Diverse Ethnic Storytelling

Dear Folks, **Let’s welcome 2026 together in Brussels if you’re around!** Let's enjoy the time together, Feel free to bring board games with you. 🥳🎉🍺 Celebrating the start of 2026 with lots of new friends sounds pretty wonderful, doesn’t it? We’re really looking forward to seeing you! Cheers 🍻 Yifei

LA PLUS GRANDE SOIREE 30+ du NOUVEL AN **New Year Party 31.12 ♔ The Great Gatsby by Coeur A Coeur ♔ Salle Montoyer\~ La Maison Des Ailes** \>2 OPTIONS : DINER \+ SOIREE ou UNIQUEMENT SOIREE [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/14534](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/14534) \>FACEBOOK INFOS : [https://fb.me/e/1RxrEErPOl](https://fb.me/e/1RxrEErPOl) ✨ Nouvel An Cœur à Cœur – Spécial Rencontres en Live 🎩 Soirée Gatsby – 31 décembre 2025 📍 La Maison des Ailes – Rue Montoyer 1 à 1000 Bruxelles ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩♔۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ L’équipe 💖Cœur à Cœur💖 est heureuse de vous présenter sa Grande Soirée « GATSBY » le mercredi 31 décembre 2025 Venez découvrir la Maion des AÎles – La salle Montoyer, Découvrez le charme intemporel de cet espace situé en plein cœur du quartier européen de Bruxelles. Cet ancien hôtel de la force aérienne édifié dans les années 1920 se dresse juste à côté du parc du Palais royal, ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩♔۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Préparez vos plumes, vos perles et vos plus beaux atours années folles… Le 31 décembre 2025, Cœur à Cœur vous ouvre les portes d’une soirée exceptionnelle réservée aux Rencontres! Dans l’ambiance glamour et festive du Gatsby des années 20, venez vivre une fin d’année élégante, pétillante et pleine de rencontres. le Dôme et la Mezzanine constituent un décor prestigieux parfait pour passer en 2026 tous ensemble ! ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩♔۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 💞 2 OPTIONS \>\> OPTION \# 1 \(Buy Tickets Now\) / Uniquement la soirée ✨La Soirée Great Gatsby ✨Horaires : 21h00 – 04h00 ✨Deux espaces : la Ballroom avec sa mezzanine ✨Un espace speakeasy ✨ De nombreux goodies ✨DJ ✨Surprises tout au long de la nuit Pour la soirée : Billets disponibles en ligne ou à notre desk le soir même! Nous vous recommandons néanmoins de prendre votre place en Ligne pour sécuriser votre participation 🔥 Tarifs Soirée uniquement 🔹 Vente ultra flash - very early bird : 5€ 🔹 Vente flash - early bird : 10€ 🔹 Vente flash - late bird : 15€ 🔹 Vente flash - very late bird : 20€ 🔹Sur place : 25€ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩♔۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ \>\> OPTION \# 2 POUR LES GOURMANDS Dîner et soirée The Great Gatsby Pour une organisation optimale, nous vous demandons de réserver votre place au dîner le plus rapidement possible ! ✨Horaires : 19h00 – 04h00 ✨Réception : 19h00 - 19h30 ✨Dîner / Buffet festif des Mille et Une Nuits et d’inspiration orientale (de 19h30 à 21h00) ✨Accès automatique à la soirée 21h00 à 04h00 ✨Large choix d’entrées, plats et desserts frais et sains 🔥 Tarifs repas + Soirée Dansante : 65€ (wave 1) / 70€ (wave 2) / 75€ (wave 3) / 80€ (wave 4) /100€ ( wave 5) ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩♔۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🕕 AU PROGRAMME : 🎉 CŒUR À CŒUR / New Year Party 31.12 💞 L'événement qui connecte les cœurs et fait vibrer la piste ! 📅 Quand ? 31 décembre 2025 🕙 2 OPTIONS ✨ Un décor chic digne des fêtes mythiques de Gatsby 🥂 Ambiance dansante jusqu’au bout de la nuit avec notre DJ favori 🎶 DJs & surprises pour une soirée inoubliable ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩♔۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🎁 LES PETITS PLUS : ✅ parking facile 🚗 ✅ Nombreux Hotels à proximite (Thon Hotel EU, Renaissance Brussels Hotel, Radisson Red...) ✅ Un cadre unique pour une expérience Gatsby👑 ✅ Une ambiance qui favoriseles rencontres, la musique que l'on aime et de l'amour 💞 Que vous soyez en couple, célibataire, ou simplement prêt à profiter d’une soirée festive, rejoignez-nous pour une soirée exceptionnelle dans l’esprit chic pour passer l'année ensemble ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩♔۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Liens utiles Facebook : [https://fb.me/e/c1AebCYBf](https://fb.me/e/c1AebCYBf) Liens pour les préventes : [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/14534](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/14534) \>\>\> Faites votre choix entre nos 2 options Le dîner + La soirée OU uniquement La soirée 👗 Dress code : Chic / Tuxedo -smoking / Black Tie / Gatsby Style Contact sur WhatsApp : +32 477 60 61 31 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩♔۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Que la fête continue et plus si affinité 📍 La Maison des Ailes – Rue Montoyer 1 à 1000 Bruxelles

