African Expats

Let’s meet and discuss this fun but moving collection of wildly creative short stories. (Photo credit: TimesNowNews.com)

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Belle's Bread Bakery and Cafe. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

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. 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."

Buongiorno! Director Gianfranco Rosi's newest documentary is out: Pompei: Below the Clouds. The Gateway is screening it this weekend. Andiamo alle 4.30pm venerdi' sera! I'll be there at 4.20 in the lobby. It's happy hour pricing so tickets should be only $7,75 Ecco il link: https://gatewayfilmcenter.org/movies/pompei-below-the-clouds-2026/

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!

***Okay, call me crazy but you have got to try their chip n dip!*** Club 185 is a true hidden gem in German Village! Seriously, old school, good comfort food and drink. We will try to gather in spaces near the windows. While we'll share Chip n Dip, you'll want to order a sandwich, too. **Where the Chip Began (1817)** Potato chips can be traced back to an English chef, William Kitchiner, who includes ‘crisps’ in his bestselling cookbook, “The Cook’s Oracle.” **Chip and Dip Popularity** The popularity of chip and dip skyrockets at the end of World War II with new entertainment fads and the introduction of Lipton’s new advertising campaign for their famous French Onion Dip. (Club 185 doesn't openly admit it, but I'm pretty sure that's their dip recipe!) **[Club 185](http://club185.com/)**—a true neighborhood bar serving since 1954, when it was known as a local 'speak-easy'. Located in German Village, Club 185 features a menu of quality casual comfort food and full bar. From politicians to lawyers, hardhats to hipsters—all find Club 185 the perfect place to tame their hunger and quench their thirst! **PARKING**: I know, brick street parallel parking can be a pain. Two other choices, metered parking along Livingston heading towards Children's Hospital or across the street in the large church lot (park in spaces farthest away from the church entrance doors, closer to the street). **PRE-EVENT**: **HAPPY HOUR (3-5pm)**: Italian drinks and bites at [Cento's happy hour](https://centogermanvillage.com/menus/), nearby.

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Belle's Bread Bakery and Cafe. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!

Join Black Love & Friends for an elevated evening of connection at the stunning rooftop lounge at Lincoln Social in downtown Columbus. Sip handcrafted cocktails, enjoy breathtaking skyline views, and engage in meaningful conversations with professionals and creatives in a relaxed, upscale atmosphere. This is more than a meetup — it's a space to build authentic connections, expand your circle, and enjoy Columbus nightlife at one of the city's most beautiful rooftop venues. ✨ Stylish atmosphere 🍸 Crafted cocktails 🌆 Iconic rooftop views 🤝 Genuine connections Space is limited and rooftop events fill quickly.

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!

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Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (**Tremont** Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.