Zelda

## THE BEAR presents an open stage ## 🛠️ UNDER CONSTRUCTION **Stories from the messy middle** January is the season of the unfinished. At THE BEAR, we celebrate true, personal stories that live in the in-between... ... stories of repair, rebuilding, and reinvention. Stories held together with metaphorical duct tape. Stories that prove being unfinished might be exactly where the magic is. **If your story isn’t *done* yet, it belongs here.** 🎤 Open Stage · True personal stories (5 minutes) 🗓️ **Thursday, Jan 15, 2026 · 19:00** 📍 Theatre Pool, Berlin 🎟️ 15–20 € (pay what you can) Come as you are: unfinished, in progress, **under construction**. 🐻✨ 👉 **[Tickets:](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-bear-presents-under-construction-stories-from-the-messy-middle-tickets-1979312038589?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A1mvhyfo%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AMjA5Mjk0NzI0NS4xNzY3MTc4MjE0%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AczE3NjcxNzgyMTQkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjcxNzgyNDckajI3JGwwJGgw)**[ €15–20 (sliding scale donation)](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-bear-presents-under-construction-stories-from-the-messy-middle-tickets-1979312038589?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A1mvhyfo%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AMjA5Mjk0NzI0NS4xNzY3MTc4MjE0%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AczE3NjcxNzgyMTQkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjcxNzgyNDckajI3JGwwJGgw) ## **Our Mission** ## *THE BEAR* has grown into one of Berlin’s most beloved live storytelling events: a place where strangers become a community through the simple act of listening. Supported by: [THE BEAR e.V. ](https://deref-web.de/mail/client/3fe0d0dh9KM/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fthebear-storytelling.us6.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3Db5d7f087b587f8f081c447437%26id%3Dfc0e2d8df3%26e%3D711d4db9af), [Moving-Speaker.com](https://www.moving-speaker.com/), [Female Speaking Berlin](https://www.femalespeakingberlin.com/), and [Experience Berlin Youtube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@Berlin-Videos).

Join us for a powerful outdoor Wim Hof–inspired experience at Schlachtensee. INSTAGRAM **(@holostar33)** We combine conscious breathing, cold-water immersion and guided rewarming to help you boost your energy, mental resilience and inner strength. This session is guided by **Javi de Lacour (@javidelacour)** — the main facilitator of the event, with **over 200 ice baths completed** and **more than 80 guided immersions**. Together with **Paula García**, we create a safe, motivating and transformative experience. *** ## **Session Structure** ### **1\. Wim Hof Breathwork \(10 min\)** Before entering the cold water, we prepare the body and mind through guided breathing: * Immediate mental control through deep, conscious cycles * Strong oxygenation and energy activation * Emotional grounding and focused awareness * Calm confidence to face the cold **Your benefit:** calmer mind, stronger lungs, better stress response and mental focus. *** ### **2\. Guided Cold Water Immersion \(5 min\)** A supervised immersion in the lake’s cold water: * Intense circulation boost * Reduced inflammation and muscle tension * Activation of your resilience and inner strength * Support and guidance throughout the entire immersion **Your benefit:** increased vitality, mental toughness and rapid physical recovery. *** ### **3\. Rewarming & Inner Heat Activation \(15 min\)** After leaving the water, we guide you through specific exercises to: * Restore your body temperature safely * Activate your muscles * Integrate the emotional and physical benefits **Your benefit:** full-body renewal, clarity, and long-lasting energy. *** ## **What to Bring** * Warm clothes * Towel * Swimwear * Dry socks * Water bottle * Optional: gloves, hat, warm tea *** ## **Contraindications** Not suitable for: * Severe cardiovascular disease * Uncontrolled hypertension * Pregnancy * Epilepsy If unsure, send us a message. *** ## **Who We Are (@holostar33)** **Javi de Lacour (@javidelacour)** – Main facilitator ✔ 200+ ice baths completed ✔ 80+ guided immersions ✔ Breathwork & cold exposure specialist **Paula García** ✔ Breathwork facilitator ✔ Holostar33 co-founder ✔ Community & somatic support We guide safe, grounded and empowering outdoor experiences in Berlin.

👋 Hallo und 💜-lich Willkommen to the Elixir Berlin Meetup. Let's get 2026 started with some Elixir. If you're new to the community the best way to introduce yourself is [to submit a talk](https://github.com/elixir-berlin/planning/issues/new?template=talk.yml) ⏰ Schedule 18:45: Doors open 19:05: Welcome & Announcements 19:15: 🗣 AI without Neural Nets? An ongoing research project [Leo](https://github.com/Leo-Nogismus) 19:45: 🍺 break 🍵🧃 20:15: 🗣 Privacy by design [Luka](https://github.com/Overbryd) 20:45: ⚡️ Lightning talks and Socializing 🪩 We want to encourage members of the Elixir community to share what they're working on. If you want to give a lightning talk at this Meetup, contact one of the organizers with a short description of your talk - or [submit a talk](https://github.com/elixir-berlin/planning/issues/new?template=talk.yml) See you all there 💜💜💜

-DROP IN - *(English below)* Lindy Hop \| Swing Dance Unterricht \- * *wenn es warm ist\, draußen \| outdoors\, when warm* * *drinnen, wenn es kalt ist / inside, if cold* Klassen am Donnerstag Abend 18:15 Uhr - Starter "Take The A Train" \* keine Anmeldung nötig \* Start jederzeit & ohne Tanzerpartner\*IN möglich 19:30 Uhr OPEN CLASS (Improver - Experienced) \* keine Anmeldung nötig \* Teilnahme jederzeit & ohne Tanzerpartner\*IN möglich [20:30 Red RHYTHM - Social Dance w/ LIVE MUSIK & DJ](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/red-rhythm---swing-dance-night.html) Für mehr Informationen & Kosten bitte hier schauen: [SWING PATROL KULTURBRAUEREI](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/sp-kulte.html) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- classes every Thursday evening 18:15 Starter "Take The A Train" \* no registration needed \* no partner needed \* start anytime 19:30 OPEN CLASS (IMPROVER - EXPERIENCED) \* no registration needed \* no partner needed [20:30 Social Dance w/ LIVE MUSIK & DJ](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/red-rhythm---swing-dance-night.html) All information here: [SWING PATROL KULTURBRAUEREI](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/sp-kulte.html)

An exciting start to the new year with an excellent workshop on agentic features of AWS. We gather at NLND Berlin once again, with expert Solutions Architects from AWS joining us to facilitate another highly appreciated User Group Workshop. **Deep Dive into Bedrock AgentCore** This is a level 300, hands-on workshop with a practical deep dive into Amazon Bedrock AgentCore and its main services: Runtime, Gateway, Memory, Identity, and Observability. You work through independent labs that you can pick and choose from, learning how to build, deploy, and operate production-ready AI agents on AWS. By the end of the workshop, we aim that you understand how to connect agents to tools and data securely, scale them in the cloud, and monitor their behavior so they are ready for real time use. This workshop is aimed at data engineers, AI developers, cloud specialists. While it is not necessary to work in the AI field, the workshop requires some intermediate level knowledge on the topic. Therefore, please consider learning on AI & Agentic topics in advance before joining and make sure that you can follow the workshop. **When?** 15th of January\, Thursday \| 12:30 \- 18:00 **Where?** NLND Berlin: Neuköllnische Allee 80, 12057 Berlin **How?** Fill out this form to apply. Limited seats are available. You can only participate in the workshop if you receive a confirmation mail from us (kadir@berlinawsug.de). You need to bring your own laptop to this workshop. ❗**Registration - Read Carefully**❗ Participation is free of charge. Your AWS resource usage is also covered. You will be provided a sandbox AWS account. Therefore, you won't need an AWS account! ❗Please register with your full name by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/yXKpbyzgWirM1oM97 ❗You need to bring your own laptop to this workshop. Make sure AWS CLI is installed. Contact us if you're not sure how. ❗A confirmation e-mail from Meetup is not relevant. You can participate only if you receive a confirmation from us: kadir@berlinawsug.de \-\-\- **Additional Information** **This event is wheelchair friendly.** Help us spread the word, and invite your friends & colleagues! If you're attending with wheelchair and need assistance, please mail us: [organisers@berlinawsug.de](mailto:organisers@berlinawsug.de) for further details. Would you like to host AWS UG Event at your company? [Register here](https://bit.ly/aws-host) Would you like to speak at AWS UG MeetUp?[Submit your topic here](https://bit.ly/aws-talk)

