Sierra Club

You've seen them in the book shop. You've seen them in the library. You've seen them online. **The Blind Date with a Book.** Those shelves of wrapped books with little teasers written on them. This is the book trend perfect for Valentine's, and perfect for a swapping group like us! For this special event, please bring a wrapped book. On the front please write: * the language of the book * a few short bullet points about the book. Get as creative (or not) as you like, as long as it's a truthful description. I've seen fascinating paragraph versions and also one liners. * For example: "You will love this book if you love -similar author / general genre / band-singer the book reminded you of / actor who played the lead in the film / etc-". Other examples include writing the first line of the book. Or your favorite line of the book. Beside that, it's just similarly structured as the "classical" bookswap: * We put the book(s) we brought down on the tables. * Each book gets a post-it so people interested would write their names on. * We browse and discuss the books with one another while sipping coffee or hot chocolate, or eating cake. THIS TIME try to avoid naming the book and author. * We write our names down on any books we’d like to take home. * At the end of the evening, negotiate any books that are contended and take a new-to-you book home! I've mostly only seen the trend at book stores and Libraries and when I just Googled it, saw that a lot of people are totally tricking the wrapping out. Please don't bother going that far unless it would give you great pleasure. We'll have some newspaper / paper bags on hand if you don't have any wrapping. ***NOTE - this is NOT a person dating event.*** We tried that once as a very optional part of the event and it wasn't fair to the three confused people who were looking for people and not books. We know of at least one book swap marriage and several other book swap relationships so it happens organically without us pushing for it and making it all awkward :) Similar to our pleasant swapping post-it format, our expectations below apply to this event as well. We look forward to swapping with you! GROUP EXPECTATIONS for PLEASANT SWAPPING * Please bring a book! It's not that you bring one you take one, but do try your best to bring something. * Books stay on the tables, open for sharing, until you are ready to leave so that everyone can have a look. We are notably not first come first serve. Please wait until you are leaving to bag the book. * If two or more people want the only copy of a book, negotiate. Maybe one of you reads it first and then gives it to the others. Or perhaps they have found another book instead. Or leave it to fate and toss a coin. The best part: now you have found somebody whose taste you can really admire. In any case, please don't walk away with a book with several names on it without letting the others know. These negotiations are fun and easy, so don't shy away from a book because there's already a name on it, and feel free to put your name on as many books as you find interesting. It's not that you bring one you take one; you may take as many as you can negotiate. * Political discussions with consent: make sure the people you are talking to would like to have a political discussion with you. * Please respect this space as first and foremost a community for connecting readers over their love of books and reading, stories, and narratives of all sorts. Please be respectful of tastes and opinions. * If something is bothering you, please reach out to the organizers, and we'll do our best to resolve it. * Lastly, don't expect your book back. It will find a new home. If you love it, let it go. **Major LANGUAGES (and genres) of this meetup:** English, German, French, Spanish, Italian; Fiction, Non-Fiction, Serious Reading, Light Fun, “classics", Krimis, Booker winners, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Self-Help and more. You never know who can read what languages, and there's no accounting for taste. We are a delightful and international group of readers. We look forward to swapping with you!

\*\*\*\*\*\* ***For address and more details see the website.*** \*\*\*\*\*\* **Event Info:** Bring along your **current book to read** (or something **creative** to work on 📚🎨🧵) and join us for this mix of a shared focus time + discussion. \- 19:00\-19:30 \- Meet & greet \- 19:30\-20:30 \- Silent focus time \- 20:30 \- Discussion of books/ projects over coffee **Drinks & snacks are included** ☕️ * **To reserve your place, a ticket (€9,90/event) or a community pass (only €14,90/MONTH) [from the website](www.pausify.org) is required** * **Attendance here doesn’t show all sign-ups from other platforms.** ***FAQ: Why does it cost money if I bring my own project?*** Because we rent a beautiful, central space for every event. Ever thought your monthly apartment rent was too high? Well, multiply that – that’s what commercial spaces in big cities like Berlin cost *per hour*. Of course, if all you want is just some quiet time, your home or a library is perfect. But if you’d like to focus & connect with others in an inspiring space – with drinks, snacks included – that’s what your ticket helps to cover. See pics from our events below - and on our Instagram: **[@Pausify (Co-Reading Space)](https://www.instagram.com/pausify_org/) ☕️**📚 **[Pausify Co-Reading Space Website](www.pausify.org/)** For questions, please contact us over [Website](www.pausify.org/) as this platform can have issues. Thank you! *Please note that photos and videos may be taken during the event and used for promotional purposes to highlight and share the experiences at our events. If you have concerns, don't hesitate to approach the event organizers before the event.*

