People of Color

The Council of Solace is a special meditation where we gather to direct our spiritual energy to help bring about healing and peace to the world. Many people do this as part of a daily practice in service of others and find it to be a personally enriching experience that provides them with a sense of renewal. Please join us as we gather for a noontime meditation each weekday.

**IMPORTANT: Make sure you join the [groupchat](https://www.sweatpals.com/host/No_Excuses_) as this event detail may not be accurate/most up to date. All announcements&changes will be made in [No Excuses Except Lightning’s groupchat](https://www.sweatpals.com/host/No_Excuses_) on [SweatPals app](https://sweatpals.com/download)!** **[Click to RSVP](https://www.sweatpals.com/search?search=Monday%20track%20night%20%20No%20Excuses%20Except%20Lightning)** Event Description: Cedar Valley Middle School track gate opens at 5:30 for independent warm up. Drills then the workout starts at 6:00. Each week is a new workout with options for new to advanced runners. Discover [more fun fitness & wellness events in Austin like this](https://sweatpals.com/events) on the [SweatPals app](https://sweatpals.com/download)

Join us for Monday morning coffee, crafting and conversation! Bring what ever portable project you are working on. If you are new to the craft there are usually folks to help you learn. There are a variety of coffee and tea items and a tiny selection of pastry items. Pineview Coffee Company is a small yet spacious coffee shop on the 1st floor inside the Aspen Lake Amenity building. There is only a small sign by the door that has the name of the coffee shop so it can be a little challenging to find. Hope to see you there! PS unofficially part of this group meets here every Monday so come what ever week you can.

Start your weekday strong. This morning meetup is for people who want consistency, accountability, and good company while doing their own workout. No group programming, no coaching. Just show up, train, stay motivated, and support each other. Strength, cardio, mobility, or skill work — whatever fits your goals. **Important Note** Participation requires an active Anytime Fitness membership for this location (or a valid multi-location pass). We cannot provide access to the gym. **Who It’s For** • Preparing for hikes or outdoor trips • Building a steady morning routine • Prefer independent workouts with community around **Location** Anytime Fitness 5290 N A.W. Grimes Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oEzp2osVFzHvGy9L7 **Schedule** 4:00 AM — Arrive, warm up 4:15–5:45 AM — Individual workouts (optional shared circuits) 5:45–6:00 AM — Cooldown and quick check-in Stay the entire time or come for what you can. Consistency matters more than duration. **Bring** • Water and workout gear • Your workout plan (optional) **Expectations** • Update your RSVP if your plans change • Be on time when possible • Respect the gym environment and other members • Aim for steady attendance — habit is the goal A friendly, low-pressure way to start the day strong, build discipline, and train alongside others without needing a structured class.

Come play pickleball and make new friends at Pickleland! 🏓 \*\*\* **Important: Please sign up on the Pickleland App ([iOS](https://pickleland.com/ios) \| [Android](https://pickleland.com/android)) or [website](https://play.pickleland.com) directly.** \*\*\* We divide our open play by levels! 😄 (All levels welcome!) If you've never played, come and learn the rules! We have other beginners join us every day. You don't need a paddle, we have some you can rent ($10)! If you are an avid player, come and find some nice and friendly competition. If this time doesn't work for you, we are open M-F 8am to 10pm, and Sat-Sun 8am-8pm. Find other times on the Pickleland App ([iOS](https://pickleland.com/ios) \| [Android](https://pickleland.com/android)) or [website](https://play.pickleland.com). The website and app will show the most accurate roster and sign up count! Follow [@picklelandatx](https://www.instagram.com/picklelandatx/) for more! **⭐️ Come see why we were recently named the "Best Pickleball Club" in Austin by Austin Pickleball Update and 750+ other players!**

