Visual Effects

Toronto's Third Annual Sony Alpha Community Event! IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ALSO REGISTER AT THIS LINK: [Capture, Create, Collaborate with Sony! An Alpha Community Event Toronto Tickets, Saturday, May 23 • 12 PM - 6 PM | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/capture-create-collaborate-with-sony-an-alpha-community-event-toronto-tickets-1987308814160?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) **Calling all photography and filmmaking enthusiasts!** Join us on **May 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM (Eastern Time)** for an awesome day at the **Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Rogers Communications Centre**! Whether you're into photography, videography, or just love Sony gear, this event is your chance to engage with industry professionals and learn how to **capture** stunning moments, **create** cool content, and **collaborate** with fellow Alpha enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on the fun and inspiration! **Expert Panels:** Gain insights and wisdom from industry leaders in photography and filmmaking. **Engaging Seminars:** Learn new techniques and tricks to enhance your craft. **Interactive Workshops:** Dive deep into the world of Sony imaging technology through immersive workshops. **Industry Professionals**: Interact and Network with a diverse community of creators and collaborators. **Experience New Technology:** Experience the latest advancements in Sony imaging technology. There will be a limited number of Sony cameras and lenses to try but we suggest bringing your gear. Don't miss out on this one of a kind experience to learn from the industry professionals

Join us for a friendly game of Volleyball in **Antibes Park**. All experience levels are welcome... Weather permitting! :) See you on the net!

🎬 Let’s Go to the Movies (and Actually Talk… or Not) Whether you're a film nerd, popcorn enthusiast, or just looking for a chill night out with interesting people — this one's for you. We’re heading out to see a movie together, then grabbing food or drinks after. If the film's great (or terrible), we’ll probably talk about it forever. If it’s just okay, we’ll talk about it for 10 minutes and move on to everything else — books, dating apps, weird dreams, how Toronto keeps getting more expensive, etc. The vibe is relaxed, friendly, and not too serious. No film degree needed. No icebreakers. No pressure to “perform.” Just come enjoy the film, connect with some thoughtful people, and see where the night goes Click here to watch trailer! 🎞️ **Movie Title + Trailer:** [[Click here to watch trailer!](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Mandalorian+and+Grogu++trailer)] 📖 **📖 Plot Summary:** The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu. *** ### 🗓️ **Event Details** 📍 **Meetup Time:** 6:00 PM - I will only wait 5mins 🎬 **Movie Start Time:** 610pm ⏱️ **Runtime:** 2hrs15mins 📌 **Meetup Spot:** I will be waiting at the top of the escalators wearing my moose hat 🎟️ **Cost:** * **$11.50** for *CineClub* members * **$16.00** regular admission 👉 You are responsible for buying your own ticket. **🪑 Reserved Seating:** You must buy your ticket *before* signing up. You'll be asked where you're sitting so we can all sit together! However, members are welcome to sit anywhere that works for them. 🎫 Buy your ticket here: [https://www.cineplex.com](https://www.cineplex.com) 📍🪑 **Where I will be sitting:** I will be in ROW "L" SEAT "17" 🍿 **After the Movie:** Yes, we’re heading out after! It’s not just a movie night — it’s a social night. Let's talk, laugh, and dissect every plot twist. *** ### ✅ **Before You Sign Up** * Please **buy your ticket first** — seating is limited! * When signing up, let us know your **seat number** so we can try to group everyone together. * You can still sign up or just **show up on the day** if you’re not sure you can make it — we’re flexible! 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:** [Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) 🎟️ **Join Cineplex’s CineClub for discounts**: [https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub](https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub) 🎁 **Get your SCENE Card** for free movies and points: [https://www.scene.ca](https://www.scene.ca) *** ### 🎥 **A Quick Word About Movie Etiquette** We love a great film experience. Please: * Turn off your phone * Don’t talk during the movie * Be respectful of others Repeat offenders will be removed from the group — we take our cinema seriously (but with snacks). *** ### 👥 **About the Group** This event is open to everyone — single, not single, shy, social, new in town or a long-time local. We're a group for people who love movies *and* making real connections. We also do walks, hikes, restaurants, arts & culture — come be part of it! 🎬 **Organized by:** Mathew 📧 Questions? Reach out: **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