Unser internationales Sprachcafé richtet sich an Alt- und Neu-Berliner\*innen, Reisende und Anwohner\*innen - alle sind willkommen! Bei heißem Tee und Kaffee und frischen Waffeln könnt ihr mit Menschen aus aller Welt ins Gespräch kommen. Um das Eis zu brechen, haben wir verschiedene Spieleinheiten vorbereitet - wie zum Beispiel ein Kennlern-Bingo, Impro-Theater-Übungen und ein kleines Berlin-Quiz. Selbstverständlich ist die Teilnahme an den Spielen freiwillig und ihr könnt euch gerne einfach gemütlich unterhalten. Wir möchten vor allem Sprachstudierende ermutigen teilzunehmen, und Berlin in diesem Rahmen aus verschiedenen Perspektiven kennenzulernen, persönliche Kontakte zu knüpfen und in das kulturelle Kiezleben der Stadt einzutauchen. Teilnahme auf Spendenbasis

We only need a few more people so don't get confused by the low number of participants here. We already have a base number of people How the games will work: 1. We will have 18 players per session. 2. So if you sign up, please try your best to attend the event to avoid disturbing the format. If you cannot attend the session, unregister atleast 2 hours before the event starts so that others have the chance to play instead. 3. We will NOT allow unregistered participants. 4. If you can pls bring a yellow shirt/bib with you as well The exact location of the event is in the Telegram group (https://t.me/joinchat/OkWQBBcw3b7ptauwrIEfig ------------------------------------------------------------- FAQ 1. Can I still join if I’m on the waiting list? No, please don’t show up. Try your luck next time. 2. Can I cancel at any time? No, you must cancel at least 2 hours before the event starts so that others on the waiting list have a chance to join. 3. Can I join but leave early? No, as that would leave us with uneven teams. Please don’t vote if you can’t stay for the entire session. 4. Which pitch will we play on?We’ll play on whichever pitch is available. This is usually decided in the Telegram group shortly before the session starts. [https://t.me/joinchat/OkWQBBcw3b7ptauwrIEfig]

