Stay-at-Home Parents

This is a group for all ages for anyone who has been affected by having a loved one with a diagnosis of dementia. You can stay as little or as long as you wish. It is open house style. This is a very informal group. I will have purple flowers on the table where we are sitting. I look forward to meeting you!

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!

Join us for lunch and meet our very successful group. We are each others sales team...always looking for referrals for our members. If you are looking for new clients, let us help you out! Bring your business cards and brochures to share with us. Our speaker this week is **Bryan Mangerchine, Bastion Construction.** His is a locally owned and operated roofing company dedicated to providing superior craftsmanship and personalized service. With years of experience in the roofing industry, his skilled team specializes in helping homeowners with roof replacements, roof repairs, siding and gutter installations, commercial roofing, and even paint jobs to complete the look of your home. All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)

Poker at Randy's. This event is now full. Have fun guys!

**MEET FOR DESSERT**: Since it's cold outside, let's meet for warm chocolate inside! Hot chocolate and warm chocolate fondue (chocolate fondue day is Feb 5th) are offered at this cafe filled with the smell of chocolate! *The hot chocolate at Chocolate Cafe is arguably the best hot chocolate you will ever have.* They have a huge variety, including Hot Chocolate, Dark Hot Chocolate (my fave), White Hot Chocolate, as well as specialty hot chocolates, including Cherry Jubilee, LaSalle Mint, Caramel, Mexican, Kaffee Wien, Peanut Butter, Nutella, and Butterscotch. **EARLY ARRIVALS**: Go ahead and order dinner (before dessert). I love their toasted sandwiches and their soups. **PARKING**: In our parking lot, on the street (but not between 4-6 pm) or behind the Buckeye State Building. [Chocolate Cafe](https://www.chocolatecafecolumbus.com/): A fully stocked amount of *chocolate candies* including truffles, chocolate covered pretzels and chocolate and caramel turtles. We have menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Join us for brunch or a late night meal. Soups, salads & sandwiches served daily. Check out our [menu](https://www.chocolatecafecolumbus.com/_files/ugd/7ea733_0ebab62dcfc0435aa189b6d1a3c3ec82.pdf) for more information. We also offer wine, martinis and cocktails! Enjoy a *famous chocolate martini* or hand crafted cocktail, too!

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.

Let’s meetup at Cafe Istanbul for the last day of Restaurant Week. You get three courses for $30. This is the menu: https://614now.com/rw-menu/cafeistanbul-easton

**Understanding the Columbus Housing Market: Let’s Talk Downsizing for Seniors** Understanding the Market to Make Your Best Move Yet Thinking about downsizing or helping a parent prepare for a move? Join us for a friendly, educational seminar designed specifically for seniors in Central Ohio. We’ll break down what’s happening in today’s Columbus housing market, explore timing and planning for downsizing, and discuss easy ways to prepare a longtime home for sale—without overwhelm. You’ll also learn about low‑maintenance housing options, financial considerations, and simple steps to make your next move smooth and stress‑free. This is a relaxed, no‑pressure event where you can ask questions and get practical advice tailored to seniors and their families. Hosted by: Katie McCartney, Broker & Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES)