Écosystème

**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.

Join us this Pride season to paint your own pride on rocks, paper, canvas, and yes- we are bringing back the bricks! Come create and paint with us. Seats and supplies limited! Come while you can for as long as you like! Westerville Public Library Meeting Room D.

Garden to the Max Join the Inniswood Garden Society for their annual meeting and garden reception. Featured speaker, Teresa Woodard, will discuss maximalist gardening Having a maximalist garden is a bold aesthetic choice—yet it also brings vitality back to the earth, in an abundant expression of more. Garden to the Max celebrates gardens across the US that embrace maximalism through joy and wonder, nonstop blooms, and abundant layers 06/07/2026 Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Days: Sun Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S Hempstead Rd Westerville, OH, 43081 (614)508-8111 Location Map: Innis House.

[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.

Join us Sunday, June 7th at 10am for a gentle beginner-friendly yoga flow in Goodale park with Victoria, one of our very own vegan community members and certified yoga teacher! Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a long time practitioner, this class is designed to help you slow down, stretch, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Expect a relaxed, accessible flow focused on easing tension, moving mindfully, and leaving you feeling a little more grounded. All levels welcome! Bring water and a yoga mat (or towel if you don’t have a mat). A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated, but payment is absolutely not required to attend and enjoy class. A Venmo QR code will be available on-site for anyone who would like to contribute. The class duration will be one hour from 10-11am. After class, we’ll head to Woodhouse Vegan for anyone who wants to keep the good vibes going over food and conversation 🌱

**🥰 Online Speed Dating via Zoom – Connect with Port St. Lucie Singles Tonight!** We pair you by personality and age so every conversation feels natural. It's simple: complete a short personality quiz, jump on Zoom, and meet Port St. Lucie singles in guided one-on-one rounds. Matches shared afterwards. **✅ Grab your spot by RSVPing.** The host will send you a personality quiz and Zoom details directly after you RSVP. Don't leave it too late — places fill up. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - Busy professionals who don't want to waste evenings - Singles in Port St. Lucie who want to meet people from home - People re-entering the dating scene after a break - Anyone who likes connecting online before meeting face-to-face **Event Details** - **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - **Location:** From home – all you need is Wi-Fi and a webcam - **Host:** Professional host keeping the evening smooth and relaxed - **Vibe:** Laid-back one-on-one chats with Port St. Lucie locals - **Tech:** Zoom, webcam, and a stable connection - **Duration:** Roughly 90 minutes - **Matches:** Mutual matches sent out after the event - **Rounds:** Multiple short one-on-one rounds **How It Works** 1. **RSVP here** – Secure your spot on Meetup. 2. **Check your Meetup messages** – The host will reach out with a personality quiz to match you with compatible Port St. Lucie singles. 3. **Complete the quiz** – A quick personality quiz so we can find your best matches. 4. **Hop on Zoom** – You'll receive the Zoom link before the event. The host handles the rest. 5. **Chat & match** – Quick timed rounds with Port St. Lucie singles, then mutual matches sent out after. **Frequently Asked Questions** **Do I need experience?** Not at all. The host walks you through everything. **How long are the chats?** A few minutes each — just enough to get a sense of someone. **Do I need anything besides Zoom?** Just Zoom, a webcam, and Wi-Fi. That's it. --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from your home. RSVP to join us. ❤️‍🔥 ✨

**🦋 Port St. Lucie Zoom Online Speed Dating** Meet Port St. Lucie singles from home in short, hosted one-on-one rounds on Zoom. We match by age and personality. **Register below for your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** Register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Real conversations, real matches — all from home. 🦋 ✨

