한부모 아빠들

Let's have fun while watching the night view with our friends! 🏃‍♂️Training menu🏃‍♂️ Every Wednesday 6:00p.m~ Fed Square Assembly 【https://maps.app.goo.gl/zmPQ6U533pUDcNSA9?g_st=ic】 If you have luggage, please consider using the lockers at the station. 💥40~60 min Jog+Walk Pace: Easy pace, suitable for beginners. If you got tired, let's walk together. 【schedule】 6:00 p.m Gathering 6:10 p.m Start 7:00 p.m End of training Challengers we are waiting for you 😊

Players of all skill levels are welcome to join us at Marché Board Games Cafe in the CBD for a casual night of mahjong - Right in the CBD. We'll start around 6:00pm till we all need to go home :) Our typical session concludes usually around 10:00pm. Please change your RSVP to not going if you're no longer able to attend, 24 hours prior the event. For those that have a record of non attendance without communicating, you will be moved to the waiting list for future events and be contacted directly to confirm that you indeed intend to turn up, at which you will be allotted a spot subject to availability. For more details on the rules of the game, please refer to: http://mahjongtime.com/hong-kong-mahjong-rules.html Marche has been kind enough to offer us a deal to play in their cafe. **⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ Cost ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆** Attendees who have registered for the event on Meetup can play at discounted rates, with the following payments to be made: * **$6 in total per session” to cover cafe costs. Payment of $6 should be made to Marche at the front counter upon notification to the staff member that you are here for the scheduled meetup. There is now no minimum spend on items at the cafe as there were before. The cafes menu can be found here https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf .

Filmonik is an Open-Screen screening / Bring-Your-Own-Film night that has been running since 2013. May 27 2013 was Filmonik #1 and on May 27 2026 it will be Filmonik #128. We're celebrating by being back to Loop Roof this month only. With its leafy (and heated) rooftop, it's truly a world-unique setting to enjoy short films that we were lucky to call home for many years. This month again you should expect immediate, spontaneous, crafty, fun, inventive, weird and with urgent, current short films. Some old classics and worldwide hits will be thrown in for good measure. Arrive early to network! Door: $10 cash or Card. FILMS UNRATED (18+ by default). Content may offend. WEDNESDAY MAY 27 at Loop Roof. 3/23 Meyers Place, Melbourne CBD. Door on the left of the building to the rooftop. Level 3. Stairs only unfortunately. Loop Roof is open to the public before 7:45pm so come over from 7pm, say hi and network. 7:45pm ticketing starts. 8:15pm screening starts FILMMAKERS: Best practice is submitting in advance at filmonik.com.au/submit-your-film or announce via email you'll bring a film on a USB drive on the night (info@filmonik.com.au) so we can reserve you a spot but this month will be even more limited. Guidelines here: filmonik.com.au/how-to-screen Filmonik is part of the worldwide Kino movement active in 30+ countries around the world.

Join us every **Wednesday at 5 PM** at the Emporium food court (located behind Grill’d Burger Restaurant in the CBD, not near Melbourne Station) for a dynamic networking event tailored for filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts. Afterward, we continue the evening with Happy Hour drinks at a nearby bar and a chance to grab dinner together. Understanding that schedules vary, feel free to join at any time that suits you. Rain or shine, our community has gathered every week for the past year, maintaining a consistent and welcoming environment. Our group has grown remarkably, with a **weekly turnout of over 50 participants**, blending newcomers with regulars to create a vibrant, diverse community. Feel free to bring friends interested in filmmaking; it’s a great way to introduce new faces to our expanding network. Whether you’re a writer, actor, animator, or independent filmmaker, come share your experiences, discuss current projects, or chat about favorite films. This event fosters connections among like-minded individuals, encourages friendships, and opens doors for collaboration. At **7 PM**, we move to The Carlton Club, a five-minute walk away, where we continue networking in a more formal rooftop setting over drinks and food. This change of venue offers an ideal environment to keep conversations flowing. **RSVP** to help us gauge attendance and become part of a growing network of film professionals and enthusiasts. Though the event begins in the afternoon, the relationships you build here can last well into the night and beyond. **What to Expect:** *Our Wednesday meetup is primarily a large networking event for industry professionals. There’s no set theme, workshop, or speaker. It’s a relaxed gathering where filmmakers, actors, and creatives can connect, discuss projects, share needs, and learn from each other. Conversations flow freely around the table, fostering an environment of growth and camaraderie. Beyond Wednesdays, we also host exclusive events such as table reads, cinematography workshops with Panasonic, member screenings, and more. Each week brings fresh dialogues—some participants discuss their weekend shoots, others exchange insights with seasoned producers and directors, and a few engage in filmmaking exercises. It’s a space designed for creative engagement without strict structure or formal oversight.* *Note: Our community emphasizes collaboration, friendship, and goodwill rather than promotional activities. If you wish to promote a workshop, course, screening, or similar event, please contact the organizers first. Promotional privileges are generally reserved for trusted, long-standing members.