Let’s do some coding together at a cafe! No more working alone in the weekend. Here, we write code together. And I mean together together. Not occupying-the-same-space-but-separate together. Here’s how it works: Jennifer brings her mobile app project, tells everyone that it is like Pinterest for recipes and she’d like to work on the nav bar. Paul and Chloe think Jennifer's project is fascinating, and they join the group. They gather around Jennifer’s laptop and work on the nav bar for 2 hours. Jennifer is the one typing out the code while Paul and Chloe research, brainstorm, and offer suggestions. If you’re feeling stuck on your own project or need a motivation boost, bring it to mob programming! Want to learn by watching how others code and solve problems? Join someone else’s project at this event! Oh and we love your half-done projects that you are a bit embarrassed to share. Absolutely bring those to the event! **Discord**: We use Discord to share screen & code snippets during the event. Also feel free to share your projects here before the event! https://discord.gg/xwjDdVSw3E **Event policy**: * We have 0 tolerance for harassment. * We don’t allow the projects that are not meant to be shared in public such as school assignments, interview tasks, or trade secrets. * The goal is to write code. We discourage you from pitching business ideas here, doing code reviews, or spending the whole event on planning what to do. * Please buy a drink, and tip the barista well.

🏙️🔭 DOORS OPEN TORONTO: SKYLINE VIEWS & HIDDEN SPACES WALK 🔭🏙️ Observation Decks, City Icons & A Once-a-Year Experience Some places in Toronto you walk past every day… but rarely get to go inside. This is your chance. Join us for a special Doors Open Toronto outing, where we’ll explore two of the city’s most iconic buildings — including access to spaces that aren’t usually open to the public. This event only happens once a year, and it’s one of the best ways to experience the city from a completely different perspective. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social outing — with incredible views, a bit of history, and shared discovery. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** 🏙️ What We’ll Do We’ll start at TD Bank Tower (66 Wellington St W), part of the Toronto-Dominion Centre — one of the finest examples of modernist architecture in the city, designed by legendary architect Mies van der Rohe. We’ll head up to the observation area (approximately 223 metres high), where you’ll get a stunning view of Toronto’s skyline from a space that isn’t typically open to the public. From there, we’ll walk over to Toronto City Hall and visit its observation deck. Opened in 1965 and designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell, City Hall’s curved twin towers and central council chamber make it one of Toronto’s most recognizable landmarks. From above, you’ll get a completely different view of Nathan Phillips Square and the downtown core. ⚠️ Please note: both locations are very popular during Doors Open, so there will likely be wait times. Part of the experience is the buzz and energy of the day. Afterward, we’ll head over to CF Toronto Eaton Centre for a casual lunch in the food court. 🍔🥗 You’re welcome to join or head out whenever you like. *** 🏛️ What Is Doors Open Toronto? Doors Open Toronto is a free annual city-wide event that opens the doors to architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings across Toronto. For one weekend, you can explore spaces that are usually closed to the public — from office towers and historic sites to creative and civic spaces. It’s one of the best ways to connect with the city and see what’s normally hidden in plain sight. *** 🌦️ Weather & Expectations This event will run rain or shine. Be prepared for: ✔️ Walking between locations ✔️ Standing in lines ✔️ A busy, energetic atmosphere Wear comfortable shoes and bring patience — it’s part of the experience. Also — this is NOT a guided historical tour. I’ll share context casually, but the focus is on exploring together. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: OutsideI will be on the West/South corner right by the lights and I will be wearing my Moose Hat. 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 9:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Anyone arriving late can meet us at the first location. We won’t be saving spots in line — it’s important we respect the people around us. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head in together. End Point: Eaton Centre *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** Doors Open is free to attend. This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes Patience for lines ⏳ Weather-appropriate clothing Optional: cash/card for lunch *** 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. *** REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com Come for the views. Stay for the experience. Leave having seen parts of the city most people never get to access. 🏙️✨

