Socialize and Make Friends with Common Interests

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

Coffee and conversation at [The Roosevelt Coffeehouse](https://www.olentangybrew.com/roosevelt-coffee), located at Olentangy River Brewing. They will also have a Venezuelan [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) that always gets good reviews.

Our group, KIND MEALS, will be picking up the tab for pizzas, at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT SLICE, on Sunday, February 8th from 12-2pm. We will be trying out MIKEY'S Vegan Fake-ass BBQ Chick'n pizza and Vegan Fake-ass Pepperoni pizza, as well as some other special vegan pizzas that are served there. All the vegan pizzas are covered with Selfish Cow vegan cheese. The pizza is free, drinks on your own. Join us to learn more about **[KIND MEALS](https://kindmealscolumbus.org)** (a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Cols. Ohio, providing hunger relief services to those in need). All of the food we serve is fresh and vegan! If you love working with community, being of service, looking to hang with some fun like-minded people, and just love to socialize on a Sunday afternoon, join us for some FREE vegan pizzas at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT on 4th and Main. Mikey said the more the merrier!

Let's check out a Popular Astronomy and Science Based Film at COSI Science Center on their HUGE 360 Degree 4K Spherical Dome Screen Theater, in which is touring the nation and has already sold over 10,000 tickets! COSI is one of the leading Science Centers in America. Alan Watts was one of the Most Influential Amateur Astronomers of the 20th Century and held fascinating views of the Galaxy. Tickets are only $33 plus a small fee and taxes and can be purchased here: [Trust the Universe: Immersive Dome Show](https://www.sphericalpictures.com/tickets) PLEASE purchase tickets for the 8:15 PM Feature on Friday, February 15. There seem to be at least 10 tickets left, possibly more. We should be able to sit together in the same row or at least in the general section. This is an exciting chance to view actual footage of the Solar System on a Large 4k Resolution Screen plus added in Cosmological and Astronomical Related Philosophy! We will plan on meeting at about 7:50 PM by the Atomic Cafe on the first Floor of COSI, where the Movie Theater is located, in order to give us time before the show starts to purchase refreshments. Parking is available at the COSI Garage and in the area on side streets and adjacent garages. We can also walk somewhere in the area and get food afterwards, if anyone wants to do so. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

Start the year surrounded by Love From the Earth—with delicious vegan eats, sweet treats, artisan goods, and a chance to win one of our raffle baskets filled with plant-based goodies. Support small businesses, enjoy great food, and spend a cozy day with the community. We will reserve a table for this group if there is enough interest. Just comment "interest" below. Don’t miss out—see you there! Check [event page](https://www.facebook.com/events/893838639773267/) for a vendor list.

**Comedy Night + Open Mic + Freestyle**: We've hired a professional comedian to warm the group up for our open mic session. Members have been making me laugh for years and we've tossed around the idea of a comedy night / open mic. Well, It's time to step up and crack me up. We'll start with Tristan Shae and a couple of his friends. Tristan is an alternative comic from Columbus, Ohio. A counselor by day, Tristan explores how comedy can improve mental health by telling jokes and stories that muse on how absurd life can be from squeaky clean topics to not so clean ones. Tristan produces the variety show Cheaper Than Therapy, hosts the weekly Problem Child Alt Comedy Open Mic at The Attic, and can be found engaging in all sorts of silliness around the city from stand up shows at The Nest Theater, The Attic, or The Funny Bone, to improv and sketch shows with various groups at various venues such as The Hashtag Comedy Club. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

**Celebrate National Meatball Day!** Let's set off on a culinary trail to taste test Italian meatballs! **Carrabbas** happy hour and their wonderful meatball sliders! **Note:** We'll be in their ***large bar area for Happy Hour pricing*** \- specially priced sangrias\, wine and cocktails alongside several yummy appetizers\. You are welcome to order sunday dinner entrees\, too\. **What is National meatball day?** * Whether you prefer the classic spaghetti and meatballs, or just love to pick up a meatball sub for lunch, you are sure to want to celebrate National Meatball Day on March 9 . We may never know who invented National Meatball Day because there are no records of this unofficial holiday being created. But whoever did it was definitely onto something.

