Long Island

**🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ- we have a new WhatsApp chat .. everyone was removed from chat last Friday. Some have the link , but I am finding others are not seeing the new chat link . A new chat has been established - please request to be entered into the new chat if you will be going on the OC Getaway - Thanks** **https://chat.whatsapp.com/JSl4HviiNMBCkfyaxAQ1NX?mode=gi_t** **Hey Everyone!** ****************\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****FAQ’S FOR OCEAN CITY TRIP 2026!\*******************\*** **WHAT WILL WE BE DOING?** **We will be in OC mingling, making connections, enjoying great food and drinks, and of course, making memories, all while strolling the beach and boardwalk and enjoying that ocean breeze and air! We will also have themed nights to include a white party night and tropical night.** **\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****An official Itinerary will be issued soon once the OC businesses open for the season! Stay Tuned :)\***************\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\***************\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*********** **WHEN ARE WE GOING ?** **This year our annual Ocean Trip will take place on Thursday,May 28th-Sunday, May 31st. You do not have to come all four days. Please come as your schedules allow. However, the organizers will be there starting on Thursday early afternoon and until Sunday late afternoon. We will pinpoint an official time once the itinerary is posted. PLEASE NOTE: TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM the beach will not be provided! However, we may possibly gather together a team of carpools to mitigate fuel costs! Will discuss more on this at a later date.** **Who is invited ??** **Everyone who is of legal adult age is invited to join us! All are welcome and if you are bringing a guest, please inform us in advance so that we know how many to expect! Thanks** **WHERE ARE WE STAYING?** **The Hyatt Ocean City/Oceanfront will be the official host hotel for our group. You are free to stay where you wish. However, we have negotiated a group rate with the Hyatt and I have posted the link in the chat for booking your hotel reservations.** **\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****Please note: A deposit equal to the first night's room rental plus tax will be required upon booking. Cancels must be submitted no later than 72 hrs prior to check in. Any cancel requests not received within that timeframe will be subjected to losing deposit. All hotel reservations for the Hyatt MUST be booked by April 30th, 2026. Balance will be due on day of check in.** ******* **Update- May 12th- There are no more available rooms in our group block at the Hyatt! Please feel free to book at the Hyatt - However the discounted group rate would not apply to your booking** ********** **OCEAN CITY GETAWAY ITINERARY** **🌊 OCEAN CITY GETAWAY 2026 ITINERARY** **📌 IMPORTANT NOTES** * **Some activities may require tickets or entry fees.** * **Most locations are walkable from the Hyatt; others accessible via the OC Beach Bus.** * **OC Beach Bus: $4 Ride-All-Day pass (exact cash or prepaid).** * **All activities are optional and at your own expense.** * **Times may change—updates will be shared via WhatsApp.** * **Daily morning “touch base” meetings will review plans.** **🏖️ THURSDAY – MAY 28** **3:00 PM – Hotel Check-In (Hyatt Ocean City Oceanfront)** **Settle in, unpack, relax.** **4:00 – 6:00 PM – Meet & Greet** **Drinks & light appetizers at Seascape Pool Bar** **Dress: Beachwear / Swimwear** **6:00 PM – Reset for Dinner** **7:00 – 9:00 PM – Group Dinner** **Franco’s Pizza & Bar** **10:00 PM – Late – Karaoke Night @ SandBar** **After Midnight (2–4 AM) – Night Owls Hangout** **Hyatt Lobby – Card/Board Games (BYO snacks & drinks)** **🌴 FRIDAY – MAY 29** **Theme: Tropical Attire** **8:00 – 9:00 AM – Morning Walk (Meet in Lobby of Hyatt )** **9:00 AM – Breakfast @ Hyatt** **10:00 AM – Daily Touch Base Meeting at Hyatt** **12:00 – 3:00 PM – Beach Day @ Assateague Island** * **Carpool ($25 per car entry)** * **Activities: Beach, Sunbathing, hiking, biking, and kayaking( additional fees apply for biking and kayaking )** * **Bring essentials (beach chairs, water, sunscreen, bug spray, towels)** * **We will also have lunch at 5 Tides before leaving the island** **3:30 PM – Touch Base (Hyatt Hotel Lobby)** **5:00 – Beach Time/ Free Time** **8:00 PM – Late – Dinner, Drinks & Dancing @ Seacrets** **(Group Photo)** **After Midnight (2–4 AM) – Night Owls Hangout** **Hyatt Lobby – Card/Board Games (BYO snacks & drinks)** **🤍 SATURDAY – MAY 30** **Theme: White Attire** **8:00 – 9:00 AM – Morning Walk( meet in lobby of Hyatt )** **9:00 AM – Breakfast @ Hyatt** **10:00 AM – Touch Base Meeting at Hyatt** **Morning–Afternoon – Free Time / Beach - Explore-** **12:00PM – OC Rocket Cruise** **(Advance tickets strongly recommended/ please purchase tix for 12PM cruise )** **2:00PM - Lunch at MR Ducks before OC Rocket Cruise** **3:30 PM – Touch Base Meeting-At Hyatt** **5:00PM – Late – Dinner & DJ Deck Party- 70’s Rock/Pop Band “FIZZ” @ Fager’s Island** **(Group Photo)** **After Midnight (2–4 AM) – Night Owls Hangout** **Hyatt Lobby – Card/Board Games (BYO snacks & drinks)** **🌅 SUNDAY – MAY 31** **8:00 – 9:00 AM – Morning Walk( meet in lobby of the Hyatt )** **9:00 AM – Breakfast@Hyatt** **Before 11:00 AM – Group Photo & Check-Out** **Early Afternoon (TBD) – Optional Group Lunch (on the way home)** **🎒 QUICK PACKING REMINDERS** * **Beachwear & themed outfits (Tropical + White)** * **Sunscreen & bug spray** * **Comfortable walking shoes** * **Towel (especially for boat cruise)** * **Portable charger** * **Snacks & drinks for late-night hangouts** **📱 COMMUNICATION** * **WhatsApp group will be used for updates and changes.** * **Please check regularly during the trip.** **Let’s have an amazing, safe, and unforgettable Ocean City getaway! 🌊**

