Global Warming

The world is in crisis and many people think we've gone past the tipping point and the planet is doomed. However, there are those who have hope and faith in science that some can survive the polycrisis and get to live in a sustainable society and planet. But there's a problem... **There's no clear vision of what a sustainable society and planet should be**, and without that destination, how can we set out on the journey to get there? Please join like-minded people to discuss this. We'll agree an agenda at the start of the meeting. Bring an open mind, suggestions and perhaps a pad of paper. **Here are some topics to be covered.** Please use the comments/chat to suggest other areas for consideration *Depending on the mood of attendees, the frequency of further meetups can be agreed.* **WHAT DO WE WANT A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY AND PLANET TO LOOK AND FEEL LIKE?** · A planet with clean atmosphere, oceans and soil with systems in place to keep them that way · The abolition of poverty and hunger · Equality of opportunity for all to achieve a peaceful and contented life without fear of physical or other violence · Access to healthcare, hygiene and sanitation for all · Access to quality education for all · A more responsible system of financial structures which embraces the best of co-operative production, capitalism and other systems · A safe justice system for all · Societies which respect for the diversity of opinion, ethnicity, sexuality, religion · Respect for the natural resources and fragility of Planet Earth and their finite capacity · Societies where the more fortunate, stronger and healthier help those less strong, less fortunate or less healthy. · Peaceful co-existence between the varying communities of the planet **What Freedoms ?** · Freedom to travel anywhere · Freedom to worship (should there be limitation such as worship should not be based on destroying the existing system…??) · Freedom from violence · Freedom from hate · Freedom from poverty (how define?) · Freedom of speech · Freedom from anxiety about the future · Freedom from concentration of power · Freedom to preserve culture and arts · Freedom to make decisions about one’s body · Freedom to seek representation and to represent others · Freedom to be different · Freedom to be heard

Want to Join this League? Sign up as individual and we will find you a team or bring your own team [Join a League](https://www.basketble.com/leagues/join-a-league/) Welcome to our League 🙂 We want you to have fun and enjoy every session so we will do our best to make this happen. You can also help us achieve that by showing respect and be friendly to other players. We are here to help all the basketball players in the world find a place to play basketball anywhere, anytime and help basketball organisers promote their basketball session. Together we can change the world ! Details: Day: Every Monday Time: 19.30 or 20.30 (1hr session) Cost: £12/per week Format: 5 x 5 Level: Intermediate No. of Weeks: Min. 7 Includes: video highlights, referees, photos, awards… Address: King Solomon Academy, Penfold Street, NW1 6RX Directions: Closest metro Edgware Road [Join a League](https://www.basketble.com/leagues/join-a-league/) Game Setup: 1 hour games (up to 10 minutes warm up) Each team plays each other twice You have one time out per game You have 5 team fouls You can play in the same team with your friends or we will place you in a team Only Accredited Basketball England Referees Rules & Regulations: Treat each other with respect Do not forget to smile. You need to have fun Zero tolerance to fights No food or drinks If you feel unwell please do not attend the event Highly recommended to be vaccinated for Covid A coach, referee or supervisor will attend the session Please bring your own ball, if you have one Discounts: Introduce Basketble to a friend and you ll get a free game once your friend plays twice to any of our sessions Follow us on instagram and facebook and get promo codes to receive from 10% to 100% discount Play regular in our sessions and get loyalty discounts Become a basketball organiser and you can play for free For any questions issues send an email to info@basketble.com or send a whatsapp to +447843098012 or +306956603886/ +306945897501 [Join a League](https://www.basketble.com/leagues/join-a-league/)

It’s glorious weather, so join us for a Bank Holiday drink at The Mayflower, Rotherhithe. The pub is by the Thames with an outdoor area. We may move to other pubs nearby. Will update any change of location in message discussion. ☀️ 🍻

• What we'll do Want to Play Basketball in London? Step 1. Visit our website [https://www.basketble.com](https://www.basketble.com) Step 2. Find the game you want and sign up Step 3: Get confirmation email and Come Out & Play \*Note: You need to sign up on the website and the attendance is not monitored through meetup.