**💓 Online Speed Dating – Real Miami Locals, Live on Zoom** Speed dating from home — connect with real Miami singles on Zoom. Quick, hosted rounds on Zoom with Miami singles paired to your age group and personality. No awkward pauses — just natural conversation. **✅ RSVP here and we'll take care of the rest.** After you RSVP, the host will message you directly with the personality quiz and Zoom details. Spots are limited. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Anyone who likes connecting online before meeting face-to-face - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting **Event Details** - **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - **Location:** From home – all you need is Wi-Fi and a webcam - **Host:** Professional host keeping the evening smooth and relaxed - **Vibe:** Great energy, real people, authentic conversation **How It Works** 1. **RSVP below** – Click RSVP to reserve your place. 2. **The host will contact you** – After RSVP, you'll get a message with the personality quiz so we can pair you well. 3. **Answer the personality quiz** – Takes just a few minutes and makes the matching much better. 4. **Hop on Zoom** – You'll receive the Zoom link before the event. The host handles the rest. 5. **Chat & match** – Quick timed rounds with Miami singles, then mutual matches sent out after. **Frequently Asked Questions** **What if I'm shy?** The virtual setting and hosted rounds keep things comfortable for everyone. **Is my info private?** Absolutely. Contact details are only exchanged on mutual match. **When will the host contact me?** Usually within a day or two of your RSVP, well before the event. **Do I need anything besides Zoom?** Just Zoom, a webcam, and Wi-Fi. That's it. --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from your home. RSVP to join us. 💓 ✨

Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻 Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company! Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.

**🎶 BTS Is Coming – Port St. Lucie K-Pop Random Dance Party!** K-pop fans in Port St. Lucie, this one's for you. We'll put on the music, call random songs, and dance together. BTS tracks, K-pop bangers, all of it. Come ready to move. **🔞 18+ only.** This is an adults-only event. --- 🎶 **What to expect:** - A chance to meet Port St. Lucie locals who love K-pop as much as you do - Random play dance to BTS and K-pop hits - Fan chants, singalongs, and pure concert energy - Random song calls — jump in when you know the choreo **Event Details** - **Format:** In-person random play dance – Port St. Lucie fans only - **Vibe:** Loud, fun, and full of Port St. Lucie K-pop fans - **Age:** 18+ only **How It Works** 1. **Show up** – RSVP and come ready to dance. 18+ only. 2. **The music starts** – We go random play dance format. Song called, fans jump in. 3. **Full BTS section** – We dedicate a proper block to BTS to get everyone hyped for the concert. 4. **Fan time** – Between rounds, meet fellow Port St. Lucie fans and share concert plans. 💡 **Tip:** Even if you don't know every move, come and vibe. The energy is the point. --- ✨ See you on the dance floor, Port St. Lucie. 18+ only. 💃 ✨

**💝 Orlando Virtual Speed Dating — Hosted on Zoom** Online speed dating for Orlando locals — personality matched, hosted live on Zoom. **Choose your age range to sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Orlando&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Orlando&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Orlando&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Orlando&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration.** To join, pick your age group below and complete the quiz. Capacity is limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Speed dating from home — easy, matched, and fun. 🥰 ✨

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.

In the year 2044, in the age of AI, a woman named Gabrielle (Seydoux) tries to purify her DNA by purging the inherited memories of her past lives. She (re)lives her life in 1910 Paris and 2014 Los Angeles, and as the procedure goes on, the lines between her worlds become blurred. These three timelines have a lot of connective tissue holding them together; certain symbols and motifs appear repeatedly, not to mention Mackay’s Louis, a figure whom Gabrielle seems drawn to in each lifetime. *The Beast / La Bête* can be streamed for free on Kanopy or the Criterion Channel. It's also available for rent on Amazon Prime, AppleTV and YouTube.

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.

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **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

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

Communication is everything in life. You are only as successful as your ability to communicate! \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

A session on using Claude Code, Anthropic's AI coding agent, in real Unity development. We'll cover what coding agents are, where Claude Code fits, and how to apply it to an actual game project. The format is presentation-style, with live demos and time for questions throughout. After brief scene-setting on coding agents and what makes Claude Code distinct, we'll go problem-driven: demoing it live on a released Unity game and introducing each feature as a solution to a problem we hit. What to Expect: * An intro to coding agents and where Claude Code fits * A live demo on a real Unity project * Key features as solutions to real problems: 𝖢𝖫𝖠𝖴𝖣𝖤.𝗆𝖽, context management, hooks, skills, subagents, and MCP * Unity-specific pain points, including Domain Reload and MCP caveats * Putting it together All experience levels welcome. Food and drinks provided. *Note: meetup topics may change — check back for the latest details.*