Drama

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

Hi WW's , This Sunday , we shall do a walk from Braine L'Alleud . The walk should look like : https://mapy.com/s/pacogutazu Be prepared for Belgian weather and muddy footpaths ! The walk may be shortened / adapted depending on the weather . Take drinks and snacks to keep you going. We will leave on time , so if you are late you can catch us up by following the route above. The Apres Walk will be in the Deli Traiteur where you can buy the food and drink of your choice , and consume at the tables in the shop. [Delitraiteur Braine l'Alleud Manufacture - Delitraiteur](https://delitraiteur.com/shop/delitraiteur-braine-lalleud-manufacture/) If you have any questions , you can contact me on 0472 613 518. See you on Sunday :-) Rory

Réservation obligatoire/compulsory reservation[ via this link](https://www.billetweb.fr/full-moon-gong-bath1) Scroll down for English Lilith & the Full Moon – Gong Bath Lieu : Yoga Studio Brussels Date : Dimanche 4 janvier 2026 Heure : 16h – 17h30 FR La première Pleine Lune de 2026 a lieu le 3 janvier. Le dimanche, nous sommes encore pleinement sous son influence — un moment propice à l’intégration, à la clarté émotionnelle et au lâcher-prise. À cette période, la Lune Noire (Lilith) transite le Sagittaire, mettant en lumière les thèmes de vérité, de liberté et d’authenticité. Cette Pleine Lune nous invite à abandonner les croyances dépassées, à écouter notre intuition et à nous réaligner intérieurement. Ce bain sonore immersif comprend : – un grand gong de 130 cm – quatre gongs planétaires lunaires – un bol chantant rare accordé à la fréquence de Lilith, soutenant la souveraineté intérieure et la vérité émotionnelle Allongez-vous et laissez les vibrations apaiser le système nerveux, libérer les tensions et inviter un repos profond. Tarif 35€ par personne 32€ par personne pour une réservation à deux ou plus Infos & réservations bookings@nirmalkaram.com Aucune expérience nécessaire. ⸻ Lilith & the Full Moon – Gong Bath Location : Yoga Studio Brussels Date : Sunday, January 4, 2026 Time : 16:00 – 17:30 EN The first Full Moon of 2026 rises on January 3rd. On Sunday, we are still fully within its energetic field — a powerful moment for integration, emotional clarity, and release. At this time, Black Moon Lilith is transiting Sagittarius, highlighting themes of truth, freedom, and authenticity. This lunar moment invites us to let go of outdated beliefs, reconnect with intuition, and listen deeply to our inner voice. This immersive gong bath features: – a large 130 cm gong – four Moon planetary gongs – a rare singing bowl tuned to the frequency of Lilith, supporting inner authority and emotional honesty Lie down and receive as sound waves calm the nervous system, clear emotional residue, and guide you into deep rest. Price 35€ per person 32€ per person when booking for two or more Info & bookings bookings@nirmalkaram.com No experience needed.

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 !

Hello Bonjour \*\* Please register yourself [here for the meditation ](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/sunday-meditations)and here for the [Pranic Healing session](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/sunday-sessions). In this edition, we will work on REMOVING old thoughts and feelings and RECHARGING ourselves with POSITIVE energies for 2026! We will also practice the Twin Hearts Meditation to bless the entire Earth, as it is by giving that we receive. Then you can be relieved from negative energies and be boosted with life energy with the Pranic Healing session! 4th January 10:30 - 11:30 - Inner work + Twin Hearts Meditation 11:30 - 12:30 - Pranic Healing Sessions (20 min session per person) The **Twin Hearts Meditation** increases your focus, the quality and quantity of your energy, and therefore, your health! Get more connected with yourself with **Pranic Healing sessions**. The negative energies of your system are removed and then, you are filled with prana, also known as life energy. **That improves your physical and emotional health\*!** Donation based **Reserving on our website makes it easier for us to know who will come since we have other meetup groups.** With kindness and sweetness, Juliana \* Pranic Healing is not intended to replace regular medicine but rather to complement it. \*\* Nous parlons français aussi !

