Fair Tax

This week we will be delving into a real hot topic of the modern moment: immigration. Often, it is viewed as a black and white social issue, drawing a deep chasm between left and right, but is that really the true story? Crime, lack of housing, lack of jobs, strain on the NHS and benefits: What really are the impacts of immigration on our towns and communities? Economic theory is generally positive on migration, pointing towards increased GDP, employment and overall growth. However, many blame immigrants for various social ills. One of the important questions of this discussion could be: do those people have any point at all? Are the broad effects of migration the full story? Can the overall increases in GDP and employment rate really speak for migration on the whole? This promises to be a spicy one. Your reading materials are below the following starter questions for 10: 1. What do we mean by "migration"? Who are “migrants”? 2. Who benefits from migration, and in what ways? 3. What challenges, if any, do you think are caused by migration? 4. What is integration, and what aims should we have, if any, for the integration of migrants into our society? This week, we have no singular article to draw upon. Rather, a summary sheet has been pulled together from a few sources: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lltuwyfxfTJvEy861LzlZK_kuzEbL8rdSGbfsMDwiEI/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lltuwyfxfTJvEy861LzlZK_kuzEbL8rdSGbfsMDwiEI/edit?usp=sharing) This is from where we shall draw our discussion. Extra to the sources in the summary are the following: [https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025#payrolled-employments-by-nationality-and-age-group](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025#payrolled-employments-by-nationality-and-age-group) This is a release from the government on changes to numbers on payroll by various slices to citizenship categories.. [https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/longterminternationalmigrationprovisional/yearendingdecember2025](https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/longterminternationalmigrationprovisional/yearendingdecember2025) The latest Office for National Statistics bulletin on migration, discussing the provisional figures for 2025. [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7590fee5274a545822c836/occ109.pdf](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7590fee5274a545822c836/occ109.pdf) Paper from 2014 on the topic of migration, seems to suggest that growing economies can absorb migrants easily, but recessed ones mightn’t be able to.

Hello ! Join us for a beautiful summer walk through the stunning Darent Valley, taking in chocolate-box villages, riverside scenery, spectacular lavender fields and historic countryside. ⭐️ Organiser’s fee: £7 💜 What’s Included 💜 🌿 Approximately 5-mile linear walk through the picturesque Darent Valley 💜 Visit to the spectacular Castle Farm Lavender Fields, one of the largest lavender farms in the UK 🌿 Wander through acres of vibrant purple lavender in full bloom, filling the air with its wonderful fragrance 📸 Fantastic photo opportunities amongst the lavender fields 🍦 Opportunity to purchase delicious lavender ice cream ☕️ Try lavender tea and browse a wonderful selection of lavender gifts, plants and artisan products 🌾 Enjoy beautiful views across the Kent countryside ⭐️ One of the most colourful and photogenic walks of the summer! ⭐️📸 PHOTO COMPETITION 📸⭐️ Win a beautiful selection of lavender products from the Castle Farm shop! 💜 Simply upload your favourite artistic photographs from the day onto the Meetup event page after the walk. 🌿 I’ll choose a winning image from this wonderfully photogenic walk. ⭐️ Prize: A lovely selection of lavender goodies from the farm shop! ⭐️ Optional Extra ⭐️ For anyone wishing to extend the day, nearby Lullingstone Castle is hosting a special English Civil War Society Weekend. ⚔️ Living history displays ⚔️ Musket and cannon firing demonstrations ⚔️ Re-enactors and historic encampments ⚔️ Castle grounds and gardens A fun and fascinating optional addition for history lovers. 🚆 Meeting Details ⭐️ Meet outside the main ticket barriers at London Victoria Station at 10:20am on Saturday 4th July 🚆 We will catch the 10:55am train to Shoreham (Kent) ⭐️ Alternatively, if you would prefer to meet the group at Shoreham Station, please let me know in advance. 🍺 End of Walk 🌿 We will finish in the attractive village of Eynsford 🍴 Opportunity for food and drinks at The Malt Shovel pub 🚆 Return to London from Eynsford Station 💷 Travel Costs ⭐️ Approximate return train fare: £11 (including GroupSave discount) 🎒 Please Bring 💧 Water ☀️ Sunscreen 🧢 A hat if hot weather is forecast 🥾 Suitable walking footwear 📞 Contact 07816 866300 💜🌿 Come and enjoy one of Kent’s most spectacular summer displays as the lavender reaches its peak bloom. The scent, colour and scenery make this one of the most memorable countryside walks of the year! 🌿💜