**Radical Empathy – Queer Storytelling for Connection** host by **Neo Seefried** guest: **Sarj Lynch** event for **LGBTQIA+** **[Free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/radical-empathy/w07-2026)** Conflict is everywhere: in our inner lives, relationships, workplaces, communities. Instead of seeing it as rupture or failure, Radical Empathy explores how exchange can transform conflict into queer creativity, resilience, and solidarity. This intimate closed group of 25–30 queer participants will explore how storytelling can hold, transform, and reimagine conflict – personal and collective. We will create a space where queer voices meet – not to erase differences, but to live them and to seek new forms of connection. **Calling in Care When Harm Happens** In this session, we’ll explore some of the ways that our bodies react in moments of rupture, as well as strategies for how we can activate our values to guide our responses when the going gets tough . We’ll learn a simple care protocol that can be applied when painful moments arise in our relationships — whether we are the one experiencing harm, perpetuating it, or witnessing it (or, as so often happens, some combination of the three). **Guest facilitator for this session is Sarj Lynch**, facilitator, community care organizer and co-initiator of aequa. **Sarj Lynch** (they) is a very curious facilitator and community care organizer based in Berlin. They are co-initiator of aequa (2017), aequa Workshops Collective (2020), and Berlin Collective Action e.V. (2020). Together with Bryony Beynon, they run Big Beef and Beyond — an ongoing series of trainings on transformative approaches to tending to harm in our communities, which focuses especially on conflict, harm and abuse in collective, cultural and social movement and organizing work. **General information** **Participant**: this workshop series is open to LGBTQIA+ people, with particular encouragement for those holding multiple marginalizations. **Language**: Depending on the group’s needs, sessions will be held in German and/or English. **Cost**: Free of charge, registration required. 🔵 Konflikte sind allgegenwärtig: in unserem Inneren, in Beziehungen, in der Arbeit, in Communities. Anstatt sie als Bruch oder Scheitern zu sehen, erforscht Radical Empathy, wie Austausch Konflikte in queere Kreativität, Resilienz und Solidarität verwandeln kann. Diese intime, geschlossene Gruppe von queeren Teilnehmenden wird untersuchen, wie Storytelling persönliche und kollektive Konflikte halten, verwandeln und neu imaginieren kann. Wir schaffen einen Raum, in dem queere Stimmen einander begegnen – nicht, um Unterschiede aufzulösen, sondern um sie zu leben und neue Formen der Verbindung zu suchen. In dieser Session werden wir einige der Weisen erkunden, wie unsere Körper in Momenten des Bruchs reagieren, sowie Strategien dafür, wie wir unsere Werte aktivieren können, um unser Handeln zu leiten, wenn es schwierig wird. Wir werden ein einfaches Fürsorge-Protokoll kennenlernen, das angewendet werden kann, wenn schmerzhafte Momente in unseren Beziehungen auftauchen — ganz gleich, ob wir diejenigen sind, die Verletzung erfahren, sie verursachen oder sie bezeugen (oder, wie so oft, eine Kombination aus allem). **Gast-Moderator\*in bei dieser Session ist Sarj Lynch**, Facilitator und Community-Care-Organisator\*in, Gründer\*in von aequa. **Sarj Lynch** (they) ist ein\*e sehr neugierige\*r Vermittler\*in und Organisator\*in für Community Care mit Sitz in Berlin. Sarj ist Mitinitiator\*in von aequa (2017), aequa Workshops Collective (2020) und Berlin Collective Action e.V. (2020). Zusammen mit Bryony Beynon leitet they Big Beef and Beyond – eine fortlaufende Reihe von Schulungen zu transformativen Ansätzen für den Umgang mit Verletzungen in unseren Communities, die sich insbesondere auf Konflikte, Gewalt und Missbrauch in kollektiven, kulturellen und sozialen Bewegungen und Organisationsarbeit konzentriert. **Hinweise** **Teilnehmende:** Die Reihe richtet sich an queere Menschen (LGBTQIA+). Wir empfehlen insbesondere die Teilnahme von Menschen mit mehrfachen Marginalisierungen. **Sprache:** Je nach Bedürfnissen der Gruppe auf Deutsch und/oder Englisch\*\*.\*\* **Kosten:** kostenlos mit Anmeldung. **Mit Unterstützung der Senatsverwaltung für Inneres und Sport – Landeskommission Berlin gegen Gewalt**

***Journey to the far reaches of beautiful Norway in Winter to witness one of the most spellbinding phenomena in the natural world by night.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS TRIP?** **For more detailed info & to get entry for this trip, click on link below 👇🏽:** [https://www.eventbrite.de/e/norway-northern-lights-dancing-auroras-ancient-culture-tickets-1589618474649?aff=meetup](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/norway-northern-lights-dancing-auroras-ancient-culture-tickets-1589618474649?aff=meetup) **If you have WhatsApp, please do join this WhatsApp group below to further discuss about this trip:** [https://go.unt.global/Aurora_Europe_Trips](https://go.unt.global/Aurora_Europe_Trips) **Note: Flights inclusive price can be provided on request from any European city, so you can either join the Whatsapp group to further discuss this or post a comment here in order to get more details on it.** **WHY GO?** What better way to experience the Aurora Borealis aka Northern lights than in the city of northern lights, Alta. In Norwegian, Eventyr means both 'adventure' and 'fairy tale.' This is the perfect word to describe Alta, as it is a perfect place for active adventures in the mountains, forests and fjords that are reminiscent of fairy tale landscapes. The cold and long winters provide excellent conditions for dog sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and other adventure activities. A modern city in Northern Norway surrounded by the arctic tundra and mountains, Alta is the ideal combination of natural and urban elements. The celestial dance of lights, known as Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a phenomena as old as Earth’s atmosphere. The first record of Aurora Borealis is believed to be in a 30,000-year-old cave painting in France. Since then, cultures around the world have marveled at its magic, giving rise to many fascinating legends and folklore. In Norway alone, symbols linked to the northern lights are found on the Sámi shamanistic drum. They call it “Guovssahas,” i.e. “the light that can be heard.” During the Viking Age, the northern lights were said to be the armor of the Valkyrie warrior virgins that shed a strange flickering light. Today, locals respectfully refer to the lights as “the green lady.” Please do join our Whatsapp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [Whatsapp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

**URGENT ACTION SUMMIT 2** \- “What is happening in Amerika?” Sat 14 Feb 15-21:00 @Baumhaus Berlin **This is an event for those who feel a sense of urgency or desperation to get society to act in solidarity faster to address critical issues like climate change and the rise of fascism.** 15:00 doors open and open networking 16:00 interactive talk 16:30 Q & A 17:00 break and open networking 18:00 workshop - developing viral interventions 19:00 group feedback 19:30 quick pitches 20:00 open networking 22:00 end The first Summit took place in June of 2024 and resulted in 2 teams of people who developed a short video prototype that describes the nature of these wicked problems and an online curated platform to connect a trusted network of local change makers in Berlin and beyond. • video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9ml3AEzZhE • platform - https://ourworld.solutions/ During this interactive talk, discussion and workshop Scott Bolden, founder of Baumhaus Berlin will build on the work from Urgent Action Summit 1 and address the questions: 1 - “**What is happening in Amerika?**” & 2 - “**What kinds of meaningful and practical responses can we come up with in Berlin that can make a positive difference?"** The story of America is a complex one but can be broken down into a few simple fundamental concepts that explain why the state of things are the way they are today. We will explore why it makes sense that Trump and his kind have risen to power and how we can contribute to his fall by doing the things we already love to do. We will also make the connection to the common roots of authoritarianism and climate change as well as sharing strategies to address both. Making a difference in the world doesn’t have to be lonely hard work that one has to sacrifice everything for. The objective of this summit is to identify some common ground that can form the basis for a movement of authentic and resonant solidarity right here in Berlin; one that has the potential to spread. **How can we collectively have fun getting good things done?** The ideas, connections and synergies that are shared during this event will provide a basis for developing program and interventions for the next Emergent Berlin festival happening in Fall 2026 (check out Emergent Berlin 2025). Participants are encouraged to share their findings on the Emergent Berlin instagram page use it as a living working document to help realized some of the ideas that get developed. https://www.emergentberlin2025.de/ Entrance: open donation **support Baumhaus crowdfunding campaign** ( https://www.goodcrowd.org/saving-das-baumhaus ) feel free to bring drinks and snacks to share, there will also be some food and drinks on a donation basis Baumhaus Berlin Gerichtstr 23 VH Eg 13347 Berlin \* Bonus - improv theme song for this event https://soundcloud.com/user-164945673/urgent-action-summit-2-call-to

