Speeches

**Sign-up closes on Feb 1st or when full** **We don't often run group trips to Yushan these days but we have quite a few people interested so we'll try and make this work. Not much time to get permits so sign up ASAP if you're keen!** **\*\*\*\*\*WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE\*\*\*\*\*** * Transport from Taipei to the mountain and back * Permits and accommodation (first night in a hotel (shared rooms) second night in the mountain cabin) * All the meals, from dinner on Saturday to brunch on Monday (excluding lunch on the Sunday) * Professional, native English speaking guide * Full Insurance * All entry fees * Minimum of 5 people needed. If we don't have at least 5 we'll cancel the trip and return any payments * Full refund if the trip is cancelled for other reasons (typhoons, road closures) * Winter safety gear (crampons, helmets, ice-axes) NOTE - this is a winter hike. You will be required to also carry crampons, an ice axe and helmet. We'll provide all these but you must have space available in your pack. This hike will be harder than a normal Yushan hike and could be -10C at the peak. Bring warm layers. Anyone who is struggling or not confident will be asked to stay at the cabin. The leader will decide and the decision is final. Sometimes conditions change for the worse and it may not be possible to reach the peak, or the peak may be closed by the national park. **SIGN UP FORM -** \*\*\*\* [Sign Up Yushan ](https://forms.gle/ZWZt92W2Cn2VNER69)\*\*\*\* Any problems, please email [ross@taiwan-adventures.com](mailto:ross@taiwan-adventures.com) An opportunity to go with Taiwan Adventures to Yushan (Jade Mountain), on an economical group trip. Due to the difficulty in getting permits, we rarely offer group trips to Yushan. Please read all the information below thoroughly and sign up soon, because the spaces will likely go quickly! This is an OVERNIGHT trip leaving Taipei on Saturday, March 7th and returning to Taipei on Monday March 9th. (If you work Monday to Friday, you’ll have to take Monday off) Included: Private transportation from and to Taipei for our group; dinner 1st night, breakfast and dinner 2nd night at the cabin, breakfast and noodles on the 3rd day; Your own bed\* in a hotel on the first night; Native English speaking guide, permits, and insurance. You need to bring your own lunch for the first day hiking. \*We’ll be staying in private rooms in a hotel near Alishan. You will have your own bed in a room with 4 other people. We might not be able to have separate men’s and women’s rooms. If you’d like a private room, tell us, and we’ll see what we can do, but it will cost extra. The second night will be in Paiyun Lodge and will be mixed company and probably mixed with another hiking group. **\*\*\*PRICE\*\*\*** If you're a full time student or you've been on another overnight hike with us, the price is $11,500TD pp. If this is your first hike with us, the price is $12,200NTD pp. We'll send you payment options after you sign up. **\*\*\*\*ITINERARY\*\*\*\*** Saturday (March 7th) - Meet at 1pm at Wanlong MRT Station, exit 2, Taipei. We'll drive for about 4 hours to Chiayi and have dinner. It’s another 1.5 hours to our hotel in Alishan. Meals Included: Dinner Sunday (March 8th) - Up around 7am, breakfast at the hotel and then drive 45 min to the trailhead. We’ll check in, then take the shuttle bus to the real trailhead. The hike to Paiyun Lodge is 8.5km and \~900m of vertical. It usually takes about 5 hours. Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner Monday (March 9th) - Up early (\~2am) breakfast and head to the main peak for sunrise. Hike back down to Paiyun Lodge for an early brunch (noodles), hike to the trailhead, and then drive back to Taipei. We expect to be back around 7:00-8:00pm. We'll make a brief stop at a 7-11 along the way for you to buy snacks/food. Meals Included: Breakfast, Brunch (noodles at the cabin) **\*\*\*\*\*WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING\*\*\*\*\*** (We’ll give you another packing list after you sign up) \- At least a 40L backpack \- Pack cover \- Sturdy hiking boots \(you will likely need to attach crampons\, running shoes are no use\) \- Fleece \- Raincoat \(essential\) \- Rain pants \(essential\) \- The ability to carry 2L of water \- Headlamp \(essential\) \- Toiletries and personal items \- Sunscreen \- Trousers \(not jeans or other cotton\) Sleeping bags will be waiting at the cabin for you (you can bring your own if you