**Alert! New Location!** This week, we will be at the Ballston Quarter Food Court (https://www.ballstonquarter.com). We will post our exact location here in the comments once we get settled. We will be playing ***Il Vecchio*** and other games designed by Rüdiger Dorn, such as ***Istanbul, Genoa, Louis XIV***, or ***My Farm Shop***. In ***Il Vecchio***, players compete as influential Florentine families trying to gain prestige and power across Renaissance Italy. Each turn, you place family members on the map to travel, study, and influence cities, while carefully managing resources and timing. The game blends route-building, area influence, and action selection, with players earning points through strategic positioning and long-term planning. It’s thoughtful and competitive, rewarding both tactical decisions and clever efficiency. We only have one copy of ***Il Vecchio***, which plays 4 players. If you have a copy, let us know. Otherwise, depending on the number of people that sign up, we will play one or more other Rüdiger Dorn games.

Trivia!! Trivia starts promptly at 7, come earlier to get set up 630-645. Clear Sky's Meadery. 15201 Display Ct, Rockville, MD 20850

Welcome to the 2026 road cycling season. Lots of paces from top racers to those just starting an exercise program. Several clubs will likely join together with One Love Cycling, including Korvelo (Korean Road Cycling Club), Viet Velo, Whole Wheel Velo Club. Sign up if you'd like, or simply show up. If you need the route GPS file, go to [ridewithgps.com](http://ridewithgps.com/) and search for Wakefield Route, which will show both the Southern part (16 miles) and the optional Western part (makes the ride total 25 miles.) Here is a link: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44789824](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44789824)

