Speeches

Welcome to the Shanghai Writing Workshop. We are interested in everything related to creative writing, and we hope you can join us. If you're interested in joining, you'll need to join our wechat chat group to let us know if you're lost on your way to the meeting. You can wechat me at texaswriter, and I can get you added. I also encourage you to scan the QR code above to join our official wechat channel. There you can get detailed directions on how to find us, how to sign up for our website (www.shanghaiwriting.com), and details on how we function. There's a new short prompt available on the website that's updated for each meeting. Try and post a response a few days before meeting if you want others a chance to comment on it. You also don't have to submit. Readers are always welcome, but I do find that reading before meeting greasy increases the joy of going to meeting. No experience required. We are a mixed group in terms of experience, backgrounds, and languages, but I find that we are also very supportive of each other in everything from goals to reading to publishing. In addition to the standard workshop, the Shanghai Writing Workshop hosts two writing retreats a year, puts forward a team for the three day novel writing competition, hosts a reading series called Shanghai Voices, and puts together an ebook anthology of work at the end of every year. We're always doing something, and if you have any ideas, we're always up for anything literature related. Once again, if you need help getting setup, contact me on wechat, texaswriter, and I hope to see you at the workshop.

Chinese Corner in Jing an(Line 7 Changping Lu station) Please free free to join us. All levels are welcome! Don’t worry about your Chinese level, we have mandarin teachers here to help you, any questions free to ask. More informations Welcome to add WeChat : ZoeMandarinClass

what is the best way to spend your weekend ? come to join us for badminton to have fun! please prepare racket by yourself , shuttlecock will be provided , add my WeChat : ellenliu12345 to sign up by our WeChat group . 60 RMB for 2 hours , we play double for fun game , 6 people share one court

dear all, We will move to Bailian Zhongshan BEFORE jing’an opens. Welcome to join us Please confirm with me first before you signed up My WeChat is ellenliu12345 60rmb for 2 hours , 6 people share a court 小伙伴们， 所以我们在静安开放之前将会在百联中环打，欢迎加入我们

what is the best way to spend your weekend ? come to join us for badminton to have fun! please prepare racket by yourself , shuttlecock will be provided , add my WeChat : ellenliu12345 to sign up by our WeChat group . 60 RMB for 2 hours , we play double for fun game , 6 people share one court

Get ready for the most festive nightlife event in Shanghai! Join our **Holiday Bar Hopping Tour** and explore Christmas-themed bars, hidden speakeasies, and unique holiday cocktails with an international group of fun people. This event is perfect for **tourists, expats, solo travelers, students, and groups** looking to experience Shanghai’s holiday nightlife. TAILOR TOUR – Christmas & New Year Bar Hopping Experience 🎅 Daily Festive Bar Crawl \| 🎄 Hidden Bars \| ✨ Holiday Cocktails \| 🥂 New Year Celebrations Join us for a magical nightlife journey through Shanghai’s best holiday-themed bars and speakeasies. Perfect for tourists, expats, solo travelers, and groups! Includes: ✔ 4 bars & speakeasies ✔ 3 Free Shots ✔ English speaking local guide ✔ Holiday games & surprises ✔ Christmas props & photo moments ✔ New friends from around the world Christmas Bar Hop: Nov 29 - Dec 26 New Year Countdown Crawl: Dec 27 - 31 Jan 1 Hangover Crawl: Relaxed crawl 📍 Meeting Point: French Concession / Jing’an 🕒 Daily: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM 💰 Price: $29 Add WeChat to book 👇 13052007784

Add wechat ellenliu12345 if you want to join the event! sign up in advance is necessary.Welcome join us 50rmb for 2 hours , prepare racket by yourself

Please add my WeChat **GD-Karen. All final arrangements and event details are shared on WeChat. I will add you to a WeChat group.** **Why Face-to-Face Still Matters** Technology has made video conferencing a marvel of modern communication. Yet even world leaders cross continents to meet in person. Why? Because nothing compares to the trust and understanding that come from being physically present—reading body language, sharing energy, and building authentic connections. **Karen’s Saturday Social & Business Networking Meetup** 📍 **Location:** People’s Square, Shanghai 🗓️ **Time:** Saturday afternoon 💴 **Fee:** 50 RMB (includes unlimited beer & soft drinks) What to Expect: * Exchange ideas and pitch your projects or products * Build both professional and social connections * Grow your network in a relaxed, open setting Come for the opportunity. Stay for the conversations. Leave with new connections that spark future possibilities. 👉 **To join:** Please add Karen on WeChat at **GD-Karen** **All final arrangements and event details are shared on WeChat.**

Join us for a simple chat over some hot water for general Business networking - Fintech, Ecommerce, and Startup talk. You NEED TO add my WeChat ID: cerentine, to confirm your event attendance. If you do not, your RSVP will NOT be accounted for as there is only limited space.

