Nerd Culture

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

This special holiday event will be AT GAMEARENA near the Gateway!!! Come with games if you like but also come just to chill and relax with new and old friends before we end the 2025 year. Snacks will be provided and working to get holiday drinks like last year if you would like partake more at the bar. Play game at the main venue or other games COGG members bring! \-\-\- **Usual In-Person Notes** \-\-\- **Attendees:** Don't have a game to show? Not a problem! All are welcomed and invited from all ages and backgrounds. The more we can have to play test our games the better! **Developers:** Do you have a game that you would like to get critical feedback on? Would you like an excuse to work on a game with other talented artists, programmers, musicians, designers, and writers? Digital, table-top, non-experienced developers, and the like are welcomed! We'll provide signage for your game to help others learn more about your work. Wifi, outlets, tables, and seats (though standing tables also) are available. Come to the Prototype and Play workshop to collaborate and meet local game developers for an evening of epic and raw game play fun! Play works-in-progress, show off your own game, work with others to add polish to a game, or even lend your talents to other fellow developers. For this event, light snacks from the bar and water will be provided! Though you can purchase you own if you like at the bar: [https://www.game-arena.co/menu](https://www.game-arena.co/menu) Can use South Garage at the Gateway with a $5 voucher on your way out. 75 E 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9) If you have any questions or comments, as always, feel free to reach out to us at info@[thecogg.com](http://thecogg.com/)!

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Jennings Java Artisan Coffee Roasters](https://www.jenningsjava.com/)!

Join us for the Saturday the 20th ... As we celebrate the year end in gaming !!! Day two of our double header ...

Let's play various and sundry board games at [Crooked Can Brewing](https://crookedcanohio.com/)! The brewery has extensive food options, a good amount of space, and a large (free) parking lot. The games I bring come from the following list, but feel free to bring some of your own as well! 1. *[Bang!](https://www.amazon.com/dV-Giochi-VINCI-Bang-4th/dp/B001RU7UNW)* 2. *[Chinatown](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IVF4ZH0)* 3. *[Codenames](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014Q1XX9S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 4. *[Coup](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GDI4HX4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title)* 5. *[Deception](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019FPQZNG)* 6. *[Family Feud](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y5XD2HN)* 7. *[Just One](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W3PJTL2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 8. *[Mafia](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D97V536)* 9. [Mexican Train Dominoes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EULZDM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title) 10. [Playing cards](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E6Q8R6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) 11. *[The Resistance](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008A2BA8G?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title) ([Hidden Agenda](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OVZ693W?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title))* 12. *[Secret Hitler](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JKD4HYC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 13. *[Sequence](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NLKHQ3Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 14. *[Settlers of Catan](https://www.amazon.com/CATAN-Board-Game-Discovery-Civilization/dp/B00U26V4VQ)* 15. *[So Clover!](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0941TJHXX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 16. *[Splendor: Marvel](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DG63MBG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 17. *[Telestrations](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083J768O)* 18. *[Ticket to Ride](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0975277324/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 19. *[Tsuro](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002SQBB3O)* 20. *[Ultimate Werewolf](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MHWUJA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 21. *[Uno](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P6MZPK3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 22. *[Wits & Wagers](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09C916PWB)* 23. *[Yahtzee](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TLEMRKM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)*

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

# **Band: Firefly Trace, caller Kenny Greer** Beginner lesson at 7:30, regular dancing begins at 8:00 **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** 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. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

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

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

Hey there Black Love Friends! We're back for the final week of our 2025 **Pre-Resolution Fitness Challenge!** this week we will be at Franklin Park Conservatiry! Every Sat for the rest of 2025 we will be hosting a new challenge at a new park where all fitness levels are welcomed. What a great way to get a jump start on those fitness resolutions and make some new connections in the process. Don't wait reserve your spot today!

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

# Save the date! FUTURE MEETINGS! [](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/events/299189211//attendees/) [Hosted By](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/events/299189211//attendees/) [Dara T.](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/events/299189211//attendees/) This listing is information only. Each event will be scheduled individually. ## DO NOT TRY TO SIGN UP ON THIS LIST! January 12 , 2025 - Greek epiphany: Blessing of the Waters, Mad Greek Restaurant February 9, 2025 - Valentine's Day in Germany, Hillgarten Beer Garden, Hilliard March 15, 2025, Indian Holi Festival, Aab India Restaurant April 6, 2025 - Chinese: Hanchi / Qingming Festival May 4, 2025 - Japanese Golden Week, Akai Hana Japanese Restaurant June 8, 2025- Hawaiian King Kamehameha Day, Ohana Grill Hawaiian Restaurant July 5, 2025, 60's Nostalgia: Dance to the Moonbats, JT's Restaurant (Fabulous pub food and great beer, as well as dancing music). They play British Invasion music. Dining Out Fun Times Make New Friends ## Photos (1) [See all](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/photos/34336422) Add photos

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

$5 MOVIE NIGHT! With avatar fire and Ash, James Cameron takes audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with marine turned Navi leader Jake Sully. Navi Warrior, Naytiri and the Solly family. The film has a screenplay by James Cameron and Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. We will see the 6 PM showing and I will post my seat so that we can sit together. We can grab something to eat after if people want and chat to round out the experience. This is a MUST SEE MOVIE for me. I hope you feel the same. I will CANCEL if there are less than 5 RSVPs on the movie date.

❄️ **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 Gutterfingers 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/2b6s2c9j 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!