Global Warming

**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** **Welcome to Socialite Connections – Sustainability Investors & Founders Business Networking** Join us for an inspiring event for visionary Sustainability Investors & Founders Business Networking committed to transforming our planet through groundbreaking sustainable technologies and eco-friendly solutions! Are you passionate about driving positive environmental change through innovation and technology? Do you believe in the power of collaboration to accelerate the transition towards a cleaner, greener world? If so, we invite to attend this exclusive event of likeminded individuals dedicated to promoting sustainable practices. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/79f3n3g9/sustainability-investors-founders-business-networking-at-the-refinerycitypoint **We start the event at 6.00pm with a warm welcome.** Having an open-minded approach is ideal, as it will enable you to establish new connections. We have hired the private room downstairs. **Event Schedule** **18:00 – 21:00 \| When you arrive\,** your name will be checked off the guest list, you will be given a name badge and you will be introduced to each other. **19:00 – 19:30 \| One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room to talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19.00pm sharp, please dont be late) **19:30pm \- 21:00 \| Network & chill: I**t will be a free form event where guests can mingle amongst each other in a relaxed environment, when the pitches are finished. **Why Attend?** **Connect with like-minded professionals** passionate about creating meaningful environmental impact, discovering breakthrough technologies, developing scalable solutions to our global sustainability challenges. Connect with professionals from various industries who share a common interest in sustainability. Whether you're in renewable energy, sustainable design, eco-friendly technology, or simply looking to make more sustainable choices in your business, this event provides the opportunity to network and foster valuable connections. **Who should Attend** Connect with Sustainability **& Green Tech Startups and Entrepreneurs** in a relaxed setting. **Corporate sustainability managers, Environmental consultants, technology entrepreneurs, ESG professionals, Impact investors, Climate innovation specialists, Environmental Engineers and Scientists, Clean Energy Enthusiasts, Policy Makers and Regulators, Nonprofit and NGO Representatives, Students Pursuing Sustainability Studies, Sustainability professionals and advocates, Environmental researchers and activists, Sustainability-focused start-ups, Working Professionals.** **One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19:00pm sharp, please dont be late) **Tickets are limited to just 40 attendees.** We like to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to talk to each other. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/79f3n3g9/sustainability-investors-founders-business-networking-at-the-refinerycitypoint You are invited to join the dedicated Whatsapp group for the event and start networking before the actual event. Register now to secure your spot and be part of this transformative networking experience! **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event.**

Midweek football in the park for guys and gals is here. Take advantage of Summer (ho ho) We play Football every week on Sunday in Hyde Park all year round and these Wednesday games are a bonus in our lives. This event plus members in out WhatsApp group with 200 members will conjure up a game. This event is for this weeks Football at Google location code 51.510441, -0.159770 . Join our WhatsApp group to get all access, to get all info send you number to 07531368319. This version of meetup events only allows 10 attendees, but there will actually be more than 10. Come and join the guys who do it best and do it on a social level. We play every Sunday in the nicest central Park in London. Easy access to and from everywhere. It is all free. You need to bring football boots, your clothing that includes 1 black top ( or very dark) Plus 1 red top. Meet friends, get some adrenalin out and score goals that you dream about. message me on 07531368319 for live location before the event I will upload an image of a map of our location next to Speakers corner. See you there A

**Can’t make it to Barcelona?** A GrafanaCON Local meetup is coming to your city! This event will feature a recap of the [GrafanaCON](https://grafana.com/events/grafanacon/) keynote, combined with fresh voices from your own community. Grafana team members walk through Grafana 13 and the most impactful improvements across the platform. Learn about how Grafana is becoming easier and safer to operate as production infrastructure, with updates that improve configuration management, recovery, and long-term maintainability. The session showcases significant advances in core user workflows, including more flexible and powerful dashboards, with improved performance. Whether you’re building dashboards, scaling Kubernetes, contributing to open source, or just getting started - this meetup is for you! Speakers: * **Dee Kitchen, VP of Engineering at Grafana Labs** * **Thanos Karachalios, Group Product Manager at Grafana Labs** A big thank you to our host, BNY! **🎟 Free to attend** 🍕 Pizza + soft drinks provided 🤝 Built for connection 💡 Real talks from real practitioners **6:00 - 6:30:** Arrivals and pizza 🍕 **6:30 - 7:15:** GrafanaCON recap presentation with * **Dee Kitchen, VP of Engineering at Grafana Labs** * **Thanos Karachalios, Group Product Manager at Grafana Labs** **7:15 - 7:30:** Q & A **7:30 - 7:45:** Break ☕ **7:45 - 8:15:** Lightning talk: **My experience with Grafana** by **Sahil Gaikwad, Early Career Analyst at BNY** **8:15 - 8:30:** Wrap up ### 📸 Important Information * **Building Access (ID Required)**: Please bring a valid form of ID on the day, as it may be required for entry to the venue. * **Photography & Media**: Photos and videos may be taken during the event. By registering and attending, you consent to being photographed/recorded. These materials may be used by Grafana Labs and the event host (BNY) for social media, marketing, and internal communications. * **GDPR & Data Usage**: By signing up, you agree that your registration details (such as name and email) may be shared with the event host (BNY) strictly for event logistics, including building access and attendee management. Your data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection regulations. * **Dietary Requirements**: If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, please inform us in advance so we can accommodate you. Note that by registering for this event you consent to related event & product communications from Grafana Labs and agree to our [code of conduct](https://grafana.com/events/events-code-of-conduct/).