FIRE - Financial Independence, retire early 富足人生：财富、工作与人生共享的九个智慧 Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence 交流无国界，友谊亦无边，英缘际会，语挚情深, 欢迎参加城市部落英文读书会，社交英语角语Book club, Cultural & Language Exchange Meetup After sign up, Please add the host wechat via hawk_cn Welcome to our weekly booking reading sharing + British Parliamentary Debate, language & cultural exchange meetup event which focus on informal and fun way to meet new people and cultural discussion. All learning levels are welcome to join. We organize weekly events such as book reading sharing, language & cultural exchange, topic presentation, speech and debate. Embrace the opportunity to mingle with like-minded individuals who share a passion for English language learning, cross culture communication and meeting new friend 我们是一群热爱中外跨文化交流的年轻人，致力于连接拥有相同志趣的朋友，通过组织基于英语交流的多元化的趣味活动，认识一群热爱学习，挑战自己舒适圈的小伙伴，一起探索语言的无限可能！ Are you a bookworm looking for a fun group to discuss your favorite reads with? If you’re interested in meaningful discussions with fellow readers. Look no further and join us! Our book reading meetup is the perfect place for book lovers to come together, share their thoughts, and enjoy an engaging discussion with fellow readers. Our book club sharing session is a great way to engage in lively and friendly discussions, share insights, and meet fellow book lovers. Besides presentation and group discussion about the book of the week, our meetup also includes time to guess words, language games, free talking, mingling and socializing. As always, there's no pressure to have finished the book, we're just here for vibes. Our gathering is not about analyzing the book like a seminar, but more about connecting, sharing ideas, and enjoying a relaxed, social afternoon with fellow book lovers. Also, our discussion topics may go beyond the book, touching on a variety of themes and interests. 放下手机，拒绝宅家。读有趣的书，见有趣的人，欢迎参加本周六城市部落英文读书会，英式辩论赛，用知识链接彼此，让思想碰撞出火花，遇见与你同频共振的朋友。新的一年，给自己的心灵来一场洗礼。遇见城市部落英文读书会欢迎所有喜欢思考，热爱阅读和分享，希望寻求生命里积极的改变的朋友到来。通过阅读分享来进行一场跨越语言与时空的相逢，让我们在繁忙的生活中寻得一片宁静又充满趣味的阅读天地。读书会有团队讨论和自由分享环节，请自由分享自己的观点和看法，也许你就能遇见灵魂的知音。期待与你相遇在知识的殿堂，共同开启一段美好的旅程。 Event schedule 活动环节安排： 本活动参与人群定位为上海工作和生活的喜欢英语、热爱交流分享的青年白领，及高校师生。 Venue: Near People square,人民广场 Cost: RMB 15/person Date & time: 10:00-12:30 10:00-10:30 Heads Up game the best word guessing game! Can you guess the word from your friends’ clues? 你说我猜英文版 10:30-11:00, A free chat warmup session for mingle and socialize破冰、自我介绍，暖场聊天 11:00-12:00 Presentation and group discussion about “CRYPTOASSETS THE GUIDE TO BITCOIN, BLOCKCHAIN, STABLECOIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCY 区块链，稳定币及数字货币主题英文读书会 Job Interview coaching & business communication英文面试陪练或模拟客户沟通 Free talk for networking自由社交英语时间 Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence 《Your Money or Your Life》是由**Vicki Robin**与**Joe Dominguez**合著的经典理财与生活哲学著作，被誉为 “FIRE 运动（财务自由、提早退休）的圣经”。该书于 1992 年首次出版，2018 年推出全面修订版，至今全球销量超百万册，被翻译成英、中、日、德等十余种语言，深刻影响了全球读者对金钱、工作与人生的认知 **Frequently asked questions:** **Do I have to finish the book to attend?** Not at all. If you plan to read or have read it, that’s great; if you haven’t touched it, you’re still more than welcome to join. Come and meet like-minded people and connect over the topic as well as the book. **How can I contribute to the discussion if I haven’t read the book?** The book is simply a conversation starter - our discussions often branch out into related themes, personal experiences and broader topics of interest. Our gathering is more about socialising and engaging in decent conversations with book lovers, rather than a formal seminar. **Can I also discuss my own fav book or the book I recently read?** Absolutely! Our gatherings are all about open conversations, and we’d love to hear your thoughts on any book that’s been captivating to you. **Is this group open to everyone?** Yes - this is a friendly and inclusive group, welcoming everyone regardless of gender, sexuality, or background. The event is designed to make it easy to meet and connect with fellow book lovers in our community. **What if I'm shy about speaking in front of the group?** No pressure! You're welcome to participate in the way that feels most comfortable for you. Whether you share your views or just listen, your presence is valued. A lot of people come alone - so don't be shy!! This event will be photographed for promotional purposes. By purchasing a ticket you are consenting to the team using these pictures for our social media channels but you are able to withdraw your consent at any time during the event. After you sign up for this event, please add me by wechat： hawk_cn for more event arrangement information. Thank you.