## 🎆 New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Atomium ### *A shared way to welcome the New Year - together* New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be about big parties or expensive plans. This year, **Sunday Vacations** invites you to welcome the New Year **meaningfully**, surrounded by people, shared moments, and one of Brussels’ most iconic celebrations: the **official fireworks at the Atomium**. The **fireworks are the main event**. For those who wish, an **optional dinner** on the Grand-Place is available earlier in the evening. You choose how you want to experience the night. --- ## 🎆 Main Event - New Year’s Fireworks at the Atomium We’ll meet as a group and head together to the **Atomium esplanade** to: • Join Brussels’ **official New Year’s Eve celebration** • Count down to midnight together • Enjoy the **free public fireworks** 📍 **Location:** Atomium – Heysel 🕛 **Midnight (00:00)** 💶 **Free & open to everyone** This part is for **everyone** - no ticket, no pressure, just shared presence. --- ## Optional Dinner (Grand-Place) For those who want to start the evening earlier, you may **optionally** join for dinner at Grand Place. • A festive, social atmosphere before heading to the fireworks ⚠️ **Important:** • **Each participant must book and pay for dinner beforehand** --- ## 📱 WhatsApp Coordination Group To keep things smooth and stress-free: • A **temporary WhatsApp group** will be created for this New Year’s event • Used for **meeting points, timing, metro coordination, and updates** • Link shared after RSVP --- ## 🧭 Practical info 📅 **Date:** 31 December 🚇 **Transport:** Metro to go and Collecto to come back recommended 🥶 **Dress warmly** for the outdoor countdown 🎉 **Vibe:** Relaxed, social, international, no pressure. To join this event and access the coordination WhatsApp group, participants are required to be [Sunday Vacations members](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership). Membership helps us keep events organised, safe, and community-driven. **Sunday Vacations - Living the moment.** By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS – ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE BRUSSELS 2026 This is a public awareness event for call for volunteers, we do not meet in person on the day. Volunteer Meetings will be organised later in January. The 18th Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions takes place on Sunday 15th March 2026. We are looking for stewards, musicians, social media helpers and community volunteers to help bring next year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade to life. The parade celebrates the Irish national holiday and the global story of Irish people who have made their homes around the world. Here in Brussels, it is a chance to share Irish art, music, and culture with the wider community and to welcome everyone, Irish or not, into the spirit of inclusion and openness. The event also shines a light on Brussels as a diverse and international capital. It brings together people from many nations and regions, highlights the city’s architecture and heritage, and shows how Belgium and Ireland share long and surprising links stretching back to the 6th century. By joining the volunteer team, you will help create a lively, family-friendly day in the heart of the city. Your support helps us grow a parade that reflects the best of Brussels and strengthens the bonds between our communities. If you would like to get involved, message us here or contact 📧 patricks.day.parade(at)gmail.com

