Spoken Word

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.

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

**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.

**💓 Online Speed Dating – Real Miami Locals, Live on Zoom** Speed dating from home — connect with real Miami singles on Zoom. Quick, hosted rounds on Zoom with Miami singles paired to your age group and personality. No awkward pauses — just natural conversation. **✅ RSVP here and we'll take care of the rest.** After you RSVP, the host will message you directly with the personality quiz and Zoom details. Spots are limited. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Anyone who likes connecting online before meeting face-to-face - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting **Event Details** - **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - **Location:** From home – all you need is Wi-Fi and a webcam - **Host:** Professional host keeping the evening smooth and relaxed - **Vibe:** Great energy, real people, authentic conversation **How It Works** 1. **RSVP below** – Click RSVP to reserve your place. 2. **The host will contact you** – After RSVP, you'll get a message with the personality quiz so we can pair you well. 3. **Answer the personality quiz** – Takes just a few minutes and makes the matching much better. 4. **Hop on Zoom** – You'll receive the Zoom link before the event. The host handles the rest. 5. **Chat & match** – Quick timed rounds with Miami singles, then mutual matches sent out after. **Frequently Asked Questions** **What if I'm shy?** The virtual setting and hosted rounds keep things comfortable for everyone. **Is my info private?** Absolutely. Contact details are only exchanged on mutual match. **When will the host contact me?** Usually within a day or two of your RSVP, well before the event. **Do I need anything besides Zoom?** Just Zoom, a webcam, and Wi-Fi. That's it. --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from your home. RSVP to join us. 💓 ✨

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

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.

**🎶 BTS Is Coming – Port St. Lucie K-Pop Random Dance Party!** K-pop fans in Port St. Lucie, this one's for you. We'll put on the music, call random songs, and dance together. BTS tracks, K-pop bangers, all of it. Come ready to move. **🔞 18+ only.** This is an adults-only event. --- 🎶 **What to expect:** - A chance to meet Port St. Lucie locals who love K-pop as much as you do - Random play dance to BTS and K-pop hits - Fan chants, singalongs, and pure concert energy - Random song calls — jump in when you know the choreo **Event Details** - **Format:** In-person random play dance – Port St. Lucie fans only - **Vibe:** Loud, fun, and full of Port St. Lucie K-pop fans - **Age:** 18+ only **How It Works** 1. **Show up** – RSVP and come ready to dance. 18+ only. 2. **The music starts** – We go random play dance format. Song called, fans jump in. 3. **Full BTS section** – We dedicate a proper block to BTS to get everyone hyped for the concert. 4. **Fan time** – Between rounds, meet fellow Port St. Lucie fans and share concert plans. 💡 **Tip:** Even if you don't know every move, come and vibe. The energy is the point. --- ✨ See you on the dance floor, Port St. Lucie. 18+ only. 💃 ✨

**💞 Online Speed Dating – Real Tampa Locals, Live on Zoom** Ditch the apps. Meet Tampa singles face-to-face on Zoom tonight. We match you with compatible Tampa locals using a quick personality quiz. You'll chat one-on-one on Zoom in short timed rounds while a host guides the session. **✅ RSVP here and we'll take care of the rest.** After you RSVP, the host will message you directly with the personality quiz and Zoom details. Spots are limited. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - People re-entering the dating scene after a break - Busy professionals who don't want to waste evenings **Event Details** - **Format:** Live on Zoom – guided rounds from your home - **Location:** Wherever you're comfortable – no venue, no travel - **Host:** Professional host keeping the evening smooth and relaxed - **Vibe:** Casual, easy-going conversations with Tampa singles - **Tech:** Zoom, webcam, and a stable connection - **Duration:** Roughly 90 minutes **How It Works** 1. **Grab your spot** – Hit RSVP above to join the list. 2. **Watch for a host message** – The host will send you a short personality quiz after your RSVP. 3. **Complete the quiz** – A quick personality quiz so we can find your best matches. 4. **Log in on the night** – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show. 5. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Tampa locals. Matches shared afterwards. ⭐ *"I was nervous but the host made it effortless. Met someone wonderful first try."* – Tampa single **Frequently Asked Questions** **Is my info private?** Absolutely. Contact details are only exchanged on mutual match. **How long are the chats?** A few minutes each — just enough to get a sense of someone. **What happens after?** Mutual matches are sent out after the event. **Do I need anything besides Zoom?** Just Zoom, a webcam, and Wi-Fi. That's it. --- ✨ Your next match could be one RSVP away. 🦋 ✨

Garden to the Max Join the Inniswood Garden Society for their annual meeting and garden reception. Featured speaker, Teresa Woodard, will discuss maximalist gardening Having a maximalist garden is a bold aesthetic choice—yet it also brings vitality back to the earth, in an abundant expression of more. Garden to the Max celebrates gardens across the US that embrace maximalism through joy and wonder, nonstop blooms, and abundant layers 06/07/2026 Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Days: Sun Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S Hempstead Rd Westerville, OH, 43081 (614)508-8111 Location Map: Innis House.

**🦋 Speed Dating from Home – Meet Cape Coral Singles Live on Zoom** Genuine conversations with real locals — all from your living room. We match you with compatible Cape Coral locals using a quick personality quiz. You'll chat one-on-one on Zoom in short timed rounds while a host guides the session. **✅ Grab your spot by RSVPing.** The host will send you a personality quiz and Zoom details directly after you RSVP. Don't leave it too late — places fill up. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - People re-entering the dating scene after a break - Anyone who likes connecting online before meeting face-to-face - Singles in Cape Coral who want to meet people from home **How It Works** 1. **RSVP below** – Click RSVP to reserve your place. 2. **Check your Meetup messages** – The host will reach out with a personality quiz to match you with compatible Cape Coral singles. 3. **Complete the quiz** – A quick personality quiz so we can find your best matches. 4. **Log in on the night** – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show. 5. **Chat & match** – Quick timed rounds with Cape Coral singles, then mutual matches sent out after. **Event Details** - **Format:** Live on Zoom – guided rounds from your home - **Location:** From home – all you need is Wi-Fi and a webcam - **Host:** Experienced host steering the session - **Vibe:** Great energy, real people, authentic conversation - **Privacy:** Contact info only shared when both match - **Tech:** Zoom, webcam, and a stable connection - **Rounds:** Multiple short one-on-one rounds - **Matches:** Mutual matches sent out after the event 💡 **Tip:** Good lighting and a clean background make a big difference. **Frequently Asked Questions** **Do I need anything besides Zoom?** Just Zoom, a webcam, and Wi-Fi. That's it. **How long are the chats?** A few minutes each — just enough to get a sense of someone. **What if I'm shy?** The virtual setting and hosted rounds keep things comfortable for everyone. --- ✨ Your next match could be one RSVP away. 🥰 ✨

The topic for June is "Roadtrip" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

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

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!