dbt Meetups are networking events open to all folks working with data! Talks predominantly focus on community members' experience with dbt, however, you'll catch presentations on broader topics such as analytics engineering, data stacks, data ops, modeling, testing, and team structures. Organizer: Ed Hayter, Nathan Purvis & James Charnley Venue Host: The Information Lab (25 Watling St, London EC4M 9BR) Catering: Pizza & Refreshments **To attend, please read the Health and Safety Policy and Terms of Participation:** [https://www.getdbt.com/legal/health-and-safety-policy](https://www.getdbt.com/legal/health-and-safety-policy) Agenda * 17:45 \- 18:45 \| Check in/Registration\, Food and Refreshments \(1 Hour\) * 18:45 \- 18:50 \| Welcome Remarks by Meetup Host \(5 min\) * 18:50 \- 19:10 \| Presentation \(20 min\) * 19:10 \- 19:15 \| Presentation 1 Q&A \(15 min\) * 19:15 \- 19:20 \| Closing Remarks by Meetup Host \(5 min\) * 19:20 \- 20:00 \| Networking \(20 min\) ️Presentation #1: Description: Details to follow in future Speaker: Joshua Walker (Talan) EVENT DETAILS: The doors open at 5:45pm. Presentations begin at 6:40pm. Food and refreshments will be provided. Our venue has capacity limits, so please only RSVP if you intend to come. If you need to cancel at the last minute, please change your RSVP status on this page to "Not Going." Message the organizer if you need help doing this. Check in at the office reception and proceed to floor 1. ➡️ Join the dbt Slack community: https://www.getdbt.com/community/ Join the #local-\ channel in dbt Slack ([https://slack.getdbt.com/](https://slack.getdbt.com/)). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Since 2016, dbt Labs has been on a mission to help data practitioners create and disseminate organizational knowledge. dbt is the standard for AI-ready structured data. Powered by the dbt Fusion engine, it unlocks the performance, context, and trust that organizations need to scale analytics in the era of AI. Globally, more than 60,000 data teams use dbt, including those at Siemens, Roche and Condé Nast. Learn more at getdbt.com, and follow dbt Labs on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/dbtlabs/mycompany/), [X](https://x.com/dbt_labs), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dbt_labs/), and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/dbt-labs).

🐑 Join us for a special walk starting after Eid prayer at Regent's Park Mosque. Covering Regents park's Rose Garden with its 12,000 rose bushes and 85 single-variety, no other garden in London matches it for sheer numbers and dedicated rose beds. Also covering Regent's Canal, Primrose Hill and ending in Camden for some late lunch. *Ideal for those living alone/without family on Eid.* 🕌 **IMPORTANT NOTE:** This walk will start after the **11:00am Eid Prayer** at Regent's Park Mosque. 🍔 Quite a selection of halal food stalls to pick from: 🌐 [Camden Food Stalls](https://tinyurl.com/2p92x38t) 📍Meeting Point: In Regents Park (behind the Mosque), corner of the small pond / near **The Waterside Café** ⌚ **Walk starts:** 20 minutes after the Eid Prayer has been completed. 🟢 **WALK:** 📏 7km (4.3 miles) approx ↪️ Starts: Regent's Park ↩️ Ends: Camden Town Station (Northern line) 🚻 Regent's Park Mosque / Camden ⛑️ You are responsible for your own safety and your own belonging at all times. **📋 Attendance Policy:** When an event has a **waiting list**, priority is given to new joiners and those with a reliable attendance record - *previous "No-Shows" may be moved to the waitlist to ensure spots go to reliable attendees [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)]* 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging **Follow us for updates:** 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)**

Blood On The Clocktower is a highly interactive, spooky themed, social deduction game. Take a look here for more details: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/240980 We've gained an extra room for this event so that we can play without disturbing anyone wanting to play table-top games. If you'd like to join then sign up here and we can get an idea of numbers. There will be a few tables at the end of the room for any overflow of the table-top gamers. We'll be starting promptly at 6.15pm in the Cocktail bar. Please be there in good time with any refreshments and food orders ready. We might have time for more than one game, but the normal meetup will be happening next door if people would like a bit of both worlds. Looking forward to hopefully seeing some new faces! Happy days!

**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** Join **London Connections®** for an engaging and forward-looking networking event that brings together a diverse community of professionals working at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and business growth. This event is designed for founders, investors, consultants, corporate leaders, and innovators who are actively contributing to the evolution of environmentally conscious technologies and solutions. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/qc0hfv21/london-connections-greentech-cleantech-ecotech-and-elevator-pitch With a strong focus on the rapidly advancing fields of Green Technology, Clean Technology, and EcoTech, the event creates a collaborative opportunity for individuals and organisations committed to tackling global challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency, and sustainable development. Attendees will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and engage in meaningful discussions around the future of sustainable innovation. A key feature of this event is the structured **Elevator Pitch session**, designed to give every participant the opportunity to clearly and confidently present their business, project, or expertise. Each attendee will have a short one min slot to introduce themselves, communicate their unique value proposition, and highlight what they are looking for—whether that’s investment, partnerships, clients, or collaboration. This format not only ensures visibility for all participants but also helps sharpen communication skills and encourages purposeful, results-driven conversations. Throughout the evening, guests will take part in curated networking rounds, allowing for a wide range of connections across different sectors and experience levels. The format is designed to move beyond casual introductions, creating an environment where conversations are intentional, relevant, and aligned with professional goals. **What you can expect:** * * A structured and interactive networking experience with a sustainability focus * * A dedicated elevator pitch session to showcase your business, innovation, or services * * Opportunities to connect with founders, investors, advisors, and sustainability leaders * * Insightful conversations on climate tech, green innovation, and future-focused business models * * A supportive environment that encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and growth This event is ideal for: * * GreenTech, CleanTech, and EcoTech startup founders * * Investors and venture capital professionals interested in sustainability * * Consultants and advisors supporting * environmentally focused businesses * * Corporate professionals working in innovation, ESG, or sustainability roles * * Anyone passionate about building solutions for a more sustainable future Whether you are looking to raise your profile, expand your professional network, refine your messaging, or discover new opportunities within the sustainability ecosystem, this event provides a valuable and focused platform to do so. Join us in London for an evening of purposeful networking, powerful ideas, and meaningful connections that contribute to shaping a cleaner, greener future. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/qc0hfv21/london-connections-greentech-cleantech-ecotech-and-elevator-pitch **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event.**

Social Spikeball session for mixed abilities. We play near Victoria park bandstand. Exact location: https://good.gl/maps/hYNjYG7GrczMRsAz5 We'll have a few spikeball sets and will be running a friendly round robin format with a warm-up at the start. Rules: Casual spike ball rules, but no worries if you don't know them. Please be on time. If you can't find the location, call my mobile on +447306712509.

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.

Meet fellow early birds. Get a big dose of nature: wild sky, abundant green space, and occasional wildlife. And then warm up in a nearby cafe. Conversations fuelled by early morning light and coffee tend to be good ones. **The plan:** * meet at 7AM at the top of **PRIMROSE HILL** * take in the view for a little while (depending on how cold it is) * walk to ROOTS, a friendly café on Regents Park Road * warm up with coffee (10% off) Become part of our community of regulars, or just drop by for a one off experience. We meet frequently - sometimes weekly, sometimes fortnightly - to create and sustain community. New people are always welcome :-) **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DPkYXvrP6IhFrSRDiQACLC)** to keep up to date **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thesunriseclubetc)** to see what these meetups look like **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** for the newsletter and occasional extras **[WEBSITE](http://www.alltogether.one/)** for all other groups We will be easy to find because we will be at the top of the hill with a big red flag that says 'THE SUNRISE CLUB' and a sign that says 7AM SUMMIT If you would like to further support these meetups, please [subscribe to the newsletter](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) and [follow us on instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thesunriseclubetc/) :-)

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.