Icebreakers

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Belle's Bread Bakery and Cafe. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Welcome to Casual Boardgames, where we enjoy classic tabletop games and social deduction games while bonding over good food, drinks, and great conversations. 
We started this group to meet new people and make new friends, and bonding over games in a relaxed atmosphere is a great way to do that. We currently meet near route 23 and Polaris Parkway, and this is close to areas like Powell, Lewis Center, Worthington, and parts of Westerville and Columbus. 
Feel free to bring your own games or play one of the many games our members bring. If you are inexperienced, we will help you learn. 
Here are just a few examples of the kind of games we play. 
Tabletop/board games: Splendor, Catan, Azul, Dominion, 7 Wonders… 
Social deduction games: Code Names, Chameleon, Werewords… 
IMPORTANT: 
1. While we love playing a variety of games and competing, we are not just about the games. We interact and talk while playing, and this leads to a lot of laughter and fun. If you just want to compete and focus solely on the game, then this is probably not the group you are looking for. 
2. Many people join groups like this and never (or rarely) show up after weeks or months. If you join and never really come, we will eventually remove you from the group as a courtesy to our members. Why? Because limiting group conversations (on the app) to regular members makes communication and planning much easier. Also, while it may be rare, it protects members from people who join because they are interested in following a person instead of having a real interest in our group. If you get removed, it is just because you haven’t come, and we follow this protocol as a courtesy to our regular game players.

Welcome, readers! Our February read is **_1984 by George Orwell._** In 1984, George Orwell imagines a world where the government watches everyone, rewrites reality, and punishes even private thoughts. Winston Smith dares to question this system, believing that truth and love might still exist. His rebellion draws him into a chilling struggle against a power that knows him better than he knows himself. The novel leaves readers asking whether freedom is possible when reality itself can be controlled. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

Do you feel introverted when you are in a group setting? Are you shy? Do other people have more fun than you do? There are simple life hacks you can use to improve your connection to others and improve your social life. Talking is one thing. Truly connecting is altogether another. It's the whole experience of connecting with people and forming relationships. It includes the joy, understanding, and love formed among people. * In our meetings, you will learn: * A simple life hack to increase your liking and tolerance of other people, or even of yourself! * How to become more interested and enjoy conversations with people. * How to be comfortable in social settings. * How to be yourself * How to become more extroverted and, * How to make connections with people. Feeling lonely, isolated, or bored? This local meeting is exactly what you need! Come join us! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

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 :)

Join us on the last ay of February for a fun day of gaming !!!

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink. We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!

**Confidence in Bloom: How Creativity Builds Confidence** What happens when creativity becomes an intentional practice? In this month’s Confidence Lab, we’ll gather at **Petals That Inspire: The Flourish Studio** for an evening exploring the connection between creativity and confidence. How making with our hands, engaging our senses, and allowing space for expression can shift how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. Our featured speaker, **Amanda Lorenzetti**, owner of Petals That Inspire, will share how creativity has shaped her own confidence journey and why creative environments play such a powerful role in well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Drawing from her work leading an experience-driven floral studio and a community-centered workforce development program, Amanda will reflect on creativity as both a personal and collective catalyst. Amanda will also guide us through a **hands-on floral design experience**, creating a fresh arrangement in a wide mouth mason jar. No prior floral experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to engage the process. This evening is an invitation to slow down, create, and reconnect with the part of yourself that grows through care, attention, and imagination. You’ll leave with a floral arrangement to take home, and a deeper understanding of how confidence can be cultivated through creative practices. **Featured Speaker: Amanda Lorenzetti** Amanda Lorenzetti is the owner and founder of [Petals That Inspire](https://www.petalsthatinspire.com/) and The Flourish Studio, a social enterprise florist based in Columbus, Ohio. She brings more than a decade of experience in wedding and event sales, paired with hands-on expertise in floral and event design. Amanda’s connection to the floral industry began early, spending time alongside her godmother, a professional florist on the East Coast. After earning her business degree, she returned to her hometown in Connecticut to work as a floral and event designer, blending creative artistry with strong operational and client-focused skills. In 2020, Amanda returned to the floral industry with a renewed purpose, driven by a desire to build a business rooted in creativity, community impact, and sustainability. During this pivotal time, she founded Petals That Inspire—an innovative floral concept that reimagines the traditional florist model by combining event florals, workshops, and experiential offerings with a mission-centered approach to workforce development. Today, Petals That Inspire is a thriving social enterprise known for its thoughtful design, educational experiences, and commitment to empowering young adults facing barriers to entry in the workforce. Amanda is deeply passionate about building businesses that are both profitable and purpose-driven, and she leverages her strong business acumen to create a scalable & sustainable model that inspires creativity while giving back to the community. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