**Queer Bridges Language Café // Sprachcafé** with ***Michal*** for **LGBTQIA+** **[Free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/language-cafe/w03-2026)** 🔵 Join us at our Language Café, where you can connect with others and engage in lively conversations. It’s a great opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even learn some new vocabulary, all while making new friends and having a good time. No matter your level of proficiency, everyone is encouraged to participate and grow together. Come for the conversation, stay for the community! **What languages are represented?** We will have tables for English and German. Beyond that, it will be up to you! We hope to eventually host a wide range of languages and are excited to see this café grow with your support. **What if I don’t feel confident in my language skills?** Our language café is open to everyone, regardless of their language abilities. From beginners to native speakers – we will ensure it is a fun and safe space for everyone. Registration is required as it gives us an idea of how many people to expect and which languages you speak/look forward to practice. However, if you have not registered please feel free to stop by! Join us at our **Language Café**, where you can connect with others and engage in lively conversations. It's a great opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even learn some new vocabulary, all while making new friends and having a good time. No matter your level of proficiency, everyone is encouraged to participate and grow together. Come for the conversation, stay for the community! *** This meeting is part of our **Queer Bridges** project, aimed at forging connections and providing resources for LGBTQIA+ people with migration experience. *** **General information** * **Language**: This event will be in German and English. * **Registration**: Register on our website by selecting the event, adding it to your cart, and completing checkout. If you have any difficulties registering for the event, you're still welcome to join us, and we will find a solution. * **Cost**: This event is free of charge. 🔵 *Kostenlos mit Anmeldung über unsere Webseite* Kommt zu unserem **Sprachcafé**, wo ihr euch mit anderen austauschen und an lebhaften Gesprächen teilnehmen könnt. Es ist eine großartige Gelegenheit, eure Sprech- und Hörfähigkeiten zu verbessern und neue Wörter zu lernen, während ihr in lockerer Umgebung neue Bekanntschaften knüpft. Egal, wie gut ihr die Sprache könnt, alle sind eingeladen mitzumachen und zusammen zu lernen. Kommt wegen der Gespräche, bleibt wegen der Gemeinschaft! **Welche Sprachen sind vertreten?** Wir werden Tische für Englisch und Deutsch haben. Darüber hinaus liegt es an euch! Wir hoffen, bald viele verschiedene Sprachen anbieten zu können und freuen uns darauf, dieses Café mit eurer Hilfe wachsen zu sehen. **Was, wenn ich mir in meinen Sprachkenntnissen nicht sicher bin?** Unser Sprachcafé ist für alle offen, egal, wie gut ihr die Sprache könnt. Von Anfänger\*innen bis zu Muttersprachler\*innen – wir sorgen dafür, dass es für alle eine lockere und sichere Umgebung ist. *** Dieses Meeting gehört zu unserem **Queer Bridges** Projekt, das darauf abzielt, Verbindungen zu schaffen und Ressourcen für LGBTQIA+ Menschen mit Migrationserfahrung bereitzustellen. *** **Hinweise** * **Sprache**: Dieses Event wird auf Deutsch und Englisch sein. * **Anmeldung**: Melde dich auf unserer Website (für das Event) an, indem du die Veranstaltung auswählst, sie in den Warenkorb legst und dann den Kauf abschließt. Das gilt auch für kostenlose Events. Wenn du irgendwelche Schwierigkeiten hast, dich für eine Veranstaltung anzumelden, kannst du gerne zu uns kommen und wir werden eine Lösung finden. * **Kosten**: Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos.