want but the cost is the same). Anyone who doesn't have the right equipment won't be allowed to start the hike. **\*\*\*HOW TO SIGN UP\*\*\*** Please complete the form at the link below. Please note that you are not fully signed up until we receive your payment. After you fill in the information in the link, we’ll send you an email with payment information. [Sign Up Yushan](https://forms.gle/ZWZt92W2Cn2VNER69) The payment is non-refundable and non-transferable unless we are unsuccessful in our permit application. Getting a permit can be difficult and we'll do our best to secure one. However in the event that we are unsuccessful, we will refund payments or rearrange the trip for another date. Be sure to read the group's rules, especially our refund policy: [Refund FAQ](https://www.taiwan-adventures.com/hikes-and-trips/faqs/#toggle-id-15)

小聚主題： **電商起手式-那些年沒人教的事 by 俊明** 很多人一直嚮往電商，但你真的知道什麼是電商嗎？電子商務因為不需要店面的關係，讓許多人誤以為他是個可以輕鬆跨足的產業類型，殊不知少掉店面之後\~更多了許多繁雜的操作細節需要了解，本次小聚就和大家分享我操作了近 30 個電商平台後，一些感想，還有早該知道的事。 🔹時間：3/8（週日）14:00〜16:00 🔹場地：圓林園青創基地 (圓林園滯洪池生態公園 2F) 🔹地點：[彰化縣員林市員林大道四段369號](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hFNXasXmUJ98ouFo8) 🔹費用：免費參加 現場為青創基地，有提供飲水機，場地可攜帶食物但請在活動後自行帶走垃圾。 **感謝 彰化縣政府青年發展處提供場地** 👉小聚的分享是練習表達很棒的場合喔！歡迎報名閃電秀或主題分享😉 注意：由於座位有限，如果您的出席有任何變化，請更改您的出席狀態，我們可以將座位安排給其他夥伴。 #WPTW **交通資訊：** * 自行開車：可停大勇街 [員林大勇停車場](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZrZPAhuZ53Wvggp49)，或往大同路方向也有多個停車場可使用 * 大眾運輸工具：員林火車站下車後騎乘公共自行車，約15分鐘距離。彰化公共自行車為 [MOOVO](https://www.ridemoovo.com/)，若有需要先行註冊綁訂扣款方式後，即可使用 APP 掃單車的條碼解鎖後使用。

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. 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

**\*\*\*TO ATTEND THE EVENT, YOU MUST PURCHASE TICKETS THROUGH OUR WEBSITE\*\*\*** [https://www.pre-dating.com/columbus-speed-dating/?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/columbus-speed-dating/?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=meetup) Hosted by Pre-Dating Speed Dating, the experts, bringing people together since 2001! *Our events have been featured on CNN, CBS, Axios, Miami New Times, TLC's 90 Day Fiance - The Single Life, Tampa Bay Times, Southbend Times, Citylink Magazine, Essence, The Wall Street Journal, Best of Baltimore, AM New York, Chicago Tribune, WINK FM, Woman's World Magazine, and 100s more -- but come see for yourself!* Join us for a night of fun, flirtation, and possible romance at our singles speed dating event! If you're tired of swiping left and right on dating apps, speed dating is a great way to meet new people in person, in a relaxed, safe, and comfortable environment. **HOW IT WORKS:** We'll introduce you to at least 5, and up to 12 - or more - single women or men. Spend a little time with each one, during a series of 6-minute Pre-Dates. Then tell us who you'd like to speak with again & we'll do the rest! It's the modern, civilized, effective, and fun way to meet other professional-level singles. If you're finished with the games and ineffectiveness of online dating and apps, join us to share a wonderful evening of enjoyable conversation with interesting people... and maybe something magical will happen! **GET TICKETS:** A Meetup RSVP is not a ticket, you must purchase on our website. [https://www.pre-dating.com/columbus-speed-dating/?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/columbus-speed-dating/?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=meetup) Use Code MATCH5 for $5 off! **DOES IT WORK?** Yes! According to the New York Times, at a speed dating event, people like 2-3 out of 10 people they meet. Online daters only match with 1 in 100 or fewer of the profiles they study. This is the best way to meet new people, and it works! Just ask the thousands of people that have met at our events and had successful relationships and marriages. **WHAT DOES IT COST?** We put a lot of time and effort into creating the best singles events possible, so we collect a fee for our hard work. Our events are an excellent value at about $3 per introduction. Get your ticket for the best singles event in town. **NOTE FOR NEWCOMERS:** We post our events on various platforms. Our events often sell out, so expect plenty of fellow singles, regardless of the numbers you see here :) So what are you waiting for? Join us for some fun conversation with great new people... and maybe something more! Who will you meet? **GET TICKETS:** [https://www.pre-dating.com/columbus-speed-dating/?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/columbus-speed-dating/?