**💘 Online Speed Dating – Perfect for First Timers – Connect with Local Singles from Anywhere!** **🚨 DON'T MISS THIS: RSVP Does Not Equal Entry!** To guarantee your spot, click the link for your age group below, register, and take the quick personality quiz. **We have limited capacity** – secure your place today! **👇 Pick Your Age Group & Secure Your Spot:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) --- 💡 **Curious about speed dating but nervous?** We've got you! Our online speed dating events are specifically designed with first-timers in mind. Every conversation is guided, every interaction is comfortable, and you never have to leave your home. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Shy or reserved singles who open up better in private chats - First-timers who want a safe space to practice dating skills - Anyone trying speed dating for the first time - Anyone who believes great chemistry starts with great conversation - Singles who feel more comfortable meeting from home first **How It Works** 1. **Pick Your Session** – Select the age group that fits you and register your spot. 2. **Finish the Short Personality Assessment** – This helps us optimise your matches for the evening. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Your host will welcome you and walk you through everything. 4. **Date from Home** – Have real, meaningful mini-dates with Fort Wayne singles – all from your couch. 5. **Connect After the Event** – Mutual matches are shared so you can continue the conversation. **Event Details** - **Format:** Hosted live on Zoom – guided, fun, and stress-free - **Location:** Right where you are – no commute, no parking, no hassle - **Host:** Experienced facilitator who guides first-time speed daters with care - **Vibe:** A cozy, supportive atmosphere where Fort Wayne singles open up naturally 💡 **Quick tip:** Smile when you answer the call – it sets the tone for a great conversation! ⭐ *"I've told all my single friends about this. Such a fun, low-pressure way to meet people."* – Repeat attendee **Frequently Asked Questions** **How long are the conversations?** Each round is a few minutes – long enough to feel a connection, short enough to keep things exciting! **What's the personality quiz for?** It helps us match you with compatible people so your conversations are more likely to click! **Do I need speed dating experience?** Absolutely not! This event is designed specifically for first-timers. Our host guides you through every step. --- ✨ The best first-time experience happens at home – hosted on Zoom, welcoming and easy. 💕 ✨

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" 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 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 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!

**❤️‍🔥 Online Speed Dating – No Awkwardness, Just Fun – Great for First Timers!** **🔴 MUST READ: RSVP Alone Won't Get You In!** To attend, you must: (1) Click your age group link below, (2) Complete registration, and (3) Finish the personality quiz. **Limited spots available** – register now before they're gone! **🎟️ Age Group Registration Links (Click Yours Now):** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) --- 🔑 **The secret to great first dates?** Feeling comfortable. Start here! Online speed dating is perfect for first-timers. Meet like-minded local singles from the comfort of your own home – no pressure, no crowded venues, just genuine connections in a safe, welcoming environment. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - First-time speed daters seeking a welcoming, easy experience - Singles who prefer a safe, comfortable online environment - Curious first-timers wanting to explore speed dating - People returning to dating after a break who want a gentle start **Event Details** - **Format:** Zoom meetup – real-time conversations in a relaxed online space - **Location:** From the comfort of your own home – no need to go anywhere! - **Host:** Engaging guide creating a welcoming, pressure-free space for beginners - **Vibe:** Low-pressure connections with welcoming Columbus singles – fun and easy - **Rounds:** Multiple short rounds so you meet plenty of people - **Privacy:** Your contact info is never shared without mutual consent - **Dress code:** Smart casual – look good, feel good! **How It Works** 1. **Sign Up** – Click the registration link for your age bracket above. 2. **Take the Quick Compatibility Quiz** – Help us pair you with like-minded Columbus first-timers. 3. **Join the Zoom Event** – Log in from home and meet your host. We'll handle the rest! 4. **Meet Your Matches** – Rotate through fun one-on-one rounds with Columbus singles who share your vibe. 5. **Your Results** – Check your matches and take the next step with someone special. **Frequently Asked Questions** **Do I need speed dating experience?** Absolutely not! This event is designed specifically for first-timers. Our host guides you through every step. **Do I need to download anything?** Just Zoom! If you've used Zoom before, you're all set. We'll send you the link after registration. --- ✨ Connect from your comfort zone with friendly Columbus first-timers – no pressure, just possibilities! 💘 ✨

Let’s knock down some pins and knock back a few drinks while we’re at it. Bowling is one of the best stress relievers out there, so bring your A game and let’s see what you’ve got. It’s $20 per person, which includes free shoe rental and two hours of open bowling. We’ll start with six people per lane. Once we have six, we’ll grab our lane and get rolling. If more people show up after that, we’ll snag the lane right next to us and keep the party going. Come ready to have some fun.

**🌹 Online Speed Dating – No Awkwardness, Just Fun – Great for First Timers!** **⚠️ PLEASE READ: Simply RSVPing Will Not Secure Your Spot!** To join this event, click your age group registration link below, sign up, and complete the short personality quiz. **Capacity is strictly limited** – don't delay! **📌 Register for Your Age Group Here:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=18-32&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=30-46&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=40-58&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=55+&face_v=4.0) --- 🌟 **Want to meet real singles without the bar scene?** Welcome! Our online speed dating events are specifically designed with first-timers in mind. Every conversation is guided, every interaction is comfortable, and you never have to leave your home. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - First-time speed daters ready to try something new - Singles who appreciate a guided, hosted dating experience - Anyone who believes great chemistry starts with great conversation - Busy professionals who value their time and comfort - Anyone looking for a fun, structured way to meet new people ⭐ *"Way better than any dating app. Real conversations with real people. Loved it!"* – Detroit attendee **How It Works** 1. **Pick Your Session** – Select the age group that fits you and register your spot. 2. **Do the Matching Quiz** – It only takes a minute and dramatically improves your matches. 3. **Show Up on Zoom** – Grab a drink, get comfortable, and let the host guide you through each round. 4. **Start Chatting** – Short, timed conversations with compatible Detroit singles. No awkward silences! 5. **See Who Liked You Back** – Mutual matches sent to your inbox. Your next chapter begins! **Event Details** - **Format:** Zoom meetup – real-time conversations in a relaxed online space - **Location:** Anywhere with Wi-Fi – your couch, your café, your call - **Host:** Supportive facilitator experienced in helping newcomers enjoy speed dating - **Vibe:** Friendly, no-judgement conversations with singles from the Detroit area - **Matches:** Mutual matches revealed after the event - **Follow-up:** Post-event match results delivered to your inbox - **Atmosphere:** Positive, inclusive, and judgement-free --- ✨ Life's too short for bad dates. Try a great one – from home! 🥰 ✨