We’re hosting a Super Bowl Party. We’ll have a taco bar, drinks flowing, plenty of laughs, and a relaxed vibe. Come for the game, stay for the people. Whether you love football or just enjoy great conversation, good food, and good company, come join us.✌️.

For our next dinner event, Avenue Steak Tavern in Dublin, Ohio! A few friends have been raving about the great food and super friendly service, so it’s time for us to see what the hype is about. Come hungry, bring your best conversation, and get ready for a night of good vibes and even better meals. 🍽️🥩

**Valentines Eve**: Love and friendship pair quite naturally with almost any wine. Go ahead. Give it a try at the Hilliard Wine Club Valentines Eve event. Pay no attention to the superstitious guy in the corner who keeps murmuring comments about it being Friday the 13th too. (Volunteers with decorations show up at least 15 minutes early to set the scene for a pleasant relaxing evening. Reminder - this is also another "Freestyle Night.") **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty (<--** *Subtle attempt to remind people that I am a Realtor*®) *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

**It's National Margarita Day!** Let's throw off our winter blahs and bask in the delight of margaritas and mexican food! We'll find a good spot...or, two to gather for drink specials, food and fiesta. [El Vaquero](https://www.vaquerorestaurant.com/menus) on Rte 161 Dublin has a huge bar area where we'll meet. Those wanting to sit down and eat dinner can grab a seat at our reserved table. Those just there for margs and chips n salsa can hang out in the bar. Their wonderful ***Happy Hour lasts til 8pm every night - Jumbo Margarita $9.99 Flavor $10.99!***

Come join us at [Natalies](https://nataliesgrandview.com/) in Grandview for a free Happy Hour show. **The doors open at 5:00 pm.** Tonight is Sirens, an all girl rock band. This club has a great vibe with drink and eats specials. **The show runs from 5:15 pm - 6:30 pm.** There is no admission charge, but tips for the band are strongly encouraged. ***RESERVATIONS ARE FOR A 8-TOP; overflow can sit at the bar, lean in, or find available all season patio seating. MEMBERS ONLY, please. No guests.*** *(I have to pay for no shows. If you cancel late or no show, you may be temporarily removed from the group)*

[Social Softball 2026 - Calendar - Columbus Ski Club](https://www.columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=686961&item_id=2871538&actr=3) CSC Softball is a competitive but friendly co-ed league. This is CSC’s largest activity with over 200 participants. Each team typically consists of 6 men and 6 women players. Some teams also have a Non-Playing Assistant (NPA) who helps keep score and organize cookouts. **2026 Regular Season:** Thursdays April 30th - July 30th 6:15pm/7:15pm \*No games the week of July 4th\* **End of Season Tournament:** August 8th-August 9th (All Day) \*5 Game Min., 7 Game Max\* **Location:** Anheuser Busch Fields 4990 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43214 **Ratings Clinic:** March 14th or March 21st 10:30am - 11:30am @ Busch Fields \*All New Players must attend 1 of the clinics\* **Team Accouncements:** April 3rd 6:00pm @ Coaches Bar & Grill **Team Practice Dates:** April 16th & April 23rd **Fees:** Coach/Player - $72 Sponsor - $310 Non Playing Assistant/Party Coordinator/Base Coach - $25

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!

Beginner Zouk Class & West Coast Swing Social Every First Friday of the Month $20 WCS class or party \| $25 for both Zouk class included with party Beginner Zouk class Friday Feb 6 at Crystal Ballroom's West Coast Swing party. Catch the WCS class at 7pm, followed by Zouk in the small ballroom from 8-9pm. If enough people turn out, I’ll play Zouk mixes in the small ballroom for y’all after class, and you're welcome to explore both rooms. No partner, no problem. We suggest bringing a water bottle and non-grippy shoes if you have them. I look forward to dancing with you! 7pm: West Coast Swing Class * Intro to WCS \| small ballroom * Continuing WCS with Corrine Smith \| main ballroom 8pm \- 9pm: Intro to Zouk \| small ballroom 8pm \- 10:30pm: WCS Social \| main ballroom Present. Connected. Beautifully Imperfect. We are **Ensō** dancers