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=meetup) #singles #singlesevents #speeddating #love #relationships

**\*\*\*TO ATTEND THE EVENT, YOU MUST PURCHASE TICKETS THROUGH OUR WEBSITE\*\*\*** [https://www.pre-dating.com/columbus-speed-dating/?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/columbus-speed-dating/?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=meetup) Hosted by Pre-Dating Speed Dating, the experts, bringing people together since 2001! *Our events have been featured on CNN, CBS, Axios, Miami New Times, TLC's 90 Day Fiance - The Single Life, Tampa Bay Times, Southbend Times, Citylink Magazine, Essence, The Wall Street Journal, Best of Baltimore, AM New York, Chicago Tribune, WINK FM, Woman's World Magazine, and 100s more -- but come see for yourself!* Join us for a night of fun, flirtation, and possible romance at our singles speed dating event! If you're tired of swiping left and right on dating apps, speed dating is a great way to meet new people in person, in a relaxed, safe, and comfortable environment. **HOW IT WORKS:** We'll introduce you to at least 5, and up to 12 - or more - single women or men. Spend a little time with each one, during a series of 6-minute Pre-Dates. Then tell us who you'd like to speak with again & we'll do the rest! It's the modern, civilized, effective, and fun way to meet other professional-level singles. If you're finished with the games and ineffectiveness of online dating and apps, join us to share a wonderful evening of enjoyable conversation with interesting people... and maybe something magical will happen! **GET TICKETS:** A Meetup RSVP is not a ticket, you must purchase on our website. [https://www.pre-dating.com/columbus-speed-dating/?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/columbus-speed-dating/?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=meetup) Use Code MATCH5 for $5 off! **DOES IT WORK?** Yes! According to the New York Times, at a speed dating event, people like 2-3 out of 10 people they meet. Online daters only match with 1 in 100 or fewer of the profiles they study. This is the best way to meet new people, and it works! Just ask the thousands of people that have met at our events and had successful relationships and marriages. **WHAT DOES IT COST?** We put a lot of time and effort into creating the best singles events possible, so we collect a fee for our hard work. Our events are an excellent value at about $3 per introduction. Get your ticket for the best singles event in town. **NOTE FOR NEWCOMERS:** We post our events on various platforms. Our events often sell out, so expect plenty of fellow singles, regardless of the numbers you see here :) So what are you waiting for? Join us for some fun conversation with great new people... and maybe something more! Who will you meet? **GET TICKETS:** [https://www.pre-dating.com/columbus-speed-dating/?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/columbus-speed-dating/?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=meetup) #singles #singlesevents #speeddating #love #relationships

[The Board Walks](http://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!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. 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?" 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. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *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. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this 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 welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). 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. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **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. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Join us as we get together for a CMG-favorite event, the OSCAR PARTY AND RED CARPET BASH at the Drexel Theatre! The highlight of the movie year live on the big screen always makes for a fun and memorable evening! Here are details for this event: WHAT TO EXPECT: This year’s ceremony will be hosted once again by Conan O’Brien. In addition to the Oscars on the big screen, your ticket includes a Meal Deal from the Drexel’s new food partner Newfangled Kitchen (I’m checking on vegetarian/vegan options) along with unlimited popcorn and sodas, a free box of candy, and your first beer, wine or specialty drink on the house! Also included: Oscar-themed trivia with prizes from