Play basketball every Monday after work in a modern central London sports hall. This is suitable for beginners and low intermediate level players. You need to book your place on our website using a bank card, PayPal, or Apple Pay. Note that we manage bookings and post updates on the booking page on our website, not on meetup: https://playfit.co.uk/w/basketball/ CONTACT: If you have any questions or need help booking your place then message us on Whatsapp (https://wa.me/message/WMVRULBIR7TJA1) or send us an email through our website (https://playfit.co.uk/w/contact). NEWSLETTER: Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming recreational games, tournaments, leagues and coaching sessions, as well as events and exclusive offers: https://playfit.co.uk/newsletter

**Join us on Monday 25 May for a special Bank Holiday rooftop meetup at Savage Garden Rooftop, located within the Hilton Hotel London.** Expect great music, drinks, skyline views, and a social atmosphere bringing together locals, travelers, professionals, and people looking to meet new connections in one of London’s most iconic rooftop venues. Please note that **we have a limited number of spots available**. [Book Your Ticket : 2£](https://buy.stripe.com/dRmcN71jf0C8aIX0mNfUQ09)

Sign up before the event starts at [www.thesocialsport.com.](http://www.thesocialsport.com./) Our New Sport Every Week session for Southwark Casual Sports Club. The winning sport will be announced on Wednesday. To vote join the WhatsApp group on our website. **What is Social Sport?** Social Sport was set up to face two main challenges in cities like London: 1. Limited opportunities for those moving here to meet new people and socialise in a genuine, healthy way. 2. Lack of casual sports clubs for young professionals. We started with our New Sport Every Week session, voted for by people in our community. Since then, we have played over 21 different sports. Additionally, we also play weekly sports, which are set up based on feedback from those who join our events! **Please note this session is popular and has a set number of places. If you do not secure your place prior to attending, and the event is full, you will not be able to play.**

COSTAL WALK followed by SOCIALISING with CHEAP FOOD and DRINKS in a convivial pub atmosphere. **WALK START POINT: HASTINGS Station** (National Rail). Look for Ken with the Kens Events/Meetup Flag/Badge outside the station. WALK ROUTE: Hastings Station to Bexhill on Sea primarily along the coast. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 5 miles. WALK END POINT: A large pub in Bexhill on Sea (The Picture Playhouse) near Bexhill Station WALK STOP OUT POINT: Always close to bus routes. **After today's (Sunday 31 May) walk, some members will return to Hastings and stay overnight at the Travelodge in Hastings, in order to join our 7 mile (approx.) circular Saxon Shore Way hike and Hastings Country Park on Monday 1st June.** BREATHE FRESH AIR: Give up the city streets for a day and improve your overall fitness levels on a green or coastal walk. **Social Event**: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. We always end the walk at a pub where the socialising can continue. *Be sure to join us in the pub for the whole experience!* COST: Free for members (who show their Ken's Events Membership card). For others there is a £5 fee for this event. Scroll down to bottom of page to see disclaimer and notice of risks. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent. Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/groups/kensevents) For weekday and evening walks join Ken's Weekday and Evenings Walking Group. [(https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/)](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/) RAIN POLICY: Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the day of the event around 3 hours before the start for the latest update. Tell your friends you are going! Unfortunately no large dogs and small children are permitted on these walks. **NOTICE of RISKS applicable for all walks:** Please dress appropriately for weather and terrain conditions. Only wear good sturdy shoes, with ankle support, and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and able to walk for at least 8 miles. This walk is suitable for the average experienced hill walker. Expect some hills. Do not attend this walk if you do not fit that description or if you have a medical condition (especially heart and/or lung conditions) that may impact upon your capability of completing the walk. These walks are city walks and countryside walks where all the usual risks of injury during such walks apply resulting from interactions with road traffic, joggers, cyclists, e-scooters,other members of the public, animals (farm, domestic and wild), plants (allergic reactions), uneven surfaces, including portruding tree roots and potholes and there may be low overhanging branches. In these walks we cross busy roads, use towpaths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and sometimes ill defined paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Some tracks may be muddy and slippery, and conditions may be wet and icy. The walk leader is not and does not purport to be a professional guide, or a medical professional, but is instead a like minded individual who also enjoys hill walking and who is familiar with the intended route. Do not attend this walk unless you accept and consent to the above risks. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. **DISCAIMER** All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer.

In recent months, South Africa has witnessed growing tensions around immigration, identity, economic inequality, and social belonging. Public debate has increasingly focused on questions of migration, citizenship, xenophobia, and the treatment of African migrants within African societies. **The Association of Black Humanists and Bolelang Rakeepile of the South African Atheists** invites members of the public, activists, scholars, students, and community leaders to a thoughtful and respectful discussion exploring these issues through a humanist lens. Together, we will examine: \* What drives hostility toward immigrants and foreign nationals? \* How do colonial history, inequality, and economic hardship shape current attitudes? \* What does humanism teach us about human dignity, solidarity, and shared humanity? \* Can borders coexist with compassion and justice? \* How do we challenge xenophobia while addressing legitimate social concerns? This conversation seeks to encourage critical thinking, empathy, and constructive dialogue at a time when division and fear threaten social cohesion across the continent. Bolelang will lead the discussion and he would also be happy to answer questions from the audience. **Date: 30 May 2026** **Time: 3pm (London time) please arrive by 2.45pm** **Venue: Pembury Community Centre,** **1 Atkins Square, Dalston Lane, E8 1HL** Admission is free and all are welcome. A voluntary donation of £3 would be much appreciated. **No human being is illegal. Our shared humanity must remain greater than our borders!!**

Join the Eco Around Community for a litter-pick walk in Downham, facilitated by Biljana. Downham Woodland Walk is a local nature reserve and a narrow strip of mostly ancient woodland. It's part of the Green Chain Walk and stretches for about a mile. Rich in flora and fauna, it’s home to old oak and ash trees and a variety of birds. The area is frequently enjoyed by Downham residents and their pets. While maintained by Lewisham Council, contributing to the nature reserve's additional clear-up would be much appreciated. **When:** Saturday, 30 May, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm **Where:** The litter pick will start at the Moorside Rd entrance to Downham Woodland Walk, and we’ll make our way through to the Oakridge Rd exit near Barnardo’s. Use the What3Words navigation below to see the exact meeting points. Start: what3words: [///flown.rounds.agents](https://w3w.co/flown.rounds.agents) Finish: what3words: [///famous.drag.tuned](https://w3w.co/famous.drag.tuned) We are planning to have some optional drinks/food afterwards, most likely at the Beckenham Place Park. **How to dress and what to bring:** Appropriate footwear, no open-toed shoes and we recommend some waterproofs (just in case). We have some gloves, bin bags and litter pickers but feel free to bring your own and a refillable water bottle in case you get thirsty. Hand Sanitiser is also useful. **Updates:** Unless there is a heavy rain forecast, we will stick to our plans. Please check the event for updates. **Photo Consent:** We plan to take general pictures and a group picture to document the activity and help us promote future online events. If you wish not to be in the pictures, let us know.