Hello everyone! For our first dinner together, we’re keeping things low-key and casual. Take a look at the menu and let us know what you think we want this to be easy, relaxed, and enjoyable for everyone. Quick housekeeping note: many restaurants require most of the party to be present before seating. No-shows impact the entire group, so if someone repeatedly commits and doesn’t show more than once, we’ll have to remove you from future dinners to keep things fair and smooth for everyone. Looking forward to a great night and even better conversations 🍽️✨

If you enjoy knitting, crocheting, working with yarn, this is the group for you. Meet new friends, bring your projects, learn from others.
We normally meet a few times a month during the week from 6-8pm. We will occasionally meet on weekends during daytime hours.

Hello, my people let us try this board game meet after our usual meeting. I cannot stay for board game part but figured that you folks got that covered. Here is my plan - 5p meeting time for chatting - I’ll be there 5.30/6p onwards - boardgames - not hosted but I’ll set you guys up. I’ll be around if anyone wants to chat but have to leave by 6p Bring your favorite games and let’s have fun Any questions, please ask

Discuss the book and chat! After discussion, we will pick the book for next month and then offer up recommendations on things that we've seen, listened, watched, and upcoming events of interest.

Discuss the book and chat! After discussion, we will pick the book for next month and then offer up recommendations on things that we've seen, listened, watched, and upcoming events of interest.

Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization, by Neil deGrasse Tyson 2022, 288 pages Bringing his cosmic perspective to civilization on Earth, Neil deGrasse Tyson shines new light on the crucial fault lines of our time―war, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender, and race―in a way that stimulates a deeper sense of unity for us all. Please do your best to arrive at the beginning of the meeting – once we are in breakout rooms and the conversations have started, the meeting doors close to new arrivals. The breakout rooms open (and the doors close) approximately 15 minutes after the hour. We would love to hear your thoughts on our social media pages. Don't miss topic announcements, updates, news! Follow us on: * Instagram @crossingpartylines * Twitter @crosspartylines * Facebook @crossingpartylines

## Open Primaries: Opening Doors—or Changing the Game? Pre-Reads [Open primaries in the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_primaries_in_the_United_States) [State Primary Election Types | NCSL](https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/state-primary-election-types) Primary elections play a major role in determining which candidates appear on general election ballots, yet states take different approaches to how these elections are run. Open primaries, in particular, raise questions about who should be able to participate and how that participation shapes electoral outcomes. At this meeting, we’ll explore how open primaries work, how people understand their purpose, and what impacts they may have on voters, political parties, and elections in the United States. We’ll explore questions such as: * What do you see as the purpose of primary elections, and how do open primaries fit that purpose? * How might open primaries affect voter participation and representation? * In what ways could open primaries influence political parties and candidate selection? * What are some potential benefits and drawbacks of open primaries compared to closed primaries? Before this meeting, please take a few minutes to watch these videos, which explain the primary system and where open primaries fit within it. * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_95I_1rZiIs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_95I_1rZiIs) * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMequ6p9LLo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMequ6p9LLo) * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWpdzlSUp84](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWpdzlSUp84) This conversation will provide an opportunity to explore different perspectives and engage respectfully on how primary election systems shape democratic participation. Please do your best to arrive at the beginning of the meeting – once we are in breakout rooms and the conversations have started, the meeting doors close to new arrivals. The breakout rooms open (and the doors close) approximately 15 minutes after the hour. We would love to hear your thoughts on our social media pages. Don't miss topic announcements, updates, news! Follow us on: * Instagram @crossingpartylines * Twitter @crosspartylines * Facebook @crossingpartylines