RSVP on our GDG community platform -> https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-melbourne-presents-gdg-melbourne-may26-meetup/ This event is hosted at the Mantel Group Office, with the recording of the talks to be shared afterwards on YouTube if you can't make it. There will be food, networking and some surprise swag!Agenda: 6:20 - Intro 6:30 - Talks 8:00 till late - networking & chat (& drinks optional)Speakers and Talks: Talk 1: Katie Barnett\, Engineering Manager @ Bilue\| Google Developer Expert for Android \| GDG Melbourne Co\-Organiser \| Women TechMakers Melbourne Ambassador What's New on Android Talk 2: Tulsi Sapkota, Senior Software Engineer @ Linktree Replace Yourself with Agents How we built an agent that monitors our Buildkite pipelines, reasons about inefficiencies, and raises PRs to fix it. A practical story about trust, confidence thresholds, and what happens when the agent is better at your job than you are. Talk 3: Saugato Paroi, IT Support Engineer @ PageUp Building AutoCloud: How I turned "why is deploying so hard?" into an AI-powered platform. It started with a frustration every developer knows — you build something that works beautifully on your machine, then hit a wall of IAM roles, Terraform files, networking configs, and CI/CD pipelines just to get it live. I watched that gap kill momentum for too many projects, including my own. So I decided to build the tool I wished existed. AutoCloud is an AI-powered platform that takes a local project or Git repo and turns it into a production-ready cloud deployment — no deep infrastructure expertise required. In this talk, I'll walk you through the journey: the problem that sparked it, the architectural decisions, the hard lessons, and how AI made it all possible. How to find us: Doors open at 5:45 PM at our host the Mantel Group, Level 2/452 Flinders St, Melbourne. Message via Meetup or Slack if you are arriving after 6:00, as the lifts won't let you up. This is an in-person only event. If you have any accessibility requirements, please reach out via the Meetup or Slack to the organiser group to discuss, and we will do our best to help you out. Agenda *** Speakers Katie Barnett - Google Developer Expert for Android (Engineering Manager, Bilue) Katie is passionate about all things Android. She has taken on a wide variety of challenging projects including in the live event, media and travel space. Her favourite thing is to see someone having a delightful experience using something she has worked on. Katie is very active in the development community, she is one of the organisers of GDG Melbourne and is a Women Techmakers Ambassador. Sh… Tulsi Sapkota - Linktree (Senior Software Engineer) Shaugato Paroi - PageUp (IT Support Engineer) Hosted By Katie Barnett, GDE Android / GDG Organiser Suesi Tran, Senior Flutter Developer Poornima Sivakumar, GDG Organiser Lovee Jain, GDG Organiser Zach Jensz, GDG Organiser Ujjawal Raj, GDG Organiser Bramley Turner-Jones, GDG Organiser Yuba Raj (UV) Panta, GDG Organiser Kartik Arora, Android Engineer Google Developer Expert in Android Android Engineer @ Bilue Carolyn Ai Chi Wong, Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-melbourne-presents-gdg-melbourne-may26-meetup/.