Hello! This is a meet-up to play tennis from 2 pm to 4 pm on Sunday. Meeting is on the courts. The courts are booked under the name Jean-Marc. This event is for intermediate and advanced players and not organised for novice players or beginners. Please make sure to bring the exact sum of 10 € in cash. The event is non-commercial. This sum covers the cost of the courts reserved. The organizer is not there to make money out of you. Ladies are encouraged to join. If anyone wants to drop out, they should do it on Saturday morning, not on Sunday the day of the meetup, another wise it would be too late to find a replacement in time or to cancel a court in time with reimbursement. If you don't do this, you will be asked by the organizer to reimburse your participation fee. If this happens too late then those who have cancelled after Saturday morning will have to cover the extra cost for reserving the courts. In the past meetups, it happened too many times that we were an oneven number and because of that all those present had less fun to play. If you don't show up without giving a written excuse in time, the first future participation will be cancelled and you will be asked to reimburse the participation fee. If it happens too many times you will not be able to participate anymore. In case if we are an uneven number of players, then the last player (except the host of course who has to collect the money) can leave or persuade other players to play with him or her. Of course if the last player leaves, then he or she doesn't have to pay the participation fee. If this player leaves, he or she will be added on a future event by the host or organizer in the participation list if the player is far away in the waiting list. This is the advantage of leaving on a voluntary basis;-). We operate on the principle of Fair Play as we do not have umpires or referees. Any disputes or disagreements over line calls or scores should be resolved immediately on the court and, when agreement is not possible, the point or game should be replayed. To be able to replay the game, 3 players need to agree on that without manipulation of the one who disputes an entire game, anotherwise injustice could occur where in the end possibly the biggest cheater could win... This situation applies also, if the host or the organizer is involved. When one of the players still doesn't accept this compromise, then it should be reported (meetup message by preference) to the organizer or host of the meetup event. One of the consequences could be that the first upcoming event could be cancelled by the organizer for the player who doesn't comply with the compromise to play the point or the game again. If the same player does that again for a second time, then the person will see 4 of his next tennis meetups cancelled. If this happens a third time with the same player, then the player in question will be banned from all future tennis meetups with an exclusion as a final result. Whenever there is a big problem, it should be reported as well to the organizer of the group so he can, if necessary, take actions to improve the situation for all the players. Please also note that if you are the first on the waiting list, you will automatically be moved up to the attendance list if someone pulls out. So if you are on the waiting list and see that you cannot attend, please also change your status to not going. If you would like to organize a meet up either this week or next week please get in touch with me, my name is Jean-Marc. It will depend on your initiatives to create more tennis meetups per week.

Happy New Year, dear hikers! For those who are already back in Brussels and in need of a bit of fresh air after the holiday indulgences, let's go for a hike along the Demer north of Leuven! We will start the hike at the train station of Wijgmaal and walk through a varied landscape of fields, forests, wetlands and little villages until we reach Aarschot where we will look for a final drink. I have my eye on the Cafe of the Microbrouwerij Den Druppel, which hopefully should be open on Sunday. As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average speed of about 5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-). ●●You can find the gpx track here: **Wikilocs:** https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/von-wijgmaal-nach-aarschot-245677630 **Komoot**: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2736829818?share_token=aOZGC8Jg3X1oT53xxZvt7wU5rd6EOExuaFTO5VstLpBq88iL7L&ref=wtd ●●Meeting point: We meet at 10h00 in the main hall of Gare Central, in front of Starbucks, and take the train at 10.16 (IC3607 to Leuven). We change to the train to Mechelen (leaving Leuven at 10.54) and arrive in Wijgmaal at 11.00. ●● Train tickets: BXL- Wijgmaal 5.40€ (3.20€ with Train+), Aarschot-BXL 6.80€ (4.10€ with Train+) ●● Back to Brussels: From Aarschot there are two trains back to Bxl every hour, at XX.14 and XX.36 and (41/43 min to Gare Central) ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 21 km Elevation gain: almost nothing Net walking time: ca 4,5 h Weather forecast: frosty but sunny, with maybe some snow on the ground In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Warm and comfortable hiking clothes &shoes (waterproof unless you don't mind wet feet) * rain gear * water and drink for the breaks (hot tea might be a good idea) * Compeed for blisters * some small money for drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

