Rotary Club

Join us for discussions about what’s happening in the world of XP, UX and software engineering in general. **What to expect:** Lively discussion amongst a diverse group of members within a friendly and safe space. New members welcome, the only thing we ask is that you care about software engineering and are happy to offer an opinion or two. **Planned Lightning Talk: "Self-improving docs" by Rachel-Lee Nabors** After being really, really ridiculously good with docs for many years, I wanted to return to engineering. So I automated the editorial that took so much of my time! Now engineers can write really really ridiculously good docs right there in GitHub. Check it out! \~ [R "Nearest" Nabors](https://bsky.app/profile/nearestnabors.com) **When and where:** Expect people to start arriving from 5.30pm UK. The meetup will officially run until \~8.30pm UK (but you won't be kicked out!) Upstairs at The City Pride, 28 Farringdon Ln, London EC1R 3AN (5 min walk from Farringdon station) This venue is not wheel-chair accessible, sadly. **Agenda:** 5.30pm Soft start - everyone mingling 6.00pm 15 mins for lightning talks 6.15pm Topic Proposals 6.25pm Voting on topics 6.30pm First session - break out into groups, discussions happen 7.00pm Come back together, summarise any a-has 7.15pm Second session - break out into groups, discuss more 7.45pm Come back together again, share a-has 8.00pm Wrap up, then either farewell, or carry on talking If you have been to XTC at the City Pride before, you may be familiar with the excellent pizzas there. We no longer have a budget to buy them for the group, but participants should feel very free to order for themselves. *** About XTC The eXtreme Tuesday Club (XTC) is London's oldest agile meetup, and has been meeting since 1999. Initially the meetup was focused on discussing Extreme Programming (XP), but it has expanded to include anything XP, agile, lean, or the larger context in which we do software development activities. We welcome all software development newbies, practitioners, and experts to discuss topics of interest over drinks. Follow @extremetuesday (https://twitter.com/extremetuesday) on Twitter for announcements and updates, or use the hashtag #XTCLondon (https://twitter.com/hashtag/XTCLondon) to find and share insights.

London's Friendly Book Club's pick for February is **The Bandit Queens** by **Parini Shroff**. Geeta's no-good husband disappeared five years ago. She didn't kill him, but everyone thinks she did--no matter how much she protests. But she soon discovers that being known as a "self-made" widow has some surprising perks. No one messes with her, no one threatens her, and no one tries to control (ahem, *marry*) her. It's even been good for her business; no one wants to risk getting on her bad side by *not* buying her jewelry. Freedom must look good on Geeta, because other women in the village have started asking for her help to get rid of their own no-good husbands...but not all of them are asking nicely. Now that Geeta's fearsome reputation has become a double-edged sword, she must decide how far to go to protect it, along with the life she's built. Because even the best-laid plans of would-be widows tend to go awry. Please only RSVP if you think you'll be able to make this event. **We host three sessions per book, you only need to attend one.** Everyone is welcome! Grab your copy and join us for a relaxed and engaging discussion.

🎤 **Join Our Free Public Speaking Class in Central London** * 🌟 Are you struggling with public speaking or experiencing anxiety about it? * 👉 Attend our in-person public speaking class, suitable for beginners to advanced speakers, absolutely FREE as a guest! *You don't need to speak - just observe and learn, or participate if you feel ready.* **Why Attend Our Public Speaking Class?** * 💪 **Overcome Public Speaking Fear** Central London Toastmasters is the premier weekly public speaking club, offering a relaxed and supportive environment. Practice in a safe space where no one judges you, and start your journey to becoming a confident speaker. * ✨ **Become a Charismatic Speaker** Enhance your public speaking skills and develop the charisma you've always wanted. Impress your colleagues with smooth, polished presentations and wow your friends with newfound confidence and storytelling abilities. * 💼 **Improve Business Speaking Skills** Our meetings are friendly and informal, making them the perfect starting point for building confidence in public speaking. Many of our members began with anxiety, but now speak with total confidence. As a guest, you’ll see firsthand how warm and welcoming our club is, and you can chat with members about their experiences. * 🏆 **Develop Leadership Skills** Public speaking is not just about presenting; it's also about leading. Our club provides opportunities to take on leadership roles, helping you to develop crucial skills like team management, decision-making, and strategic thinking that can benefit your personal and professional life. 📅 **Location and Time** * 📍 Location: Cittie of Yorke pub, Holborn * ⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Feel free to arrive late and quietly take a seat) 🔄 **What to Expect at Our Meetings** * The meeting is divided into two halves, each lasting approximately 50 minutes, with a 10-minute break. * 🎯 First Half: Members participate in impromptu speeches, and guests are invited to introduce themselves by name. * 📈 Second Half: Members deliver prepared speeches followed by evaluations. * After the meeting, we enjoy drinks and informal chats, providing a great opportunity to network and learn more about the club. 🎟️ **Interested in Becoming a Member?** Membership includes access to our online course, Pathways, guiding you step-by-step through your public speaking journey. A full year’s membership, covering 50 weekly meetings, is just £168, plus a one-time £30 registration fee. **💬 Testimonials from Our Members** * **“Toastmasters transformed my life!”** "I went from fearing public speaking to leading meetings at work. This newfound confidence even earned me a promotion!" – **Alexander** * **"A warm and supportive club!"** "From the first meeting, I felt welcomed. The constructive feedback boosted my confidence both in public speaking and daily life." – **Sarah** * **"Overcoming my fear was easier than I thought."** "The support here made my sales presentations more impactful and less stressful. It's been a game-changer for me professionally." – **David** * **"A fun and rewarding experience."** "I look forward to every meeting. The sessions are engaging, and I love the socializing afterward." – **Lucy** * **"I've grown as a speaker and leader."** "Taking on roles in the club has sharpened my leadership skills, making me more effective at work." – **James**

Let's catch up to discuss The vegetarian by Han Kang. Come and join us!!!

Looking to brush up on your BSL skills or connect with other learners? Sacred Grounds is hosting a weekly Sign Club every Tuesday from 5-7pm. This casual and informal meetup is perfect for anyone learning BSL, whether you're just starting out or looking to keep your skills sharp. Come along to practice signing, connect with others in the community, and even try ordering your coffee in BSL! There’s no fee to join - all we ask is that if you're able to, you support the coffee shop by purchasing a drink or snack while you're here (please note that outside food and drinks are not permitted). Sacred Grounds is all about creating a warm and inclusive space, so don’t be shy - come sign with us! We look forward to welcoming you.

We're finally back at Sobell Leisure Centre: \- Tuesdays 7pm\-10pm \- Courts 1a\-1d \(courts 1a\-1c after 9\.20pm\) \- Sobell Leisure Centre\, Tollington Rd\, London N7 7NY\. We are a friendly, competitive club for players at high intermediate to advanced / league standard. Not suitable for beginners or lower intermediates. We are always looking for new competitive players. The club has a regular attendance of around 25 players, and will be participating in the Middlesex league in ladies' doubles, men's doubles and mixed doubles in the 2025/26 season. We play doubles or mixed doubles only, with top quality feather shuttles. Please RSVP if you like to attend, or don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. Guest Fee is £17 for the 3-hour session. Enquire for our membership options. Please be prepared to pay by bank transfer or cash. The club reserves the right to charge the full fee for non-attendance or if you withdraw later than 4 hours before the start of the session (if your space cannot be filled by another person on the wait list). For new joiners: Please be prepared to pay after your first few games during the session. You can also join our WhatsApp community if you wish - feel free to ask us to add you. Bank details: Sobell Badminton Club / Account 43745220 / SC 230580

Can relationships or friendships grow forever in a world that values independence and self-realization? Are commitment and strong attachment at odds with such values? Or can they coexist? *Join us for a relaxed group conversation where we explore the real life, the grey areas, and how our different cultures and backgrounds shape our views about key topics.* *Expect real talk, no judgment, and a chance to hear how others see it.* **\*Come for the discussion, stay for the friendships. Our weekly discussion series brings together thoughtful people for honest conversations on relationships, life, and society—with warm social vibes before and after.\*** **WHAT TO EXPECT:** * Good vibes only: we chat big topics in a chill, respectful way. No arguing - just open-minded exchange. * We warm up with casual socializing (come solo or with friends!) * The topic starts around 7:45/8pm, wraps around 9:30. * 🍕 There's pizza, drinks, milkshakes and snacks available at the bar (incl plant-based options) * And most people stay until late for drinks and mingling! **DISCUSSION FORMAT:** **Our group conversations are open and flexible - there is a very soft guided flow to ensure we focus on the main questions, and to ensure that everyone gets a balanced opportunity to speak. Here's a typically structure, but we adjust on the day depending on the turnout:** \- Introductions and thoughts *(\~5 mins).* \- Group breakouts per question *(\~20 mins x 3).* \- Final round of opinions *(\~10 mins)*. \- Mix and mingle\, make new friends\, get drinks etc *(\~until late)* **EVENT ETIQUETTE (Rules & expectations)** \- Debate the topic\, not the participants \- no personal attacks\! \- No phones\, no interrupting\, no bystanding \- Always follow the moderator/host instructions and guidelines **WHAT IS WORLD CITIZENS?** We're one of London's longest-running and largest communities. Since 2012 we run socials, cultural activities and stimulating discussions to foster meaningful exchange and learning among London's global professionals. They are inspired by MUN (Model United Nations) and salon discussions and offer a more relaxed and social evening version. **LOCATION DETAILS** What: Discussion session followed by social/networking When: Tuesday, 7:30pm until late. Where: Curzon Aldgate (bar area), 2 Canter Way, E1 8PS Closest stations: Aldgate East, Aldgate, Tower Hill/Gateway Cost: Pay for your own meals or drinks Hosts: We have a rotating team and the actual host of each event varies. Our regular members can also help you out with basic matters. *NOTE: like most guests, our volunteer hosts also attend after work and may happen to arrive after the start time. If you are punctual or earlier than our hosts, we highly appreciate this! Please feel free to start socializing already and/or get something to eat or drink - that’s the point of our events anyway. Our regular members can also help you out with any basic matters.* **\*Our other weekly events\*** \- Friday evening socials every week \- Saturday afternoon cafe in Chelsea \- Canary Wharf socials every other Wednesday \- Outdoor fun \(hiking\, kayaking\, etc\) every weekend \- Dining\, cultural and travel activities on\-demand **JOIN OUR TEAM!** We're all volunteers, so if you enjoy organizing activities or events in your spare time, while meeting great people every week, send a message to our team account "TP"! **DISCLAIMER** We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Though we have high standards in planning, this is a private informal activity so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. However, we put safety and comfort first. We take all complaints seriously, and take severe action against any harassment, verbal or non-verbal, and anti-social behaviour, towards our guests or team members. We collaborate with the police when needed. We take photos and videos which may include you to help promote the community in line with GDPR Data Protection law, as well as stock photos from Pexels or Unsplash. We may restrict or prioritize guests at our own discretion for safety, quality and logistics reasons. While our team's decisions may not be perfect we ask that you follow our decisions first and raise any disputes to discuss with us later and privately. By attending you understand, agree with and respect all terms of this disclaimer.

London is packed—on the Tube, at gigs, at restaurants, everywhere you go. And yet, for many of us (especially expats), it can feel unexpectedly lonely. Making friends here doesn’t just happen accidentally—it happens intentionally. That’s how I found my people: book clubs, movie nights, small, cosy gatherings. Now, I want to create that same environment for others, in the way that feels most natural to me—over food. Food is how I unwind after a long day at work, how I stay close to home, and how I learn about new cultures—whether I’m adapting foreign flavors to my restricted chicken-etarian diet or my boyfriend’s vegan one. I have found that while pub catch-ups with friends are fun, the most organic and enriching conversations and connections happen in a homely environment around a shared table of food. My supper club is about bringing people together for good drinks, comforting fusion food, ice-breaker games, and workshops with kind, curious people. To know the menu, agenda and get a seat, visit: [Link to book](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nivs-supper-club-tickets-1982009073493?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile) Come hungry. Leave a little fuller—in every way. 🌿🍽️ Hope to see you there.

**This is a ticketed fundraising event! Get your ticket and make whatever donation you can here:** https://www.outsavvy.com/event/33294/aid-for-rojava-fundraising-night-wmovie-music-dancing All across the world, imperialism, neo-fascism and the capitalists that these forces ultimately serve have had a booming few years. From the genocide in Gaza, to Sudan, to Venezuela, Cuba, Iran, Greenland and many more, the powers of the world are making moves and burning bodies. It's enough to make your head spin and it's easy to burn out hearing about it all. It's especially discouraging to see what's happening to one of the more celebrated "bright spots" in global geopolitics of the past decade, namely the Rojava Revolution and, apparently, its imminent end under armed aggression by the Turkish military and the US/Israel-backed Al-Qaeda-turned-technocratic liberals of the HTS militia which currently rules Syria. At the start of January, a full-scale invasion of the Rojava region began. As of the 20th, a [shaky ceasefire](https://www.newsday.com/news/nation/syria-kobani-kurds-sdf-aid-convoy-q74640) is in effect. This fragile situation may be our one opportunity to raise vital funds for humanitarian support to the people of northeastern Syria, who desperately need resources for medical care, food, and transportation to safety. That's why LCC will be hosting a mega-night of fun and fundraising in partnership with The Bath House, Hackney Wick this February, raising money for the people of Rojava. There will be a film screening on the struggle between ISIS and the Rojava revolution at the [Battle of Tishrin Dam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tishrin_Dam_offensive), a Q&A with its director, as well as music and dancing with food and drink available at the bar. The ongoing offensive has resulted in significant casualties, including approximately 1,000 people killed, with at least 152 civilians reported dead and 322 injured as of January 18, 2026. The situation remains dire, particularly in the besieged town of Kobani, where ongoing attacks have led to civilian deaths, hunger, and a humanitarian crisis. What is, or was, the Rojava Revolution? Some resources can be found [here](https://riseup4rojava.org/en/rojava-people-in-arms/), but in a nutshell Rojava is an autonomous Kurdish territory in north-eastern Syria where a broad coalition of forces have, since the start of the Syrian Civil War till now, been attempting to practice directly-democratic, libertarian-communist, feminist, ecological emancipatory politics as part of a generations-long struggle for Kurdish national liberation. The leading force in Rojava, the Democratic Union Party and its armed wing the YPG, have in the past made common cause with the US to [defeat shared enemies like the so-called Islamic State](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/29/magazine/a-dream-of-utopia-in-hell.html). Recent events have shown, once again, that the west is always a false friend, with the [US and Israel reportedly having given the go-ahead](https://hannohauenstein.substack.com/p/rojava-is-the-red-line-its-being) to HTS and Turkey to launch their ongoing invasion of Rojava. The collapse of democratic, autonomous administration in Rojava is not the end of their revolution, which was always, from the beginning, internationalist. It demonstrates that, no matter how genuinely inspiring it is to see a small nation, with few resources, take on the world and build something we can barely dream of in the west, it is ultimately up to those of us living within the great imperialist core to take up that inspiration and put its principles into practice here and now, so that the next time the Kurdish people rise up in freedom, they will have friends to back them that are both powerful and true. In the meantime, we owe it to these comrades to give them every aid they need to survive the present danger, prepare for future ones, and make themselves able to fight on. Donations benefiting the Kurdish Red Crescent can be made to our fundraising page here or on the night via cash or card. The most generous donors will get a shout-out from the stage! Capacity is huge, so come one, come all, share this event and bring your friends!

**​Founders Running Club (FRC)** brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. ​9:15 Bag drop at the Regent's Bar and Kitchen, Regent's Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MmZdAVM8yXT9euKc7 ​9:30 Warm Up starts at the Inner Circle & York Bridge, South Gate: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/qw45ehLmDQY7maMD6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qw45ehLmDQY7maMD6) 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 27 cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats)** **Stay updated:** **Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/)** **Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/)** **LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/)** **Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC)** **Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)**

We will be meeting at The Racketeer! We will divide into smaller groups to discuss this month's book. It will be very obvious when you arrive to the pub, where our group is, but please feel free to give me a call if you are struggling to find us. For new members, shoot me a message on meetup and I will send through my phone number!

Start your weekend by watching the sunrise from one of London's best viewpoints. Meet fellow early birds. Get a big dose of nature: wild sky, abundant green space, and occasional wildlife. And then warm up in a nearby cafe. Conversations fuelled by early morning light and coffee tend to be good ones. On Saturday 21st February, we will: * Meet from: 6:45AM at the top of Primrose Hill * **Sunrise at: 7:01AM** * Take in the view for a little while * Walk to a nearby cafe (Roots on Regent's Park Road) * Warm up with coffee (with 10% off) Become part of our community of regulars, or just drop by for a one off experience. We meet frequently - sometimes weekly, sometimes fortnightly - to create and sustain community. New people are always welcome :-)Start your weekend by watching the sunrise from one of London's best viewpoints. Meet fellow early birds. Get a big dose of nature: wild sky, abundant green space, and occasional wildlife. And then warm up in a nearby cafe. Conversations fuelled by early morning light and coffee tend to be good ones. Become part of our community of regulars, or just drop by for a one off experience :-)

**This Is How You Lose the Time War** (288 pages) **Genre:** Science Fiction, Romance, Epistolary, Time Travel **Summary:** In a war fought across centuries, timelines, and realities, two rival agents—Red and Blue—begin leaving taunting notes for each other in the ruins and wonders of worlds they’ve shaped. What starts as playful antagonism grows into something dangerous, intimate, and universe-shaking. Told through razor-sharp prose and coded letters scattered across the multiverse, *This Is How You Lose the Time War* is poetic, haunting, and unexpectedly tender—a story about connection, rebellion, and finding love in the unlikeliest corners of time. *** **Join Our Book Club Bingo! ⏳📚** For our February pick, we’re diving into something lyrical, romantic, and time-bending. Expect paradoxes, emotions, and possibly several gentle existential crises. And of course… Book Club Bingo! **How It Works:** ⏳ **Grab Your Bingo Card:** Filled with quotes, time-travel oddities, and iconic Red vs. Blue moments. ✅ **Mark Your Cards:** Check off squares as we discuss the twists, timelines, and letters. 🎉 **Shout “Bingo!”** Be the first to complete **two rows, columns, or diagonals**. 📚 **Win a Book:** Two readers will leave with a fresh new title for their TBR pile! Prepare for love, war, tangled timelines, and overly dramatic notes hidden in impossible places. 📍 **Dog & Bull (Surrey street) in Croydon** 📅 **18th of February 2026 (Wednesday) at 7:00 PM**

**Distance**: 24km (15 miles approx) circular route **Ascent**: 265m **Duration**: 6 hours walking **Grade**: Moderate Savernake Forest is a quiet, hidden wonder that holds more veteran trees than anywhere else in Europe - walking here feels like moving through deep time. My plan is to visit this February when the forest stands bare, allowing the full presence of the trees to be seen and felt. Without leaves, their vast forms and ancient structures are revealed in a way that is really striking . I’ll return again in autumn, when the same paths are transformed by colour, offering a very different, equally powerful experience. Savernake is the largest privately owned forest in Britain, set within the North Wessex Downs. Its damp, heavy soils are particularly well suited to oak and beech, and many of the trees have immense girths that are awe-inspiring. Some are over 1,000 years old, bearing the marks of centuries of weather, growth, and survival. Some of trees to see are: King of Limbs (Radioheads 2011 album is named after it), Cathedral Oak, Big Belly Oak, New Queen Oak, Replacement King Oak to name but a few! There will be an optional pub stop at the end of the walk. The toilets in the forest are closed for the winter and there are no cafes along our way, so come prepared with enough food and water for the day. **COST AND LOGISTICS** **Cost**: £10 **Group size:** 20 **Start**: 8.40am London Paddington for Group Save **Meet:** 8:50 for those who buy their own tickets **MORNING train from London** **Dep**: 09:05 London Paddington **Arr:** 10.30 Great Bedwyn **RETURN:** **Finish:** 5.30pm at the pub **Return train**: 17:41. Next train is an hour later **Arr:** 18.57 in London Paddington. **Recommended train ticket** Off-Peak Day Return to Great Bedywn * **£29 group save/ network rail price** Recommended: yearly Network Railcard for reduced train prices www.network-railcard.co.uk **Meeting Point:** In front of Heathrow Express Ticket Office **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** · Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** · Travel costs · Lunch, drinks or any refreshments · PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[complete list]()[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) · Suitable hiking shoes or boots · Packed lunch and snacks · Water - 2 litres recommended · Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) · Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece · Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

This Month's Book: The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen. Join us for discussion at the Granville Public Library from 6 to 7pm. Follow us on Instagram: @granvillepridebookclub

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! For this event, we’ll help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents, wash dishes and clean surfaces at Fath Mission – Grant Kitchen. We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. Our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:15am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1, indicated in the attached map. On-site and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: \* LSS Volunteer Guidelines: Uploaded to photos. \* Parking Map Info: Uploaded to photos. \* LSS Faith Mission Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp46_6ay6iA \* Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/faith-mission-grant-kitchen-2025 IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With very few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others! Benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering provides a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**Our February novel is: Julia by Sandra Newman** **This month is a classic, dystopian, fiction, literary fiction, women’s fiction, and science fiction novel. The book is 394 pages in print and 14 hours and 20 minutes on audiobook.** **An imaginative, feminist, and brilliantly relevant-to-today retelling of Orwell’s 1984, from the point of view of Winston Smith’s lover, Julia, by critically acclaimed novelist Sandra Newman.** Julia Worthing is a mechanic, working in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth. It’s 1984, and Britain (now called Airstrip One) has long been absorbed into the larger trans-Atlantic nation of Oceania. Oceania has been at war for as long as anyone can remember, and is ruled by an ultra-totalitarian Party, whose leader is a quasi-mythical figure called Big Brother. In short, everything about this world is as it is in Orwell’s 1984. All her life, Julia has known only Oceania, and, until she meets Winston Smith, she has never imagined anything else. She is an ideal citizen: cheerfully cynical, always ready with a bribe, piously repeating every political slogan while believing in nothing. She routinely breaks the rules, but also collaborates with the regime when necessary. Everyone likes Julia. Then one day she finds herself walking toward Winston Smith in a corridor and impulsively slips him a note, setting in motion the devastating, unforgettable events of the classic story. Julia takes us on a surprising journey through Orwell’s now-iconic dystopia, with twists that reveal unexpected sides not only to Julia, but to other familiar figures in the 1984 universe. This unique perspective lays bare our own world in haunting and provocative ways, just as the original did almost seventy-five years ago.

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!

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! 📖

**I’m planning future book club meetups and would love your input. Please choose your top three from the list below—your picks will help decide what we read next!** **Book Options** *The Hong Kong Widow* – Kristen Loesch *American Spy* – Lauren Wilkinson *God of the Woods* – Liz Moore *Listen for the Lie* – Amy Tintera *The Swallows* – Lisa Lutz *The Drowning Kind* – Jennifer McMahon *The Eights* – Joanna Miller *The Quiet Librarian* – Allen Eskens Thanks so much for sharing your pick! Please **reply in the comments** with your top three. I can’t wait to see which books rise to the top and to discuss them together at our next meetups.