Ex-Chicagoans

All London-based AARO members and prospective members are invited to a Meetup on Tuesday 7 April from 18:00-20:00! Come and meet fellow AARO members, talk about the issues facing Americans living abroad, and learn more about what AARO is doing to help! Hosted by AARO Board member Ann Madden, who is also the liaison for the AARO Health Plan. Drinks and snacks available for purchase at the bar. Meet in the rear section of the pub, to the left of the bar as you enter.

We start with warm up exercises. These are gentle movements and stretching from Qi Gong. We then proceed through the Tai Chi Form (short-form Yang style), usually at an easy pace, but with continous repetition. You need to wear loose clothing that allows body movement. The sessions end with some more Qi Gong meditations. Tea and Coffee is available. Please RSVP if you are going to attend, so as we have some idea about numbers.

Rushmore is a 1998 American comedy film directed by Wes Anderson about a teenager named Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman in his film debut), his friendship with rich industrialist Herman Blume (Bill Murray), and their shared affection for elementary school teacher Rosemary Cross (Olivia Williams). The film was co-written by Anderson and Owen Wilson. The film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2016, deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". Please note we will not be showing the film at the meeting. Make sure you watch the film before you attend and then come and join in with the conversation. It’s just a discussion. It’s not a screening. We will be meeting in The Ludski Bar in the Rio Cinema. [https://www.riocinema.org.uk/your-visit/](https://www.riocinema.org.uk/your-visit/) You are welcome to bring outside food in with you but please buy your drinks from inside the cinema. Thank you. ... To join the All Out of Bubblegum Film Club WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/J2to1MBd4Ct7kQTFFVnyML](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J2to1MBd4Ct7kQTFFVnyML) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name and we will join you to the main chat). If the link doesn't work then please send me a message with your phone number and I can add you directly. Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

**🐉 WELCOME TO WYRD WEST🐉** **🏰** We’re playing in **The George IV** in Chiswick in their function space, **The Boston Room** **💬** Join our [Discord Server](https://discord.com/invite/pnUUDWtUmj) **🧙‍♂** Let us know if you’d like to [DM at Wyrd West](https://forms.gle/jMDzieyUtm5nGyB98) **How to Join a Game:** Peruse this week’s games menu below. Once you’ve found a game you like with seats available, RSVP to the event and tell us the game in the prompt. An organiser will be in touch to confirm your spot via Meetup or Discord. **If all games are full, feel free to RSVP and we’ll be in touch if a spot becomes available.** If you're a D&D newbie, look out for games marked as *Beginner friendly*! *(All spaces are first come first serve and 18+)* **Games Menu:** **One Shots:** 1."OH, DANG! BIGFOOT STOLE MY CAR WITH MY FRIEND’S BIRTHDAY PRESENT INSIDE", GMed by Jacob * *You’re supposed to be heading to a friend’s place for a sweet birthday party.* *But you stopped to buy a card, and when you came out... oh, dang! Your car is being stolen! And is that Bigfoot at the wheel?! It’s time to go on a wacky road trip and chase that sasquatch down!* *[As a heads up this is quite an improve/role play heavy session]* * *Max Players: 4 [FULL]* * ***System: Lasers & Feelings Hack*** * *Beginner friendly* * *Character sheets provided but feel free to bring your own* 2."Waterdeep Middle School's Annual Educational Excursion, or 'Wot we did on ar skool tripp'", GMed by Charles * *Dear pupils,* *It’s nearly the end of term which means you and the other members of Modron Class are going on a school trip. This year we will be visiting the Chultan Memorial Zoo and Adventure Park just outside of Waterdeep. Please bring a waterproof cloak, a packed lunch and a signed permission slip from a parent or guardian.* *Following the Flumph Incidient, we would like to remind all pupils that we taking a zero tolerance approach to behaviour that reflects poorly on our school. There will be no bullying or rudeness – and absolutely no adventuring of any kind.* *Kind regards,* *Olothon Mazari* *School Master* * *Max Players: 5 [FULL]* * ***System: D&D 2024, level 2*** * *Character sheets provided* **Mini-campaigns (2-5 sessions):** 3."The Heart of Vierza", GMed by Adi * *Max Players: 5 [FULL]* * ***System: D&D 5e, level 3*** **Campaigns:** 4."Chronicles", GMed by Mark * *Max Players: 7 [FULL]* * ***System: D&D 5e, level 8*** 5."Chunky Campaign", GMed by Ariel * *Max Players: 5 [FULL]* * ***System: D&D 2024, level 7*** 6."The Ballad of Odwynd Dale", GMed by Finn * *Max Players: 6 [FULL]* * ***System: D&D 2024, level 4*** If you have any questions drop a message to Alex, Finn, Ariel or Sandra in the discord. See you next Tuesday! 🎲🧙🐉