**言語交流会で取り残されたと感じたことはありませんか？問題ありません！** **Have you felt left out in a language exchange event? Don't worry, we've got your back!** 私たちのイベントでは**しっかりと英語と日本語の時間が区切られている**ので自身の言語のレベルによらず練習できます！**広大な公園で優雅な景色を味わいながら、ジュース片手に言語学習を楽しみましょう！** **With clearly scheduled language sessions,** you can practice the language you are learning regardless of your level! What are you waiting for? **Let's enjoy chatting in English and Japanese while taking in the strikingly beautiful nature, with a cup of orange juice at hand!** **LOCATION / TIME** **Location**: Fairview Park 〒Fairview St, Hawthorn VIC, 3122 https://www.google.com/maps/place/37%C2%B049'46.4%22S+145%C2%B001'42.8%22E/@-37.829546,145.0278993,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m12!1m7!3m6!1s0x6ad64238aa5ada1d:0xa819c9b07e760c!2sFairview+Park!8m2!3d-37.8303407!4d145.0288851!16s%2Fg%2F11fz9d7ym9!3m3!8m2!3d-37.829546!4d145.028543?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D *There are a couple of **parking lots** nearby.* **Time**: 14:00 - 16:00 **場所／時間** **場所**：Fairview Park 〒Fairview St, Hawthorn VIC, 3122 https://www.google.com/maps/place/37%C2%B049'46.4%22S+145%C2%B001'42.8%22E/@-37.829546,145.0278993,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m12!1m7!3m6!1s0x6ad64238aa5ada1d:0xa819c9b07e760c!2sFairview+Park!8m2!3d-37.8303407!4d145.0288851!16s%2Fg%2F11fz9d7ym9!3m3!8m2!3d-37.829546!4d145.028543?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D **時間**：14:00 - 16:00 **Participation fees** **$5 (PayID ONLY)** (The participation fees will be collected 5-10 minutes before the end of the event.) *You will get a cup of 🍹**Orange juice** 🍹to get started at the event!* 😋 *The types of juice served can vary from week to week!* **参加費用** **$5 (PayID のみ）** (イベント終了5－10分前に参加費としてPayIDで$5徴収させていただきます。） **イベント開始時に🍹オレンジジュース🍹をお配りします！！** ジュースの種類は週によって変動することがございます。 **Schedule（当日の流れ）** 13:55 - 14:00 pm The organizer will guide participants to a seat and give them a brief overview of the event. *Don't worry! We don't forget your orange juice!!* (主催者が参加者をそれぞれのお席へと案内し、簡単なイベント説明を行う） 20 MIN ENGLISH TIME（英語オンリーの時間） 20 MIN JAPANESE TIME（日本語オンリーの時間） 20 MIN JPN & ENG TIME （英語と日本語ミックスの時間） 15:00pm -SEAT CHANGE (席替え) & STRETCHING TIME 20 MIN ENGLISH TIME（英語オンリーの時間） 20 MIN JAPANESE TIME（日本語オンリーの時間） 20 MIN JPN & ENG TIME （英語と日本語ミックスの時間） 15:50 - 16:00 The $5 via PayID will be collected during this time (PayIDで$5徴収させていただきます。） 16:00 - Wrap-up (締めの言葉） A WORD FROM THE ORGANIZER -Bring an umbrella ☂️ -Bring a coat to keep yourself warm in case it gets windy ꩜𖦹 **NOTES** * To ensure that everyone gets a chance to practice, **please follow the schedule.** We really appreciate your cooperation. * **RSVP is required to attend the event, as we have limited seats.** * Provided that there are **fewer than 6 participants**, including the event host, on the event day, **we may cancel the event.** In such a case, participants will be informed through DMs. * As seating for the event is limited, RSVPs may be adjusted to maintain a balanced group (e.g., nationality, gender) and ensure a smooth international exchange. We appreciate your understanding. * In the event of a potential natural disaster, we will notify **you by 22:00 p.m** the day before the event regarding whether it will proceed as scheduled. * Please make sure to **check your RSVP status** **after 22:00 p.m. on the day before the event**, just in case. * **Children under 16** must be accompanied by a guardian. * Participation for the purpose of sales, pick-up activities, religious solicitation, or MLM (network marketing) is strictly prohibited. * We aim to provide a comfortable environment for everyone. Any behavior that makes others feel uncomfortable is not tolerated, and participants may be asked to leave and may be restricted from attending future events. * Please avoid RSVP’ing to another event that takes place at the same time as ours. * Please note that we may take photos during the event to show what it’s like. If you’re not comfortable being in photos, just let us know in advance—we’ll be happy to accommodate. * The organizer is not responsible for any issues or disputes that occur after the event. **注意事項** * 参加者全員が練習できるようにするため、区切られた時間に従ってお話していただくことご協力お願いします。 * **人数制限**を設けていますので、**参加登録が必須**となります。 * イベント当日に**参加者が6名未満の場合**、イベントを**中止する**場合があります。その際は、ダイレクトメッセージにてご連絡いたします。 * 座席数に限りがあるため、円滑な国際交流を行う目的で、国籍や性別などのバランスを考慮し、参加状況を調整させていただく場合があります。あらかじめご了承ください。 * 自然災害の恐れがある場合、イベントが予定通り開催されるかどうかにつきましては、前日の**22:00まで**にご連絡いたします。 * **念のため、イベント前日の22:00以降に、ご自身で参加ステータスの確認をお願いいたします。** **16歳未満のお子様**は保護者の同伴が必要です。 * 営業・ナンパ行為、宗教勧誘、MLM（ネットワークビジネス）などを目的とした参加は固くお断りします。 * 参加者の皆さんが安心して楽しめる環境を大切にしています。他の参加者が不快に感じる行為が見られた場合、途中退場や今後の参加をお断りすることがあります。 * 当イベントと同じ時間帯に開催される他のイベントへの同時参加登録はご遠慮ください。 * ＳＮＳでイベントの様子を紹介するため、当日写真を撮影する場合があります。写真に写ることに抵抗がある方は、事前にお知らせください。配慮いたします。 * イベント終了後に発生したトラブルについて、主催者は責任を負いかねます。

