National Novel Writing Month

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

Join us for this free, in person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Do you want more motivation and confidence to build lasting relationships? Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

How do we recover from having had a toxic or narcissistic ex? How do we move on from the past, especially something as traumatic as a divorce or breakup? How do we avoid anxiety and depression? How do we have more self esteem? In this meeting, you will learn the mental health secrets to help you quickly get over the past and heal your mind. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

**💞 Speed Dating from Home – A Warm, Welcoming Experience for First Timers!** **🚨 ATTENTION: RSVPing Here Will NOT Reserve Your Spot!** You need to click the registration link for your age group below, register, and complete the personality quiz to be entered. **Spots fill up quickly** – act now to secure yours! **✅ Step 1: Find Your Age Group & Register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=18-32&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=30-46&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=40-58&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=55+&face_v=4.0) --- ☕ **What if your next date started from your couch?** It can! Online speed dating removes all the awkward parts of traditional dating. A friendly host guides you through each round, so all you have to do is show up and be yourself. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Remote workers who love the convenience of online meetups - First-timers wanting a low-pressure, guided experience - Anyone who believes great chemistry starts with great conversation - People returning to dating after a break who want a gentle start ⭐ *"Finally, a dating event that doesn't make introverts feel out of place!"* – Grateful attendee **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 Cincinnati first-timers. 3. **Log In & Relax** – Join the Zoom call and let the fun begin. Your host handles the logistics! 4. **Enjoy the Conversations** – Each round is timed and guided so every chat feels natural and fun. 5. **Your Results** – Check your matches and take the next step with someone special. **Event Details** - **Format:** Online Zoom experience – intimate setting, professional hosting - **Location:** Your cozy space – meet from wherever you feel most comfortable - **Host:** Friendly host who makes first-timers feel welcome and at ease - **Vibe:** Genuine, enjoyable mini-dates with welcoming Cincinnati singles --- ✨ The best first-time experience happens at home – hosted on Zoom, welcoming and easy. 💖 ✨

A fun way to compare wines from two different countries at a time. House Wine is squaring off two countries' wines against each other each Thursday in March. March 12, March 19, March 26, and the Finals April 2nd. Meet and Greet format....show up after 7pm, pay your $15 at the cash register, get your wine glass, and enjoy. I will get a table reserved for the group. Remember, you may bring in your own food or takeout. Attendance is your agreement to the Group's Waiver of Liability terms. See our Group homepage for details. Parking is tough at House Wine; there is a municipal lot one-half block north of the shop and sometimes parking at the lot behind Jet Pizza, accessed by the lane between the east House Wine parking lot and the residence to the east.

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.

**💕 Online Speed Dating Made for Newcomers – Genuine Connections, No Stress!** **⚠️ HEADS UP: Clicking RSVP Isn't Enough!** You **must** sign up through one of the links below and finish the short personality quiz to confirm your place. Choose your age range and register now – **places are limited and fill quickly!** **⬇️ Choose Your Age Range & Finish Registration:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=rose-quartz-singles&ar=18-32&face_v=6.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=rose-quartz-singles&ar=30-46&face_v=6.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=rose-quartz-singles&ar=40-58&face_v=6.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=rose-quartz-singles&ar=55+&face_v=6.0) --- 👋 **Trying speed dating for the first time?** You'll wish you'd started earlier! This Zoom-hosted speed dating experience takes the anxiety out of meeting someone new. You'll have short, structured rounds with friendly Cincinnati singles – all from wherever you're most at ease. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Newcomers who want a relaxed, hosted experience - People getting back into dating after a hiatus who want a gentle re-entry - People who find traditional dating nerve-wracking and want to start online - Quiet or reserved singles who open up better in private conversations **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Click the sign-up link for your age bracket above. 2. **Complete the Quick Compatibility Quiz** – Helps us match you with like-minded Cincinnati newcomers. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Pour yourself a drink, get settled, and let the host walk you through each round. 4. **Date from Home** – Have real, meaningful mini-dates with Cincinnati singles – all from your sofa. 5. **Connect After the Event** – Mutual matches are shared so you can keep the conversation going. **Event Details** - **Format:** Virtual via Zoom – relaxed, low-key from wherever you are - **Location:** Wherever you’re most relaxed – that’s your date spot tonight - **Host:** Your personal guide for the evening – warm, supportive, and entertaining - **Vibe:** Comfortable chats with Cincinnati singles in a supportive, newcomer-friendly setting **Frequently Asked Questions** **What happens after the event?** We share mutual matches after the event wraps up. If you both liked each other, we help you connect! **Can I join from my phone?** Absolutely! Zoom works on any device, though a laptop or tablet tends to give the best experience. **What if I don't match with anyone?** That's totally fine! Many people attend a few events before finding their match. Each one is a fresh opportunity. **What's the personality quiz for?** It helps us pair you with compatible people so your conversations are more likely to hit it off! --- ✨ Real people, real conversations, real connections – all from your living room. 🥰 ✨

**💖 Online Speed Dating Evening – Newcomer Friendly – Toledo Singles Invited!** **🚨 ACTION NEEDED: RSVP Is Just the First Step!** To actually attend, you need to sign up through your age group link below and finish the personality quiz. **Places are capped** and we expect to fill up – register now! **👇 Select Your Age Group & Claim Your Place:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=rose-quartz-singles-collective&ar=18-32&face_v=7.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=rose-quartz-singles-collective&ar=30-46&face_v=7.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=rose-quartz-singles-collective&ar=40-58&face_v=7.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=rose-quartz-singles-collective&ar=55+&face_v=7.0) --- 🎉 **Up for something fresh from the comfort of your home?** Let's do this! Virtual speed dating is ideal for newcomers. Connect with like-minded local singles right from your own home – zero pressure, no packed venues, just authentic connections in a welcoming, safe space. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Curious newcomers eager to give speed dating a shot - Anyone who's done with swiping and craves genuine conversation - Singles searching for authentic connections beyond the apps - People who find traditional dating nerve-wracking and want to start online **How It Works** 1. **Secure Your Place** – Choose your age range and finish the registration process. 2. **Take the Personality Quiz** – We’ll pair you with compatible Toledo singles for the best evening possible. 3. **Log In & Get Comfortable** – Join the Zoom call and let the evening begin. Your host handles all the logistics! 4. **Date from Home** – Have real, meaningful mini-dates with Toledo singles – all from your sofa. 5. **Discover Your Matches** – We’ll let you know about any mutual interest afterwards. The rest is up to you! **Event Details** - **Format:** Virtual via Zoom – relaxed, low-key from wherever you are - **Location:** No venue necessary – just a comfy chair and a solid internet connection - **Host:** Your personal guide for the evening – warm, supportive, and entertaining - **Vibe:** Fun, hosted conversations that make meeting Toledo singles a breeze - **Privacy:** Your contact details are never shared without mutual agreement - **Accessibility:** Join from any device – laptop, tablet, or mobile 💡 **Remember:** Everyone’s here to enjoy themselves. Relax, stay curious, and have fun! ⭐ *"I've recommended this to all my single friends. Such a fun, relaxed way to meet people."* – Returning attendee --- ✨ Newcomers always welcome. Join hundreds of Toledo singles who found connection online! 🥰 ✨

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 22 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

The topic for April is "Water" 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!

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.