12月27日，周六晚 魔都最有趣的灵魂&深度思考者 年末圆桌会谈夜 Saturday, December 27 Year-End Reflection Deep Talk Night TICKET LINK 购票链接：[https://yoopay.cn/event/37190844](https://yoopay.cn/event/37190844) 这一晚，我们将为真正有深度、有体感、有好奇心的人，打造一次「年度思考 × 灵魂对话 × 高质量链接」的夜晚 你将和同样敏锐、开放、有洞察的人 进行引发思考的圆桌讨论： 过去一年你如何改变？ 真实的你，正在成为谁？ 你想带着什么走进 2026 年？ 什么是你最想守护、也最想放下的？ We’re excited to invite you to our End-of-Year Reflection Gathering! 💫 As the year comes to a close, this is your moment to arrive slowly, settle in, and take a gentle look at the past 12 months — what shaped you, what stretched you, what you’re ready to carry forward, and what you can lovingly leave behind. ✨ Host 圆桌主持人志愿者招募中 引导大家进行主题讨论 帮助参与者建立更有质量的连接 联系微信：shfun_official 这里没有小聊与尴尬 你说的每一句，都有人认真倾听 每个人都将获得发言时间 让“你的观点”真正被看见 之后还有自由交流时段 让同频灵魂自然相遇，延续对话、点亮连接。 We’ll acknowledge the people and moments that influenced you, the lessons that stayed, and the things that no longer need to be carried. Together, we’ll sense what wants to be released and what wants to grow — so you can step into the new year with more clarity, softness, and intention. 🌟 ✨ 适合谁 \| Who This Is For • 深度思考者 / 有趣灵魂 • 自我探索者 • 创意人 / 创业者 / 全球人才 • 喜欢 meaningful conversations 的你 • 想用思考与连接，为这一年画上注脚的人 Whether you are a founder, creator, thinker, or global professional — this night is designed for "curious minds & interesting souls". 🌙 Why This Night Matters？ 为什么这个夜晚适合你 因为在上海， 真正“能聊”的人太少 真正“懂你的人”更少 而我们为你聚集了 一群有深度、有质感、愿意表达与倾听的灵魂 A space where conversations feel alive — and where you may just meet someone unforgettable. 🪐 年末，让我们一起对话、觉察、收心 并重新启程 期待与你相遇 See you at the roundtable. ✨ \*我们会根据到场嘉宾情况分为中文交流桌和英语交流桌 Based on the attendees, we’ll arrange tables for discussions in Chinese and English separately 上期活动视频回顾 Video Recap SCHEDULE 活动流程 19:30 — 20:00 签到 · 氛围热身 Check-in & Warm-up 20:00 — 20:10 开场 & 引导 Opening 20:10 — 20:50 第一轮圆桌讨论 Roundtable Session 1 20:50 — 21:00 短暂休息 Break 21:00 — 21:40 第二轮圆桌讨论 Roundtable Session 2 21:40 — late 自由交流 Free Networking WHEN 12月27日，周六 7点半至半夜 7:30 PM to midnight Saturday, Dec.27 WHERE 禾城 He Cheng 上海市凯旋路1205号1号楼106F-G 106F-G, Building 1, No.1205 Kaixuan Road, Shanghai ADMISSION 门票费用 票价包含一杯酒水（或软饮） Entrance Fee includes One Drink Early Bird Ticket 早鸟票 Sign up before 11pm, Dec.22 12月22日23点前报名 Single Ticket 单人价 RMB 118 /person 每位118元 Prepaid Ticket 预购门票 RMB 148 /person 每位148元 Presale ends at 7:30pm, Dec.27 预售优惠将于12月27日7点半前截止 Ticket on spot 现场支付 RMB 160 /person 每位160元 TICKET LINK 购票链接：[https://yoopay.cn/event/37190844](https://yoopay.cn/event/37190844) WeChat 联系微信：shfun_official WeChat Official Account 微信公众号: ShanghaiFUN上海

▶️ What we do / 我们聊什么？ 我们不仅有AI活动 还有AI 茶话会 AI路演 还有复旦 大学创业 AI 项目展示 We meet to talk about AI and its impact on daily life and business（人工智能如何影响我们的生活和商业）. Instead of worrying about being replaced by AI，我们一起探索： How to benefit from AI, not be replaced by it （如何用好 AI，而不是被它取代） Fun side projects, startup ideas, and real use cases Tools, prompts, agents, automation… anything AI ▶️ Open, casual, for everyone / 轻松开放，欢迎所有人 Every Saturday 7:30pm, Anyone is welcome to: give a short talk or demo（欢迎闪电分享 / 小分享） share a story or idea about AI or just come, listen, and chat over coffee 无论你是开发者、创业者、学生、设计师、投资人，还是刚开始对 AI 好奇，这里都有适合你的位置。No prior AI background required. 🏠: 复旦科技园副楼一楼 📍Fudan science park ▶️location video guide： [https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8) 🎫：Early-bird: 35 RMB = 5$ 【set going before 】 normal 40 RMB = 6$ At the Door 50RMB = 7$【At the door buy 】 #公众号：说会英语 #视频号：说会英语 #小程序://互动吧/h1LX5oWSDmgO10v #小程序://微博/H1VOJN21MjI0Tjx #公众号：说会英语 #视频号：说会英语 #[小红书：说会英语](https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5f2ccb430000000001000244) WeChat：17317121983 【Please be sure to add us to get the latest information】 Language Exchange - YouTube 🔴Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/languageexchangeshanghai 🔴Whatsapp group which you can join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BRscBnmLynICxeOQycSvWq 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇳🇱🇦🇷🇬🇭🇿🇦🇧🇩🇫🇯🇦🇪🇷🇺🇵🇦🇯🇲🇵🇪🇵🇷🇹🇷🇬🇷🇺🇦🇦🇿🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳

Connect with fun-loving, young-at-heart single players (ages 20–45) at a relaxed, board games-inspired evening. Talkspace help visitors, international friends, business professionals, and newcomers integrate into local life, explore local culture, and build language and emotional connections. Talkspace 帮助新到一个城市的旅游者、出差者、工作者能够更加快速的融入到这个新的城市和了解更加地道的当地文化。致力于帮助个人培养语言、沟通能力。建立人与人的语言链接与情感链接空间。 目前我们已经在中国6个城市 组织社群语言活动 🇳🇱🇦🇷🇬🇭🇿🇦🇧🇩🇫🇯🇦🇪🇷🇺🇵🇦🇯🇲🇵🇪🇵🇷🇹🇷🇬🇷🇺🇦🇦🇿 🍹🍻🥤🧉🍹🥤🥂🍇🍒 现场也会有一些零食和水果 There will also be some snacks and fruits available. 🎫：【All Tickets Includes One Drink】 STUDENT学生票¥30 【Show Us your Student Card or ID】 EARLY BIRD早鸟票¥40 = 6$ 【set going On meetup before is early bird 】 REGULAR 预售票¥50 = 7$ AT DOOR现场票¥60 = 8$【At the door buy 】 🍹🍻🥤🧉🍹🥤🥂🍇🍒 📆Saturday 【周六】Fudan Discount ticket特惠¥ 25 only tonight 🟢Talkspace International Students Language Exchange 复旦同济留学生交流会🟢 ⏰:19:00-22:00 【Saturday】 🏠: 复旦科技园副楼一楼路演大厅 📍No 11, Guotai Road,Yangpu District, Shanghai WeChat：17317121983 WhatsApp：+8617317121983 [https://wa.me/8617317121983](https://wa.me/8617317121983) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8)