Kick off your new year goals with the **Brussels Runners**! Join us for our first Sunday outing of the year—a scenic, social long run through the heart of Woluwe and Etterbeek. Whether you’re sticking to a resolution or just looking for great company, this is the perfect way to start the season. What to Expect: Distance: 13-14 km Pace : 6-6:15 min/km Terrain: A mix of off road and road sections. Good Company: Run with like-minded individuals and make new friends. Post-Run Coffee: Optional gathering at TO MELI for coffee and refreshments. Bag Drop: Available (please arrive by 9:25 AM if you need to drop off a bag or jacket) Meetup: In Front of 'TO MELI' - next to the Schuman Roundabout & Schuman Metro Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

[Sign up vis Hipsy](https://hipsy.be/event/174867-chinese-tea-gathering-and-cultural-sharing) The intension for our first tea gathering in 2026 on Sunday, 04 January: * Being alone together * Let's walk into the wilderness, * Let's walk each other home, my people, with tea as our conduit What people say about Chinese Tea with Wenwei: “**A real revelation**” "Immersive, Informative, Intimate" "Wholesome" “Enormous passion for her roots”, “ The most convivial and informative of tea drinking experiences “ "Beyond tea tasting" "Gentle healing" Our gatherings are rooted in the **ever-evolving** Chinese tea culture. We explore how contemporary Chinese people enjoy tea in daily life, discover its beauty, and reflect on **the philosophies and mindsets** behind it. I also call it an **honest tea-sensing experience.** Around tea, countless stories have been told or imagined. The story I’d like to share is the one already present — **in the tea itself, and in our bodies.** In our stories, we search for “herbal remedies from the mountains and delightful moments at a writing desk”. We serve top-quality teas that carry **a comforting Qi:** no jitters but calm, no bitterness but transformation. For me, it’s like opening a window for European friends to glimpse Chinese tea culture - a taste and **a reference point for what tea means back home**. In each gathering, we follow the changes of the tea, let our imagination wander, and enjoy the journies it takes us on. **Not a ceremony**, not a tradition beyond tasting, beyond organic To give you an idea, below is an example of the teas we served: Depending on the number of participants and the time we have, we will taste 3 to 5 different teas, experiencing the **terroir of the mountains,** the **character of heirloom varietals,** the artistry of suitable **processing methods,** and immersing ourselves in an **Eastern aesthetic.** **Yellow Tea** \- Wild Laochuan tea from the Hengduan Mountains\, Sichuan heirloom varietal, Spring 2025. First flush, first pluck; grown by nature, with abundant tea energy (chaqi). **Oolong Tea** \- Dongfang Meiren \(Oriental Beauty\) from Fujian\, bitten by small green leafhoppers\, 2024\. From an ecological tea garden\, with intertwining honey\, floral\, and fruity aromas\. **Dark Tea (Hei Cha)** \- Heirloom varietal tea trees\, semi\-wild in deep mountains\, Spring 2016\. Fresh woody and floral notes\, pure dark tea with a cooling sensation\, and a pronounced Hui Gan \( Returning Sweetness \) **Black Tea (Hong Cha)** \- Zhengshan Xiaozhong \(Lapsang Souchong\) from Tongmu\, Wuyi Mountains – heirloom varietal\, Spring 2023\. Withered and smoked over native pinewood inside village houses, then roasted. Pine smoke fragrance with longan-sweet liquor and floral undertones. If you'd like, you can also try brewing the tea in Gong Fu styl yourself. **"The only thing that does not change is change itself"**, this also applies to Chinese tea culture. We are excited to hold a space where we create our unique experience together. The teas may be different for each gathering , but the love and passion we infuse will be just as strong, and for some of you, it will be a real revelation. Reserve your spot for **this convivial and informative gathering** in an intimate circle, where everyone shares, and every sense is engaged. Warmly, Wenwei Zhang **36€/ person** **[Sign up vis Hipsy](https://hipsy.be/event/174867-chinese-tea-gathering-and-cultural-sharing)** Instagram: chinese_tea_with_wenwei Facebook:Chinese Tea with Wenwei in Belgium Google review: [https://g.co/kgs/cHZXuXL](https://g.co/kgs/cHZXuXL) Any questions: 0032 456 17 56 35

