Global Warming

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 us for On Mount Carmel — a powerful afternoon of prayer, worship, encouragement and fellowship hosted by The School of Esther London. This gathering is open to women of all nations, backgrounds and walks of life who are seeking spiritual renewal, connection and a deeper encounter with God. Featuring guest speakers, worship, prayer and live ministry in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 📍 Kennington Park Centre, London 📅 30th May 2026 ⏰ 2PM All women are welcome. Reserve your free seat today. Oh, and it’s FREE ✨

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.

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/49559 **Game Description:** Join us for a fun evening of social volleyball games on the weekend. Please consider bringing your volleyballs to speed up the warm up and maximise game time. Mixed height net. Free parking available on site. Please note this session is NOT suitable for beginners. Players are expected to know 5:1 rotation for at least two positions. We will make teams after the warm up. **Rules** 1️⃣Kick things off - 🤾🏻‍♂️Warm up and hitting lines. 2️⃣🏐Games (5:1 rotation) Winner stays on. Max. 2 games per team.

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

Newcomers are always welcome! We often go to the pub for pints afterwards. Bring cleats if possible (no need to bring anything else) and just turn up in your sports kit. If you can’t make it anymore, please update your RSVP. We set up at the south end of the park near the cricket nets and athletes track – the nearest tube stops are Canada water, Surrey Quays and South Bermondsey. See you on Sat!

Join our WhatsApp group at [www.thesocialsport.com.](http://www.thesocialsport.com./) Our New Sport Every Week session for Southwark. We will be playing volleyball at Southwark Park. 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.

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.

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 in the inner circle gardens of Regent’s Park. The inner circle has some beautiful botanicals and some lovely greenery to settle on which is really ideal for relaxing, having a picnic and even being amongst good company. There is a small twist to this. Since summer is approaching, we may have some island music playing in the background to enhance the ambiance. If all goes well, we may do an aftermath and let democracy decide what to do. 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 in Regents Park
WHERE - Regents Park
WHEN - 6:30pm - 9pm
MEETING POINT - Regents Park
NEAREST STATIONS - Baker Street & Great Portland Street Stations
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.

Join us for a leafy lovely leafy wander along good flat paths through the centuries old beauty of Epping Forest. We'll wind through tall oak trees and hornbeams, punctuated by occasional ponds and clearings, and end with the option of celebratory drink in a local pub. If you are not a regular walker, do join us - there will be options to leave the hike early and take the tube if you are tired. **SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)** **Distance**: 23km/14 miles **Duration**: 6 hours walking **Grade**: Beginner/Intermediate: Easy, along good paths. **COST AND LOGISTICS** **Cost**: £10 **Meet**: 10.15am Epping Tube Station **Finish:** 5.30pm Snaresbrook Tube Station / Cuckfield pub **Recommended morning trains from London** Epping is at the end of the Central Line, 40 mins from Bank Station. There's a pop-up coffee shop at the station, so get there early! **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** * Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Travel costs * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** [(](%5D(https%3A//mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[complete list](www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Packed lunch and snacks * Water - 2 litres recommended * Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) * Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We’ve run over 1,000 trips in the last 18 years, so you’re in good hands. That said, all participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group [Terms and Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions). © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted [FAQs](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions) \| [Terms and Conditions](www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews)

Join us for our monthly series where **Offline Women Explore the Royal Parks**, visiting one of the eight different royal parks each month. The fourth walk in this series will be through **Greenwich Park.** This is a dedicated, phone-free, quiet space where you can disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with nature and each other. It is a simple way to enjoy the park and engage in real conversation. We will have plenty of time to talk, share stories, and get to know one another without any digital interruptions. Leave the event feeling energized and refreshed, with a heart full of good conversation and the peaceful feeling of a walk spent in great company. Follow us on [WhatsApp](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCZyvCD38CTaXBpQ72V) to get early tickets for our upcoming events.

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

Join us Tuesday (6/2) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hundred Acre Woods in Westerville. This is a beautiful trail that is filled of hills and roots but a picturesque wooded landscape to hike. Wear your hiking boots if you have them. We will do 2 loops of the 1 mile trail.

**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." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! 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