Our coffee shop meetup now takes place every other Saturday. Come out to meet and chat with your fellow members of the Toronto Social Anxiety Support group in a supportive environment. **IMPORTANT: This group is intended to provide a safe space for people with social anxiety who may feel inhibited in louder, more extroverted environments. Please respect the nature of this group and do not attend if you are not in this category. There are many other groups available on Meetup.** **When**: 5pm - 7pm **Where to meet**: Alternity Café, just west of St. George Street, on the south side of Bloor. Vegan café with a chill vibe. Here is their website: https://alternity.ca/pages/our-place **Reminder**: Like all our events, the group's code of conduct applies. Pls make this a successful outing by being courteous and respectful in language and behaviour, and supportive towards other members, especially those with higher anxiety. **Covid/flu safety**: If you are sick or have recently been exposed to someone who is sick, pls use your judgement about attending this event. You can always come to the next event when you feel better.

Hi everyone! We're doing an afternoon sketching hangout at the MaRS Building food court tables- Enter MaRS from Collage Street where the statue of two men are sitting by the glass doors. Turn left and head down the escalator. Turn left at the bottom of the escalator and head down the hall past another escalator and Foosball table the event will be held at the far end of the food court. **First time meeting us and still not sure about the vibe?** Check out photos from **[past in-person events of 2023](https://www.meetup.com/artsrecto/photos/34212927/)** Please bring your art supplies. Digital tablet, dry mediums, watercolour set, really anything that doesn't smell and is non toxic and easy to clean up. Please be considerate and leave the space as clean as it was before. Feel free to grab a drink or snack if you'd like. *Note the food court is closed but there are a couple of coffee shops in the area at street level. **Where to meet exactly?** MaRS Discovery District at 2pm **How to get there?** \- Public transit \- get off at Queens Park subway station\, walk East along Collage you should see glass doors with a statue of two men sitting at a table outside\. Instructions stated above Looking forward to meeting you all :) ================ **Support This Group 🥰🤩** We hope you're enjoying the Arts & Rec events! If you'd like to give support, please consider making a small Ko-fi donation of $5-10 USD at [https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto](https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto.) . This helps cover meetup and miscellaneous expenses with hosting events! For more inquiries, please PM me for more info! Thank you all so much!

(Inside Malang bar & Lounge) 🎟 $15 Admission — includes shared pool table access 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Open to all! Limited to 35 attendees – secure your spot now! 🗓️ Every Sunday, 7:30 PM 📍 918 Dundas St E Unit C2/C3, Mississauga, ON L4Y 4H9 🤝 Curated networking activities for easy connection Forge meaningful bonds and expand your network at our vibrant community gathering! This isn't just another event; it's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. Imagine an evening filled with engaging conversations, shared laughter, and the beginning of powerful new collaborations. You'll discover fresh perspectives, unlock potential opportunities, and strengthen your professional and personal circle within the Synergy Hub community. Don't miss out on crafting unforgettable moments and building your invaluable support system. For added fun and easy ice-breaking, attendees will have access to shared pool tables, creating a casual and interactive way to connect throughout the evening. • Expand your professional and personal network • Discover potential collaborations and opportunities • Gain fresh insights and diverse perspectives • Strengthen your sense of community and belonging Come for the connections. Stay for the community. Leave with lasting relationships.

Solo parents unite! Time for a coffee break for the solo/divorced/other parents. Come swap stories, chit chat, make friends, meet new people. Free event.