Exciting event from comrades at Compass and the Progressive Economy Forum! [Tickets here.](https://actionnetwork.org/ticketed_events/may_30_2026?source=cmpswebsite&) Last year, Compass brought together 450+ progressive pioneers at ‘Change:HOW? A Decade of Radical Renewal’ to re-orient the current Labour government’s promise of a ‘decade of national renewal’. This was an amazingly successful day and a springboard for our work in the Labour Party to get organised, energised and mobilised through Mainstream. But the past year has proven one thing above all else: the need for an organised progressive agenda **across** parties and movements, the **relationships** to make that agenda happen, and the **urgency** of making change. That’s why Compass is thrilled to be working with [Progressive Economic Forum](https://progressiveeconomyforum.com/) to host **‘Change:NOW! Mobilising the Progressive Majority’**, a day of debate, disagreement and deliberation between progressives of all parties (and none!) on **Saturday 30th May 2026.** The conference will feature speakers from across the progressive parties and movements, including keynote speeches from **Mayor Andy Burnham, Caroline Lucas,** and **Gary Stevenson.** Please find a full speaker list below. We’ll also be joined by partners including **Friends of the Earth, UCL Policy Lab, New Economics Foundation, Make Votes Matter, Unlock Democracy,** and **Migrant Democracy Project.** We are splitting the day between focusing on what policies we need to deliver the change to reset our economy, and the political and cultural changes we need to bring about those policies. Through establishing consensus on political strategy and economic direction - and highlighting the important differences in detail across progressive parties and the wider movement - this event will be the catalyst for the change our country so desperately needs. So whether you’re a Labourite, a Green, a Lib Dem, otherwise spoken for or unaligned, get your ticket today and join us for what promises to be an inspiring and imaginative day of ideas and political debate! The event will take place on **Saturday 30th May** at **Rich Mix**, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA. With our partners: Friends of the Earth \| UCL Policy Lab \| New Economics Foundation \| Mainstream \| Renewal \| Economic Change Unit \| Make Votes Matter \| Unlock Democracy \| Migrant Democracy Project *** Keynote speeches from Mayor of Greater Manchester **Andy Burnham**, economist, YouTuber, and author **Gary Stevenson,** and Former Leader of the Green Party **Caroline Lucas.** Speakers include: **Abubakr Nanabawa**\, Director\, The Muslim Vote \| **Allan Njanji**\, Regional Campaigns Manager\, Asylum Matters\, researcher and advocate for refugee rights \| **Alex Sobel**\, Labour MP for Leeds Central & Headingley\, Chair of APPG for Fair Elections \| **Alex Zur-Clark**\, Labour for a New Democracy \| **Andrea Egan**\, General Secretary\, UNISON \| **Ann Pettifor**, Director of Policy Research in Macroeconomics; author of *The Case for the Green New Deal* and *The Global Casino* \| **Anthea Simmons**\, Founder of Common Ground Org\, co\-founder South Devon Primary and editor\-in\-chief of West Country Voice \| **Asad Rehman** Chief Executive\, Friends of the Earth\| **Beth Stratford**\, Honorary Research Fellow\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose \| **Bethany Gardiner-Smith**\, Senior Policy Associate\, the Future Governance Forum \| **Caitlin Prowle,** Assistant General Secretary\, Cooperative Party \| **Carolina Alves**\, Associate Professor in Economics\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose \| **Cecilia Rikap**\, Associate Professor in Economics\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose\| **Clare Short**\, Former Secretary of State for International Development \| **Clive Lewis MP**\, Labour MP\, Norwich South \| **Daniella Jenkins**\, Executive Director\, Women’s Budget Group \| **Daniel Kebede**\, General Secretary\, National Education Union \| **Danny Sriskandarajah**\, Cheif Executive\, New Economics Foundation \| **David Wilson**\, Deputy General Secretary\, National Education Union \| **Diane Elson**\, Emeritus Professor\, University of Essex; adviser to UN Women and the Women’s Budget Group \| **Emma Harrison**\, Chief Exec\, Make Votes Matter \| **Faiza Shaheen,** Executive Director of Tax Justice UK\, and Independent candidate for Chingford and Woodford Green in the 2024 General Election\| **Fatima Ibrahim**\, Co\-executive Director\, Green New Deal Rising \| **Francesca Klug**\, Human Rights expert and Visiting Professorial at the LSE \| **Geoff Mulgan**\, Professor of Collective Intelligence\, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London \(UCL\) \| **Guy Standing**, Professorial Research Associate, SOAS; author of *The Precariat*, *The Politics of Time* and *Human Capital* \| **Hannah Rich**\, Director\, Christians on the Left \| **Hannah Robathon**\, Take Back Big Tech \| **James Baggaley**\, Head of Politics and Partnerships\, UCL Policy Lab \| **James Meadway**\, Director\, Verdant \| **Jeremy Gilbert**\, Professor of Cultural and Political Theory\, University of East London \| **Jo Michell**\, Professor of Economics\, UWE Bristol \| **Jonathon Shafi**\, Activist\, Political Commentator\, ERS Scotland Campaigns Organiser \| **Josh Ryan-Collins**\, Professor of Economics and Finance\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose \| **Kate Pickett,** Professor of Epidemiology, University of York; author of *The Spirit Level* and *The Good Society* \| **Kerry Postlewhite**\, Chair\, Mainstream \| **Lara Parizotto**\, Director\, Migrant Democracy Project \| **Lexie KirkConnell-Kawana** CEO\, Impress \| **Marc Stears**\, Director\, UCL Policy Lab \| **Mark Drakeford**\, Former First Minister of Wales \| **Mat Lawrence** Director\, Common Wealth \| **Orla McBreen**\, Deputy Ambassador\, Ireland's Embassy in London \| **Patrick Allen**\, Founder and Chair\, Progressive Economy Forum \| **Paul Fleming**\, General Secretary of Equity \| **Paul Wragg**\, Director\, Hacked Off \| **Peter Holmes**\, Emeritus Reader\, University of Sussex \| **Roz Savage MP,** Lib Dem MP\, South Cotswolds \| **Stewart Lansley**, Author of *The Cost of Inequality, Breadline Britain*, and *The Richer, The Poorer* \| **Sue Goss**\, Political Scientist\, Author \| **Susan Himmelweit,** Emeritus Professor\, Open University; Economist and Chair of the Policy Advisory Group of the Women’s Budget Group \| **Thomas Barlow**\, Treasurer\, Independent Media Association \| **Tom Brake**\, Director\, Unlock Democracy \| **Tom Chivers**\, Vice Chair\, Media Reform Coalition \| **Tom de Grunwald**\, Founder and Director\, Forward Democracy \| **Vince Cable**\, Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats \| **Will Hutton**, President of the Academy of Social Sciences; author of *The State We’re In* and *This Time No Mistakes* \| **Will Stronge**\, Chief Executive\, The Autonomy Institute \| **Zoe Williams**, Guardian columnist

