Civil Rights

Venue: Civil Service Club Date/Time: Sunday 18 January, 3-8pm and possibly beyond! First timers - please kindly read below about bringing your board, meetup fee, purchasing drinks and food, Etiquette etc Dear Backgammon Lovers, We had an absolute blast at Gest, with around 25 backgammoners turning up for an evening of dice, laughter, a ton of doubles, and delicious food... well mine was great! The staff, the venue, were all top-notch. It was fantastic to welcome many new backgammoners and to catch up with so many familiar faces. For now we will also continue to meet at the CSC which has it's own individual charm. Social Backgammon Whether you're a seasoned backgammoner or a newbie looking to learn this fabulous game, our social event is open to all. This is also the perfect chance to sharpen your game, and share a laugh (or a lucky double six!) over backgammon. Add in a drink, maybe dinner, and you’ve got the recipe for a fun and relaxed evening. Venue Food and Drink Just a little reminder that when we use the Civil Service Club, we’re asked to buy at least one drink whilst we’re there! The Club also has a nice range of food and snacks on offer, all at really good prices, so it’s a great chance to relax and make the most of the day. About our backgammon social group Our group has been running for 10 years since June 2015 and we have held over 450 official backgammon meetings - along with a further 200 off-grid (non meetups) since then. We are the largest backgammon group in the UK with nearly 2,000 backgammon members. What makes our group special are its members and the warmth, humour and friendliness whilst playing this splendid social game over a few drinks... usually fortnightly, and on a Sunday. We have about 30-odd regular members who play socially and we very much welcome new players too - so do come along. Dinner Time and Drinks and Food In between the rounds of backgammon many of us sit for a meal around 6pm, but you can order drinks and food whenever you like. RSVP Please RSVP asap - . Often I need to provide the Club with an indication of numbers. Bring your own Backgammon Board - no problem if initially you don't have one. Love seeing the different styles and size of boards - my boards have somehow gotten larger over the years. Please bring your own backgammon board and should you not have one please let us know in advance via the Meetup message board so that others can make the effort to bring theirs. Meetup Fee I will ask for £4 as the meetup fees etc have increased substantially over the past year or two. This also assists paying other admin costs including Club membership and tips. Other Games We sometimes play other games in the evening such as Rummikub, Yahtzee, and a type of Gin Rummy... so ask and watch this space! Etiquette Just a quick reminder- it’s always nice to say thank you to the staff at the CSC when you can. Let’s also keep things warm and friendly with each other and enjoy the game. If anything comes up, please feel free to have a word with me or whoever is hosting that day. Backgammon Rules With one or two exceptions our group plays international backgammon tournament rules. I have outlined these rules on our meetup page. My Contact Should you get lost or need to get in touch my number is: 07956 263451. Would advise you not to post messages two hours before the meetup commences as there's often chance I will not see it. Best wishes again to all you Backgammoners for 2026! Chris Sattaur

We’re excited to invite you to the next Muslim Runners Social Run in collaboration with VIVOBAREFOOT! Join us for a relaxed 5km & 10km run, with three pace groups to suit all levels, including a walk/jog option. Everyone is welcome, regardless of your pace! #### **Pace Group 1** 10km – Social run with a spring in your step! 60-65 minutes #### **Pace Group 2** 10km – Social run with great vibes! 65-70+ minutes #### **Pace Group 3** 5km – Open to all levels, no one gets left behind! This is a FREE Muslim Runners Community event, open to all runners – regardless of pace or experience. Simply bring your smiles and good vibes, and we’ll take care of the rest! Book your spot: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-run-at-vivobarefoot-tickets-1979366811416?aff=ebemoffollowpublishemail&ref=eemail&utm_campaign=following_published_event&utm_content=follow_notification&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite

If you already know the basics of Sevillanas and you’d love to feel more confident, expressive and fluid when dancing, this course is for you! Join a warm, supportive group and continue your Sevillanas journey with rhythm, joy and authentic Spanish flair. Over this course we will: ✨ Refine coordination and technique ✨ Improve styling and posture ✨ Build musicality and confidence ✨ Work on smoother transitions and partner awareness ✨ Dance with alegría, expression and connection This is ideal for dancers who: ✔️ Have previously learned Sevillanas basics ✔️ Want to polish, strengthen and feel more natural dancing ✔️ Enjoy Spanish culture, music and community spirit ✔️ Love learning in a friendly and uplifting atmosphere 📅 **Sundays – 11 January to 15 February** ⏰ **13:00 – 14:00** 📍 **Danceworks London** 🎟️ **Limited spaces – booking essential** https://www.danceworks.com/sevillanascourse/ Whether you want to dance socially at ferias, cultural events or simply enjoy dancing for yourself, this course will help you dance with greater elegance, confidence and joy. Come dance with us and feel the spirit of Spain in London! 🌺 If you have any questions, feel free to message

**PLEASE NOTE that we are now hosting our games on Sportas.** **BOOK HERE:** https://sportas.co.uk/organiser/east-village-basketball/games **Game Description:** Ready to hit the court, level up your game and meet fellow ballers? Join us at East Village Basketball 🏀 every Sunday, 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Harris Chobham Academy Sports Hall in Stratford, London. **👥 Stay Connected!** Join our WhatsApp group for updates, discounts, waitlist alerts and community banter: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KoCHcbG51YWKtTNgNblydH](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KoCHcbG51YWKtTNgNblydH) Any questions, feel free to WhatsApp me directly on +44 (seven) 365 804 810 **What to Expect:** ⚡ 2 hours of non-stop pickup games ⛹️ Half-court games (4x4) on both sides 💪 Friendly competition in a fun, positive environment 🥇 Open to mixed adults (18+) - whether you’re sharpening your skills or shaking off the rust! 🏀 Players should at least be familiar with basic offence, defence and basketball rules 🏆 Max 20 players per session (spots go fast, so book early) **Important Notes:** 🕔 Sports hall doors open at 5:20pm - head in, get changed and warm up 🏀 We aim to start games by 5:40pm, so please arrive by 5:20pm to be ready 🚫 If you’re feeling unwell or have COVID symptoms, please stay home 💧 Bring your own water bottle 🚨 Please don't arrive TOO early - the hall is used just before us and staff need time to prepare the court. **Getting Here:** 📍 Entrance: Corner of Celebration Avenue and Temple Mills Lane. Google Maps - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/AfCZZzEG734J9gko7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AfCZZzEG734J9gko7) 🅿️ Parking: Pay-and-display available across the road. 🚇 Nearest Tube Stations: Stratford, Stratford International (DLR) & Leyton **Safety** Participation is at your own risk. If you have any health concerns, consult a health professional before joining. **Rules** 4 x 4 half-court games on 2 half courts, with 4 teams of 5 players. Time: 5-min games (running clock) Scoring: 1s and 2s. Substitutions: One sub rotates in after each game. Fouls: Offence calls fouls. Disputed calls: For major disagreements, challenger shoots a 3-pointer to resolve the issue. See you Sunday! ✌️🏀

SCIENTOLOGY **TOOLS** **FOR LIFE** What if you had simple tools which you could use to improve your relationship with others? What if a step-by-step procedure could help you achieve your goals in life? What if you could learn the secret to mastering any subject you wanted to master? Come and find out!

Join us Saturday, 1/31 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for an evening at The Cozy at Portia’s Café. Come learn about this local, grassroots animal rights organization and our current campaigns. Whether you want to do more for animals or simply meet other activists and vegans, this is the place for you. Bring your friends — all animal lovers are welcome. Enjoy games, socializing, and meaningful connections with fellow vegans and animal advocates. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Feel free to purchase food from Portia’s if you’d like — it’s completely optional. Location: Portia’s Café 3083 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43202 The Cozy is located right next door.

🎉 You’re Invited! 🍩 Join Columbus Vegan Meetup for a fun community gathering at Monster Baby Donuts, a vegan, peanut & gluten-free, local family-owned business that just opened their new storefront! They started as a beloved food truck, and now they have a permanent location. 📍 700 Bryden Rd, Columbus, OH 43205 🗓 Saturday, January 31 ⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Come enjoy amazing donuts, meet other vegans, and help grow our community with people who share your values. It’s a great opportunity to connect, support a local vegan business, and have a good time. 🥪🥗 The shop also has ready-to-go sandwiches and salads. 🚗 Ample parking in the back. Everyone is welcome — see you there! 🌱💚

**Join Us for Brunch at Portia’s Cafe!** 🌿 Come meet fellow vegan friends and enjoy a delicious brunch with the Columbus Vegan Meetup! We’ll be gathering at **[The Cozy](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/12hqnx2x0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj9lPzVmI6SAxXs48kDHS9NMbgQqdYPegYIAQgFEAI)** (located right next door to Portia’s Cafe) to sample a 100% vegan and gluten-free menu featuring savory wraps, breakfast favorites, hearty soups, and decadent desserts. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with a community that shares your values while supporting a local, family-owned staple in our city. * **When:** Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM * **Where:** [The Cozy](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11h352ht38&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj9lPzVmI6SAxXs48kDHS9NMbgQqdYPegYIAQgHEAM) (next to Portia’s Cafe) * **Address:** 4428 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43214 We can’t wait to see you there!

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

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! For this event, we’ll help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents, wash dishes and clean surfaces at Fath Mission – Grant Kitchen. We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. Our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:15am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1, indicated in the attached map. On-site and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: \* LSS Volunteer Guidelines: Uploaded to photos. \* Parking Map Info: Uploaded to photos. \* LSS Faith Mission Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp46_6ay6iA \* Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/faith-mission-grant-kitchen-2025 IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all 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. With very few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible 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. THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others! Benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering provides 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. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**In February we will be decorating and making snowflakes out of paper crafts, coffee filters, popsicle sticks, and more! All supplies are provided, seats are limited! Come As you are, when you can; hope to see you there!**