**Welcome back to LCC's Trail Running Club! For our next outing we're heading east to take on Hackney Marshes and the parklands and canal towpaths of the QEII Olympic parks. We should be looking at a bit more evening daylight this time of year!** **This will provide us a nice flat trail run. We'll be looking at roughly 30-45 minutes, covering around 3km at a moderate pace, ideal for beginners and intermediate runners. Whatever your speed, our organisers will always keep you in sight!** We'll meet at Hackney Wick station - look for me in the neon-yellow vest! Meeting time is 7, we'll head off at around 7:15. We'll head from there north over Hackney Bridge, up the towpath to Hackney Marshes, and then make a loop around and back down, over the footbridge to the East Marsh, following the River Lea southwards through Alfred's Meadow and back up via the Olympic Stadium to return to the Wick. There are toilets at Hackney Wick and at cafes located around the QEII parkland paths. I'll also be bringing plenty of water along with me, so if you forget yours, fear not. I've got a few spare bits of kit as well - if you would like a running sleeve to put your phone in or a pouch belt for keys and things, just shoot me a message on here ahead of time! All are welcome - we're a mix of skill levels and leg lengths, so I'll be maintaining a relatively relaxed pace and will make sure no one winds up too far behind. Our standard bit of info about our running group and why it's good is provided below: \-\-\-\-\- Humans evolved to run and sprint; no wonder then that when we do it regularly (within moderation and with plenty of rest days), our brains as well as bodies thank us. Running has recently been shown to [improve neuroplasticity,](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) heal [brain damage](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) in affected individuals, and foster [better mental health](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-truth-behind-runners-high-and-other-mental-benefits-of-running) including elevated mood at rest and enhanced task-switching ability. Doing all this in nature, as opposed to busy London roads dodging commuters and street cleaners, also helps deliver the well-known [benefits](https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/) of time spent in nature to mood, anxiety levels, cognition and memory. All these things matter a great deal in an age where burnout and exhaustion are a constant presence either in our own lives or those of the people we care about [who you should totally invite along]. It matters especially for people trying to eke out a percentage of their time and mental capacity for transformative social and political organising: the better we feel, the more we'll be able to do. In a nutshell, running is great for you and you should do it. Trail running is even better. Best of all is doing all this with a supportive group of comrades, especially one which includes knowledgeable folks who can provide some structure to what can be a puzzling sport to get started with if building up to something, like a 10k or half marathon, is your goal. Part of our running group's programming will be building a series of events aimed at building people up, slowly but surely, towards specific goals, using progressive programmes similar to the [NHS's Couch to 5k](https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/) system. \-\-\-\-\- Take care and see you on the trails!