Come play pickleball and make new friends at Pickleland! 🏓 \*\*\* **Important: Please sign up on the Pickleland App ([iOS](https://pickleland.com/ios) \| [Android](https://pickleland.com/android)) or [website](https://play.pickleland.com) directly.** \*\*\* We divide our open play by levels! 😄 (All levels welcome!) If you've never played, come and learn the rules! We have other beginners join us every day. You don't need a paddle, we have some you can rent ($10)! If you are an avid player, come and find some nice and friendly competition. If this time doesn't work for you, we are open M-F 8am to 10pm, and Sat-Sun 8am-8pm. Find other times on the Pickleland App ([iOS](https://pickleland.com/ios) \| [Android](https://pickleland.com/android)) or [website](https://play.pickleland.com). The website and app will show the most accurate roster and sign up count! Follow [@picklelandatx](https://www.instagram.com/picklelandatx/) for more! **⭐️ Come see why we were recently named the "Best Pickleball Club" in Austin by Austin Pickleball Update and 750+ other players!**

Looking for a change of scenery to boost your productivity? Join our energizing & free coworking sessions at [Pickleland](https://pickleland.com/)! Our spacious, welcoming facility is perfect for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and creatives looking to get some work done, play pickleball between meetings, and stay active. Take advantage of our free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a great selection of snacks and drinks. * **📆 When:** Monday–Friday, 9 AM–12 PM and 2 PM–5 PM * **📍 Where:** Pickleland - 21427 Martin Lane, Pflugerville, TX 78660 * **💻 How:** Productive sprints of 45-55 min, with rests in between for chatting, unwinding, and connection. Note: **Playing pickleball is optional and it costs $5 M-F 7am-4pm, or $15 otherwise**. Paddles can be rented for an additional fee. Sign up for a session [here](https://play.pickleland.com/programs?facility_id=970&category=Open+Play&search=&view=grid) (we divide them by level, so no worries if you are a complete beginner, we are a friendly crowd!). ✅ PLEASE RSVP. We have this event posted on multiple sites so the attendee count might be larger than what Meetup shows :)

## Hegel Reading Group: *Phenomenology of Spirit* **Hosted by Elena** 📍 Epoch Coffee, 221 W North Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 🗓 **Saturday, January 3** 🕐 **1:00–3:00 PM** Hegel’s *Phenomenology of Spirit* has a legendary reputation: daunting, dense, and—according to critics like Schopenhauer and Russell—borderline incomprehensible. And yet, it remains one of the most influential philosophical works of the modern era, shaping everything from Marxist theory to contemporary debates in logic, science, and political thought. This reading group exists for people who feel the pull of Hegel despite the dread. We approach the *Phenomenology* through **slow reading and collective interpretation**, prioritizing depth over speed. The goal is not to “conquer” Hegel, but to think *with* him—carefully, critically, and in conversation with others. ### What we explore * Self-consciousness, freedom, and recognition * Individuality, action, and ethical life * Contradiction and dialectical thinking * The relationship between Hegel’s system and empirical science * Whether Hegelian contradiction challenges or complements formal logic * Why this text still matters in our current historical moment ### Format * Open, roundtable discussion * No lectures, no performance philosophy * Questions and disagreement are welcome * You can speak a lot, or mostly listen—both are valid **We’ll be asking questions like:** * Where do we use good language to cover missing action? * How does our “inner law” quietly become pressure on others? * What survives when our ideals meet the real world? ### **Reading for this meeting** We are continuing our progression through the *Phenomenology*. **Current focus:** **§394 — *Individuality, Which, to Itself, is Real in and for Itself*** (From the section on Reason) If you’re new, prior readings are helpful but **not required**. This is a continuing group, but newcomers are always welcome. ### Previous sections covered * Preface: On Scientific Cognition * Introduction * Sense-Certainty * Perception: Or the Thing and Deception * Force and the Understanding * The Truth of Self-Certainty * Lordship and Bondage * Reason and its development toward individuality ### Text A **free PDF** of the Pinkard translation is available here: 👉 [https://files.libcom.org/files/Georg%20Wilhelm%20Friedrich%20Hegel%20-%20The%20Phenomenology%20of%20Spirit%20(Terry%20Pinkard%20Translation).pdf](https://files.libcom.org/files/Georg%20Wilhelm%20Friedrich%20Hegel%20-%20The%20Phenomenology%20of%20Spirit%20(Terry%20Pinkard%20Translation).pdf) *(If you’re using the Miller translation, be cautious with the paragraph summaries at the end—read them skeptically.)* ### Schedule We meet **every two weeks on Saturdays**. This session begins at **1:00 PM** to allow more time for discussion.