**Come together. Read. Talk about it.** Vielleicht liest du viel und vermisst Gespräche darüber. Vielleicht hast du Lust, neue Menschen kennenzulernen – in einem entspannten, ungezwungenen Rahmen. Lesen verbindet, und genau dafür ist dieser Club gedacht. Dieser *Social Reading Club* ist für Menschen, die gern lesen und sich genau das wünschen: mehr Zeit dafür – und Raum für Austausch mit anderen, die das genauso fühlen. Wir treffen uns in einem Café am **Platz der Luftbrücke in Kreuzberg**. Nicht als klassischer Buchclub mit Vorgaben oder Pflichtlektüre, sondern als gemeinsames Innehalten: jede\*r liest für sich, egal ob Zeitung, dicker Roman oder Sachbuch. Im eigenen Tempo. Danach kommen wir ins Gespräch – ganz natürlich, ohne Erwartung. Dein Handy kannst du dabei weglegen – ich behalte die Zeit für dich im Blick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . **So sieht ein Treffen aus** Der Vormittag besteht aus **einer Leseeinheit**. Wir kommen an, bestellen etwas und richten uns ein. Dann lesen wir, zusammen, in Stille – konzentriert, jede\*r für sich. Zum Abschluss gibt es ein lockeres Kennenlernen und Austauschen – über das, was wir gerade lesen, und das, was es bei uns auslöst: Gedanken, Eindrücke, Stellen, die hängen geblieben sind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . **ℹ️ Hinweise** * Wir treffen uns in einem Café und sind dort normale Gäste. Also plane bitte ein, dort etwas zu bestellen. * Die Teilnahme selbst ist kostenlos. Um die monatlichen Meetup-Gebühren zu decken, freue ich mich über einen freiwillige **Spende** **von** **2 € bis 5 €** – vor Ort in **bar** oder per **PayPal**. * Eine Vorbereitung ist nicht erforderlich. Alles, was du tun musst, ist, etwas zum Lesen mitzubringen. * Die Treffen finden auf Deutsch statt. 🇩🇪 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . **🗓️ Agenda** **11:00 – 11:15 Uhr** Ankommen, Einrichten & etwas bestellen **11:15 – 12:30 Uhr** Stille Leseeinheit (konzentriertes Lesen, jede\*r für sich – gerne Kopfhörer mitbringen, falls es im Café etwas voller wird) **12:30 – 13:30 Uhr** Austausch, Kennenlernen & Ausklang

**RSVP Available on luma:** https://luma.com/9a20skdx Silent Reading Club is a group of book lovers who enjoy reading together in public. All books and all readers are welcome. There's no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the cafe and don't bring any outside drinks :) No quizzes, no pressure, no assigned books - just a group of book-loving souls basking in the beauty of silent reading. **Our Agenda:** 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Arrivals, ordering drinks/food (social time) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - The Great Quiet Reading Hour (where silence is the star) 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm - Optional socializing, share your reading adventures, or just keep exploring the pages

Liebe Musizierende und Tanzende: Die "Folkwiese" aus dem Mauerpark findet nun im dritten Jahr ihr Winterquartier im Offenen Wohnzimmer. Wir laden alle Menschen mit akustischem Musikinstrument ein mit uns leichte Stücke vom Balkan, Skandinavien, Irland oder Israel zu spielen. Wir spielen nach Noten, aber im Sessionstyle, also ohne zu "üben". Die Wiederholung machts ! Dazu gibt's leicht zu erlernende Kreistänze mit Tanzanleitung. Bringt gern saubere Tanzschuhe oder warme Socken/Hausschuhe mit.