Over the last nine years, Silverfit has been able to offer exercise to everyone over 50 in Brockwell Park. Together with Silverfit, I have done my best to keep the exercise fun for everyone, no matter if you are fit or not so fit, strong or not so strong, sporty or not so sporty. And, over all, I think we have done that pretty well! We have had some glorious years, and we made many, many friends over that time. Silverfit managed to keep it going through the good times and the hard Covid years, but unfortunately, the reality of the current economic climate is hitting Silverfit hard. Many councils and charities that have supported Silverfit over the years have stopped funding, and without funding, Silverfit just simply cannot keep going. Recently, they have had to take the hard decision to cut quite a number of their activities, and unfortunately, Nordic Walking in Brockwell park is one of the sessions that needs to be stopped. Yesterday afternoon was our last session for Silverfit. But…. I aim to keep your Tuesday walk going! So many of you love our Tuesday session, and it would just be too sad to stop completely. I would like to keep the Silver Tuesday session going under my own company, Fit and Happy Outdoors. Sadly, I cannot do this for free, as I do need to make a living. But in order to keep this session available for everyone, I plan to keep our Tuesday afternoon session at a highly reduced rate compared to my normal rates. New rates for our Silver Tuesday walks: 10 sessions for £45 (my normal rate is 10 sessions for £90). For those of you who struggle financially, I am happy to reduce this rate to £30, or even offer it for free. I can of course only do this if enough of you pay the normal rate, and I trust you will only ask for a reduction if you really need it. As I said, I do this for my living, but I don’t want money to be the reason you miss out on the benefits of Nordic Walking and spending time with our lovely group of friends. If you are already a member of Fit and Happy Outdoors and you pay monthly, then the Tuesday session is included in your fee. No extra payment is necessary (unless you’d like to sponsor someone who cannot pay) How does it work? 1) Please email me at Ailien at Fitandhappyoutdoors dot com, and let me know if you agree with me sending you an invoice for the full rate, or if you need a reduced rate. 2) I will then send you an invoice with my bank details on it. 3) Once I have received your payment in my bank account, I will hand you a 10-session card at the first session I see you 4) Every time you come walking on Tuesday, I will stamp your card 5) Once you have walked 10 times, I will send you a new invoice for the next 10. Payment: I really, really, prefer bank transfers. If you really do not do bank transfers, then you can pay me in cash. No cheques please (I really try to avoid having to go to the bank, it is just too much hassle). If you or a friend only comes once in a very blue moon, then they can pay £5 in cash for the session (only banknotes please. Help a girl out, I do enough weightlifting already 😊) Are you a walk leader? You are always welcome and do not have to pay me. I am grateful for your help! Do we still need to sign up? 1) Have your own poles? No need to sign up. But, if there is a weather warning, please check in with me as I might have to cancel and if I don’t know you are planning to come, I might not be able to tell you it’s cancelled 2) Happy to use the Meetup app, then sign up for your walk here? If you sign in, I will know you are planning to come, and it will be easy for me to let you know if I do need to cancel a session. 3) Need to borrow poles from me? Please text me ON THE DAY OF THE WALK to ask me to bring a set. My number is 078 078 3456 4. Just use normal text, no Whatsapp please, as I will probably miss your message. Any questions? Feel free to reply to this email, or text me on the number above.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO TAKE PART? You just need to RSVP using the button on this page, and show up on Sunday. That is true for both DMs and players. You must be 18+ to attend. If this is your first time or looking to join a game, please find the Sunday Hosts Edward or Jason on your arrival. We will point you towards a game you can join. There is no charge, membership fee or subscription. However, a collection tin may be circulated by the Organiser/Assistant Organiser/Host towards the running of the Meetup. There is a recommended donation of £2 cash per attendee (DM or player), but contributions are purely voluntary: you are under no obligation. We do not track or record who donates what TIMES Please ensure you arrive between 12:30pm and 1.00pm. **If you arrive later than 1pm, it may not be possible to find you a game.** I'VE NEVER PLAYED BEFORE, IS THAT A PROBLEM? Nope! You do not have to have previous experience of D&D or another tabletop role-playing game. We will have newbie-friendly games on Sunday. WHAT DO I HAVE TO BRING? Nothing. If you have dice, paper and pencil, and a Player’s Handbook, then bring them, but it’s not a problem if you don’t. We can lend you everything you need including a pre-generated character. I'M NOT FROM THE UK, THAT ISN'T A PROBLEM, RIGHT? Actually, we have loads of members from other countries; at times, we’ve had more ex-pats than Brits. We get a lot of people joining who’ve just moved to London from another country, left their old D&D friends behind, and who are looking for a new gaming group, so you don’t need to worry about not fitting in. The one catch is that your English does need to be OK. You don't have to be perfectly fluent, but roleplaying’s a language-based activity and if your listening isn't decent you may have trouble following what’s going on. Lots of our members speak more than one language, but we can't guarantee that we can place you in a game with someone who can interpret for you. DUNGEON MASTERS We are always on the look-out for DMs. If you would like to run a game, please PM Edward_w or Jason Sia. HYGIENE & ANTI-COVID GUIDELINES If you are symptomatically ill or suspect/know you have caught covid in the last 10 days but are asymptomatic, please do NOT attend. Please wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and/or a face shield whenever possible. This is not a rule, merely a request. Please wash your hands and/or use hand sanitiser gel frequently. If you test positive for covid after attending an event, please contact Zander the Meetup Organiser, immediately. If possible, please let Zander know your Dungeon Master's name. **VENUES AND MONEY MATTERS** **The venues are businesses and, as such, rely on us spending on food and drink while we are there**. Our continued use of the venues is dependent upon it. Please spend as much as you reasonably can; if you are thinking of having lunch at your venue, please do. The venues have vegetarian and vegan options. Please do NOT bring drink from outside except tap water in a transparent plastic bottle. Please do NOT bring food from outside. Bringing food or drink (except tap water) from outside can result in you being permanently banned by the venue's management. Guide dogs are absolutely fine. Other dogs and pets may not be permitted subject to the discretion of the Pub Staff & Organisers. If you have any questions, please post it in the comments below or PM Edward_w or Jason, the Sunday Hosts.