**South Congress Walking Tour with The Salty Doughnut Before and/or After** Saturday, January 3 - 10:00 am. All are welcome. Meeting Point: In front of The Salty Doughnut: 2000 South Congress - Austin. Event hosted by our sister-group: **Austin, TX History & Culture**. Meetup: [https://www.meetup.com/atxhistoryandculture/events/310457729/](https://www.meetup.com/atxhistoryandculture/events/310457729/) Eventbrite: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/south-congress-walking-tour-with-the-salty-doughnut-before-andor-after-tickets-1574502512399](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/south-congress-walking-tour-with-the-salty-doughnut-before-andor-after-tickets-1574502512399) If you come to Austin for the walk tour you’ll need to make your own travel arrangements. *** Meet people, see beautiful and historic Austin scenery, get some steps in, and have fun! Join Robert, Michele, and a group of friendly people for a casual walk up and down South Congress Avenue (SoCo). **South Congress** (abbreviated SoCo) is a neighborhood located on South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, United States. It is also a nationally known shopping and cultural district known for its many eclectic small retailers, restaurants, music and art venues and, more recently, food trucks. South Congress begins at the Colorado River and Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge and runs due south towards Ben White Boulevard/TX-71. The area is bordered by two historic South Austin neighborhoods: Travis Heights to the east and Bouldin Creek to the west. Since its humble beginnings in the 1850s, South Congress Avenue has been transformed from a rural country road to the capital city gateway and, finally, to the shopping district that it is today. Some Austinites attribute its enduring popularity to the unobstructed view of the Texas State Capitol. *** **Event Details ...** **Cost**: FREE for the guided walking tour. Doughnuts before and/or after at your own expense. **Weather**: The event will take place light rain or shine. If it’s on our calendar then we’re proceeding as planned. **Parking**: Many options throughout the area (free and paid). If driving, please arrive in the area several minutes early so that you have plenty of time to find parking and walk to our meeting point. **Meeting Point**: 10:00 am in front of The Salty Doughnut: 2000 South Congress - Austin. Look for your hosts Robert (wearing a fedora-style hat) & Michele (also wearing a hat), along with a group of friendly people. **Before the Event**: Socializing from 9:45 am - 10:10 am at The Salty Doughnut, and we’ll depart on our walk at approximately 10:10. **Icebreaker Introductions**: We should have a good-sized group and so instead of everyone introducing themselves to the group we will get to know each other by distributing blank stickers and colored markers and we’ll invite everyone to write down on their sticker: 1). first name. 2). favorite food. 3). dream vacation. Example: “**Michele - Strawberries - Kenya**” or “**Robert - Chocolate - Japan**”. **Late Arrivals**: If you arrive after our start time just catch up. **Itinerary - Subject to Change**: The Salty Doughnut (starting point) South Congress Avenue (south to north – east side of the street) South Congress Avenue (north to south – west side of the street) The Salty Doughnut (ending point) **Walking Distance**: Approximately two miles with a few short breaks for photos, hydration, rest, etc. along the way. **Ending Point**: The Salty Doughnut (our starting point). **After the Event**: To be determined. Lunch? **Additional Questions**: Anything that can't be answered by the event description, Google, or common sense, please let us know. *** Your host for this program is **Robert Kelleman**, the founder/director of the non-profit community organizations Texas History & Culture and Washington, DC History & Culture. **Texas History & Culture** A non-profit community organization. *Experience the history and culture of Texas - and the world!* Meetup: [https://www.meetup.com/DallasFortWorthHistoryAndCulture/](https://www.meetup.com/DallasFortWorthHistoryAndCulture/) Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/TexasHistoryAndCulture/](https://www.facebook.com/TexasHistoryAndCulture/) YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@TexasHistoryAndCulture/videos](https://www.youtube.com/@TexasHistoryAndCulture/videos) Eventbrite: [https://TexasHistoryAndCulture.eventbrite.com](https://TexasHistoryAndCulture.eventbrite.com) **Donations Support Our Non-Profit Community Programs - Thank You!** PayPal: DCHistoryAndCulture@gmail.com Venmo: @DCHistoryAndCulture GoFundMe: [https://gofund.me/d29491c0](https://gofund.me/d29491c0) We look forward to seeing you - thanks! Robert Kelleman rkelleman@yahoo.com 202-821-6325 (text only) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkelleman/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkelleman/)

Cedar Park / Leander / Liberty Hill "Coffee Hour" by **Networking Local™** is mingle-style networking event over coffee. We meet at **SCOTTSDALE Red Horn Brewery & Roastery** in Leander from 8:30-9:30am on Wednesday mornings. We LOVE to support LOCAL businesses like this with great coffee, atmosphere and tacos (they have Mexican-style food kitchen). Swing on by, meet your business neighbors and, most importantly, Stay Local! Be sure to LIKE our FB page via networkinglocal.org for pictures **(SOCIAL PROOF)** updates and future events. Please RSVP so you accurately reserve space and so our host location, Red Horn Brewery & Roastery, can properly accommodate us. STAY LOCAL my friend! This group has previously been the Cedar Park / Leander Community Business Group for years as we have been connecting local business people who live and/or work in the area. Hope to see you soon.

First attempt at this. If it's good, we'll do it again. If it sucks, we tried. (Event photo is from a recent trip to Flagstaff. Stock photos of fake people drinking coffee are the worst.) **Why I'm doing this:** You're the average of the people you spend the most time with. Running a business solo means I've been spending most of my time with myself. And AI tools, which are great for thinking through business problems, but terrible for actual human connection. I want to raise that average. Looking for people who want real conversations. Not networking, not pitches, just the kind of talk that makes you think differently about what you're building and why. If we all end up making a few friends along the way, even better. **What to expect:** Coffee. Conversation. No pitches, no elevator speeches, no going around the table introducing ourselves like it's a corporate icebreaker. Just show up and talk like a normal human. **Ground rules:** * No pitching your business * No recruiting * No MLM talk * No hustle porn **RSVP cap:** 6 people max so it doesn't turn into a crowd. **Location:** Transcend Coffee & Roastery in Grove City **Time:** Friday, January 16th at 11 AM. See you there!

**Community Dance – Every Friday at Unity of Columbus** Let go of the week’s stress and move into joy! Join us every Friday for an evening of community, connection, and dance at Unity of Columbus. It’s a chance to meet new friends, express yourself through movement, and experience the emotional healing that comes from music and rhythm. No dance experience needed — just bring your energy, an open heart, and your dancing shoes! Dance is freedom. Dance is healing. Dance is fun.

NEW YEAR PARTY

❄️ **Spare Yourself a Boring Winter - Bowl With Us!** Avoid social hibernation this winter, join our **6-week social bowling league** starting in January! Whether you're looking to unwind after work, meet new people, or just have a fun night out with pals, this league is perfect for everyone! Chill times, cold drinks, and plenty of chances to connect with others. No matter your skill level, this league is all about having fun and meeting new friends. **;)** **🗓 Thursday evenings \|📍 AMF Sawmill Lanes \| 💵 $74 w/ code MUCOW26** **💻 League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling **Why Join?** 🎉 It’s only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan 🍻 Great mix of people in their 20s-40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar 🎳 Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome! 👕 Free league shirt if you sign up early 🧠 Weekly trivia w/ prizes 💬 Super social - join solo or w/ friends! **Want in?** Join our Meetup team Pinbusters 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/26w6mo8l Or start a team of your own with a few friends - we’ll all be hanging out either way! 📅 League Dates (Thursday evenings): Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26 ***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)*** **Cost & What’s Included:** ✔ $74 with discount code MUCOW26 ✔ 6 weeks of bowling (1–3 games/week) ✔ Shoe rentals & full league setup ✔ Trivia, prizes, and great people 👉 **SIGN UP NOW** 💻League Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling 🤑Use promo code MUCOW26 to save $20 📸 Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG 📩 Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7 Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the fun times!

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** 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. Snacks to share are always welcome!

As we prepare to enter a new year, the Burning Bowl Ceremony offers a powerful and heartfelt opportunity to let go of what no longer serves us and make space for new beginnings. You are warmly invited to join us for this sacred and reflective ritual. The Burning Bowl Ceremony is a beloved Unity tradition—an empowering moment where we release old patterns, worries, or limiting beliefs by writing them down and symbolically releasing them into the flame. This act of letting go opens the door to clarity, peace, and transformation.