Choir

For 20 yrs, Nikki Slade, Anna Ashby and Jean Hall have come together for the grand finale of The Urban Retreat. This wonderful finale is open to everyone and it has become the legendary Letting Go of 2025 Kirtan with Nikki Slade. Join us on New Year’s Eve afternoon to open our hearts and let go of all the burdens of 2025 and to give gratitude for all the gifts we have received. Kirtan opens the heart, uplifts our spirits and purifies barriers we have to the inner Self. Discover that, as you connect to your inner SELF through chanting, the expression of your voice in this world has great power and freedom. Please note that you do not have to be a singer to chant or to have musical ability. Just bring your heart and your willingness to dive within with enthusiasm! Bring your family ( Children age 10 yrs and above are welcome and can come for free) Save the date! Price and booking link to be confirmed. Watch this space! **Date / time:** Wednesday 31st December 2025. 2 – 3:15pm **Venue: [HOME Yoga](https://www.homewellness.uk/find-us/)** **Booking: [Click here to Book via Home Yoga. Bookings are now open!](https://www.homewellness.uk/workshop/letting-go-of-2025-a-new-years-eve-kirtan/)**

This is the most iconic old school hip-hop NYE celebration in the city 🎇 Get ready to step into a time capsule where the beats were heavier, the lyrics hit harder and the dance-floors stayed packed till the lights came on. We’re taking it back to when hip-hop ruled the streets and shaped the culture, all night long. 🎉 EXPECT👇 ▪️The best DJs spinning 90s and 00s hip-hop classics ▪️Timeless anthems from Tupac, Biggie, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, Salt-N-Pepa and more ▪️An electric crowd that lives and breathes the culture ▪️Big countdown moments inside one of London’s most iconic venues A night to celebrate the music, the culture and the people that made this era unforgettable 💫 Tickets: £25 Admin fee: £3 More info: https://dice.fm/event/wwl3bx-gin-and-juice-old-school-hip-hop-nye-2025-31st-dec-the-steel-yard-london-tickets

Whether you love to perform, just listen or simply have a good time, you're welcome! Don't be shy or worry about your singing level :) Karaoke ("open mic karaoke") nights here are always Brilliant, so Lively and Memorable With a fantastic and entertaining Host (the stage host, not myself :) ). Venue: Temple of Art and Music (Mercato Elephant and Castle) - closing in 2026 🥲 Starting at 8, but doors open at 7 Free Entry! But Tips/Donations and drinks purchases would be greatly appreciated to support the TAM! There is a variety of food in the indoor food market. Outside drinks (even from Mercato!) not allowed - but food is ok.

**31st December 2025 - 2nd January 2026** By donation This new year, bring your heart into one-ness for a Held in Prayer ceremony to bless 2026! Held in Prayer ceremonies are profound opportunities for Way-Showers, Space-Holders, Frequency-Keepers, Light and Earth Workers to recharge their path-gifts. When we hold each other in prayer we create a state of oneness and activate the miracle body of humanity, meaning that all healing, dreaming and visions that happen during the prayer are more powerful. By starting the year held in prayer, we bless ourselves, the earth and the new cycle with miracle energy. You can pray however you want to pray and for the new year we encourage you to hold the celebration so the prayer is joyful. The prayer ceremony to bless 2026 includes: Opening Ceremony Chamber of Light Welcome your Path Potential For the Year Soul Star Community Heart Activation With the Rainbow Grandmothers The 13 Archetypes of the Beehive Sacred Temple Space Community Time Closing Ceremony This ceremony is by donation; you can donate whatever is right in your heart after the ceremony. This ceremony will last 48 hours. Please note that for the ceremony to run we need all prayer slots filled. You can book more than one prayer slot and invite people - especially those in other time zones. If we don’t fill the slots then we will have to do a shorter ceremony - which may affect the number of transmission ceremonies that can be done. **More about Held in Prayer** Those called will be following the ancient practice of holding each other in prayer. This is a non-religious prayer, it is an ancient temple tradition of holding each other in loving thoughts. Holding each other in prayer is how we come into oneness… it creates amazingly soft protective and beautiful energy around those who share the ceremony. Being in the state of oneness allows for each person to open up beyond their limitations - into the miracle field! When held in this ceremony - the medicine of the human-KIND - heart - means healing goes deeper and manifesting is super-charged. WE ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF HUMANITY THIS IS OUR RAINBOW PRAYER May you be held May you be loved May you be beloved ones May you live in the peace of the One-Heart May you melt into the limitlessness of yourself May you know the dance of the starlings And live the immunity of unity May you remember the way of miracles As your heart sings open Within the one-song May your prayer be in two-way flow As we cover each other in infinite blessings May the kindness of your hearts Meet in the temple of ones-ness May you be gentle May you be free Maybe you return to Innocence As you reclaim the Temple Ways May your prayer be your AWAKENING For all Because we are all One May you be held May you be loved May you be in JOY May you be blessed Beloved ones Testimonials from Held in Prayer Ceremony Prayer Keepers: *“A truly precious experience, a weekend of grace, connecting with loving humans from around the world to hold prayer for the highest good. A simple practice and easy to integrate into your day. The guidance from Kahreela and her guides is so sacred and truly divine.* *Everyone who is here desires to be involved in this vigil and that is what makes the energy so potent and so easily felt.* *If you desire to be in ceremony with yourself and with others, yet have the space to fully integrate your experience in your own way and over time, while you are held in prayer by this honourable collective then this is certainly something to try and cherish”.* Hannah *“Being held in prayer was an amazing experience. The whole time I felt so safe, so loved & really supported by the other participants. I loved holding prayer too, it was a magical sacred time for me, I felt so honoured to be able to hold prayer in this way for others. The whole experience was beautiful. I'm feeling so calm & relaxed after it all. Thank you“* Caitriona *“For me, being held in prayer and taking my turn to hold others in prayer, awakened this wonderful feeling of energetic community, safety, love and security. Plus a renewed sense of responsibility and need for my own part, my prayers and my open heart. I felt that together we were able to cross a threshold and be of service in a new and vibrant way and that our individuality, dedication and service was essential and valuable to the whole.* *Coming into prayer at this time is important, being part of something bigger than myself was healing, clearing and restorative and is certainly something I would choose at this extremely isolating, fearful and lonely time.* *Can't wait to be held in prayer again.”* Gina WE ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF HUMANITY, THIS IS OUR RAINBOW PRAYER Lots of Love and Blessings, Kahreela xxx REGISTER HERE: [https://www.starlight-temple.com/event-details/held-in-prayer-bless-the-new-year-2](https://www.starlight-temple.com/event-details/held-in-prayer-bless-the-new-year-2)

Join us for life drawing at The Old School Hall, East Farleigh. The group that join are usually around 10ish people and we switch up models throughout each week. All levels are welcome, come along even if you haven't thought of drawing before because at the very least you'll make some friends! We provide an art bank if you need materials for the evening. Parking available, coffee & tea provided. £10pp.

Hosts: Panagiotis and Yash \*This event is a collaboration with other meetup groups and social networks and it will be well attended \*To attend this event you need to buy a ticket from [https://www.fatsoma.com/e/l02w4ic1/big-new-year-s-eve-singles-party-in-soho-with-karaoke-fireworks-screening-2-djs-with-welcome-glass-of-prosecco-all-ages](https://www.fatsoma.com/e/l02w4ic1/big-new-year-s-eve-singles-party-in-soho-with-karaoke-fireworks-screening-2-djs-with-welcome-glass-of-prosecco-all-ages) Are you dreaming of a singlesland where everyone around you is single, friendly and ready to socialise rendering a world of abundant opportunities? Join us to welcome 2026 altogether in the heart of Soho while partying, and mixing and mingling with people who are in the same phase of life! Everyone at the party will be single so, who knows, you may even find a person to make your heart jump as the new year begins! You never know who you are going meet in this evening and that is the beauty of it! You may find a friend forever, a party buddy, a partner in crime or a partner in life! There is no age range- in a social pool everybody is welcome and you can choose to speak to whoever you fancy. You are very welcome to attend alone or with friends. We will be there making introductions, helping break the ice,, and act as a glue in the group. The program of the night is as follows: 7:30pm-10:00pm Singles Mix and Mingle with background music. Everyone arriving before 9:00pm receives a welcome glass of prosecco (non- alcoholic option available as well) 10pm- 4am The music goes up and it is time for dancing Get ready for an unforgettable soundtrack from **two of** **London’s top DJs**, spinning everything from chart anthems and house classics to party favourites that’ll keep you dancing right through to 2026. Until 11pm we will have exclusive use of a room so we get to know each other in a relaxed friendly environment and then we will mix with other guests of the club to welcome 2026 altogether. We also have access to the karaoke room for those who love to grab the mic and own the stage and as the clock strikes midnight, we will be able to watch the **iconic London Fireworks live on the giant screens**, bringing the city’s magic straight into the heart of Zebrano. Dress code is smart/ elegant- it is New Year's Eve so please glam it up! Zebrano Soho is a vibrant cocktail bar, restaurant, and nightclub in the beating heart of London’s most iconic entertainment district. Zebrano is more than just a venue – it’s a celebration of fun, flavour, and feel-good vibes. It offers amazing cocktails , great cuisine, multiple rooms and an outdoor rooftop terrace At Zebrano, we serve up delicious food, killer cocktails, and the best tunes in town – all in a space designed to make great nights unforgettable. Come for the vibe. Stay for the party. Leave with a story. For security reasons every guest must carry photographic ID with them (Driver’s License, European ID or Passport) independently of the age. Tickets are valid for entry till 11pm How to find us: When you arrive please ask to be directed to Marianna's Events area/ Panagiotis and Yash. Any issue on the night feel free to contact Panagiotis: 07508502863, Yash: 07774905462 or Marianna: 07949526733 For general inquires or difficulties with your ticket booking feel free to e-mail us at benetoupromotions@gmail.com or call Marianna on: 07949526733 How to connect with us: To see all our events please go to: [https://www.fatsoma.com/p/mariannas-events](https://www.fatsoma.com/p/mariannas-events) Like and follow our facebook page: [https://www.facebook.com/mariannaland](https://www.facebook.com/mariannaland) Join our facebook group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/453202104877514](https://www.facebook.com/groups/453202104877514) Follow us on twitter:@Mariannasevents

This event is a **poetry social**, a chance to meet poets and share your poetry and poetry thoughts informally. Please be aware this is not our regular session of around the table poetry sharing, but a **chance to chat and connect with other London poets**. That said, you are of course welcome to read and perform your poetry for those who want to hear it. Just be aware there can be some background noise in the area where we meet. There will be some tables and chairs set up for us **outside the poetry library on the fifth floor**. Coffee and tea are available in the cafe on the ground floor. Also be aware there may be some external noise from the nearby children's library and south bank centre members attending events. If you have not attended our group before, please introduce yourself to David, the organiser. This session is right next to the poetry library, so a perfect opportunity to browse and share published poetry with others as well. Make sure to be quiet when inside and using the library.

Found on YouTube by searching " Renoir 2012" is this most sumptuous drama set in the French Riviera in 1915. Jean Renoir who late become the famed film director returns to the home of his artist father Pierre- Auguste to convalesce after he is wounded in World War 1. They are joined by the enchanting Andree Heuschling who becomes a muse for both father and son. Made in 2012 and lasts almost two hours. In French with English subtitles.

**Welcome the New Year 2026 Together** Begin the year in a clear and grounded way through Sanskrit chants, rainbow songs, shamanic chants, and voicework. This New Year’s Day gathering offers a simple and steady space to arrive, reset, and align with the energy of the year ahead. Mantras are traditional Sanskrit sound formulas used in meditation. Their vibration helps calm the mind, regulate the nervous system, and bring the body into a state of balance. Chanting in a group strengthens this effect, creating a shared field of stability, clarity, and gentle uplift. **The Energy of 2026** 2026 carries a theme of integration, rebuilding, and clearer direction. Many describe it as a year for grounding new intentions, strengthening foundations, and choosing alignment over distraction. Beginning the year with sound and intention can support focus, coherence, and inner steadiness as the year opens. **What to Expect** The venue is a short 5-minute walk from Elephant & Castle and Borough stations. We open and close with guided meditation. After the opening meditation, each person is invited to set an intention or dedication for the practice. These are released with a shared AUM. Each chant is followed by a short period of silence, giving the body and mind time to absorb the sound. We end with a closing meditation to settle the energy and anchor the tone for the year ahead. **A wonderful way to start 2026** **Love Gayatri** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Testimonials This was a delightful evening! Lindsey creates a beautiful, warm, and safe space to relax, connect, and express yourself. I highly recommend attending her classes Julia Hamon 22/01/2019 Gayatri’s sound and voicework are amazing gifts to this universe and I’ve been lucky to experience them on number of occasions. I was completely new to chanting but her approach is very relaxed and easygoing. I grew up believing I’m terrible at singing but as Gayatri says – “It’s not singing, it’s chanting…!” so just go along with it and enjoy the experience. Martin Nikolayev 20/12/2017 I feel very balanced and ready for the full moon. Calming, relaxing environment and the group energy was fantastic. Thank you for sharing your beautiful voice Gayatri! See you next week :) Mohini Murti 10/4/2017 "God knows from now on what chanting will bring into my life or where will take me to, but for sure what I know is that the sound of the human voice and drums is something that really uplifts and connects me with my deepest and broadest self. It's a kind of a working paradox that happens to me during chanting: I feel a kind of moving stillness, that's very realigning and unifying. Thanks Gayatri Lindsey Jane Robertson! Light, Love, Peace" Sever Sava 13/11/17 https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/8/a/2/event_456527266.jpeg https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/b/b/5/600_445639381.jpeg

\*\*Please note, spaces are limited - Please book via Eventbrite page below\*\* [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-public-speaking-class-in-london-tickets-151793471359](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-public-speaking-class-in-london-tickets-151793471359) **Location** Old Diorama Arts Centre, 201 Drummond Street Regent's Place, NW1 3FE **FREE PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP** (Limited number of places available, please note that to guarantee a place in this event you have to book a place) **Workshop overview:** The workshop is all practice-based, starting with warm-ups, improvised speaking games and opportunities to deliver off-the cuff speeches. Group discussions will take place to learn more about why we struggle with public speaking, and what solutions we can use to help us. Our principles are grounded in authenticity. Our approach to helping people overcome their fears is done through encouraging participants to drop the personas they wear in their day-to-day lives in order to express themselves with honesty, and discover their natural speaking style. We’re big fans of embracing vulnerability and strongly believe it’s a strength, not a weakness. Only through vulnerability do we drop our guard and communicate in a way that truly connects to others. **The Session will include:** \- Why we struggle with nervousness when speaking in public \- Our approach for embracing and overcoming these feelings \- Practical techniques to help you come out of your head and speak using your intuition \- A chance to practice delivering a short impromptu speech \- And much more\! \*\*Secure tickets HERE by [signing up on our Eventbrite page](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-public-speaking-class-in-london-tickets-151793471359)\*\* **About our teachers:** We have been running workshops since 2014. We have trained 10,000+ people. Our teachers compete in public speaking tournaments, have a mixture of traditional and improv acting training, studied various meditation and mindfulness techniques and are passionate about human psychology and behaviour. **Testimonials from past students:** "Definitely the best public speaking workshop I have been on! It’s much more than just improving your public speaking skills, it takes a deeper look into the subject, in terms of fears, and humanity. Mike’s approach and techniques is really about to gain a deep understanding to unlock your authentic self. It was transformative! Highly recommended!" - Kristīne Šica "Highly recommend this ! The teaching and approach is incredible and it works! I come so far in so many ways during the course of these workshops and been an incredible investment. Cheers Mike & Team" - Jez Williams Check out our [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=School+of+Connection&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAA_-NgU1I1qDCxMDczMDUxNU5JNTBLs0izMqgwTTUxNwaiJONEUwMjC4tFrCLByRn5-TkK-WkKzvl5eanJJZn5eQCGm1T4QAAAAA&hl=en&mat=CeauyV6l-fEkElYBpsFAC8HrnCPUPL5X21SFnV76ZHgJT6CYryblg9XcRxlZIopmomk7pa9VjBtQnKp2gHTa0ojvHwwS4or4aELTqJYZw7I0KHBSgX9ijR0oYgBFylK3ow&authuser=1#lrd=0x487605453de06f8f:0x5e473473b3a50288,1,,,,1 "https://www.google.com/search?q=School+of+Connection&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAA_-NgU1I1qDCxMDczMDUxNU5JNTBLs0izMqgwTTUxNwaiJONEUwMjC4tFrCLByRn5-TkK-WkKzvl5eanJJZn5eQCGm1T4QAAAAA&hl=en&mat=CeauyV6l-fEkElYBpsFAC8HrnCPUPL5X21SFnV76ZHgJT6CYryblg9XcRxlZIopmomk7pa9VjBtQnKp2gHTa0ojvHwwS4or4aELTqJYZw7I0KHBSgX9ijR0oYgBFylK3ow&authuser=1#lrd=0x487605453de06f8f:0x5e473473b3a50288,1,,,,1") for more. **More on Our Philosophy:** Our mission is bigger than just helping people become better at public speaking, our mission is to help create a more transparent and connected society. Our society celebrates extrinsic success; confidence is presented to be smooth, slick, suave and charismatic. Because of this we neglect parts of our personality, our feelings, our idiosyncrasies, our uniqueness, our quirkiness and ultimately our vulnerability in pursuit of becoming confident, according to what society deems as confidence. However, we risk becoming ‘well-rehearsed robots’ and not sincere individuals, who aren’t afraid of expressing their humanness. Our approach offers a very non-conventional way of become an empowering and inspiring communicator. **Our Previous Brand (Public Speaking London):** **[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl7dAKFp1qs&t=98s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl7dAKFp1qs&t=98s "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl7dAKFp1qs&t=98s")** **Contact details:** **[https://schoolofconnection.org/](https://schoolofconnection.org/ "https://schoolofconnection.org/")** Email: hello@schoolofconnection.org Phone: 020 3151 9908

🌌Ever look up like I do and marvel with insatiable curiosity at both the beauty and wonder of the **universe?** That wild sobering thought that somewhere in the chaos of creation - the emergence of life - the universe became **conscious** enough to look back and ask the big questions; How it all started, our evolution and place in it, and where else in the cosmos other complex life might exist (almost every star you see at night has planets orbiting with up to **20 billion habitable exoplanets** easily in our galaxy alone!)? 🪐🌟🌟🌟 🌍Then RSVP to view the potential life harbouring moons of **Jupiter**, the 3I Atlas **interstella** **Comet** ☄️(estimated to be 8+ billion years old), the famous **Orion Nebula** where stars like our sun were born, the majestic rings of **Saturn**, the international space station, the Tau Ceti star system with **2 Earth like planets** orbiting in the habitable zone, remnants of **supernova** witnessed by our early ancestors plus a range of other fascinating celestial wonderments (comets, star systems, galaxies) over drinks and engaging chats and banter this Dec fully hosted by me - a passionate amateur astronomer and former global Journalist covering big picture stories including cutting edge science related ones. 🚀In between observing - we'll have **drinks and engaging chats** on all astronomy related topics for those inclined (space exploration, Fermi Paradox, Astrobiology, Cosmology, paleontology, SETI/Drake Equation, exoplanetology etc) as well as non space chatter and banter too. No doubt I'll hear the usual jokes we've all heard hundreds of times before! If those don't make you laugh, then my impersonation of Los Angeles ET will! 👽 **======= Joining Astronomers Group & Telescopes =======** I'm able to take a limited number of people (please only RSVP if you can make it) to join my friendly informal relaxed London amateur astronomers' club that have been for over a decade with their regulars made up of up to about 150 people. As there will be people attending from this private Astronomers group as well as others from one of my other groups - the total attendees will be far higher than rsvps here and the public liability insurance only covers a max number of people - hence I need to impose strict limits on attendance. Over the years we have enjoyed numerous social evenings of stargazing and thought provoking chatter with people of all ages and varying levels of astronomy knowledge - so complete beginners that are genuinely curious about the universe are very welcome. If you are just looking to meet generic randoms then there are others groups that will better cater for that. The world renowed **BBC Television Sky at Night** also attended our events pre covid and interviewed some of us for it's show that aired on BBC1 in Feb 2019. BBC **Radio London** (94.9 FM / digital) were there Aug 2023 to cover our meteor shower event broadcasting live to millions of Londoners for 3 hours You don't need a telescope as you will be able to view through scopes belonging to me and other club members (as long as you behave responsibly and don't temper with expensive equipment). If you have your own telescope/binoculars feel free to bring along and I can help you setting it up if you're a newbie **==== Food & Drinks With Seating From Warm Indoor Cafe ====** Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, cider only), hot drinks and food/snacks will be available to purchase from an indoor cafe at the observation point which Regent's park keep open exclusively for the astronomers group so please don't bring your own drinks **==== ITINERARY =====** We will meet outside Camden Station. After a short wait for anyone delayed, I will escort everyone to our observation point in the local park 15 minutes walk away and brief you in terms of what to expect, observing etiquette, tips, equipment handling and take any questions you have - weather general or astronomy/cosmology related. **After Drinks:** Unless I have a very important 9AM Thursday deadline for a client presentation or something that I'm still gonna be writing 2 mins before start - most of us usually head our way back to Camden for another drink. If so - I will annouce the pub when we leave the park **==== What Can You Expect To See (this time of year)? ====** * Orion Nebula * Jupiter and 4 moons * Meteors * Andromedia Galaxy * Saturn, rings & moon * Star clusters such as the Pleiades & Owl Cluster etc * International Space station fly by * Venus & Mercury * Binary & tripple star systems (think planet *Tatooine in* Starwars!), * Neptune * Uranuus * Mars * Our moon * A look towards the galactic centre where that supermassive £22b Labour black hole sits (Sagittarius A) More here from Jodrell Bank Observatory/Astrophysics Centre: [http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/](http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/) Guide to viewing the cosmos for beginners: [https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp](https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp) **===Weather Dependent=====** The event is subject to clear skies forecasts on the night so if on the actual afternoon of the event the weather forecasts looks unsuitable beyond doubt then I will postpone so please check the event status on the day of the event . If this event is still listed here at 5PM on the day, it will be going ahead at the designated day and time! Happy Stargazing Lucas Skywalker - The Singin, Dancin, DJin Astronomer

**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!

Come check us out! You will have a wonderful time! The music and friendships are life-changing!

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

Come learn a song with us! You will have a wonderful time! The music and friendships are life-changing!

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.

**Karaoke Night**: Bring your glee club friends. Enjoy a flashback to your choir days. No chorus line. It's all you baby. Sing. Shout. Scream. Lip sync if you need to. But do show up and do have a good time. **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*

**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.