**\*\*\* YOU NEED TO PURCHASE A VENUE TICKET. PLEASE SEE BELOW \*\*\*** WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO TAKE PART? **1\. You *must* RSVP using the Attend button on this page.** That's true for both DMs and players. **2.** You must be **18+** to attend. **3\. YOU MUST REGISTER AND BUY A VENUE TICKET** [HERE](https://www.arcadiagames.co.uk/meetup/p/28mar-grk59-d747e-nfjbt-wpjt7-zcn7j-sd2e8)**. Venue tickets are £6 per person (for players and DMs).** If you don't have a card for online purchases, please PM Zander, the Meetup Organiser as soon as you can. The Arcadia site may say that your event doesn't have a DM, but don't worry, it will. That just means that your DM will be a Meetup DM, not an Arcadia DM. **4.** Please **check in with the Arcadia** **team** behind the bar of 'The Tavern', a communal room on the first floor. Then find **Zander**, the Meetup Organiser in 'The Square', another communal room on the same floor. You'll then be assigned to a game. TIMES Please ensure you arrive **by 12.30pm** (at noon for DMs). If you arrive late, it may not be possible to find you a game. If you're part of a group of two or more, you all have to be 18+, RSVP for yourselves (no 'plus ones') and arrive just after 12pm on the day, not 12.30pm. If you arrive at 12.30pm, you'll still be able to play, but may be placed in different games. DO I NEED TO KNOW THE RULES OF D&D? DO I HAVE TO BRING OR PREPARE ANYTHING? **You don't have to have any knowledge of D&D's rules or have previous experience of D&D or another tabletop role-playing game.** You don't have to bring or prepare anything. We can lend you everything you need including a pre-generated character. If you want to bring or create your own character, please just after 12pm and discuss your character with your assigned DM. Please respect their decision in the unlikely event that they say you have to use a pre-generated character. They may have story or rules reasons they can't disclose. DUNGEON MASTERING We're always on the look-out for DMs. If you'd like to DM, please PM Zander in the Organiser list ASAP. VENUES AND MONEY MATTERS The venue is a businesses and, as such, relies on us spending on food and drink while we are there. Our continued use of the venue is dependent upon it. Please spend as much as you reasonably can; if you're thinking of having lunch at the venue, please do. The venue has vegetarian and vegan options. The venue accept payment by card, cash, Apple Pay and Google Pay, so please bring one of those. Please do NOT bring drink from outside except tap water in a transparent plastic bottle. Please do NOT bring food from outside. Bringing food or drink (except tap water) from outside can result in you being permanently banned by the venue's management. HYGIENE If you're ill or suspect you're coming down with a contagious sickness such as covid or flu, please do **NOT** attend. If you're unwell, you may be asked to leave. DOGS AND PETS Guide dogs are absolutely fine. Other dogs and pets aren't permitted. \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ If you have any questions not answered above, please PM Zander, the Organiser.

