the city. **🚨 IMPORTANT LOCATION CHANGE:** Freedom Plaza is still closed for renovations, so we are shifting our meeting spot right down the street to **Pershing Park**. ### 📅 **The Schedule** * **10:00 AM:** Meetup & check-in at Pershing Park * **10:10 AM:** Rollout (sharp!) ### 🗺️ **Event Details** * **Distance:** \~12.3 miles * **Pace:** Casual/Cruising * **Route Map:** [https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7528392](https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7528392) ### 📍 **The Route & Stops** 1. **Pershing Park to Capitol Hill:** We'll warm up with a cruise past the iconic Capitol building. 2. **East Capitol Street:** Heading down toward the skate park near the RFK stadium. 3. **Anacostia Skate Pavilion:** Crossing the river to hit up the pavilion for a solid mid-skate session. 4. **Navy Yard / Nationals Stadium:** Looping back past the stadium on our final leg back toward the starting area. ### 🎒 **What to Bring** * Your skates (quads or blades) and protective gear/helmet. * Water and snacks to stay hydrated. * A positive attitude and ready to roll! *Please RSVP if you plan on coming so we can keep an eye out for you at the starting line. See you on Sunday!* For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you Sunday!

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

Westerville Pride Festival Sat\. June 6\, 2026 \| 5 PM \- 8 PM If you're thinking of attending, or being a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer, visit our website at https://www.westervillequeercollective.org/pride for more information! Location and other info will be announced soon :)

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.

REGISTER HERE: [SIGN UP TODAY](https://link.elitereimm.com/widget/form/mUCJcb9LFDGoPqRg82jP?am_id=debbie4540) Should a real estate investor get a real estate license? Sometimes it’s a massive advantage… and sometimes it can complicate your business if you don’t know what you’re walking into. In this training, we’ll cut through the “agents vs investors” drama and focus on one thing: **what makes you more money and gives you more leverage**. You’ll learn: * **When being licensed helps investors win** (better access, better data, better terms, better deal flow) * How investors use a license to **create extra profit centers** (commissions, referrals, listings, buyer rep, property management pathways) * The truth about **MLS access, pocket listings, and being first to the good deals** * How licensing impacts **wholesaling, double-closing, assignments, and disclosures** * What brokerages don’t tell you: **fees, splits, compliance, and time requirements** * When it’s smarter to **partner with an agent** instead of becoming one * A simple decision framework: **licensed vs partnered vs hybrid model** You’ll walk out knowing whether licensing fits your goals—and if it does, the cleanest path to do it without slowing down your investing. REGISTER HERE: [SIGN UP TODAY](https://link.elitereimm.com/widget/form/mUCJcb9LFDGoPqRg82jP?am_id=debbie4540)

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Couldn't make Knowledge? Or want to debrief the dancing robots or Autonomous Workforce? Join us for a Knowledge '26 recap, insights sharing, a couple rounds of golf, and fun at Topgolf. As always, drinks and food will be provided. More details to come — mark your calendar, RSVP, and save your spot today!

**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.