Have you ever wanted to get together outdoors and chill out amongst good company whilst being immersed within nature & amazing weather? If so, then this is the right event for you. Welcome to another one of the CHILL events where you have the opportunity to settle in the parks, form friendships, socialise, have a picnic and so much more whilst being immersed within the luscious greenery, botanicals and the gorgeous weather. 

With this particular chill event, we will be settling at Primrose Hill. Primrose Hill is an iconic landmark which offers us the amazing if not one of the best views of the city skyline. It’s also a cosy spot to settle whilst seeing the sun set and gazing at the amazing view of the city. There is a small twist to it. Since it’s Friday evening, there will be Mauritian music in the background to give us this Mauritian ambiance. Just a chill event with the essences of Mauritius. Depending on the aura and if the event goes well, we may do an aftermath and let democracy decide. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy 

WHAT - Chill at Primrose Hill
WHERE - Primrose Hill
WHEN - 7:20pm - 11pm
MEETING POINT - Primrose Hill
NEAREST STATIONS - Chalk Farm & St John’s Wood Station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Maybe bring your ID if we do an aftermath. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

The number of ticks and tick diseases in Ohio have quickly multiplied over the last 10 years. Dean Kreager discusses tick species, tick pathogens, tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention, and proper tick removal. Kreager is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension in Licking County * Lakewood Public Library (in Hebron)- May 26 at 7pm [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621) * Johnstown public library at 7:00 pm June 8 [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622) Free to attend, no RSVP needed

**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 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

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.