En honor al Mes Nacional de la Actividad Física y los Deportes, Zócalo Health ofrece un taller para ayudarle a fortalecer su cuerpo y mantenerse activo—sin necesidad de un gimnasio. Este taller, dirigido por una fisioterapeuta licenciada, se enfoca en movimientos seguros y fáciles para todas las edades y niveles. **Para todas las edades. GRATIS.** Langley Park Community Center, 1500 Merrimac Dr, Hyattsville 20783 **Código de boleto:** [SPD-SPEC-GA-20260528](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=bc6M686G1L6Y2D2R213X2L4I5N405Y59725O3Y6D53716Y4M5H6S07734L5U5R1I5K5Z4E4W725O4G6G530J5T4N515Q6S5X4J5C5K715L4I54680969605F4V6H534W6F&quantity=1&begindate=01%2F07%2F2026&enddate=01%2F07%2F2027&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&secondarycode=SPD-SPEC-GA-20260528&display=Detail&module=PST&multiselectlist_value=&pstwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes) Los talleres se presentarán en español. Se requiere inscripción. Utilice el código del boleto para registrarse en [pgparksdirect.com](pgparksdirect.com). Nos puede contactar al correo electrónico [wellness@pgparks.com](wellness@pgparks.com) si tiene alguna pregunta. **Move Well, Live Well: Building Everyday Fitness for a Healthier Maryland (\*PLEASE NOTE\* Workshop will be presented in Spanish)** In honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, join Zócalo Health for an energizing workshop focused on building strength, mobility, and resilience—no gym required. Led by a licensed physical therapist, this session emphasizes safe, functional movement for all bodies and fitness levels. **All Ages welcome; FREE**. Langley Park Community Center, 1500 Merrimac Dr, Hyattsville 20783 **Ticket Code:** [SPD-SPEC-GA-20260528](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=bc6M686G1L6Y2D2R213X2L4I5N405Y59725O3Y6D53716Y4M5H6S07734L5U5R1I5K5Z4E4W725O4G6G530J5T4N515Q6S5X4J5C5K715L4I54680969605F4V6H534W6F&quantity=1&begindate=01%2F07%2F2026&enddate=01%2F07%2F2027&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&secondarycode=SPD-SPEC-GA-20260528&display=Detail&module=PST&multiselectlist_value=&pstwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes) This workshop will be presented in Spanish. Registration is required. Use the ticket code to register at[ pgparksdirect.com](pgparksdirect.com). Email [wellness@pgparks.com](wellness@pgparks.com) if you have any questions.

Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment? This free intro class is a simple way to get started. Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Takoma Park with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting. You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn. This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain. If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Takoma Park, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start. **What you will work on** * Breathing and staying calm under pressure * Movement that improves balance and mobility * Awareness and posture * Simple partner drills * Practical self-defense training for beginners **Who this class is for** * Adults new to self-defense training * Beginners looking for a low-pressure class * People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts * Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes **What to wear** Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required. **Why start with this class** This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes. **RSVP** Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Takoma Park.

Get ready for a night of feel-good hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s as the Young Relics Band brings the soundtrack of your favorite memories to life. From Motown grooves and disco classics to iconic rock anthems and irresistible dance hits, this is your excuse to sing loudly, dance freely, and maybe flirt a little between songs. Whether you come solo or with friends, expect great music, easy conversation, and plenty of opportunities to meet fun new people. Grab a drink, bring your best moves, and see where the night takes you—because the best connections sometimes start on the dance floor. 💃🕺🎹🎤🎸🥁🎺🍺🍻🍹🍸

Let’s take DC UW on the road, and do a New York City walk! For this walk we will walk the entire length of Manhattan from Inwood in the north all the way to the Statue of Liberty lookout in the south. We will take a very meandering route through many of the parks and green spaces of Manhattan and hit up some of the top sights/attractions. Disclaimer: This is an all day affair. Expect to be up at or before 4am and not to be home until after midnight. While in NYC we will be walking 20+ miles. That means 8+ hours on our feet walking briskly. I also expect everyone to be self sufficient in navigation in case we are separated (I will be giving out physical maps of the route when we get to NYC). Logistics: We will be taking the train to New York. We will meet in the main hall of Union Station bright and early for the 5:20 AM Northeast Regional 160. Make sure to arrive 15-30 minutes early, also note that the metro does not run this early so you will need your own transportation (uber, walk/bike if you live close, etc.) We will get to NYC Penn Station at roughly 8:45 AM. Once we regroup we will take the subway to Inwood and start our walk. At the end of the day we will take the subway back to Penn Station and the 8:01 PM Northeast Regional 165 back to Union Station, getting back at 11:30 PM. Metro runs until 2 am on Saturday’s so we’ll be able to metro home. Departure Train: Northeast Regional 160 at 5:20 am. WAS -> NYP Return Train: Northeast Regional 165 at 8:01 pm. NYP -> WAS Preparations: Please bring everything you may need to for an all day excursion. That includes a backpack with water, snacks, potential rain gear depending on weather, and potentially a packaged lunch (I haven’t fully decided on the food situation, but I’m hoping we can have a picnic lunch as a group in central park). Start Location: Union Station (main hall) End Location: Union Station Mileage: \~20 Map: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2765159836?share_token=aw4NS31Zmdq5ggP2098zzOCnxoqWtzEt2XqY39KwgXOVUZV1FC&ref=wtd

Many of us carry the weight of loss in our hearts—be it a beloved family member, cherished friend, or loyal pet. A Traditional Curanderismo Cross Over Ceremony it’s also a celebration of life and the love that transcends to the afterlife. On Sunday, May 31st, we will hold a Crossover Ceremony designed to honor the lives of our loved ones, including our precious pets who have passed. This respectful heartfelt ceremony is a beautiful way to celebrate their lives and the love we shared. Please note this is a sacred ceremony with individuals who may be grieving and anyone who is not respectful will be kicked out without a refund. Ceremony Details: Time: Doors open at 9 AM, Cacao Meditation at 12pm-12:30pm. Crossover will officially start at 2pm and we will finish approximately at 6pm. Please note we will lock the door during the cacao meditation 12pm-12:30pm and from 2pm-6pm no exceptions. Before you register send me a message to go over the schedule and what to bring. This is a long ceremony but it is the one of the most beautiful ceremonies in the Curanderismo Tradition. Location: Curanderas Heart Mindfulness and Wellness 5852 Washington Blvd STE 5 Arlington VA 22205 Energy Exchange $88 (Option to pay via Zelle, Venmo or CashApp) We will create a beautiful altar together, where everyone is encouraged to bring a personal item that represents their loved one. This can be their favorite food, drink, flower, or even a small photo. If you have your loved one’s ashes, you are welcome to bring those as well. What to Bring: Mandatory: A bouquet of flowers Mandatory: Wear white clothing and a red bandana or hairband Mandatory: A dish to share for our potluck (the theme is salads, any type of salad) This ceremony is very dear to my heart and takes weeks of preparation.Please arrive on time, as the doors will be closed during the ceremony. Together, let’s embrace the joy of remembrance and celebrate the lives of those we’ve lost. I look forward to sharing this meaningful experience with all of you.

Let GRASP take you back in time to the 80's on Friday. May 29 start at 10pm and ends at 1am .Join us at Clydes of Chevy Chase with the totally awesome, gnarly tunes by Quantum Leap. Quantum Leap is a unique 80's Tribute band that will keep you dancing all night long! Quantum Leap is taking the DC area by storm! Performing to packed clubs and quickly gathering a loyal following around the beltway. Let them take you back to greatest music era in history by enjoying such 80's artists as Billy Idol, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, The Go Go's, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Salt n Pepa, Flock of Seagulls, The Police, Journey, Prince, Joan Jett, ZZ Top, J. Geils Band, Simple Minds and many many more! Quantum Leap brings an unmatched versatility so everyone's either singing along to their favorite hits or just plain dancing their 80's butts off! **How to find us** Go downstairs and you'll find Edward with his name tag and "GRASP" at the booths on the right side towards the back wall. [Clyde's of Chevy Chase](https://www.clydes.com/location/chevy-chase/?y_source=1_MzcwMDQ4MjMtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D)

Come out and run with us along the shady Anacostia Tributary Trails! These runs tend to be longer than our other club runs. Average mileage is 4-6 miles, but some members might go farther (and others shorter). We meet in front of Mission BBQ at 8:00AM for introductions, then walk over together to the Indian Creek Trailhead. We are always happy to welcome new faces (and feet)!

All: Kent will be hosting this event and will post where she is sitting. I will be in Ocean City with some of the group. There is another band playing before Quantum Leap, they will start playing at 10:00 in the downstairs bar area. Address for Clyde's is: 5441 Wisconsin ave Chevy Chase Quantum Leap is the name of a professional 80s-tribute band from the Washington, D.C. area that performs dance, pop, rock, and R&B hits from that decade. The band is known for its high-energy performances and aims to keep crowds dancing all night by playing hits from artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Bon Jovi, and others from the 70's and 80's.

Join us for an hour of relaxing Yoga which. Cost: Free Level: Beginners What we will be doing: 1. This will be an hour long beginners flow yoga class. You are welcome to join if you are experienced or absolute beginner, just being interested is enough. Yoga is for everyone! 2. Through this meetup we will learn some yoga poses, breathing techniques, stretch our body, build strength. More importantly, we will try to learn about our body and find inner peace. Please: 1. don't get too full before practice but you can always bring snacks. 2. Please be on time, class will start on time. 3. Wear comfy clothes. 4. Bring your own mat or towel, water and YOURSELF. 5. UnRSVP if you can't make it. Disclaimer: Please consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program, including yoga. Yoga involves physical movement and may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to listen to your body and modify poses as needed to accommodate your individual needs and abilities. By participating in this yoga class, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and well-being, and agree to release the instructor from any liability for injuries or damages that may occur during or after the class

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

This is an in-person meeting. Did you know that unwanted emotions like loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, anger, fear, anxiety, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not chemical imbalance in your brain due to some nebulous chemical reactions by chance. Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. For instance, let's say you are already carrying a huge load on your back, then you cannot take on much more, but, let's say something else happens to you, such as the difficulties from the Pandemic, then the resultant combined weight on you can take you over the edge, kind of like the straw that break the camel's back. When this happens, people's attention usually goes to the straw that was added, but actually the majority of the weight had come from the huge load that were already there, holding a person down and causing a person issues. So how do you remove the huge load that was already there? How do you lighten them up? Is it possible to get rid of them? That is what this meeting will be all about. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

**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.

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

The emotional pain from past bad experiences easily lingers in the present, making it hard to enjoy life and create your future. Even when you think you've moved on, the negative emotions can be triggered, sending you back into the pain of that experience. And we are talking about pain; emotions such as grief, depression, anxiety, fear (or terror), boiling anger, simmering resentment, feelings of shame, blaming and regret can leave you incapacitated to a greater or lesser degree. In this local event we will be discussing the reasons why these past bad experiences have the power to affect you long after they occurred. We'll go over why the emotional pain can be so strong. We'll also discuss some simple solutions to overcome your emotional pain and be free to fully enjoy your life again. Examples of painful experiences include: * A broken relationship or divorce. * Death or loss of a loved one. * Death of a pet. * A sudden shock or bad news. * A betrayal. * Being part of an abusive relationship. * A bad injustice. * Loss of a job, position or business. * A grave illness or injury. The negative emotions from these experiences don't just go away on their own. But the good news is there is a way to clear them out of your way. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.

Happy Birthday to all June birthday people! I put this on the schedule because it's my birthday month, and this is my favorite place; it's also Dave Koczur's (MAFIA meetup leader) birthday on June 8; if you who are reading this have a June birthday as well, tell us in the Comments! For anyone off work or with a flexible schedule, come to Pistachio Vera in German Village for a tea and pastry. We will try to get a table outside. If convenient, you could put a fold up chair in your car in case we can all sit outside but we run out of chairs. https://www.pistaciavera.com/