**We are currently full. Should you want to attend, please contact our organisers first via our website.** We meet every Friday to play various Tapletop Role Playing Games (RPGs). Our venue is in Chislehurst, South East London within easy reach of Bexley, Bromley, Dartford, Eltham, Lewisham, Greenwich, Orpington and Sidcup. Doors open at 19:00 for our ‘kebab chat’ to catch up and discuss all things geeky! Feel free to bring your own food and drink. Our games usually start by 19:45 and end around 23:00 (although time is not a limit should the group be happy to play longer). If you’re interested in joining or running a game, please either message the management team or drop a message in the chat below. We are open to playing all RPG’s if there is an interest. You can find out more Dragons Keep on our website: https://www.dragonskeep.co.uk or on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DragonsKeepUK

Dinner and dancing

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

...and speaking of breakthrough roles: who can forget the first time we saw Tom Cruise singing Bob Seeger in his underwear? Often considered an updated 1983 version of The Graduate, the movie sparkles with memorable lines and original music. I only regret that I was never told that "Princeton could use someone like Bob..." See the movie first and join us for some "Cruisin'"

We will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH

**Caller: Kim Thompson** **Band: Full Moon Country Dance Orchestra** **Clinton Heights Lutheran Church** **15 Clinton Heights Ave, Columbus, OH 43202** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

How do we recover from having had a toxic or narcissistic ex? How do we move on from the past, especially something as traumatic as a divorce or breakup? How do we avoid anxiety and depression? How do we have more self esteem? In this meeting, you will learn the mental health secrets to help you quickly get over the past and heal your mind. 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 & Scientology life improvement center.

Join us as we get together for a Discount Tuesday / Choose Your Movie event to see your choice of two great new films! Option 1 (and the one I'll be seeing) is the top-reviewed comedy-drama, THE CHRISTOPHERS! The film is set in the art world and follows the estranged children of a former artist who hire a forger. It is directed by Steven Soderberg, stars Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel and has been earning rave reviews on the indie circuit. Option 2 is the latest action-thriller starring Bob Odenkirk, NORMAL! The film follows a temporary small-town sheriff who uncovers dark mysteries after a local bank robbery. Here are descriptions, trailers and our plan for this event: THE CHRISTOPHERS: The children of a once famous artist hire a forger to complete some unfinished, long ago abandoned canvases so they'll have a better inheritance when he dies. It is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning and James Corden. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film is earning an excellent 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it a “dynamic, emotional and surprising journey” and a “compelling chamber piece that works like intellectual comfort food.” Others call the film, an “incredibly funny, comedy drama with plot reversals that make it feel like it’s on the verge of a thriller!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H79-EqzmdwY&t=20s NORMAL: This action-crime-thriller follows a man who comes to the sleepy town of Normal, Minnesota to serve as the temporary sheriff. But a bank robbery leads him to a criminal underground reaches throughout the entire town. The film is directed by Ben Wheatley and stars Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler and Lena Headey. The film comes from the same team that brought us Nobody and the John Wick series, so expect an over-the-top, action-filled thrill ride! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmm-lM33Qw0&t=19s PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing of both films and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime. Once showtimes are announced, advance ticket purchase is advised (GFC website preferred)! Please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event. Showtimes and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan