Artistic Parents

**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.

**Get your creative flow going with a Sunday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Martin Luther King Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

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.

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

**🎶 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. 💃 ✨

**⚡ BTS Is Coming – Hialeah K-Pop Random Dance Party!** With BTS on their way, it's time to get the fan energy going in Hialeah. We'll put on the music, call random songs, and dance together. BTS tracks, K-pop bangers, all of it. Come ready to move. **🔞 Adults only — 18+.** Please only RSVP if you are 18 or over. --- 🎶 **What to expect:** - All levels welcome — know the moves or just vibe along - Fan chants, singalongs, and pure concert energy - Random song calls — jump in when you know the choreo - Celebration vibes ahead of the BTS concert **Event Details** - **Format:** In-person K-pop fan gathering with random dance - **Vibe:** Loud, fun, and full of Hialeah K-pop fans - **Age:** 18+ only **How It Works** 1. **Come along** – RSVP below and show up on the day. 18+ only. 2. **Random play dance begins** – Music plays, a song gets called, fans who know it jump in. 3. **BTS set included** – We'll make sure the BTS catalogue gets plenty of play. 4. **Meet the fans** – Connect with Hialeah locals who love K-pop as much as you. 💡 **Tip:** Wear comfortable shoes — you'll be on your feet the whole time. --- ✨ Random dance, BTS vibes, great people. What more do you need? 👑 ✨

**👑 K-Pop Random Dance Party in Orlando – Let's Celebrate BTS!** Before BTS hits the stage, let's hit the dance floor together in Orlando. Random play dance is simple: the music plays, someone calls the song, and fans who know the choreo jump in. It's chaotic, joyful, and the best way to celebrate BTS season. **🔞 Adults only — 18+.** Please only RSVP if you are 18 or over. --- 🎶 **What to expect:** - Random play dance to BTS and K-pop hits - A welcoming crowd of Orlando K-pop fans - All levels welcome — know the moves or just vibe along - Random song calls — jump in when you know the choreo - Celebration vibes ahead of the BTS concert - BTS concert hype with fellow fans **Event Details** - **Format:** Casual group dance session – BTS and K-pop hits - **Vibe:** Pure K-pop joy — no judgement, just dancing - **Age:** 18+ only **How It Works** 1. **RSVP and arrive** – Just turn up ready to move. 18+ only. 2. **Random play dance begins** – Music plays, a song gets called, fans who know it jump in. 3. **Full BTS section** – We dedicate a proper block to BTS to get everyone hyped for the concert. 4. **Hang and connect** – Chat with other Orlando K-pop fans between dance rounds. **Frequently Asked Questions** **What should I wear?** Comfortable clothes you can move in. No dress code — just be ready to dance. **Is this connected to the BTS concert?** This is a fan-organised meetup to celebrate BTS season. Not affiliated with the official concert. **Do I need to come with a group?** Not at all. Most people come solo and meet others on the night. --- ✨ The concert is coming. Let's start the hype now. 🫶 ✨

**🔥 Tampa K-Pop Dance Meetup – Random Play Dance + BTS Hype!** K-pop fans in Tampa, 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. **🔞 Adults only — 18+.** Please only RSVP if you are 18 or over. --- 🎶 **What to expect:** - A welcoming crowd of Tampa K-pop fans - Fan chants, singalongs, and pure concert energy - A chance to meet Tampa locals who love K-pop as much as you do - BTS concert hype with fellow fans - Random song calls — jump in when you know the choreo **Event Details** - **Format:** Live fan meetup with random play dance format - **Vibe:** High energy, fan-fuelled, and a lot of fun - **Age:** 18+ only **How It Works** 1. **Come along** – RSVP below and show up on the day. 18+ only. 2. **Random play dance begins** – Music plays, a song gets called, fans who know it jump in. 3. **Full BTS section** – We dedicate a proper block to BTS to get everyone hyped for the concert. 4. **Hang and connect** – Chat with other Tampa K-pop fans between dance rounds. 💡 **Tip:** Wear comfortable shoes — you'll be on your feet the whole time. **Frequently Asked Questions** **What music will be played?** K-pop hits with a big BTS focus. Expect fan favourites across eras. **Is this really 18+?** Yes — strictly 18+. Please only RSVP if you are 18 or over. **What should I wear?** Comfortable clothes you can move in. No dress code — just be ready to dance. --- ✨ Come for the dancing, stay for the BTS energy. 💜 ✨

**🎶 Jacksonville K-Pop Fan Meetup – Random Dance Party Before BTS!** Before BTS hits the stage, let's hit the dance floor together in Jacksonville. We're getting together for a K-pop random dance party — think random play dance, BTS anthems, and a room full of people who know every move. **🔞 This event is strictly 18+.** --- 🎶 **What to expect:** - Celebration vibes ahead of the BTS concert - All levels welcome — know the moves or just vibe along - Random play dance to BTS and K-pop hits - A welcoming crowd of Jacksonville K-pop fans - Random song calls — jump in when you know the choreo **Event Details** - **Format:** Live fan meetup with random play dance format - **Vibe:** Pure K-pop joy — no judgement, just dancing - **Age:** 18+ only **How It Works** 1. **Show up** – RSVP and come ready to dance. 18+ only. 2. **Random play dance begins** – Music plays, a song gets called, fans who know it jump in. 3. **Full BTS section** – We dedicate a proper block to BTS to get everyone hyped for the concert. 4. **Hang and connect** – Chat with other Jacksonville K-pop fans between dance rounds. 💡 **Tip:** Brush up on your favourite BTS choreo beforehand. Butter, Dynamite, DNA — your call. **Frequently Asked Questions** **Do I need to come with a group?** Not at all. Most people come solo and meet others on the night. **Is this really 18+?** Yes — strictly 18+. Please only RSVP if you are 18 or over. --- ✨ See you on the dance floor, Jacksonville. 18+ only. 🎤 ✨

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.

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.

[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.

A time to make signs, pack swag bags, and have fun together in anticipation for the Pride festivities the week after.