In this session we will read aloud some of the Tractatus Logico Philosoophicus by Ludwig Wittgenstein, and discuss it. One of the most difficult books of philosophy ever written, it attempts in no more than 79 pages to set out the limits of language, knowlege and reality. Bertrand Russell described it as "an achievement of extraordinary difficulty and importance" and a work of "philosophical genius". No preparation or background knowledge required for the session. We will read together, share explanations where we can, and form our reactions. Gather in Highgate Library from 3.15, read and discuss 3.30 to 4.30. Optional socialising in the Boogaloo pub afterwards.

update: full for drums, vocals, guitar, piano, 1 of 2 spots taken for bass, 2 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments **Please use this link to sign up and pay** https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-10-12pm-july-4-vortex-upstairs (Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group, otherwise your ticket will be cancelled) There will be a delay in the attendee list here being manually updated - please always check tickts.co.uk link above which is always up to date for what instruments are available. full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group. See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending. Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie). Location: Vortex upstairs **Who's it for** Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians. There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g. https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing. While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements. Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas. Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time. **What it's like** A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on. Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. The tickts.co.uk page will have tickets available only for the instruments/vocals with spots remaining. **Tunes this week (Sat July 4)** * Blue bossa in Cm (Art Farmer) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4FcsB_WXmI * Afternoon in Paris in C (Sonny Rollins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3kjGMK5GXc * Doxy in Bb (Davis, Rollins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWreJOSbIQQ * Chameleon in Bbm (Herbie Hancock) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqomTAiRnVM Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. (Note the recordings provide stylistic reference, but may not be in the key listed, with the latter based on common real books) **Tune preview - next novice session (Sat July 11)** * Tenor madness in Bb (Blake, Roberts) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SsRegn8IG4 * Corcovado in C (note odd number of measures) (Stan Getz) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5XTnAQqczw * Little Sunflower in Dm (Freddie Hubbard) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZBu0ARDGxs * Lullaby of Birdland in Ab (Chad LB) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPqqVjfK2f4 **Preparing for the session** The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books. Resource for sheet music: https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html http://therealbook.info/ Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc. Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off **Playing well together** The rehearsal groups are often quite large for a jazz ensemble setting. Please follow the below arrangements, which are designed to help the group be mindful of each other's volumes, and to build good habits for playing as a group * Every tune should be played at least twice. Swap the bass, piano and guitar players between the two renditions (if there are two attending) * Only one guitarist should comp - i.e. play chords - for each rendition (both guitarists can solo, and comp without amplification) * After each rendition of the warm up tune, the whole group should take a moment together and help each other to check on volumes, including: \*\* Can everyone hear themselves? \*\* Are the drums too loud? \*\* Can everyone hear the bass? \*\* Is the guitar comping too loud? \*\* Is the piano loud enough? (staff at the office can turn this up) \*\* Feel free to revisit volumes after subsequent songs * For any song, if at least two people in the group feel it would be better, the guitar and piano should share the choruses for comping (instead of comping together) - e.g. guitar comps the first time through the head, then piano, then guitar, etc. **Equipment** there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch **Percussion** Percussionists are welcome to join with their instruments, alongside the drummer. Feel free to sign up to any session, even one that says "full for all instruments" at the top, unless it explicitly mentions "full for percussion". **Vocalists** Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing. **Observing** Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal. **Cancellation policy** Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible. Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!

A Rabble session is 1 hour of fun and social team games. Each game disguises high-intensity intervals within the rules, giving you an effective, all-body workout without even realising it. We play a bunch of different games at each session (like British Bulldog, Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, Frisbee and many more), and every class is different. Sessions are open to all, no matter your sporting ability. Each game is explained before we start, so there's no need to have played any of the games before. Come solo or bring friends! And stay at the end for the social part! Who knew getting fit could be this fun? **TO BOOK**: It's essential that you book onto sessions via our website, using the link below; due to restrictions on games and preparation times we cannot accept walk-ins, or late arrivals. [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) Use the code **FREEPLAY** to get your first game free! *** We play every: * Monday in Finsbury Park (19:00 - 20:00) * Tuesday in Shoreditch Park (19:00 - 20:00) * Wednesday in Elephant & Castle (19:00 - 20:00) * Saturday in Southwark Park (10:30 - 11:30) * Saturday in Finsbury Park (11:00 - 12:00) * Sunday in Clapham Common (12:00 - 13:00) We hope to see you playing soon! PS. We have a group of dedicated regulars, so numbers are usually much higher than Meetup might suggest. Book your place here: [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) **Love Rabble**

update: full for drums, bass, piano, 1 of 2 spots taken for guitar, 2 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments **Please use this link to sign up and pay** https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-12-2pm-july-4-vortex-upstairs (Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group, otherwise your ticket will be cancelled) There will be a delay in the attendee list here being manually updated - please always check tickts.co.uk link above which is always up to date for what instruments are available. full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group. See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending. Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie). Location: Vortex upstairs **Who's it for** Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians. There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g. https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing. While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements. Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas. Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time. **What it's like** A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on. Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. The tickts.co.uk page will have tickets available only for the instruments/vocals with spots remaining. **Tunes this week (Sat July 4)** * Blue bossa in Cm (Art Farmer) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4FcsB_WXmI * Afternoon in Paris in C (Sonny Rollins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3kjGMK5GXc * Doxy in Bb (Davis, Rollins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWreJOSbIQQ * Chameleon in Bbm (Herbie Hancock) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqomTAiRnVM Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. (Note the recordings provide stylistic reference, but may not be in the key listed, with the latter based on common real books) **Tune preview - next novice session (Sat July 11)** * Tenor madness in Bb (Blake, Roberts) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SsRegn8IG4 * Corcovado in C (note odd number of measures) (Stan Getz) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5XTnAQqczw * Little Sunflower in Dm (Freddie Hubbard) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZBu0ARDGxs * Lullaby of Birdland in Ab (Chad LB) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPqqVjfK2f4 **Preparing for the session** The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books. Resource for sheet music: https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html http://therealbook.info/ Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc. Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off **Playing well together** The rehearsal groups are often quite large for a jazz ensemble setting. Please follow the below arrangements, which are designed to help the group be mindful of each other's volumes, and to build good habits for playing as a group * Every tune should be played at least twice. Swap the bass, piano and guitar players between the two renditions (if there are two attending) * Only one guitarist should comp - i.e. play chords - for each rendition (both guitarists can solo, and comp without amplification) * After each rendition of the warm up tune, the whole group should take a moment together and help each other to check on volumes, including: \*\* Can everyone hear themselves? \*\* Are the drums too loud? \*\* Can everyone hear the bass? \*\* Is the guitar comping too loud? \*\* Is the piano loud enough? (staff at the office can turn this up) \*\* Feel free to revisit volumes after subsequent songs * For any song, if at least two people in the group feel it would be better, the guitar and piano should share the choruses for comping (instead of comping together) - e.g. guitar comps the first time through the head, then piano, then guitar, etc. **Equipment** there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch **Percussion** Percussionists are welcome to join with their instruments, alongside the drummer. Feel free to sign up to any session, even one that says "full for all instruments" at the top, unless it explicitly mentions "full for percussion". **Vocalists** Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing. **Observing** Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal. **Cancellation policy** Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible. Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!

**Join us at the vibrant Teddington Village Fair on Sunday June 30th** This popular community event has been running for many yeas and has something for everyone, including * Live Music, Song and Dance Performances Children's activities * Local business, community and charity stalls * Hot and cold food stalls [https://rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=996349&ClubID=893](https://rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=996349&ClubID=893) Come along to find out the latest about Heart Twickenham as we create community, share the love, support local wellbeing practitioners and raise funds for our Heart Kovalam project. We'll be selling beautiful and useful gifts and handicrafts ethically sourced and made in Kerala and other parts of India. [https://www.heart-twickenham.co.uk/community](https://www.heart-twickenham.co.uk/community)

\*\*\* We are looking for another table leader to help facilitate more players enjoying the game. Can you help in the future? \*\*\* \*\*\* Pls fill in our contact form so that we can contact you directly if there are any important changes to this event in the future: [https://form.typeform.com/to/IGVdeYWs](https://form.typeform.com/to/IGVdeYWs) \*\*\* An afternoon spent playing Robert Kiyosaki's Cashflow 101 board game. We'll start with chatting amongst ourselves and then at 1:00 pm we meet at the tables and play the game together. RSVP's open two weeks before each event. Consider playing the Millionaire Maker Game! It not only shows how to get out of the rat race; it teaches some of the steps needed to become a millionaire faster while still in the rat race! Knowing these steps and their sequence changes how you do things before getting out of the rat race! Join our next game here: [http://www.meetup.com/MillionaireMakerLondon/](http://www.meetup.com/MillionaireMakerLondon/) Also, consider **Firing your Boss by Taking Action and Making it Happen** in the real world! We are making real money and using it to fire your Boss! RSVP to an event here: [https://www.meetup.com/TakingAction/](https://www.meetup.com/TakingAction/) Event: Cashflow 101 Sunday Cost: £15 at the game or £10 if paid online and early, please also register your details so that we can keep you updated at www.LondonCashflowClub.com (http://www.meetup.com/LondonCashflow/) Organiser: Jonathan, Andrew and Tony FAQ's Q, Why are you discounting the ticket prices? A, We discount our tickets to reward our regular players when payment is made early and online. Q, Can I buy a ticket on the door? A, Yes, You can buy a ticket on the door IF there are any tickets available, BUT PLEASE NOTE a door ticket costs MORE than the online tickets. For this event door tickets are £15 Q, I don't have a PayPal account.. is there another way to pay? A, Yes, you don't need a PayPal account to use PayPal. After clicking "Pay Now" choose the option "Pay with a debit or credit card" and PayPal will take your payment using your debit or credit card. Q, I have something valuable for members... Can you send out a message? A, If our assessment of your content will benefit our members, we would be happy to promote it for you. Please get in touch to discuss your options. Please note: For social interaction and sharing the atmosphere of the group, by attending you consent to allow pictures and video to be taken and shared publicly. \*\*\* Pls fill in our contact form so that we can contact you directly if there are any important changes to this event in the future: [https://form.typeform.com/to/IGVdeYWs](https://form.typeform.com/to/IGVdeYWs) \*\*\*

Weekly cycling club open to members of that club only. Membership enquiries to creativewellnesswon@outlook.com

Wine Not? is a women-only gathering before the Balancers Saturday social. Most attendees come solo, so it’s an easy and welcoming place to meet people and settle in before the night gets busier. London can make meeting new people feel awkward, especially if you're coming alone. This early social creates a comfortable environment where you can chat, laugh, and get to know a few friendly faces first. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, a few light games, and plenty of time to connect naturally. **At 7.30 pm the main Balancers social begins**, and the room fills as over **150 people usually join the night**. Wine Not? naturally flows into the rest of the evening, so you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the full experience. Coming solo is completely normal. Our hosts will be there to help everyone feel comfortable, included, and connected from the start. **Check out our past events here:** **[https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/)** **Want to stay in the loop? Join our WhatsApp community: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)** *Remember, our pillars are Openness, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity. Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/50907 **Game Description:** Sportas is turning 5 in July! And of course we're going to celebrate with this incredible community ❤️ 5 years. 5 cities. 50,000+ players. And we're not done yet. Say hello to the Sportas Games!!! 5 teams will compete to see if they can take home the coveted Sportas trophy. If we did the olympics, this is how it would look 🔥 **Here's the low down 📋** – 5 teams – 10 players per team – Different sports to compete in – Beach volleyball, football, classic sports day games + a scavenger hunt around the area – Only one team can come out on top 🏆 Every team will have a captain who will put together the teams! Thinking long and hard to make sure every team is balanced. Making sure not to stack one team with too many players of the same sport 🤝 There will be sports, there will be prizes and there will be lots of fun ❤️ Drinks on us throughout the whole event – powered by Jubel 🍺 And that's not all. Your ticket gets you FREE entry straight into the anniversary social at Crol & Co – a two-minute walk from the venue. A relaxed & intimate way to round off the day with the community, drinks in hand. Starts at 3:30pm, wrapped up by 7pm 🧡 There may even be some merch up for grabs on the day 👀 We are so excited for this one – 5 years in the making and this might just be the best one yet ❤️ 📍 Entry is non-refundable due to prep costs ⚠️ Only 50 spots available – move fast when booking so you don't miss out! **Rules** THERE ARE NO RULES! Joke, there actually are, you know the one the sport has. You can check out some highlights from the last 3 years of the Sportas Games: \- https://www\.instagram\.com/p/DL0HoQUt6vP/?igsh=MWR4eHluMWJ6aGs1OQ== \- https://www\.instagram\.com/p/C9NXBLetO0s/?img_index=3&igsh=MXNncjFudWs1MXk1OA== \- https://www\.instagram\.com/p/CukCWi\-Ngwa/?img_index=5&igsh=MWJxZjA4NzM2aWV2dQ== This is our 5th year doing this and it just keeps getting better. See you there 🙌

🚨 Spoiler alert: We built the space we couldn’t find. A place where you can show up alone, say hi first, and meet new people naturally. If you’re ready to expand your circle, you’re in the right place. You can check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/) 📸🚨 Get ready for another Social🎉 Here’s the Plan: **7:30 PM – Find Your Team** As soon as the event begins, you’ll receive a card with simple instructions to help you find your teammates among the other attendees. It’s a fun and easy way to start conversations with people in the room. **08:15 PM – Team Challenges Begin** Once teams are formed, the challenges start. Winning challenges earns points for your team on the live scoreboard. No skills needed. Just jump in, have a laugh and work together. Winning team get free shots 🍹 **09:00 PM – Open Social & Mingling** Once the challenges wrap up, the room opens up. This is the moment to mix, chat and get to know new people. **10:00 PM – Music** The DJ takes over and the night shifts into a more relaxed social vibe. Chat, dance and keep the connections going. ⚠️ Please note: Entry is not guaranteed after 10:00 PM **11:30 PM – After Party** For those who want to keep the night going, we’ll head to a venue close by for the after party. ⚠️Please bring ID if you plan to join the after party. ✨ Pro tip Try to arrive by 7:30 PM to enjoy the full experience. 🔹 Many people come alone. That’s completely normal here. 🔹 Our hosts are on the floor helping people meet and get involved. 🔹 Most attendees join through our app, so the Meetup “Going” list represents only a small portion of the actual crowd. **[📲 Download our app](https://onelink.to/balancers)** You can connect with people you meet, access ticket deals, track rewards and see the photo gallery from the night. **[💬 Join our WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)** for last-minute updates and reminders. **Our pillars are Openness, Respect, Inclusivity, Kindness and Authenticity**. *Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

Come on down and get fit make Some friends and train with an Olympian… yes I will give you guys an amazing boxercise before we than head to a local coffee shop to connect It’s £15 for the boxercise class than we will walk over to the grab some Coffee!

We will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH

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.

Come join us for lunch together at Bendi Wok, one of my favorites!

**Summary** The [Ohio State Fair](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/) is consistently ranked as one of the [best](https://www.realpropertymgt.com/expert-tips/top-5-state-fairs) ... [state](https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-state-fair/) ... [fairs](https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/local/2025/08/06/ohio-state-fair-named-top-fair-nation-usa-today/85527343007/) ... [in](https://www.blueribbongroup.net/blue-ribbon-foodies/tag/what-are-the-best-state-fairs-in-the-united-states/) ... [America](https://614now.com/2025/explore-columbus/usa-today-names-the-ohio-state-fair-as-one-of-the-countrys-best-find-out-where-it-ranked-here). By [acreage](https://www.google.com/search?q=largest+state+fairs+in+us+by+acreage&client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=5a1ec5f7868eb06c&prmd=ivns&sxsrf=AE3TifOrRyB0UF_zcJxuzJ2blALpROCfFA:1763485805100&source=lnms&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZPH5QghoXViUOqdFyhkUfHhA90f6RZnLvcDKUWyhDavFJHvqNnhR_vnElk0C8uWstYqkR_Pamh3VQhx9plk87wYYnFhXCtQ6JPByPAvG0_LeyIQszFojQ7tWAfAvDzo6MwRJuWxS0jrzFWBkVvjkxbHuA6PTQnwEl88m-YBBItnTFmNlR9xZ9YLttetzKJB1GAWacLg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiX3-rHmPyQAxU6_8kDHcKPH1gQ0pQJegQIBRAF&biw=1735&bih=926&dpr=1), it's one of the five largest fairs in the country. And a million people [visit](https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2025-08-06/attendance-off-slightly-at-2025-ohio-state-fair-but-sales-of-champions-was-up-big) it each year. Last year's [attendees](https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/nearly-1-million-visitors-2025-ohio-state-fair-fun-facts-statistics/530-e6c7db59-e9ca-469b-9d3e-ef39011aca00) came from each of Ohio's 88 counties, from all 50 states, and from as far away as 26 other countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, and others, according to Ticketmaster sales data. **Map of the Fair** Here is a [map of the grounds](https://cdn.saffire.com/images.ashx?t=ig&rid=OhioStateFair&i=map2025.jpg&cb=0508a2a3). **Directions, Parking, Tickets, Timing** Take exit 111 (17th Avenue) off of I-71. Turn west (toward the McDonald's). [Parking is $10](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours) whether you pay in advance or on-site. It's generally not too bad getting in and out of the fair. You generally get an excellent spot, too, early in the mornings. There are cops everywhere and they will let you know where to park. [Tickets will be $13](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours), but through July 26, you can buy them online for $9. You can also buy 3- and 12-day admission tickets in advance for $24 and $84, respectively. I've scheduled this meetup from 9 to 3, but you can obviously come late or leave early if you want. They will also stamp your hand for free same-day re-admission if you want. The fair is a big place. You will get plenty of steps in at this event, so be prepared to do some walking! **Outside Items** From the [FAQ](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/faqs): * *Bags* "Purses, backpacks, book bags, coolers, strollers, etc. are permitted, but are subject to search. Bag searches will also be conducted for guests entering concerts and events in the WCOL Celeste Center." * *Outside Food and Beverage* "You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Glass bottles and containers are not permitted on grounds." I like to bring a disposable plastic bottle of water with me and refill it on the grounds as I go. **What's New at the Fair** They've spent the last couple years doing major construction at the fair, and most if not all of it should be completed by the start of this year's fair. They've been massively overhauling what's located at the heart of the fairgrounds just north of Kiddleland and just west of the Midway, they're supposed to also have completed improvements to the Dairy Building. In the center of the fairgrounds, there's supposed to be a new food hall, which I would consider to be the centerpiece of the whole shebang. It's supposed to [include](https://www.ohioexpocenter.com/p/about/expo-2050-master-plan) "multi-purpose dining and event space and incubator kitchens on the first floor, and additional dining and event space on the second story." Furthermore, "both levels [will] include outdoor dining on a patio or balcony." A new "Town Square" and surrounding area will also feature a permanent "Ohio-themed carousel" that will also be "complete with ample shade and seating." The new Dairy Building will be air-conditioned and add public restrooms, a universal changing table, and other new amenities. Four hundred and sixty million dollars have been spent on these improvements and renovations, and I expect they will be very cool! **Where We'll Meet** At no later than 9 a.m., I'll be standing by the giant cardinal just inside Cardinal Gate 1, then we'll wander down to Tracey's (see below). If you come late, Tracey's is where you'll find us (DM me or drop a note in the comments if you need help finding us after you arrive). *Note: There's a smaller Tracey's booth near the main entrance. This is not the Tracey's location we'll be meeting at. You will have to walk down to the Bricker Marketplace to get to the correct Tracey's. There's more information on this, below, in the "What We'll Do" section.* If you want to come later in the day, drop me a note and I'll help you navigate to us or I'll come find you if that's feasible. **What We'll Do** This will be sort of a soft itinerary, depending on the interests of the group. The following is based on last year's [fair schedule](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/events), and might need to be changed depending on this year's schedule. But the overall fair schedule doesn't normally change that radically year-over-year. * 9:00 a.m. - *Tracey's* Tracey's is located at the northernmost part of the "WNCI Food Highway," just south of Brown Arena and at the northern corner of the Bricker Marketplace. They have a covered area with picnic tables where you can sit. They have one of the most varied food selections at the fair. They serve breakfast in the mornings, including eggs, bacon, and pancakes. We'll meet here and start our day by socializing over coffee and, if you want, breakfast. Last year, the pancakes with bacon was $7. You got two pancakes that I would describe as average-sized, and a couple strips of bacon. They gave me extra syrup for free. Both the pancakes and the bacon were actually pretty good. Their coffee is generally good, too. They also serve their coffee in Styrofoam cups, which I like because good coffee is more important to me than the environment. I've posted pics, below, of last year's Tracey's menu, as well as a picture of the venue itself relative to the main entrance of the Bricker Marketplace (this entrance faces the Celeste Center). * 10:00 a.m. - *Kasich Hall* Here they have the Ohio State Fair history exhibit, which is very cool. This building also hosts the creative exhibits, including quilts, cakes and pastries, and fair posters. Finally, events like girls' baton competitions, girls' cheerleading, youth choir, and youth boxing (my favorite) are held here. * 11:00 a.m. - *Lausche Youth Exploration Space* This building features 4-H exhibits, Boy and Girl Scout exhibits, and various science exhibits, with the latter including exhibits from COSI and the Ohio State Physics Department. You can also buy Girl Scout cookies here! * 12:00 a.m. - *Bricker Marketplace* Bricker Marketplace is the fair's main flea market. It's a huge indoor shopping area with a food court at its center. The [ODOT](https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/) booth is here, and I always like to check and see if they have any maps I want. Because Bricker is air-conditioned, it's a good place to stop for lunch. There are booths here with burgers, pizza, chicken, Asian food, and alcoholic beverages. * 1:00 p.m. - *Cox Fine Arts* There are art displays here -- paintings, drawings, sculptures, and such. I always like going through here, and people usually like the displays here. * 2:00 p.m. - *Natural Resources Park* The Natural Resources Park is next to Kiddieland, and I think it's the best area of the fair. It's certainly a very popular area. The Timber Show is popular, though I confess to finding it slightly overrated. This area also includes youth fishing, a kayak pond, archery range, butterfly house, aviary, and animal exhibits -- and these are all free. You can also get free chap stick and pens in the [Oil & Gas building](https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/oil-gas/oil-gas). The chap stick is functional, though perhaps a bit mediocre, but the pens are absolutely the best possible pens you can get anywhere, and I'm being completely serious about this. These are seriously my all-time favorite pens, so I encourage you to grab a few. **Other Things Along the Way** Again, the Ohio State Fair is a big place! So here are some of the other things we might check out along the way: * *The* *Cincinnati Circus Company, The Nerveless Nocks, Lady Houdini, or some other "death-defying" act* These typically start at 1:30 and run once every two hours in the afternoon. The show is generally decent and worth catching, whatever it happens to be. These used to run at the south end of the fair by the south gate on 11th Avenue, but a couple years ago they moved them to the south end of the Midway and next to Natural Resources Park. My guess is that this is where they will be again this year. * *Main Street Stage / Gazebo Stage* These stages are at opposite ends of the "WNCI Food Highway." They'll have shows like live music, magic, hypnosis, juggling, and the like. I usually end up seeing most of the shows, almost by accident, during my annual trips to the fair. If there's music at the Gazebo, though, it can be a little loud if the performer is using a big amp. But otherwise the shows are generally entertaining, if not spectacular. If [The Beach Geeks](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1440916777197254) are playing again this year, we are absolutely dropping everything to check them out. I'll fight people on this. * *The Midway* I'm not a big *riding*-the-rides person, and I doubt we will go through here though unless there's interest. However, I do really enjoy *watching* people ride rides, so I never have a problem taking a stroll down the Midway. I do like doing bumper cars, though, as well as some of the various haunted or fun houses. If you think there's a snowball's chance in hell I'm doing the [Defender](https://talleyamusements.com/attraction/defender/), though, then please put the bong down and slowly back away. * *The Dairy Building* This is where the famous Butter Cow is, and the exhibit is always popular. You can also get fairly overpriced ice cream and milkshakes here. Unless something changes here because of their renovations, there are cheaper places at the fair where you can get dairy desserts, and I can show you where they are. * *Taft Coliseum* An indoor arena where they have rodeo- or cowboy/cowgirl-type shows. Sometimes these shows are very good and entertaining and worth checking out. Note that, while you're out of the sun here and the seating is generally good, the arena is not air-conditioned. If trick riders [Tracie Spitznogle](https://www.tiktok.com/discover/tracie-lee-spitzongle) and [Carlie Hale](https://www.facebook.com/trickriderCarlie/) are here, you are likely to enjoy their show, and it will be free (and well-attended). * *The Petting Zoo* & *Pig Races* These used to be in Kiddieland, but in 2025 they were moved to "The Barnyard," next to the Gazebo Stage and the Celeste Center. I suspect they'll have moved again in 2026, but that they will otherwise be back. They're both free and generally popular, with the Pig Races being *extremely* popular. The woman who does the announcing for the Races always delivers the exact same script year after year, but she has so much charisma you won't care, even if you've seen it many times before. * *Central Park* Sometimes I like to just sit here, people-watch, and listen to the sounds of the fair. There are typically several beer vendors right next to Central Park if you want to relax and nurse a beverage while you do so, and the Dairy Building is also very close by. This area may end up being superseded in desirability by the new "Town Square." The Park does suffer from a paucity of shade, and the Square is supposed to rectify some of this. We will see! * *Live Music* There is likely to be some sort of band performing classic rock from something like 2p-5p either in the Taste of Ohio Pavilion next to the Natural Resources Park, or in the Pavilion's replacement/renovated area near the new Town Square. The show will be free and highly likely to be quite good. You should be able to get drinks and food here, too (wherever the ultimate location is), while you check out the band. * *Zultar - Fortune Teller* I saw this guy for the first time last year. He's one of the fair's "strolling entertainers," meaning he takes his act all over the fair and you never know where he will show up next. He's got a "booth" and he wears a costume and face paint that make him look exactly like one of those fortune-telling-booth mannequins. He is completely hilarious (particularly when dealing with children), and if we see him, we will stop and watch him. Don't make me fight you on this, too, people. * *Ohio History Center* Buying a ticket to enter the Ohio State Fair will automatically get you free admission to the [Ohio History Center](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-history-center/) and [Ohio Village](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-village/), which are located just outside the fairgrounds but otherwise are just next door. They've been doing major renovations of the Village, but these are supposed to be completed by the time the State Fair opens this year. You can walk from the fair to the History Center and the Village, or they have a free shuttle you can take. It's not a short walk, but it's also eminently doable. The History Center is a museum that's really not too terribly big, but is very interesting. And the Village is a living simulation of life in a small 19th-century Ohio town. I suspect most of the people who come out this Meetup would probably enjoy both the Center and the Village. Just keep in mind, though, that if we go, we'll probably be up there for at least a couple hours, which means less time at the fair. However, you won't have to twist my arm to get me to go up, because the whole History complex is actually pretty cool. **Conclusion** Come on out to the Ohio State Fair! 🥳 🎉 😄

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

Dear Illinois Prairie PUG members, Thank you to everyone who attended PG DATA 2026! The conference is over, but our meetups are back, and more Postgres content is coming! Those of you who attended our May meetup are already familiar with our new (hopefully permanent) location. For others, please note that we will meet at **Chicago Innovations, 1 W. Monroe**. This time, we are trying a two-talk format. \- Zach Paden will present the talk **Declarative schema management with pgschema.** \- Anna Bailliekove will present the talk **PostGIS Quick Start** More details on talks and speakers coming soon! *Agenda* 5:20 - doors open 5:30 - pizza arrives 6:00 - 6:10 - Hettie D. Opening remarks 6:10- 6:40 - Zach. Declarative schema management with pgschema. 6:45 - 7:10 Anna: PostGIS Quick Start 7:10 - 7:50 - Open discussion and networking 7:50 - 8:00 - Cleanup time and closing **Speaker**: Zach Paden Zach Paden is a tech lead at Symetra with experience ranging from scrappy startups, consulting, to large regulated enterprises. His work spans data platform, analytics and application development where he’s seen more than his fair share of projects get bogged down or catch on fire due to their schema management practices. **Talk Title:** *Declarative schema management with pgschema* **Talk description** Lots of app devs struggle to understand the concept of versioning database migrations, and managing the history of these migrations can become difficult even with existing tools. Using pgschema you can write pure-sql decoratively and let pgschema derive a series of valid online migrations. **Speaker:** Anna Bailliekova Anna Bailliekova has been moving data around professionally for 15 years. Currently a staff engineer XeoMatrix, she focuses on helping organizations mature their data engineering practice, optimization problems, and geospatial data applications. **Talk title:** PostGIS Quick Start **Talk description** PostgreSQL provides rich support for geospatial computing; using transportation examples, we will take a brief tour of these features for those who want to but have been scared to try. *Notes about our new venue*. I am delighted to have an independent venue for the first time since I am hosting the meetups. I hope that this will be our permanent home. And as you all know, with more freedom comes more responsibilities. \- You will notice the change in the RSVP form\. \- We are thankful to our hosts and promise to be responsible\. \- We comply with the [PostgreSQL Code of Conduct](https://www.postgresql.org/about/policies/coc/). \- We do not want to waste food\, so please indicate your dietary preferences\. \- We will not close RSVPs on the morning of the meetup\, but please do your best to RSVP in advance so we can order the appropriate amount of food and drinks\. \- We want to start offering **on-site daycare**. If you indicate on your RSVP that you are planning to use daycare, we will contact you closer to the event with more information. This meetup will be hybrid - please don't forget to indicate whether you are attending in-person or virtually. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you all at our new location! Hettie Dombrovskaya Illinois Prarier PUG Organizer