📚 **Berlin Arabic Book Club – Weekly Meetup** Join us for our weekly book discussion. Whether you're reading a novel in Arabic, a memoir in English, or a philosophical essay in German, you're welcome to bring it and share a few thoughts. Each session is relaxed, with no required reading — just bring a book you’re currently into or one you’ve read and want to talk about. ### 🔸 What to Expect: * We gather, grab coffee or tea ☕, and introduce ourselves. * Each member briefly talks about their book (any language is fine: Arabic, English, or German). * We open the floor for conversation, questions, or thoughts sparked by the books. * Cultural exchange is encouraged! ### 🔸 What to Bring: * A book you're reading or one you'd love to talk about. * An open mind and curiosity. **اللقاء الأسبوعي لنادي الكتاب العربي في برلين** انضموا إلينا في لقاءنا الأسبوعي في مقهى **دندنة** الدافئ! سواء كنت تقرأ رواية بالعربية، أو مذكرات بالإنجليزية، أو مقالة فلسفية بالألمانية — فأنت مرحب بك لتشارك ببعض الأفكار عنها. اللقاء غير رسمي، ولا توجد قراءة إلزامية — فقط احضر كتابًا تقرأه حاليًا أو كتابًا أحببته وتود الحديث عنه. ### 🔸 ماذا تتوقّع؟ * نبدأ بالتعارف وطلب القهوة أو الشاي ☕. * يشارك كل عضو نبذة عن كتابه (أي لغة مرحّب بها: العربية، الإنجليزية، أو الألمانية). * نفتح المجال للنقاش والأسئلة وتبادل الأفكار المستوحاة من الكتب.

Wir zelebrieren gemeinsam einen vielfältigen Samstagsbrunch. Es gibt köstliche Waffeln und Pfannkuchen mit leckeren Toppings. Alle Zutaten sind pflanzenbasiert und Bio/nachhaltig/gerettet. Wir laden Pianisten ein unser Klavier zu bespielen. *** Kommt einfach vorbei. Ihr braucht keine Anmeldung. *** Bitte bringt warme Socken mit. Teilname und Getränke auf Spendenbasis. *** Siehe auch auf: LebensMittelPunkte-Berlin

EVERY 2. and 3. saturday of the month A community project offering creative sessions for children and families—music, movement, yoga, and arts—all designed to spark joy, expression, and connection. Please sign up through whatsapp or email to join the fun. Ein Gemeinschaftsprojekt, das kreative Sitzungen für Kinder und Familien anbietet – Musik, Bewegung, Yoga und Kunst –, die alle darauf ausgelegt sind, Freude, Ausdruck und Verbundenheit zu wecken. Die Stunde findet auf englisch statt Teilnahme auf Spendenbasis Bitte melden Sie sich per WhatsApp oder E-Mail an, um am Spaß teilzunehmen. [+49 1512 9693732](http://wa.me/4915129693732) / [hello@littlehumansarts.de](mailto:hello@littlehumansarts.de)

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

**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.

**When:** Saturday\, February 21 \| 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM **Where:** [1124 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206](https://twodollarradiohq.com/about-us) Looking for a night of meaningful connection and great vegan food? Join us at [Two Dollar Radio Headquarters](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgFEAI) for a special community gathering! **What’s on the menu?** While [2$R](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgGEAI) typically serves a selection of [house-made sandwiches](https://twodollarradiohq.com/weekly-food) and vegan pastries, they are creating a **special menu** specifically for our event. You can also grab a coffee, tea, or a drink from their [full bar](https://twodollarradiohq.com/) of cocktails and beer. **The Main Event:** * **Play:** Bring a favorite game from home to share or dive into the ones available at the shop. * **Connect:** Meet new and old friends in a space that values independent culture and plant-based living. * **Support:** Help us champion a local, family-owned vegan business that doubles as a powerhouse [indie book publisher](https://twodollarradio.com/pages/headquarters). **Parking Instructions:** * **Street Parking:** There is free public street parking available on both sides of Parsons Avenue and on the surrounding residential side streets. * **Lot Parking:** The [Columbus Metropolitan Library](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/126262ks5&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgKEAM) lot (1113 Parsons Ave) is located directly across the street and is available for guest use **only after the library has closed**. On Saturdays, the lot is typically available starting at 6:00 PM. * **Bike Parking:** For those cycling, there is a bike rack conveniently located at the corner of Cline and Parsons.

**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.

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/

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! 📖

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