Transforming my house into a glittery playground to welcome 2🪩26 in style! I have already about 30 people coming, mostly internationals, and there are still some spots left! Will cap it on 50 people max though, no project x for me ;) Some more info PART I: House Party (19h–NY) 🎧 Live DJs & other suprises 🍹 Drinks, fingerfood & decor included (small fee) 🎆 Countdown: 2-min walk up the “mountains” for fireworks with Leuven skyline views PART II: Afterparty 💃🕺 No more all over the place chaos: we continue with all-night dancing & singing in a big private room at Baraoke XL from midnight (separate tickets available). Spots are limited, so confirm time! Look forward 🥳🍾

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ MIR Concept Coffee Store! Wednesday, 31 December 2025, from 10:00 - 13:00. It's limited to 35 attendees. Therefore, please, cancel if you can't join anymore. MIR opened its doors about 3 years ago, right off Place Jourdan. Doriana, the owner, is a super nice host, and is excited to have our group as her café for the first time. The café is very beautiful and has many yummy food options. The Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/mirconceptstore/ **The address is:** MIR Concept Coffee Store Rue Gray 4A 1040 Etterbeek *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

### **O’DANCE FIESTA — WEDNESDAYS IN BRUSSELS** **Bring the sunshine to your week!** ***Salsa – Bachata – Kizomba*** Meet, dance, connect & make new friends 📍 Rue Montoyer 1, 1000 Brussels **EVERY WEDNESDAY** ⏰ **6:30 PM** – Welcome + Salsa mini demo **7:00 PM** – Salsa Beginners **8:00 PM** – Salsa Intermediate **9:00 PM** – Practica & SBK Dance Social – FREE Entry INSTA: [O'dance_events](https://www.instagram.com/odance_events?igsh=MXg5eXE4d3g1bXdjMw==) PHONE :0499/891868 No partner? No problem! Warm, fun & international vibe Join the O’Dance energy and dance your heart out! ### **O’DANCE FIESTA — TOUS LES MERCREDIS À BRUXELLES** **Faites entrer le soleil dans votre semaine !** ***Salsa – Bachata – Kizomba*** Dansez, rencontrez, connectez et créez de nouvelles amitiés 📍 Rue Montoyer 1, 1000 Bruxelles **TOUS LES MERCREDIS** ⏰ **18h30** – Accueil **19h00** – Cours de Salsa débutants **20h00** – Cours de Salsa intermédiaires **21h00** – Practika & SBK Social (ENTREE GRATUITE) INSTA: [O'dance_events](https://www.instagram.com/odance_events?igsh=MXg5eXE4d3g1bXdjMw==) PHONE :0499/891868 Pas de partenaire ? Pas de souci ! Une ambiance chaleureuse, fun et internationale Rejoignez l’énergie O’Dance et dansez à fond !

_IMPORTANT: To RSVP you will also need to register as a member [here.](https://forms.gle/PsmYJ3vQKocXQCAY6)_ Join Sunday Vacations for a cozy Saturday brunch at **Aksum Coffee House**, one of Brussels’ most beautiful cafés, where rich Ethiopian coffee, fresh Moroccan crêpes, and vibrant international vibes meet in perfect harmony. This is more than just brunch, it’s a relaxed way to start your weekend, meet new people, and enjoy a soulful spot full of stories and flavors. ### 📍 Where? **Aksum Coffee House – Galeries Sainte Hubert (Just a few steps from Grand Place) ### 🕚 When? **Saturday at 11:30 AM** Come hungry, curious, and ready to mingle! ### 🍽️ What’s on the menu? ☕ Fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee 🥞 Moroccan-style crêpes & artisan pastries 🥚 Tasty brunch dishes (vegetarian options too) 🧾 Everyone pays their own order at the counter. ### 👋 Who’s joining? Expect a mix of international professionals, friendly locals, and Sunday Vacations regulars. Solo? New in town? Come anyway, this is the perfect place to connect. --- 🧡 **Limited spots** – RSVP early to secure your place at the table. By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