Living On Video & DJ Lazarus Presents Sat May 23 - BANG YOUR HEAD Hair Metal & Retro Rock Video Dance Party - NO COVER - 11pm Are you still SMOKING IN THE BOYS ROOM while being HOT FOR TEACHER? Are you looking for a TURBO LOVER that will LICK IT UP? Do you just WANNA ROCK and SHOUT AT THE DEVIL? Then put on your tighetest spandex and acid wash denim, tease your hair, and get ready to BANG YOUR HEAD to the wildest music videos ever made. Bang Your Head begins after the Air Guitar Championship event. Sat May 23, 2026 BANG YOUR HEAD: Hair Metal & Retro Rock Video Dance Party with DJ Lazarus Ground Control - 1279 Queen St West NO COVER - 11pm-2am 19+ FREE TICKET: https://nocoverhairmetal.eventbrite.ca INVITE: www.facebook.com/events/2269553820450622 (please SHARE and INVITE your friends) SEE VIDEOS FROM: Cinderella, Whitesnake, Motley Crue, Van Halen, Def Leppard, WASP, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Great White, Guns N Roses, Twisted Sister, Judas Priest, Lita Ford, Lee Aaron, Ratt, Saxon, Europe, Scorpions, Iron Maiden, KISS, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Slade, Stryper, Britny Fox, White Lion, Kingdom Come, Dokken, Quiet Riot, Warrant, Queensryche, Poison, Vixen, Marillion, Slaughter, Tesla, Sammy Hagar, LA Guns, Vince Neil, Damn Yankees, Anthrax, Bad English, Skid Row, Bulletboys, Slayer, Spinal Tap, Motorhead, Metallica, Megadeth, Testament, Hanoi Rocks, Firehouse, Saigon Kick, Dio, ZZ Top, Heart, David Lee Roth and many more. SOCIAL: www.facebook.com/groundcontroltoronto www.facebook.com/livingonvideoclub www.facebook.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitch.tv/livingonvideoclub www.mixcloud.com/livingonvideo www.instagram.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitter.com/djlazarusrocks

🏛️🚶 **DOORS OPEN TORONTO: HIDDEN BUILDINGS & CITY STORIES WALK** 🚶🏛️ Historic Spaces, Community Landmarks & A City Revealed Some buildings you walk past every day without thinking twice… until the doors open. Join us for a second day of Doors Open Toronto, where we’ll explore a mix of historic, cultural, and community spaces across the city — each with its own story, purpose, and evolution. This walk is about contrast. Old and new. Exclusive and inclusive. Grand and everyday. And how all of it shapes the city we live in. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social, story-driven walk — with moments to pause, look, and see familiar places differently. 👉 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll move through a curated route of Doors Open, stopping at a variety of buildings and institutions that reflect Toronto’s layered history and community life. Some of the locations we may visit include: * **Fire Station 315** – Opened in 1889, this historic fire hall is built of brick with stone detailing, reflecting early 20th-century civic architecture. * **The El Mocambo** – Opened in 1948, this iconic music venue is housed in a brick building with a classic mid-century commercial façade. * **Daniels Building (University of Toronto)** – Opened in 1875 (as Knox College), this Gothic Revival building is constructed of sandstone with intricate masonry detailing. * **U of T Bookstore (Koffler Student Centre)** – Opened in 1958, this modernist structure is built primarily of concrete and glass. * **Polish Combatants' Association Branch 20** – Opened in 1950, this community hall is a modest brick structure reflecting post-war institutional design. * **St. George’s Hall (Arts & Letters Club)** – Opened in 1891, this heritage building is constructed of brick and stone in a Victorian style. * **St. George Greek Orthodox Church** – Opened in 1897, this church is built of brick with classical detailing and later Byzantine-inspired elements. * **Street Health** – Established in 1986, the facility operates out of a practical brick building adapted for community healthcare use. * **Street Haven** – Founded in 1965, this women’s shelter is housed in a converted brick residential building typical of the area. * **Jarvis Street Baptist Church** – Opened in 1875, this Gothic Revival church is built of brick with stone accents. * **The 519** –This building actually dates back to 1858 — long before it became The 519 we know today — and started as a Georgian-style home before evolving into a community space. * **Foy-Smith House** – Built in 1891, this historic home is constructed of brick in the Queen Anne Revival style. * **St. Paul’s Bloor Street** – Opened in 1889, this Romanesque Revival church is built of stone with a commanding tower and detailed masonry. Some locations we’ll enter, others we’ll experience from the outside depending on timing and lineups. ⚠️ Please note: wait times are part of Doors Open. We’ll move as a group and make decisions along the way. *** 🏛️ What Is Doors Open Toronto? Doors Open Toronto is a free annual event where the city opens up buildings that are normally closed to the public — from historic homes and cultural institutions to places you’d never usually think to step inside. It’s one of the best ways to explore Toronto beyond the surface. *** 🌆 Vibe & Expectations This is a longer, more exploratory walk with: ✔️ Multiple stops ✔️ Some waiting in lines ✔️ A mix of indoor and outdoor spaces ✔️ Members can leave any time the like It’s not about rushing — it’s about discovering. Also — this is NOT a formal historical tour. I’ll share context and stories as we go, but the focus is on the experience and being social. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: **Fire Station 315** 🫎 I’ll be outside and I will be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: (Insert time) I will only wait 5 minutes. Anyone arriving late can meet us along the route. We won’t be saving spots in line — it’s important we respect the people around us. *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com)** Doors Open is free to attend. This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes Patience for lines ⏳ Weather-appropriate clothing Optional: snacks or money for food along the way *** 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. *** REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the buildings. Stay for the stories. Leave seeing the city not just as it looks — but as it’s evolved. 🏛️✨