Budapest's only community dirty storytelling open mic preps you for the holidays on Thursday, January 15, with the theme “TOY STORIES.” Buy them, make them, lose them, break them… humans have a looooong history with items of pleasure, so your tales of awkward/awesome are just part of the collective party! **\*\* NEW VENUE! Join us at The Pulse!** Thursday, Jan 15th • doors at 19:00, slam at 19:30 Location: The Pulse, Ó u 37 Tix: 4000HUF/adv, 5500HUF/door Advance tickets [available here](https://www.eventbrite.it/e/smut-slam-budapest-toy-stories-tickets-1975961678572?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) **Strictly 18+** Smut Slam features real-life, first-person sex stories, special prizes, amazing guest judges, and also THE FUCKBUCKET, a convenient receptacle for all your anonymous questions and confessions! 19:00 - arrive early to save your seat, grab a drink, buy some Smut Slam merch 19:30-22:00(ish) - a good old-fashioned Smut Slam (with one break) EVENT LANGUAGE: English SMUT SLAM in Budapest is being co-produced by Storytelling Budapest and Claudio Cocivera SMUT SLAMMERS sign up on the night to tell a 5-minute dirty story, based on their real lives, and a lucky six to eight names will be drawn at random. RULES: \- no notes \- no costumes or props \- only five minutes AND \- the story must be real and have happened to you\. IMPORTANT: Smut Slam is queer-friendly, kink- AND vanilla-friendly, fat-friendly, sex worker-friendly, virgin-friendly, polyamory-friendly, we're really, really friendly. We welcome people with all types and amounts of sexual experiences. We DO NOT welcome stories involving racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia or any other kind of discrimination. All activities depicted must be CONSENSUAL! NOT A SMUT SLAMMER? Don't worry. The audience is in for a good time at SMUT SLAM! Sit back and enjoy. All we ask is: \- No interrupting\. \- No heckling\. \- No necking in the front row\. WE PRACTICE SAFER SMUT! DO NOT ATTEND if you are feeling poorly! There will be more slams! \*\*\* Smut Slam Budapest encourages attendees to test before coming to the show, and to wear a mask indoors. This remains one of the best ways to protect yourself against getting sick from COVID or any of the other airborne diseases going around. \*\* As always, we are closely watching current COVID-19 rates, and as things change, one way or the other, we may loosen or tighten our pandemic protocols. We will never surprise you with changes, but tell you in advance, so you can make informed decisions. Smut Slam keeps both comfort and well-being in mind, for the community! SMUT SLAM is CREATED by Cameryn Moore, an award-winning playwright/performer, event producer, and former phone sex operator. When not performing, writing grant applications, or actually having sex herself, Cameryn writes Sidewalk Smut: custom type-written erotica as street performance and literary art. Read about the Smut Slam worldwide network at [http://www.smutslam.com](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smutslam.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHi8aeoDT7c7a60rqLS-3v-V10Oj1uMMgWEQni2FCnbqy2avKV36iycInr662_aem_KgbOvrbkeM_8HjehVbeXqQ&h=AT1zcXUrznXsX5tUokNGryLqPfKxGq-bjuvK8IaDEaJ3_LdYQXDGWneBQlGQtYSmfiA4R_dYzs1g0W-LYYUfomw4RNBki2ZP0ziRg_QsCDmIbAW89d25bVtyTRn_6BbAuNvc5wFEayGOqsSKn83uNTcoWAH79cUHPOu2Lg&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT0BEv9GGjMzQW4niTA54tPrMSPlg4dIGUWEo7jKrztn4167XT0RWsHC3tS4l5S-jzCS8HQk24bMxiNEMZEAjJpeD7a_N5QqcXx3k-zBJSqeKHZQT8EUokAUPXClfTOxZfTB1SsunHnmmYPx12heyb25FNtaaIky7X8) PLEASE NOTE: We have a strong Code of Conduct for everyone at a slam. We try very hard to run the event accordingly, and we want attendees to actually pay attention so you can help us create this safer space. Please do take a moment to [read this statement here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/120FTNtC47HhNIEP91TXpUT21mwsDCryMsRhAj74nJjs/edit?fbclid=IwY2xjawPTKcpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEegSZQtFkLnXT5tOQ89AU_GUL6X4ttP9DUlc8HmoAhAloXHZr5DVl9-rpaPq0_aem_dqpV1edAWwj0bhnx8WfX0A&tab=t.0), thank you!

Saturday afternoon is perfect to play some lazy liar games, if you have nothing better to do. We are a group of friendly people who will teach you how to play these easy social deduction games . Amazing way to meet new people and have some good company during weekend. Today´s games: Faekin, night of the ninja & others **IMPORTANT** It's relaxed playing, nothing for ambitious gamers or people who take it too serious. Waiting list policy: When spots open up, we try to bring in a good mix — some regulars we can count on and some new faces to keep things fresh. That means not everyone will get picked every time, but don’t take it the wrong way — it’s just about balance. There’ll always be more chances to join!