Let's continue the tradition and play UNO, everybody is welcome :) If you're on the waitlist please check your messages, especially on Sunday. If people drop off last minute I tend to message people on the waitlist to see who can come. We'll be playing at the lobby of Radisson RED, Brussels. The address of the hotel is: Rue d'Idalie 35, 1050 Bruxelles My number is 0471 45 55 02. Feel free to call if you cannot solve a physics question, cannot find the place or simply need a hug. I have quickly written a set of rules on how we play. It is assumed that the reader has a basic concept of the game. *** Setup: * Each player starts with 6 or 7 cards each (depending on total number of players) * A card is shown in play in the middle of everyone, this is known as the top card. Goal: * The goal of the game for each player is to get rid of all cards in your hand Rules: * Whenever you go from two cards to one card, you have to say "UNO". * Each player takes his turn one by one, initially going in the clock-wise direction * A card may be played if it matches the same colour or same number or same type as the top card in play * The two black cards (Draw 4 and Wild) can be played regardless of the top card in play. * Interruption rule: You may interrupt the general flow of the game (clockwise or counter-clockwise) if you have the EXACT same card as the top card in play. If you manage to play the card prior to the person whose turn it's supposed to be, then the game continues on from you in the same direction it was previously. (Unless the reverse card was interrupted, then the direction changes). * Draw2 or Draw4 cards can be played in accordance to the interruption rule. The following person after the interrupt has to take the accumulated number of cards. If however, cards have already been drawn AND seen by the person who was supposed to take the cards, then only the remainder of cards has to be drawn. * Once someone has no cards remaining in his hand, play stops and we start counting points. Points: * Number cards have the face value as the number of points. i.e. number 6 is worth 6 points, number 0 is worth 0 points, number 4 is worth 4 points. * Skip, reverse and Draw2 are worth 20 points each * Wild and draw4 are worth 50 points each

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

**About the session** This is a curated mixed doubles of Intermediate and Advanced levels. It’s an invitational group, no beginners or casual/amateur play. We balance courts for pace and quality. New and Interested in being part of our group? Join here, https://chat.whatsapp.com/KqdVhyuBhFz1d56lv4WVVi Please Direct Message the Organizer with your level. Approval is required before your first RSVP. **Format & level** * Competitive mixed doubles match play with quick rotations * Self-umpired with rally scoring to 21. * We may adjust pairings to keep games balanced. **Shuttles** We provide Yonex Mavis 2000 (Medium, Yellow) match-grade nylon shuttles. Please don’t mix in other shuttles during games. **Other Info** * We’ll post exact court numbers in the WhatsApp group before each session. Check on the day. * To secure your spot, RSVP on Meetup and complete payment by thursday evening (RSVP deadline). Unpaid RSVPs may be moved to the Waitlist so we can release/adjust courts fairly. * Waitlist: If enabled, members may be promoted automatically as spots open. So check regularly for the latest update. **House rules** * Shoes: Clean, non-marking indoor shoes only. * Timing: Arrive 10 minutes early for warm-up and court assignment. Running late? DM the Organizer. * Etiquette: Call lines fairly, rotate quickly, and mind court boundaries. No Aggressive language. * Gear: Bring your racket, water, and a towel. shuttles are provided. **Contact** Questions or first-time approval requests? DM the Organizer with your playing level and availability.