Join us for a full day of adventure in Amsterdam for a magical boat trip through the illuminated canals as part of the Amsterdam Light Festival. Perfect for photography enthusiasts and those who love a cozy evening of art and culture. Program: - Departure 12:40 by bus from Gare du Midi - Arrival Amsterdam Sloterdijk at 16:00 - Boat trip 16:45 - 18:00 - Malaysian dinner at 18:30 - Train departure from Amsterdam Central to Brussels at 20:10 - Arrival Brussels 22:00

_IMPORTANT: To RSVP you will also need to register as a member [here.](https://forms.gle/PsmYJ3vQKocXQCAY6)_ **🏮 Please bring a red-light headlamp or torch (Decathlon has them).** Red mode is required to minimize light pollution, respect wildlife, and keep the peaceful night-walk atmosphere. As winter approaches and daylight fades earlier, we’ll take advantage of the calm, blue-hour mood for a gentle **late-afternoon walk through Parc de Woluwe** - one of Brussels’ most elegant urban parks. We’ll follow an easy loop along the lakes and the Woluwe River, enjoying that unique winter serenity: silhouettes of trees against the sky, reflections on the water, and the quiet shift from day to night. After the walk, we’ll warm up together with a drink at **Brasserie des Étangs Mellaerts**, our meeting and parking point. ### **🕯️ A bit of history, softly told at dusk** Created during the **Belle Époque** (1896–1898) as part of King Leopold II’s urban vision, the park was designed as a landscaped corridor linking Brussels to Tervuren. The gentle river, the chain of lakes, and the elegant avenues still echo that era’s idea of blending beauty, nature, and modern city life. ### **🕓 Plan** * Meet at **Brasserie des Étangs Mellaerts**, Bd du Souverain 275, 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre * **Parking** available on site * Easy access via **Tram 39/44** from Montgomery or **Tram 8** from Roodebeek - get off at *Musée du Tram* * We start and end the walk at the ClubHouse, followed by warm drinks together ☕ ### **🌿 Expect** 🍁 Winter foliage, calm lakes, and soft evening light 🦆 Ducks, herons, maybe even a fox if we’re lucky ✨ A cozy, slightly scout-like night walk with red headlamps 🐕 Gentle pace - dogs welcome ### **💶 Symbolic Contribution** This recurring walk is **free**. If you’d like to support the Sunday Vacations community, you may make an optional **€5 symbolic contribution** to our non-profit ASBL. **UJAMAA ASBL** **IBAN:** BE35 7380 4663 9137 **Reference:** Woluwe By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

Making new friends in a new city doesn’t need to be a struggle at all.

