Democracy for America

Good Day all, Sorry I’ve been slow on posting this years’ trips. Our first trip will be the **Cayman Islands Aggressor May 30 – June 6.** Why? The Cayman Islands have some of the best diving in the Caribbean. We dove Little Cayman in 2024 and the diving was some of the best we had done in the Carribean. During your Caymans Island liveaboard scuba diving trip, the Cayman Aggressor IV will dive the best of all three of the Cayman Islands, which includes the North Wall and South Wall in Grand Cayman, Bloody Bay Wall in Little Cayman & everyone's favorite, Stingray City. The Oro Verde, Doc Poulson, Russian Destroyer and Kittiwake wrecks are bustling artificial reefs that disguise once magnificent ships and are a must see for every diver. Some of the sites may include: **Grand Cayman:** the Purpose sunk Kittiwake, wreck of the 10 Sails, finger reefs, Stingray City, and a wall are all available off Grand Cayman. **Little Cayman:** Bloody Bay Wall is off Little Cayman and l is about 1,000 meters (3,280) deep and attracts all types of life. We saw sharks on almost every dive when we did Little Cayman a couple of years ago. The nice thing about a wall is that if the group goes deeper than you want to dive (or are certified for), you can just follow along above and keep the group in sight to stay with it. **Cayman Brac:** Easy diving, relatively shallow with incredible soft corals. It is also home of the Captain Tibbits, which is the only Russian warship in recreational depths, that I am aware of, and is one of my favorite dives due to the types of coral on it. It is also one of the few purpose sunk warships that still has its guns. * Diving begins Sunday morning and ends Friday around noon when the Aggressor returns to port. * Up to 5 dives per day (including night dive), averaging 24-27 dives on 7-night charters. * Depth Range: 25 – 110 ft (8m – 33m) * All dives are from the yacht. * 3mm wetsuit recommended, but exposure suit is a personal preference. * Water temperature range from 78 - 82F, 25 - 28C. * Boat has individual dive lockers and a camera table * All diving is done from the mother ship * You will set you equipment up once. No changing of tanks as tanks are re-filled with your gear on it (which saves a lot of time and effort, and which makes this some of the easiest diving that you will do) **Current pricing i**s $3,695 plus $95 port fee. If we can get a total of 5 people to sign up this week, we will get a $500 per person group discount, but I’ll need to have 5 paid people by Friday $/17 to get this. That would make a final price of $3,695 -$500 +$95 port fee for a total of $3,295. I’ll get the invoice on Monday 4/13 so I’ll be able to confirm the final price at that point. I’m seeing air fare to Grand Cayman between $500 and $600 at this point. Costs include all diving, all meals and snacks, accommodations, your own dive locker, and weights. I’ve added the port fees. You will be responsible for tips (unless you want me to handle that also), rental equipment if needed, etc. and air fare. I’ll go over everything in more detail at the info session. The $500 cost through Meetup to sign up is the deposit. I'll send an invoice to pay the remainder within a couple of days. $500 holds your spot, but you need to pay the remainder quickly as the full amount is due to Aggressor. You can pay with check or charge or similar payments. Remember, we need to get a total of 5 paid people to get that $500 discount, so share this info and bring a friend. I’ll go over flight arrangements at the info session, but I will be able to purchase round trip flights from DC for up to 7 other people. The benefit is that you share my status and get upgraded seats (if still available), free checked bags, and priority boarding. This is on American Airlines. I’ll be booking the air fare by April 17 for those that want to jump on this. There are 3 Types of cabins (prices may vary depending on room type): Master state Room has a King bed Deluxe state room has 2 single beds which can be pushed into a King bed Bunk-Style Deluxe Stateroom which has a full bed on bottom and a twin bed on top. Do you need to bring a dive buddy to get that price? No. You can come single as long as you are open to either the dive club or the Aggressor putting you with another person in the cabin. Due to the short notice of this trip, we will need to pay our full amount of the trip within a week or two, so as soon as you sign up and pay the deposit, I’ll be sending out an invoice for the remainder. Air fare is paid at time of booking, so if I purchase your air fare, I’ll need it on 4/17 also. We will have at least 6 spots on this trip, but let me know if you are considering joining so that I can get more. Other upcoming trips are Bonaire in the summer, and probably the Belize Aggressor in the fall/winter.

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: Details for this event have just been confirmed! We got a later than usual showtime, so we’ll go with ice cream BEFORE the show! Here’s the plan: Meet at Graeter’s at 6:30pm for a pre-show sweet treat! Then, get ready for a fun and wild one! Purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and meet in the lobby area between 7:10 and 7:20pm. Advance ticket purchase not required but be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

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 sometimes fill esrly. There is additional parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

**Get your creative flow going with a Sunday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Martin Luther King Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

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!

Join Guest Host Jeff and the group as we get together to see the historical drama, PRESSURE! Brendan Frasier, Andrew Scott and Kerry Condon star in this film about the tense and dramatic days leading up to the D-Day invasion! Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg n the tense 72 hours before D-Day. With the fate of the free world in the balance, they face an impossible choice: launch the largest and most dangerous seaborne invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether. It is directed by Anthony Maras and based on David Haig’s 2014 stage play. The film stars Brendan Fraser, Andrew Scott, Kerry Condon, Chris Messina and Damian Lewis. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcPgrKoXe_c PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the bar area about 30 minutes before showtime! Once showtime is announced, please purchase your ticket in advance and list your seat number in the Comments section of this event! Exact showtime and complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer! Look forward to seeing you there, Jeff P.S. from Dan: THANK YOU to Jeff for hosting this event!