Join us for some friendly Badminton games- all levels welcome! IMPORTANT- in order to secure your place you’ll need to both book a spot on Meetup AND pay €8 by Friday morning. This is to make sure we can cancel courts if demand isn’t there, and make sure we’re being fair to people on the waitlist. Refunds will only be people after Friday AM if another player is definitely able to take your spot Always worth joining our W’app group as well for faster, often better, updates! https://chat.whatsapp.com/Llj4cYv1PVE2LXv86WkXMC?mode=hqrt2

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

Join us for a top-reviewed comedy-drama and the latest from director Bradley Cooper, IS THIS THING ON! The film is based on a true story follows a middle-aged man in a struggling marriage who seeks in purpose as a stand-up comedian. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: As their marriage quietly unravels, a faces middle age and an impending divorce. He seeks new purpose in the New York comedy scene while trying to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether or not love can take a new form. The film is directed by Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born, Maestro) and stars Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day, Christine Ebersole, Sean Hayes and Bradley Cooper. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4jx0Xgc_Pc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4jx0Xgc_Pc) BUZZ: The film is earning an 89% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it “another terrific relationship study from Bradley Cooper and an ideal platform for Will Arnett's dramatic chops.” Following its world premiere at the NYFF, critics called it “a warm and hilarious comedy-drama” and “one of the most memorable and heartfelt films you’ll see all year!” PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet inside the lobby area about 30 minutes before the show beings. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but be sure to mention you're with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts. Possible post-show get-together at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

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!

Join us as we get together to see the winner of the Best International Film at TIFF and a triple Golden Globe nominee: NO OTHER CHOICE! This top-reviewed dark comedy satirical thriller follows a man devises a unique plan to secure a new job: eliminate his competition. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a desperate paper industry expert who decides to kill off his competition to be assured of the job he seeks to maintain his way of life. The film is co-written / produced / directed by Park Chan-wook and is based on The Ax by Donald Westlake. It stars Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcz-RXMCyco BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews as the Venice International Film Festival and later at the Toronto Film Festival where it won the International People’s Choice Award! It just received 3 Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy), Best Foreign Language Film and Best Actor for Lee Byung-hun. It was also selected as the South Korean entry (and likely nominee) for Best International Film at this year’s Academy Awards! It's been a stellar year for International films! We've already seen superb entries SENTIMENTAL VALUE, IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT and THE SECRET AGENT! My spidey senses tell me those three and this Korean entry could be 4 of our 5 Best International Films at this year's Oscars! PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PLAN: We’ll plan for a mid-afternoon showing and will make this a Dinner & a Movie event with a bite either before or after the show (depending on showtime). Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. Dinner location will either be Cazuela’s Mexican Grill or, if it’s open, the NEW Dog Haus Restaurant (which is scheduled to open in January near the Gateway and has outstanding veg/vegan options). Showtime and complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

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

Join us as we get the New Year started with one of the best films of the year: THE SECRET AGENT! This political thriller from Brazil is set in 1977 where a man flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown but soon finds the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In 1977, a former professor flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown of Recife in search of peace. He soon realizes that the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. The film stars Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Gabriel Leone and Udo Kier in his final film role. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UfrzDKrhEc BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The Secret Agent was the most awarded film at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival where it won Best Actor for Wagner Moura, Best Director for Mendonça Filho, the Art House Cinema Award and the FIPRESCI Prize. At this year’s Golden Globes, it became Brazil’s first film ever to be nominated for Best Film (Drama)! It also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Film, a Best Actor nomination for Wagner Moura and was selected as Brazil’s entry for Best International Film at this year’s Academy Awards. The film is receiving an incredible 99% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics say, its “compelling script, impeccable acting, and striking 1970s aesthetic” make it “impossible to look away!” Critics say The Secret Agent is “one of the few standout movies of the year” and the Chicago Tribune calls it a “masterpiece of a film” and “the best film of the year!” PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PLAN: Details for this event have been confirmed! A bit of a good news/bad news situation with the showtime. I was afraid it may disappear before we got a chance to see it! Its down to one showing at one theater. Showtime is a little early but if you can make it work, I think it’ll be worth our while! Please purchase your ticket for the 4:45pm showing at we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 4:25 and 4:35pm! At this time, tickets available via the Gateway website only! Advance purchase is advised! Once you have yours please list your seat number in the Comments below. Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you there, Dan