NOTICE CHANGE OF LOCATION. WE WILL BE MEETING AT THE SHARON WOODS METRO PARK - THIS MONTH ONLY. Sharon Woods Metro Park, 6911 Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43081 Enter the park from Cleveland Avenue and stay on the main park drive until it dead-ends into a turn around parking lot. We will meet at the Schrock Lake Shelter just off this parking area to the right. We will be taking a Guided Walk with access very near the shelter, on the Edward S Thomas trail, an ADA flat, hard-packed gravel surface trail. This walk will be led by Carrie Keller, Outdoor Naturalist at the park, and Megan Richley, Inclusion Coordinator for the Metro Parks. Wear sneakers or other shoes covering the entire foot. Sandals or flip-flops are ill advised. Sighted guides will be available. Target audience for this group is persons who are visually impaired, especially those who have experienced recent loss, however, all are welcome, including family members and supports. Light refreshments will be served. There will not be a Conference Call option for this meeting.

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

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Welcome to Casual Boardgames, where we enjoy classic tabletop games and social deduction games while bonding over good food, drinks, and great conversations. 
We started this group to meet new people and make new friends, and bonding over games in a relaxed atmosphere is a great way to do that. We currently meet near route 23 and Polaris Parkway, and this is close to areas like Powell, Lewis Center, Worthington, and parts of Westerville and Columbus. 
Feel free to bring your own games or play one of the many games our members bring. If you are inexperienced, we will help you learn. 
Here are just a few examples of the kind of games we play. 
Tabletop/board games: Splendor, Catan, Azul, Dominion, 7 Wonders… 
Social deduction games: Code Names, Chameleon, Werewords… 
IMPORTANT: 
1. While we love playing a variety of games and competing, we are not just about the games. We interact and talk while playing, and this leads to a lot of laughter and fun. If you just want to compete and focus solely on the game, then this is probably not the group you are looking for. 
2. Many people join groups like this and never (or rarely) show up after weeks or months. If you join and never really come, we will eventually remove you from the group as a courtesy to our members. Why? Because limiting group conversations (on the app) to regular members makes communication and planning much easier. Also, while it may be rare, it protects members from people who join because they are interested in following a person instead of having a real interest in our group. If you get removed, it is just because you haven’t come, and we follow this protocol as a courtesy to our regular game players.

**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.

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.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.