**Wanna escape Berlin’s cold? Warm up with us this Friday!** Discover **_new artists_**, enjoy **_cozy vibes_**, and meet a **_friendly crowd_**. A perfect evening to slow down, share music, and have a wholesome night out. Who’s playing? 🎙 PUZZLS Dreamy indie pop with honest lyrics and a voice that draws you in instantly. 🎸 Neighbour Warm folk pop storytelling that feels personal, gentle, and timeless. ✨ Plus two surprise artists we are excited to share. Why Gezellig? * Cozy atmosphere * Local and emerging artists * Thoughtful little perks * A community that actually listens Tickets & more info: [HERE](https://luma.com/gezellig-160126?tk=A1ooaT) Can’t wait to see you there :D

Im Jungfernheideweg 77, 13629 Berlin treffen wir uns zwischen 13.30 Uhr und 21.30 Uhr wieder um gemeinsam Brett- und Gesellschaftsspiele zu daddeln. Das Angebot richtet sich an alle Interessierten. Kinder bitte erst ab 12 Jahre. Eine Vielzahl toller Brettspiele sind vor Ort, es können aber auch gerne eigene mitgebracht werden. PS: Es wäre sehr hilfreich wenn die Leute, die sich anmelden und dann doch nicht können, sich auch wieder abmelden vorher. danke schön

We start this new year in Mexico! Our first 2026 reading will be "Like Water for Chocolate" by Laura Esquivel. **About the Book** ***Like Water for Chocolate*** is a sensuous, magical tale set in early 20th-century Mexico, where emotions simmer as intensely as the dishes prepared in the family kitchen. Through Tita, a young woman bound by tradition, yet full of passion, Laura Esquivel blends romance, food, and magical realism to explore love, family expectations, and personal freedom. Told through monthly recipes, the novel invites us into a world where cooking becomes an act of resistance, emotion, and connection. **About the Author** Laura Esquivel is a Mexican novelist, screenwriter, and former politician. *Like Water for Chocolate* is her internationally acclaimed debut novel that brought her worldwide recognition. **Location of the Event** To be announced **Event contribution alert** The event might require a small participation fee (3-5 euros) or the purchase of something to eat or drink in case we are hosted by a coffee shop. I will make sure to communicate that in advance.

I swear it's a sport! Let's meet and play! **VERY IMPORTANT :** * Please keep reading comments and/or direct messages as long as you are on main OR waiting lists. * Sign-out as soon as you know you won't participate (even from waiting list). * Non-replied direct message ==> declined participation on Friday. **HOW TO JOIN** 1. Sign up to the event 2. Paypal on signup, 12€/person to https://paypal.me/berlinhorizon (use Friend&Family option !) 3. Join on Sunday * Guaranteed refund until cancellation deadline : -48h (=> Friday 1PM). * If **waiting list**, please **don't pay until** you get contacted and **moved to main list**. Contact if needed : berlin.horizon22@gmail.com **__________________________________________________________________________________** **Alternative no paypal (Cash, EXACT AMOUNT please)** 1. Reply 'Y' to RSVP question 2. Join on Sunday * Cancellation deadline (Friday 1PM) remains. * Late cancellation will be asked to pay. **__________________________________________________________________________________** **Timing :** * **13.00** : Meeting outside of main hall (or inside if rain) -> Introduction -> Desk registration (shoes check, rental...) * **13.15** : START PLAY * **14.45** : END PLAY !! Every 10th session you attend is for free !! (in form of a later refund. Still have to pay on the actual participation) **Facility :** TiB 1848 e.V, Columbiadamm 111 (close to Templehofer Feld) **Equipment :** * RACKET : Bring your own or rent one there (2€). * SHOES : checked at desk. Rental for 2€ -> Non-marking -> Light sole -> Not worn outside * Shower, locker available. * Sauna open at TiB discretion. Last but not least : no worries about level, we play for fun before all. The keyword of the event is sweet & sweat ! Looking forward to see you on the court :)

Hi, dieses Mal besprechen wir „Kindheit“ von Tove Ditlevsen (1967), den ersten Teil ihrer Kopenhagen-Trilogie. Hier der Link zum Inhalt und Buch : https://www.aufbau-verlage.de/aufbau/kindheit/978-3-351-03868-7 Wir treffen uns diesmal im Café Nest im Wrangelkiez. :)

*GOhio!* turns 8!! 🥳 Come celebrate with us at [Pins Mechanical](https://www.pinsbar.com/locations/easton)! 😄 **Summary** Pins Mechanical Co. is a social entertainment venue that combines old-school games like duckpin bowling, pinball, and other classic arcade and table games with craft cocktails, local beers, and punch. The vintage-industrial atmosphere is designed for playful, face-to-face gatherings with friends, family, and colleagues, offering a casual and lively alternative to a typical bar. Pins' Easton location spans over 38,000 square feet, making it the largest in the United States. This massive entertainment venue features two floors, a mezzanine level with stadium seating, and three full-service bars. It offers 16 duckpin bowling lanes, two indoor bocce courts, and more than 60 classic and modern pinball and arcade games. For additional fun, the location is known for its two outdoor patios, an indoor slide, and an expanded patio pong setup. **Activities** As noted below, some machines take actual quarters. Pins has two change machines (one downstairs and one upstairs) that accept ones, fives, or tens (only), and return quarters (only). * *Duckpin Bowling* [Like Bowling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duckpin_bowling) but with smaller balls, stubby pins, and no oil on the lanes. The cost is $9 per game per person. * *Pinball* [Who](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Who)'s a [wizard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinball_Wizard) on these [retro machines](https://pinballmap.com/map/?by_location_id=15311)? At $1 per play, everyone! Takes quarters. * *Arcade* Play classics like Gorf, Pac-Man, Gorf, Donkey Kong, Gorf, Galaga, and Gorf! The best part is, there's Gorf! And all the arcade games are free! * *Patio Pong* The classic college party staple but bigger. Instead of tossing a ping pong ball into cups, you use a regular ball and oversized buckets. There are two of these upstairs, and they're both free! * *Ping Pong* The most popular sport in China! They have two ping pong tables downstairs and two more ping pong tables upstairs. For those of you who have studied topological spaces and set theory, you will know this means they have four total ping pong tables. They have bubble gum dispensers with ping pong balls in them for 25¢ each. The dispensers take quarters. However, they also have racks where they store the ping pong paddles, and in these racks are slots for ping pong balls. It's not uncommon to see balls already here, so there's a chance you may be able to play ping pong for free if you want to. * *Hookie* You can't put your eye out! The safe alternative to darts: Hook thrown rings on a board. Outdoors on the upstairs patio, and free! * *Bocce* Like bowling, except there’s turf and a lot more balls. You can also knock your opponent’s balls out of the way. There are two of these upstairs, and they're both free! * *Foosball* Everyone loves [foosball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_football)! 50¢ a game. Takes quarters. * *Giant Jenga* Stack massive wooden blocks into a tower, then take turns pulling out one block at a time without collapsing the tower. There are four of these sprinkled throughout the venue (two downstairs and two upstairs, with one on each patio), and they're all free! * *Skeeball* There are three skeeball machines on the first floor (near the Gorf machine!), and they're all free! * *Giant Connect Four* On the outdoor patio upstairs, and free! * *Bubble Hockey* This is upstairs. Up to four people can play at once, and it costs $1. Takes quarters. * *Cornhole* There are two cornhole lanes upstairs, and they're both free! * *Basketball* There are two basketball machines downstairs. They're tucked behind the downstairs bar, so they're not always obvious unless you go look for them. They're $2 per play, and they take quarters. * *NES and Sega Genesis video games* These are collections, downstairs (near the Gorf machine!), of video games that you can play for free! * *The Big Metal Indoor Slide* This large two-story slide is for kids, and certainly no adults would ride this. After all, it's not like it's free or anything. **Outdoor Patio** Pins at Easton actually has two outdoor patios. But for our purposes, only the upstairs one matters. See, it will be winter and likely cold. But their upstairs patio has multiple ceiling heaters and two massive gas fire pits that put out a ton of heat. Sitting out here may be a real option. As mentioned above, the upstairs outdoor patio has one of the venue's two Patio Pong setups, one of their multiple Giant Jengas, the Giant Connect Four, and Hookie. **Food** Pins doesn't serve food, but there's a [Mikey's Late Night Slice](https://www.latenightslice.com/) next door. This Mikey's is basically an extension of the Easton Pins; there's a large open doorway between both establishments. Mikey's has a fountain dispenser with Coke products. You can also get Coke and Diet Coke (but not Coke Zero, like you can at Mikey's) at the bars in Pins, but I think the quality of the soda pop from Mikey's fountain is better than that from the bar hoses Pins uses to dispense soft drinks. You are also quite allowed at Pins to either bring food in or order it in via your favorite delivery app. **Parking** I recommend parking in the [Worth Garage](https://eastontowncenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/parking-at-easton-updated-file-sept-25.pdf). It's literally right next door to Pins, and it's free as long as you park on Level 2 or above. They recently started charging people to park on Level 1, and you pay for parking on this level the same way you pay for street parking in Columbus, with the [ParkColumbus](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.parkmobile.parkcolumbus&hl=en_US&pli=1) app. I've seen them enforce this by ticketing people's cars, but I don't know how they actually compel payment. The garage is not a public street that actual cops can write you tickets for parking illegally on. If you have an actual ticket from a cop that you don't pay, they can go so far as to issue a warrant for your arrest. But all Easton has, seemingly, is, "[Please pay our ticket](https://eastonpreferredpark.com/)." Still, in my ongoing efforts to eliminate needless stress and aggravation from my life, I just park above the first Level. The actual address of the garage is [4049 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4049+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388a86de3af559:0xc1dc8b4661fc834f!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11sgzjp4ml?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). However, your GPS is stupid. The actual entrances to the garage are on the cross steets Brighton Rose Way and Fenlon St, not Worth Ave. Just keep this in mind once you get to the garage. **Where we'll meet** I'll post in the comments where I am. People will obviously want to explore different areas of the venue over the course of the event (and there's a lot to explore), but please just let me know (as in, come find me) once you've arrived. **Peroration** Come on out and say hi! 😄

**To Be Announced!**

As we step into a new year, many of us are carrying lessons, practices, and questions shaped by the year behind us. The Next Chapter: Looking Back, Leaning Forward is a warm, facilitated vision circle designed to help us pause together, reflect on what truly worked, and imagine what we want to carry forward into what comes next. This is not a talk or presentation. It’s a small, participatory gathering focused on shared reflection, sense-making, and connection. **Together, we’ll explore:** * What supported you over the past year — in your work, leadership, or life * What you’re ready to leave behind * What you want next January’s version of yourself to be saying To support reflection in different ways, we’ll also have optional art materials available for anyone who would like to create a simple artifact for their year — a visual or tactile reminder of what they’re carrying forward. We’ll provide basic art supplies such as colored pencils, markers, paint pens, and small canvases. If you enjoy working with collage or other media, you’re warmly invited to bring magazines, stickers, or your favorite creative materials to use or share. Participation in the creative portion is completely optional. You don’t need a plan, goals, or polished answers. Curiosity, honesty, and listening are more than enough. The intention is for everyone to leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and inspired — with a clearer sense of what matters to them and how we can support one another as a community. Space is intentionally limited to keep the experience intimate. ⸻ **What to Expect** * A small, welcoming circle (not a large meetup) * Structured conversation so everyone has space to speak * Reflection, listening, and lived experience — not advice-giving * Optional creative reflection using simple art materials * A calm, supportive environment ⸻ **Who This Is For** Women and underrepresented folks working in or around agile, product, technology, leadership, or organizational change — especially those looking for thoughtful conversation and community beyond frameworks and buzzwords. ⸻ **Good to Know** * No preparation required * Participation is invitational; listening is always welcome * Creative activities are optional — you can simply listen and reflect * You’re welcome to bring your own collage or craft materials if you’d like * Location details will be shared with registered attendees

**Our January novel is: Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan** **This month's featured novel is a 20th-century biographical fiction, coming-of-age, historical romance, women’s fiction, world literature, student biography, heartfelt, magic, and feel-good novel. The book is 311 pages in print and 7 hours and 8 minutes on audiobook.** 1950: Margaret Devonshire (Megs) is a seventeen-year-old student of mathematics and physics at Oxford University. When her beloved eight-year-old brother asks Megs if Narnia is real, logical Megs tells him it's just a book for children, and certainly not true. Homebound due to his illness, and remaining fixated on his favorite books, George presses her to ask the author of the recently released novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe a question: "Where did Narnia come from?" Despite her fear about approaching the famous author, who is a professor at her school, Megs soon finds herself taking tea with C. S. Lewis and his own brother Warnie, begging them for answers. Rather than directly telling her where Narnia came from, Lewis encourages Megs to form her own conclusion as he shares the little-known stories from his own life that led to his inspiration. As she takes these stories home to George, the little boy travels farther in his imagination than he ever could in real life. After holding so tightly to logic and reason, her brother's request leads Megs to absorb a more profound truth: "The way stories change us can't be explained. It can only be felt. Like love."