How about we kick off the best day with a jog and coffee together? Trust me, you won't want to miss out! 🏃‍♂️Training menu🏃‍♂️ Every Sunday 8:00~ Fed Square Assembly 【https://maps.app.goo.gl/zmPQ6U533pUDcNSA9?g_st=ic】 If you have luggage, please consider using the lockers at the station. 💥40~60 min Jog+Walk Pace: Easy pace, suitable for beginners. If you got tired, let's walk together. 【schedule】 8:00 Gathering 8:10 Start 9:00 End of training Challengers we are waiting for you 😊

**Please note:** We meet at 11am and start walking towards Elwood soon after. Please be on time or message us. Thanks! :) Walk and talk with us. Meet on St Kilda Beach in front of Republica near the Rhinocerous statue, Walk to Ormond Point Elwood 🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️🏃🏻‍➡️ We practice English conversation plus our first and second languages on the way. Bring a friend, dog and perhaps a ✍🏽 and notepad to remember new words and phrases. Meet new people. We look forward to chatting with you!🤗 ***Please note:*** *For attendance at this beach walk read the disclaimer below:* *By signing up and participating in this **Language Practice and Walking on the Beach** today I agree to do so at my own risk. I know that my attendance and this agreement operates to exclude any liability in negligence for harm that I may suffer. I have been warned that this recreational activity may cause physical harm to me or to someone under my control or accompanying me, and I confirm that I do not have a condition, medical or physical, that could prevent me from, or be aggravated by, participating in this activity. Examples of the risks I have been warned about include: Tripping, slipping and falling • Collision with someone or something • Something giving way unexpectedly • Back injury, strains • Spillage and burns • Trip hazard• Bites and stings • Sun • Injury from falling branches*

