Barack Obama

Am 29.12. um 18:00 Weihnachtsspezial: Offenes Singen „Zwischen den Jahren“: Wir packen unsere Lieblingslieder zusammen, singen gemeinsam bei Kerzenschein, Keksen, Tee oder Punsch. Weihnachten ist eine gute Zeit, um sich gegenseitig zu zeigen, dass wir wichtig füreinander sind. Gemeinsam singen schafft solch eine Gemeinschaft, selbst wenn wir uns vorher noch nicht kannten. Wer mag, bringt eine Kleinigkeit zum Wichteln mit, wickelt sie ein und schreibt einen guten Wunsch dazu. (Wichtiger Hinweis: es soll nichts kosten, nur eine kleine Geste sein.) Diese Dinge könntet ihr mitbringen: eine Kleinigkeit zum Verschenken, eine kleine Notiz mit einem guten Wunsch Liederbücher/Liederblätter, falls vorhanden eigene Instrumente, falls vorhanden eine Kleinigkeit zu essen (Kekse, Kuchen o. ä.) Für Getränke ist gesorgt Und wie immer gilt: Teilnahme auf Spendenbasis Um die Planung zu erleichtern, melde Dich bitte an unter: kontakt@heilsames-singen-berlin.de (Wer spontan kommen kann, ist natürlich ebenso willkommen!) Ich freue mich auf Euch und eine gemütliche und fröhliche gemeinsame Zeit. Eure Gesa

(English below) "Kann ein Walfisch ein Wellensittich sein?" \~> Natürlich nicht, denn Säugetiere sind niemals Vögel. "Kann ein Fenster ein Getränk sein?" \~> Jeder weis, das ist unmöglich, denn Baustoffe sind keine Flüssigkeiten. ABER: "Kann eine Demokratie eine Republik sein?" "Kann eine Vermutung eine Meinung sein?" "Ist etwas zu begreifen das Selbe wie etwas zu verstehen?" \~> Tja, jetzt wird's schwierig! Und es wird spannend... Nichts regt dermaßen zum nachdenken an wie dieses neue Gesellschaftsspiel. Die Spielregeln: 1. Jeder schreibt einen Begriff auf einen Zettel. 2. Die Zettel werden paarweise gezogen. 3. Per Beamer werfen wir die Bedeutung der zwei Wörter an die Wand. 4. jeder kann per Laptop (zur Not auch per Smartphone) die Bedeutung ergänzen / editieren, muss dafür ggf. Beispiele angeben warum etwas gleich sein können soll, oder nie gleich sein kann. 5. nach einer Zeit fällt niemandem mehr etwas ein. Unterschiede und Gemeinsamkeiten zwischen den beiden Begrifflichkeiten sind deutlich herausgearbeitet. Dann wird der Punktestand gezählt: (+1) Jeder verbliebene neue Beitrag in der Bedeutung ergibt einen Pluspunkt (-2) aber jeder wieder gelöschte neue Beitrag gibt zwei Minuspunkte. (+5) jede Verbesserung der bisherigen Bedeutung in Reclue ergibt plus 5 Pluspunkte Die Auffassungen aller Mitspieler werden viel klarer, erst recht wenn man häufig mitspielt. Und die Gewinner mit der höchsten Punktezahl erhalten den Preis des Tages. Das Spiel funktioniert auch mehrsprachig. Man kann auch von Zuhause aus online mitmachen. Den Zugang können wir dann über die Kommentare hier organisieren. Der Ort (irgendwo im Prenzlauer Berg) wird am Tag selbst spontan bekannt gegeben. Schach trainiert das Konzentrationsvermögen. Aber es hat mit der Wirklichkeit nichts zu tun. Dieses Spiel hingegen schon, denn genau mitdenken zu können setzt genau zu unterscheiden voraus. Andernfalls assoziiert man das eine sprunghaft mit etwas anderem. Aber ob die Assoziationskette notwendiger Weise der Fall ist, ist nicht klar. Und dann irrt man, entscheidet wenig optimal, verliert Zeit, usw. Nicht so, wenn man klug ist. Und wer die Bedeutung der Wörter sauber ausdifferenziert wird immer klüger. \*\*\* english version \*\*\* "Can a whale be a parakeet?" \~> Of course not! "Can a window be a drink?" \~> Everyone knows that's impossible. "Can a democracy be a republic?" "Can a conjecture be an opinion?" "Is grasping something the same as understanding something?" \~> Well, now it gets tricky! And it gets exciting... Nothing stimulates thought quite like this new party game. The rules: 1. Everyone writes a term on a slip of paper. 2. The slips of paper are drawn in pairs. 3. We project the meaning of the two words onto the wall using a projector. 4. Everyone can add to/edit the meaning using a laptop or smartphone, and must provide examples of why something could be the same, or could never be the same. 5. After a while, no one can think of anything else. The differences and similarities between the two words are clearly highlighted. Then the score is tallied: (+1) Each new entry adding meaning earns one point. (-2) However, each deleted entry deducts two points. (+5) Each improvement on the existing meaning in Reclue earns five points. The understanding of all players becomes much clearer, especially with frequent play. And the winners with the highest score receive the prize of the day. The game also works in multiple languages. You may join us from home using the internet. Comments in meetup-app will be used to organize that it works. The location (somewhere in Prenzlauer Berg) will be published the day when it takes place.

Das Sprachenatelier in Berlin hat ein großes Angebot an Sprachkursen. Es gibt Online-Deutschkurse sowie Präsenz-Deutschkurse, flexibel und effektiv. Mit qualifizierten, erfahrenen und engagierten Deutschlehrer:innen werden Konversation, Grammatik, Vokabular, Hören und Schreiben gleichermaßen trainiert. Wir bieten Intensivkurse, Teilzeitkurse und auch Einzelunterricht an. Falls du tagsüber keine Zeit hast, aber trotzdem Deutsch lernen bzw. deine Deutsch-Sprachkenntnisse erweitern möchtest, dann sind unsere Abendkurse genau das Richtige für dich. Auch hier ist ein Besuch online oder in Präsenz möglich. Sofern du bereits über Vorkenntnisse verfügst, führen wir eine schriftliche und mündliche Einstufung durch, um einen für dich passenden Kurs zu finden. **Preis:** ab 115€ Abendkurs Online 4 Wochen. Eine Preisübersicht für all unsere Kurse findest du [hier](https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/de/topic/5083.preise.html). **Wichtig!** Wenn du bei diesem Event teilnimmst, bist du noch **nicht** automatisch für einen Kurs bei uns im Sprachenatelier angemeldet. Du musst zuerst auf unsere Internetseite und dich dort anmelden. Ein Kurs ist nach Einstufungstest und Verfügbarkeit flexibel möglich. (Jeden Montag könnte man mit einem Kurs starten.) Intensivkurs: [https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/de/topic/3726.intensivkurse.html](https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/de/topic/3726.intensivkurse.html) Abendkurs: [https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/de/topic/3727.abendkurse-deutsch-berlin.html](https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/de/topic/3727.abendkurse-deutsch-berlin.html) Einzelunterricht: [https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/de/topic/3728.einzelunterricht-deutsch.html](https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/de/topic/3728.einzelunterricht-deutsch.html)

New in Berlin and craving some good company before the year ends? Join our **Social Butterfly Club** Meetup and meet newcomers and friendly Berliners who love connecting over shared stories and fresh beginnings. 🌆 A relaxed Monday hangout to close the year with good people and good conversations. **✨ Suggested Ice Breaker Topic:** *“What’s one small moment from this year you’re grateful for?”* We kindly ask you for a small donation for the organization of this meetup. Find more handpicked event tips in our weekly newsletter 👉 [https://socialbutterflyradar.substack.com/](https://socialbutterflyradar.substack.com/) Questions? [Check out our FAQs](https://socialbutterfly.berlin/meetup-faq/).

Sprachenatelier in Berlin has a great variety of language courses available. There are flexible and effective German courses, online as well as in person. Areas such as conversation, grammar, vocabulary, listening and writing are taught in equal measure with qualified, experienced and dedicated German teachers. We offer intensive courses, part-time courses and also private lessons. If you do not have time during the day but you would still like to learn German, for example through enhancing your German language skills, then our evening courses are perfect for you. It is possible to learn online or in person. If you already have previous knowledge of German, we will carry out a written and oral assessment to find a suitable course for you. **Important!** If you participate in this event, you are not automatically registered for a course with us at Sprachenatelier. Firstly, you must go to our website and register there. You may begin a course after our placement test and depending on availability. (A new course starts every Monday). Intensive Course: [https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/en/topic/3731.intensive-german-courses.html](https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/en/topic/3731.intensive-german-courses.html) Evening Course: [https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/en/topic/3732.evening-course-german-berlin.html](https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/en/topic/3732.evening-course-german-berlin.html) Private Lesson: [https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/en/topic/3733.private-lessons.html](https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/en/topic/3733.private-lessons.html)

🥪THE SANDWICH MIC 🥪 It’s a *show up, go up* comedy open mic — 12 spots total! Bring your jokes, your friends, and your best punchlines. 🎟️ Free reservations for guests (we appreciate donations at the end). 💥 Good vibes, cold drinks, and fresh laughs every week.

**Standup with 3 experienced comedians and then brand new jokes workshopped as a panel with your input.** Like a live writers’ room! Like Pimp My Ride but with jokes? Pimp our jokes into bangers or watch them get dumped at the scrapyard. **Strap in for a wildly funny ride with Berlin legends, rising stars and touring pros every Monday at Suess war gestern totally in English** Doors 9:00pm **Show 9:30pm – 10:30pm (60 min show no break)** Reserve your seats via **https://www.annaberos.com/berlin (lower booking fees)** or **https://pimpssummer2025.eventbrite.co.uk** Remaining seats may be available at the door with cash or card produced and usually hosted by **ANNA BEROS (AUS)** Anna’s a Kiwi born, Melbourne raised, Berlin based full-time independent standup comedian, YouTube host, podcaster and producer. She celebrates life’s struggles with incisive standup and playful audience interaction. Her new standup solo, High Hoe enjoyed a successful full run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025 and her previous solos, Creampie Curious and Creampie Clarity played at numerous comedy festivals through the UK and Australia in 2023 and 2024. She tours Europe and produces and hosts 5 weekly shows in Berlin. In 2025, she opened for Jeff Arcuri at Admiralspalast, in 2024 for April Macie on US army bases in Germany and for Ian Fidance in Berlin in 2019. She hosts the comedy channel, Ersties Nonsense, has the podcast Adults ONLY Comedy Berlin and has written for Comedy Central DE. **[https://www.instagram.com/afberos/](https://www.instagram.com/afberos/)** **LINEUP on IG stories** @adultsonlycomedyberlin **https://www.instagram.com/adultsonlycomedyberlin/** GUEST COMEDIANS: Local and touring comedians with solid years in the game or hard-working promising new blood who host regular shows and/or are performing solo

The Minority Report is a weekly stand-up comedy show about identity, culture, and the expat experience. Are you a minority in Europe? Did something weird, awkward, or low-key offensive happen to you this week? This is the space to vent your feelings about it. Every week, comedians Bryan Lee and Moe Singleton take the stage to unpack life as outsiders, offering their unique commentary on topics like race, masculinity, relationships, and life between cultures. Add weekly special guest comedians and “question time” with the audience, and you’ve got Berlin’s most unhinged comedy experience. 🎟️ Want to warm up before the show? Check out our comedy workshop – a beginner-friendly stand-up class with Bryan and Moe, hosted just before the show.

Join us at the Christian Character Circle for conversations focused on spiritual growth and character development through following Jesus. We explore what it means to suffer once individual cross and how to wrestle with God properly. We explore what kind of sacrifices are pleasing to God. By incorporating wisdom from the word of God and figures like Jordan Peterson and Jonathan Pageau, we will delve into practical strategies for personal and spiritual development. Be prepared for thought-provoking conversations and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals on a journey of faith. Explore the path of Jesus Christ with us and open your heart to new possibilities for spiritual enlightenment and growth to become the best version of yourself by following Christ's example.

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

✨ Exclusive German Workshop in Berlin! Join us and discover how easy and motivating learning German can be – with modern methods, interactive exercises, and an inspiring learning atmosphere. Live sessions, practical activities, and a welcoming environment await you. The tickets will be used to pay for the location. 📍 Berlin \| Coffee Fellows / Pappelallee 1\, 10437 Berlin\, · Berlin\, DE Don't miss out – places are limited! About us: Lia Bazerashvili, Tobias Balke, and Theodor Gavril. We represent Berliner SprachAkademie. Briefly from Tbilisi, Georgia, we've just opened our doors to students in Berlin as well. Our teaching style is modern, friendly, and supportive. We combine our experience to create German lessons where students overcome their fear of speaking. The lessons are held in a relaxed and friendly environment. We help each student individually, as everyone learns at their own pace. If you don't speak any German at all, that's no problem, because this course is designed for beginners. DEUTSCH: ✨ Exklusiver Deutsch-Workshop in Berlin! Entdecken Sie mit uns, wie einfach und motivierend Deutschlernen sein kann – mit modernen Methoden, interaktiven Übungen und einer inspirierenden Lernatmosphäre. Live-Sessions, praktische Übungen und eine herzliche Atmosphäre erwarten Sie. Die Eintrittskarten werden zur Bezahlung des Veranstaltungsortes verwendet. 📍 Berlin \| Coffee Fellows / Pappelallee 1\, 10437 Berlin\, · Berlin\, DE Jetzt anmelden – die Plätze sind begrenzt! Über uns: Lia Bazerashvili, Tobias Balke und Theodor Gavril. Wir sind die Berliner Sprachakademie. Wir kommen ursprünglich aus Tiflis, Georgien, und freuen uns, nun auch in Berlin Kurse anbieten zu können. Unser Unterrichtsstil ist modern, freundlich und unterstützend. Wir bündeln unsere Erfahrung, um Deutschkurse zu gestalten, in denen die Teilnehmer ihre Sprechangst überwinden. Der Unterricht findet in einer entspannten und freundlichen Atmosphäre statt. Wir betreuen jeden Teilnehmer individuell, denn jeder lernt in seinem eigenen Tempo. Auch wenn Sie noch kein Deutsch sprechen, ist das kein Problem, denn dieser Kurs ist speziell für Anfänger konzipiert.

Welcome! This football session is for individuals who like playing on moderate to high intensity (run a lot and change position to give player with the ball option to pass). Usually play on a pretty competitive level. Our football skills are average to good. To keep things fair and enjoyable for all, we follow a few simple rules: * **Show up at 07:15** so that you can get checked by the organiser * If you are not checked by the organiser then \*\*1 match penalty applies\*\*(being moved to waitlist) * **No studs** * If you show up with studs, then you wont be allowed to play * No dangerous tackling * If you get tackled, you need to call the foul * In case of handball only people close (1-2m) can call handball * Since we play 12v12, we have offsides (0-1m difference is still tolerated) * No penalties for handball in penalty box(no way of proving handball and please be fair) * In case of handball, the other teams goalkeeper gets the ball

Für Mitglieder von Text Collective Berlin ist die Teilnahme an dieser Veranstaltung kostenlos. Nicht-Mitglieder werden um eine Spende von zehn Euro gebeten. Weitere Informationen zur Mitgliedschaft auf: https://textcollective.de Es handelt sich um einen moderierten Workshop. Kreative Schreibübung mit anschließender Diskussion zum Erfahrungsaustausch, Inspiration und Motivation zu sammeln.

Bringt gute Laune, schönes Wetter und Interesse mit. Wir treffen uns je nach Tour an unterschiedlichen Orten. Am 1. April 2018 um 15 Uhr gehts los am Eingang zur Akademie der Künste am Pariser Platz neben dem Brandenburger Tor.

**Start the new year with a Braver Angels gathering focused on speaking openly and listening deeply.** **In small, structured groups, each person will have five minutes to share a political or social issue that matters to them and why- no debate, no interruption, just genuine curiosity.** **Participants will practice curiosity, reflecting back values and emotions they hear, asking thoughtful questions, and- only with permission- offering their perspective.** **It’s a simple and powerful way to connect with one another and begin the year with a respectful and courageous conversation.** **Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026** **Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm** **Place: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southeast Branch, 3980 Hamilton Rd, Groveport, Ohio** **All are welcome- bring a friend!** For additional information contact: Lee Evans at [LEvans@BraverAngels.org](mailto:LEvans@BraverAngels.org)

Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

######## NEW LOCATION ####### We are going to be at The Forge on Bethel Rd this week and until further notice! The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~$20 per person. Soft drink refills are $1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area! Parking can be challenging. There is a parking lot behind the building that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.