local businesses, on-site paparazzi, and the Drexel's Oscar ballot contest with a chance to win a year of free Drexel movies! Plus, the BEST and most FUN way to watch the Oscars with fellow film fans and your CMG friends! ADVANCE TICKETS: General public tickets are $45 but Movie Group Members and their guests get in for just $35! Here’s how to purchase your tickets: \* Option 1 – In Person: You can purchase at the ticket counter anytime during operating hours. Just mention you are with the Columbus Movie Group for the discounted rate. \* Option 2 – Online: If you prefer to purchase online, you can do so by going to the link below and following these instructions: 1. Click the link below. 2. Click the little TICKETS box then click BUY TICKETS. 3. If you are a Drexel Member, you can log in here to receive the Member/Group rate, which is the same. If you are not a Drexel member, click “No” and the $40 Rate will pop up. But, don’t fret. It’s a little hard to find but there’s a “Promotion Code” section on the screen. Click the “Know a Promotion Code?” box, enter “CMG2026” (case sensitive) and submit. Select the appropriate number of tickets in the Discount Rate section and click “Add.” Next “Proceed to Checkout” then “Checkout” and enter your credit card info. There’s a $1.50 online service fee but it’ll save you a trip to the Drexel. (If you don’t already have one, you will need to sign in or create an account first.) Sellout possible so please purchase yours as soon as possible in advance! LINK FOR TICKETS (See Above Instructions): https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=373546\~e2e0a350-c626-4e33-bc63-27e983f4aecf&epguid=ab0b2f82-403c-4972-9998-5475e7dcfa0e&mdy=3/15/2026& DRESS: Dressing up for the occasion art of part of the fun! Dress up as much as you like – there will be everything from casual to formal at the event! Or you can go in character as one of this year’s nominated films! ARRIVAL: Doors open for CMG at 5:30pm so that’s when we’ll plan to meet! That’ll give us plenty of time to fill out our Oscar Ballots, pick up some free popcorn, candy, and something to drink, mix, mingle, take some photos, pick up your Newfangled Kitchen Meal Deal, grab a seat in our CMG Reserved Section, then settle in to enjoy the Academy Awards on the Big Screen! PICTURES: We’ll take pics throughout the evening and the Drexel Paparazzi will be on hand as well. We’ll also take a big group photo around 6:40 near the entrance before the show begins. If you happen to take some good shots yourself, be sure to upload them on the Oscar Party Meetup event! RESERVED SEATING: As you enter the theater, the roped off section to the right marked “Reserved” is reserved for you, your guest(s) and the Columbus Movie Group! VEGAN MEALS: As previously mentioned, the food vendor does NOT have a vegan option at this year’s Oscar Party. However, we DO have a solution! I have reached out to several individuals who are affected. If you are a vegan, plan to attend the Oscar Party and did not receive an e-mail from me, please reach out via private message post a note below. I’ll provide details off-line. And while there won’t be a vegan meal option this year, I think we do have a workable solution. And, all other plans are usiness-as-usual: popcorn, sodas, candy, on-site paparazzi, decorations, bar drinks (including your first drink on the house), the Drexel’s Annual Oscar ballot contest, along with the Big Show on the Big Screen and a fun group of Movie Group friends to watch ‘em with! BONUS LINKS: \* COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES: https://deadline.com/lists/2026-oscar-nominations-list/ \* INTERESTING ARTICLE ON RECORDS BROKEN, SUPRISING FACTS AND OSCAR FIRSTS: https://abc7.com/post/oscar-nominations-2026-surprising-facts-nominees-98th-oscars/18448908/ \* SHORT VIDEO MONTAGE OF THIS YEAR’S BEST PICTURE NOMINEES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3abMnrsaUA \* FUN VIDEO OF OSCAR NOMINEES HEARING THEIR NOMINATIONS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6eY1yGQ2aU PARKING: Parking is available along Main Street in front of the theater, on Drexel Avenue, and other nearby side streets. Additional parking is available at the Bexley Municipal Parking Lot (two driveways west of the theatre). LINK: Should be a fun & festive evening and a terrific way to celebrate a great year of movies together! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink. We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!