▶️ **What we do / 我们聊什么？** We meet to talk about **AI and its impact on daily life and business**（人工智能如何影响我们的生活和商业）. Instead of worrying about being replaced by AI，我们一起探索： * How to *benefit* from AI, not be replaced by it （如何用好 AI，而不是被它取代） * Fun side projects, startup ideas, and real use cases * Tools, prompts, agents, automation… anything AI ▶️ **Open, casual, for everyone / 轻松开放，欢迎所有人** Every Saturday 7:30pm, Anyone is welcome to: * give a short talk or demo（欢迎闪电分享 / 小分享） * share a story or idea about AI * or just come, listen, and chat over coffee 无论你是开发者、创业者、学生、设计师、投资人，还是刚开始对 AI 好奇，这里都有适合你的位置。No prior AI background required. ▶️ **Shanghai & Dubai 双城 AI 社群** ShanghAI is also connected with our sister group **Dubai AI Meetup**, which meets every Saturday 7:30pm at DIFC. Dubai 分部有来自 AI programmers、rocket engineers、physicists、marketing、designers、investors… 以及完全没有 AI 背景、只是想多了解一点的人。 Together we are building a small “AI-agentic social marketplace” community — 从上海到迪拜，从线下 meetup 到线上工具（如 **[DubaiAI.vip](https://DubaiAI.vip)**），帮助大家： * get paid with AI projects * get closer to local communities （更接近本地 AI 圈子） * save time by delegating tasks to AI agents If you ever travel between **Shanghai** and **Dubai**, 欢迎在两个城市都来参加我们的活动 ▶️ **Stay connected / 保持联系** 加入我们的微信群/QQ群获取最新活动信息、地点和时间： QQ/WeChat Group（每周更新）： [https://qm.qq.com/q/EEKnU4Sp7q](https://qm.qq.com/q/EEKnU4Sp7q) Meetup page: [https://www.meetup.com/shanghai-ai](https://www.meetup.com/shanghai-ai) [https://www.meetup.com/dubai-ai](https://www.meetup.com/dubai-ai) 如果你在中东，也可以关注 Dubai AI Meetup & DubaiAI.vip，和我们在迪拜的 AI 小伙伴一起玩 AI 🚀 The meetup is free, no cost.
Join our WeChat group to get the latest update! P.S. After 9:30pm because the Book Store closes, some people usually continue to the 4 Heng Shan Lu, Xu Hui Qu, Bar street... \> Hengshan Road Lively\, expat\-friendly bar street with many restaurants\, cafes\, and bars featuring ample outdoor/patio seating \(fitting the "terrace" description\)\. The immediate surrounding neighborhood \(part of the former French Concession\) is known to have smaller\, more local\, casual hotpot restaurants that are considered more "hole\-in\-the\-wall" or neighborhood\-style\, which better fits the "street" vibe

**Start the new year with a Braver Angels gathering focused on speaking openly and listening deeply.** **In small, structured groups, each person will have five minutes to share a political or social issue that matters to them and why- no debate, no interruption, just genuine curiosity.** **Participants will practice curiosity, reflecting back values and emotions they hear, asking thoughtful questions, and- only with permission- offering their perspective.** **It’s a simple and powerful way to connect with one another and begin the year with a respectful and courageous conversation.** **Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026** **Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm** **Place: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southeast Branch, 3980 Hamilton Rd, Groveport, Ohio** **All are welcome- bring a friend!** For additional information contact: Lee Evans at [LEvans@BraverAngels.org](mailto:LEvans@BraverAngels.org)

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

[The Board Walks](www.theboardwalks.com) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** **and join us for a 5-mile walk** (10,000+ steps!). **What to expect:** We walk as a group and dive into topics that go beyond small talk. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **Come prepared:** We ask that you bring a thoughtful topic with you. At the start of the walk, everyone shares their topic with the group, and these become the launching points for conversations throughout our 5 miles together. Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. Be a good egg and bring a topic that'd make people go "Oooh, interesting." **Important notes:** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). We want everyone to have a great experience, and this format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. **FAQs:** * We have multiple first-timers on each walk! We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are very welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **Logistics:** * **Arrive on time.** If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we kindly suggest that you skip the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and one of our goals is to create a "phone-free" space — which means everyone (including the host!) will be fully present. We can't answer messages during the event. * **Read our [Ground Rules](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules)**. Our host gives an overview of what to expect at the beginning of the walk. * **Share the magic**. If you enjoy the event, send **[this](www.theboardwalks.com)** to a friend. We're currently in 7 cities with more on the way (Austin, SF, NYC, Denver, Columbus, Boone, London). 🤠👋 **If you want to go deeper...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. * We're currently building our waitlist. Apply [here.](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board)

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. 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

The topic for January is "Chemistry" 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 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 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!

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!