##### **Capitalism vs. Socialism: Are We Testing the Boundaries?** Pre-reads [Socialism definition](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/socialism) Capitalism and socialism are often presented as opposing economic systems, yet in practice their ideas and policies frequently overlap. People across the political spectrum differ not only in their views of these systems, but also in how they define them and recognize them at work in everyday life. At this meeting, we’ll explore how people understand capitalism and socialism, how these systems—or elements of them—show up in different countries and policies, and how they shape lived experience. Rather than debating labels, we’ll focus on how economic systems influence daily life, opportunity, and tradeoffs. We’ll explore questions such as: * How do you understand the differences between capitalism and socialism? * Where do you see elements of capitalism or socialism showing up in everyday life? * What countries come to mind when you think of capitalist or socialist systems, and why? * How, in your view, do these systems approach ideas like freedom, risk, reward, and shared responsibility? * How do you see economic systems shaping daily life for individuals and families? Before this meeting, please take a few minutes to watch the videos below, which explain * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrmimbzkSAg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrmimbzkSAg) * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdfru9NHGvE This conversation will offer an opportunity to explore different perspectives and engage respectfully on how economic systems—and the ideas behind them—shape daily life. Please do your best to arrive at the beginning of the meeting – once we are in breakout rooms and the conversations have started, the meeting doors close to new arrivals. The breakout rooms open (and the doors close) approximately 15 minutes after the hour. We would love to hear your thoughts on our social media pages. Don't miss topic announcements, updates, news! Follow us on: * Instagram @crossingpartylines * Twitter @crosspartylines * Facebook @crossingpartylines

Don’t eat lunch alone! If you work from home, are a stay-at-home parent, or are under house arrest :D join us on a Ludio call for some casual conversation and lighthearted games. Ludio ([https://ludio.gg](https://ludio.gg/)) is a videoconferencing platform with games built directly into it. We play all sorts of card games, word games, drawing games, bluffing games, trivia games, party games, and more - all of them are easy to learn, quick to play, and very social. An experienced host will teach you all the games - and keep the event fun and safe! We advertise this event in multiple groups and many of our regulars don’t RSVP anymore. RSVPs are not indicative of how many people will show up - we get a consistent turnout of 5-10 people. Requirements: * You will need a computer OR a tablet (no phones, sorry) * You need to use a Chromium-based browser (e.g. Google Chrome) * You will need a microphone to participate in the games … cameras are optional but highly encouraged

Do you get anxious when talking to people — or even thinking about it? Do your thoughts race with worries about being judged, rejected, or not “good enough”? You’re not alone — and you’re not broken. Social anxiety is incredibly common, and it can make even simple conversations feel overwhelming. This workshop is a calm, supportive space where you can understand *why* this happens and what you can do to feel more comfortable around people. *** ### ⭐ In this free online event, we’ll gently explore: * Why social anxiety shows up even when you *want* to connect * Where those fears and insecure thoughts come from * Why your mind jumps to worst-case scenarios * Why it feels so hard to introduce yourself or start conversations * Simple steps to feel more relaxed when talking to people You won’t be asked to speak unless you want to. You can attend with your camera off. Just come, listen, and take what helps you. *** ### ⭐ This workshop is perfect if you: * Avoid conversations because you’re afraid of judgment * Worry you’re “not good enough” or don’t know what to say * Feel anxious when meeting new people * Struggle to connect in relationships * Want to feel more confident socially If social anxiety has held you back, this event can help you understand what’s happening inside your mind — and how to take the pressure off yourself. *** Come join us for a relaxed, supportive hour where you can learn at your own pace. This Meetup is sponsored by the **Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.** 📌 Adults 18\+ \| Free Online Event

I get it, we make these bold plans and then life happens and nothing changes… health, career, social life… so much to deal with and so little time. The good news is there is one thing you can focus on that will increase your results in pretty much every single area of your life: becoming more socially confident. **It’s the most important thing for your longevity, your sense of well being, your career success, your happiness quotient.** Across the board, your ability to connect with others is your BIGGEST advantage in life. Come check out our free workshop to help you get to know **where to meet like minded people** in the real world, exactly what you should say and **how to keep the conversation going once you get it started.** My name is Devon Ash and I’ve been teaching this stuff for 18 years through my company [www.socialfluency.com](http://www.socialfluency.com) so the things I am going to be sharing are reality tested and proven, I’m not just going to be regurgitating something I read somewhere or advice that ai has generated by scraping the internet. This is the real deal! Come join us and learn the art and science of powerful communication.