**Relaxing dinner with healthy meal in a great environment**

**Welcome to Badminton Social (羽球匯友) Meetup!** Join us for regular badminton, social meetups, and a great time on the court around Caulfield. Let's build a welcoming badminton community and make some amazing memories together! Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this event is perfect for anyone looking to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy some friendly plays. Our group is made up of both local and international members, creating a diverse and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to join in. Not only will you have the chance to improve your Badminton skills and stay fit, but you'll also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for healthy living and staying active. Come and be a part of our community in Melbourne, where friendships are made on and off the court. **Details as below:** When: 30 May, this coming Saturday Time: 10am - 11.30pm Where: Monash Sport Caulfield (1-min walk from Caulfield Station / free parking around the Station) Fee: $12 per head (PayID to the organizer) *#Limited spots - first come first served (RSVP)* *#Please bring your own racket(s); or you can rent it from the Centre (if needed)* ***#Please kindly update your RSVP as soon as possible if you need to cancel, so hopefully others can still get a spot to join. Cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows will be charged the full rate - Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation.*** *#Please let the organizer know after the first play, if you'd like to play regularly with the group ongoing and enjoy exclusive offer - Organizer will add you to our Whatsapp group for the regulars :)* *DISCLAIMER:* *By* *attending any event hosted by this Meetup group, you acknowledge and accept that participation involves inherent risks, including injury or loss of property, and you assume full responsibility for your safety. The organizers are not liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur, regardless of cause. You agree to follow any event guidelines, act responsibly, and understand that you are responsible for your own well-being. By attending, you accept these terms. 3*

**木曜日・ジャパンナイト 🇯🇵（Hikari Social Melbourne）** 日本文化や日本語に興味のある方のための、カジュアルで楽しい交流イベントです。 新しい友達を作ったり、リラックスしながら会話を楽しみましょう。 お一人での参加も大歓迎です。スタッフがサポートしますので、初めての方でも安心してご参加いただけます。 📍 **Asian Beer Cafe, Melbourne Central** 🕕 **18:00〜22:00** *** ## 🇬🇧 English (for reference / below it) **Thursday Japan Night 🇯🇵 (Hikari Social Melbourne)** A casual and fun social event for anyone interested in Japanese culture and language. Meet new people, make friends, and enjoy relaxed conversations in a friendly environment. Most people come alone, and our hosts will help introduce you so you feel comfortable right away. 📍 **Asian Beer Cafe, Melbourne Central** 🕕 **6:00PM – 10:00PM**

Join us for some games of (Japanese) Riichi Mahjong at Good Games Box Hill. We welcome beginners and seasoned players alike; let us know ahead of time if you are a beginner. We play with WRC rules with red fives. Please see the following website for more information regarding rules ([https://www.worldriichi.org/wrc-rules](https://www.worldriichi.org/wrc-rules)). Games are timed at 75 minutes + 1 additional hand and scores are tracked on https://scores.vicriichi.org/. Rounds will be at approximately the following times: \- 12:30/12:45pm \- 2:15pm \- 2:15pm \- 3:45pm \- 3:45pm \- 5:15pm Have the best 10 consecutive games between 1 May 2026 and 31 July 2026 to earn a $50 gift card to spend at Good Games! Entry fee: $5. If paying by cash, please pay at the counter. This money is used to pay for our use of the store space, maintaining equipment and other meetup services, and organising larger events open to everyone! Please change your RSVP to not going if you're no longer able to attend. This will give the next person on the waitlist the opportunity to attend. There is free parking available in the Care Park on Watts St next to the store. Want to support Victorian Riichi Mahjong and receive exclusive benefits? Then become an official member! For $30/year, members receive an extensive benefits package that includes: -Eligibility to discuss and vote on Club matters during live Club meetings, and to vote and run for Leadership Officer positions. -Complimentary Vic Riichi merchandise every membership year. -Early access and discounted entry fees for events and tournaments. -Mahjong coaching, workshops, study sessions, and online log reviews. -Access to exclusive members-only merchandise and events. -Access to meetup benefits such as discounted loyalty cards. Please see [here](https://www.vicriichi.org/membership) for more info! If you would like to connect with other Victorian/Australian Riichi Mahjong players online, check out our website, [https://www.vicriichi.org](https://www.vicriichi.org), and join the [Victorian Riichi Mahjong Association (VRMA)](https://vicriichi.org/discord) and [Australian Riichi Mahjong Association (ARMA)](https://discord.gg/m8rYv4fS4F) Discord groups!

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

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: Details for this event have just been confirmed! We got a later than usual showtime, so we’ll go with ice cream BEFORE the show! Here’s the plan: Meet at Graeter’s at 6:30pm for a pre-show sweet treat! Then, get ready for a fun and wild one! Purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and meet in the lobby area between 7:10 and 7:20pm. Advance ticket purchase not required but be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

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.

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.

**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.