**👋 Hey Adventurers !** Are you brave enough to wash away 2025 and start 2026 with a **massive** splash? Join us for the legendary **Nieuwjaarsduik (New Year’s Dive)** in Ostend! Every year, thousands of "Polar Bears" gather on the beach to run into the freezing North Sea. It is crazy, it is freezing, but the adrenaline rush is absolutely unforgettable. ❄️ Do I HAVE to dive? No! If you prefer to stay dry, we need a "Support Squad" to guard the towels, take photos, and have the hot chocolate ready. Whether you are running into the waves or cheering from the sand, you are part of the crew. *** **📅 The Plan (Saturday, Jan 3)** * **11:45 AM:** Meet at **Brussels Central Station** (Main Hall, by the departure board). Look for the Sunday Vacations sign! * **12:00 PM:** Take the train to Ostend together. * **1:30 PM:** Arrive, register, and find our spot on the beach. Time to change (or put on your funny costume!). * **3:00 PM:** **THE DIVE!** We run in, splash around, and run back out (very fast). * **3:30 PM:** Warm up! We’ll grab hot soup, jenever, or hot chocolate (often provided by the event or we buy our own). * **5:00 PM:** A nice group dinner (Fish & Chips or Mussels) in Ostend to warm our bones. * **7:30 PM:** Train back to Brussels. *** **💰 Costs & Membership** * **Organizing Fee:** * **Voyager & Ambassador Members:** FREE * **Explorer Members:** €5 * **Non-Members:** ⚠️ **Important:** You must be a registered member to join this trip. * 👉 **Become a member here:** [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) * **Ostend Dive Registration:** Approx. €10 (Paid directly to the event organizers online). * **Transport:** Approx. €15 (Weekend Ticket return). *** **🎒 What to Bring** * **For Divers:** Swimwear (already on under clothes helps!), a warm hat, a **large** towel, flip-flops (the sand is cold!), and loose warm clothes for *immediately* after. * **For Everyone:** Warm coat, gloves, scarf. * **Cash/Card:** For the train, registration, and food. *** **⚠️ Important Notes** * **Safety:** The event has lifeguards and medical staff. We stick together! * **Tickets:** Please buy your train ticket *before* meeting us to save time. Get your dive tickets here: https://www.visitoostende.be/en/node/29407 **Let's start 2026 with a story we'll tell for the rest of the year. Who's in? 🥶🌊** **👉 RSVP Now!** *Want to waive the organizing fee? Upgrade to Voyager or Ambassador status on our website: www.sundayvacations.com!* By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Join us for a cosy Friday after-work meetup at the Brussels Christmas Market. We’ll grab a warm **glühwein**, **hot chocolate**, or your favourite festive drink, and enjoy an easygoing evening with friendly people in the heart of Brussels. Whether you’re new to Sunday Vacations or already part of the community, this is the perfect moment to unwind and soak up the holiday atmosphere. 🎅🌟 *** ### **📍 Meeting Point** **Tower Bar – just across from the big Ferris Wheel** We’ll stay there for a bit and those who want may explore the stalls. ### **🎉 What to Expect** * Cosy festive vibes * Glühwein, hot chocolate & winter treats * Friendly conversations and new connections * A walk through the market afterwards * Optional group photos ### **💬 Who Can Join?** Everyone is welcome -solo, new in town, or coming with friends. ### **✨ Join us for a warm and festive Friday evening!** Dress warmly and bring your holiday mood 🎁🎄 By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

The topic for January is "Chemistry" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

I don't usually pick romance but I really wanted to do a Hanukkah book. It's a bit on the longer side but hopefully a quick read. The library only has 5 audiobooks so please try to remember to "release it" when you're done. Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238) Location: The Goat Riversouth [219 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215](https://www.google.com/maps?q=219%20South%20High%20Street%2C%20Columbus%2C%20Ohio%2043215%2C%20United%20States) [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach. But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not *Christmas*. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy—Jacob Greenberg. Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.

Join us at Easton Town Center for a casual evening of board gaming. Play from our library or bring one of your favorites to share. We usually bring along Catan, Ticket to Ride, Cascadia, etc... We'll be set up at the Donatos Pizza Party Room. It was free for us to reserve, but you may want to buy a drink or go in on a pizza. Why Easton? Although there aren't any board game stores / cafes here, it's a nice area. More importantly, this event coincides with LifeTime Fitness Parent's Night Out, so our kid will get babysat. If you happen to be a member of Lifetime you too can get free babysitting and play some games.

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

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

You are invited to participate in one of Unity’s most meaningful and empowering traditions—the **White Stone Ceremony**. As we enter a new year, this sacred ritual gives you the opportunity to listen within, connect with Spirit, and claim a new name or intention for your life. In ancient times, receiving a white stone symbolized freedom, new identity, and fresh possibility. Today, we continue that tradition by holding a smooth white stone, entering a quiet meditation, and allowing Spirit to reveal a word, name, or message that reflects who you are becoming.