Artists & Musicians

**White Elephant Gift Exchange** (WEGE): This may be your only chance to re-gift that “undesirable” bobble or whats-it that you got for Christmas. Every year for Christmas my evil ex in-laws would give me the exact same gift that properly symbolized how well they knew me and how much they cared. For 24 years I received a bushel-basket sized bag of white tube socks from Gabe’s, a local discount/factory seconds store based in Morgantown, WV. If I were still married, that’s what I would re-gift in this gift exchange. No worries. I have since recovered emotionally and all my socks match and are all the same length. Goodwill was the lucky recipient of my 24-bushel sock collection quite some time ago. Things are better now. If you have nothing that merits being re-gifted, please try to keep the price limit to around $15. Remember, no one is required to participate in the gift exchange. You can watch and still have fun. The way this works: Each person bringing a gift will get a pretty yellow ticket (just like the ones we use for the Queen of Hearts). When the gift exchange starts I will draw a ticket and read the number. The person with that ticket may select a gift from the table. Being first is not a true victory in this instance. The next person whose number is drawn will chose a gift AND if they don't like it, they can exchange it for (steal?) the one the previous person selected. It goes on and on as mayhem ensues. Only one exchange. Exchange for any previously selected gift. Got it? Good. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas

You must check into with the host and say you are with Suzie or Columbus Meetup To get the drink specials you must check in before 8:30 pm These are the drinks specials: $3 Domestic Draft- Miller Lite & Coors Light $3 Well Liquor Cocktails (no doubles/no redbull/no shots) $4 Vizzy Seltzers $5 Select Call Liquor-Titos, Bacardi, Bombay, Cazadores Reposado, & Jack Daniels (no doubles/no redbull/no shots) $5 Select Shots- White Tea Shots & Fireball

Join us as we get together for an Oscar Watch film that’s also one of the year’s best: MARTY SUPREME! Timothee Chalamet delivers a “career-best performance” in this film that follows a young man with a dream no one respects, who goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness. Marty Supreme has already been named a Top 10 Film of the Year by IndieWire, Vulture, the BBC, Entertainment Weekly, Vanity Fair, the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute and is well on its way to being one of the most nominated films at this year’s Oscars! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: This ping pong drama is set in New York City during the 1950s where table tennis star Marty goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness. It is loosely based on the life of famed table tennis player Marty Reisman. The film is directed (and co-written) by Josh Safdie and stars Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, Tyler Okonma, Abel Ferrara and Fran Drescher. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYSHiII4D-Y EARLY BUZZ & REVIEWS: The film premiered to “overwhelmingly positive” reviews at this year’s New York Film Festival! Timothee Chalamet immediately shot to the top of the Best Actor race with a “career best performance” in a film described as an “awe inspiring cinematic tour-de-force!” Others call it, “an absolute blast of adrenaline” and a “pure delight,” “that soars from start to finish!” The film is earning a Certified Fresh 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where Variety calls it, “one of the year’s few masterpieces!” Slash Film declares, “This is unquestionably the best performance of Timothée Chalamet's career, and Marty Supreme is one of the best movies of the year. I can't wait to watch it again!” PLAN: For MARTY SUPREME at the Drexel, please purchase your ticket for the 3:30pm showing and we’ll meet in the lobby area between 3:10 and 3:20pm! Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts! Buzz and excitement for the film are off the charts and (aside from a pair of great international films), this will be our last major Oscar Watch film of the season! BRUNCH BEFORE THE SHOW: We'll plan for Brunch before the show at the Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall, located a short distance away. Movie is open as long as tickets are available. Seating is limited so separate RSVP required for the Brunch portion of this event. BRUNCH BEFORE THE SHOW: We'll plan for Brunch before the show at the Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall, located a short distance away. Movie is open as long as tickets are available. Seating is limited so separate RSVP required for the Brunch portion of this event. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!

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)

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Stauf’s German Village! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends! Afterwards, we’ll visit The Book Loft (next door) and stroll the shelves.

Join Sacred Sound Alchemy Columbus for a transformative Sound Bath experience that will take you on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Immerse yourself in the powerful vibrations of various sound instruments like crystal singing bowls and rain drums, carefully orchestrated to balance your chakras and uplift your spirit. The soothing sounds will help you release negative energy, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation. This event is perfect for those seeking a moment of tranquility and a chance to connect with their inner selves. Whether you are new to sound healing or a seasoned practitioner, you will benefit from the harmonious frequencies that will resonate with your body and soul. Come and allow yourself to be enveloped in a wave of healing energy, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for life's next chapter.y

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

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)

Join us as we kick the New Year with a fun Happy Hour and your choice of two fun, new films! Option 1 is the biographical-musical-docu-drama, SONG SUNG BLUE, which stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in the story about a real-life couple and Neil Diamond Tribute Duo. Option 2 is the comedy-action-adventure ACACONDA, which stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd as part of a group of friends remaking a favorite movie from their youth. Here’s a complete description, trailer and our plan for this event: SONG SUNG BLUE: The film follows Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, who experience success and heartbreak in their musical journey together. Not a tribute to Neil Diamond, but a tribute to a Neil Diamond Tribute Band! The film is based on the 2008 documentary of the same name and is directed by Craig Brewer. It stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, along with Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi. Critics call the film, “a crowd-pleaser with a ton of heart!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCM0Ztp3o1o ANACONDA: In this action-thriller-comedy-adventure, a group of friends going through a mid-life crisis head to the jungle to remake a favorite movie from their youth but encounter “unexpected events.” The film is directed by Tom Gormican and stars Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Selton Mello, Daniela Melchior, Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn. The film is a reimagining of the 1997 original. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMsFsfrPNaw PLAN: We’ll kick off the event with a pre-show Happy Hour at nearby Bravo! We’ll confirm the details and exact meeting time once we get the showtimes, but planning for 5 to 5:30pm for the Happy Hour and a 7pm-ish showing of both films. For the movies, we’ll meet inside the lobby area about 20 minutes before showtimes! Once showtimes are announced, advance ticket purchase is advised. Once you have yours, please list your Movie of Choice and seat number in the Comments below. Complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**Calling all queer crochet enthusiasts;** I am a visual artist located in Columbus that is searching for people who may want to gather while also participating in creating a piece of artwork. My goal is to spend time enjoying one another’s company while making a work of art that will be displayed within our community. I plan to teach people to crochet (if unfamiliar) while also inviting current fiber artists to join us for some much-needed social interaction. There are no expectations from those who attend, materials will be included, and any amount of participation is welcome! If you have a favorite crochet hook or current project you are welcome to bring that along too! The primary goal is to foster a safe space for our community to chat, create and be. For further information please email [landerknits@outlook.com.](http://landerknits@outlook.com.) \*This will be our first meeting, bring friends and make new ones. Come as you are and make along side other like-minded folks.