Elaine Aron and Highly Sensitive Persons

✨ Are you ready to become a more confident speaker and a stronger leader? ✨ Are you looking for a supportive environment to develop leadership skills? ✨ Do you want to boost your confidence and influence in professional and social settings? At Northern Exposure Toastmasters, we provide a safe and supportive environment to enhance your communication skills through practice and feedback. **ALL ARE WELCOME! 👪👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👩‍👦👩‍👧‍👦** Free to attend. There is no pressure to participate. If you would prefer to observe only, you are definitely welcome to come along and do that! We meet on the **1st and 3rd Wednesday** of each month. Please arrive at 6:45 PM for registration, before a prompt 7pm start to the meeting. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned speaker, these meetings are designed to elevate your communication and leadership skills. Don't miss this opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and grow personally and professionally. Let's break barriers and become better communicators together!

Event details: Christmas Eve Dinner at 6 pm: Nan Yang Express南洋茶室, Shop 1/ 128 Little Bourke Street, Chinatown, Carols by Candlelight at 8 pm烛光圣诞音乐会: Sidney Myer Music Bowl Contact June at 0402714889 This Christmas Eve, Sidney Myer Music Bowl will light up for another magical evening of Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight. A cherished tradition, this joyous event will feature live performances from an incredible line-up of ARIA-winning artists, choirs, musical theatre casts, comedians, children’s entertainers and more. All proceeds support kids who are blind or have low vision by providing vital funding for Vision Australia’s specialist children's services. Don’t miss your chance to support a great cause and share the magic in person as Australia’s favourite performers bring the joy and wonder of the season to life.

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → GRAMPIANS**🏙️ + **CHRISTMAS DINNER** * 📅 **THU-FRI 25-26 DEC, 2-DAY TRIP ☀️** * ✨**Nature, Peaks & New Stories**✨ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿 **Grampians Getaway — Nature, Peaks & Stories** 🌄 - **CHRISTMAS** Join us and step into the magic of the **Grampians** — where rugged mountain ranges rise above peaceful valleys, waterfalls tumble into fern-filled gullies, and every lookout whispers a story. Across two unforgettable days, we’ll **hike** scenic forest trails, **kayak** across a tranquil lake, uncover ancient Aboriginal **rock art**, and savour **wine** in a beautiful valley setting. Add Christmas **BBQ**, **1-night** Cosy shared **accommodation**, **Meditation** & grounding and plenty of laughter — and you’ve got a journey stitched with memories \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🎒 **All-Inclusive for $319** ✅ Round-trip transport in a comfortable **Mercedes minivan** 🚐 ✅ Guided **10 km hike** with gear 🥾 ✅ **Kayaking** on a stunning lake (gear provided) 🛶 ✅ Unlimited **snacks, soft drinks, coffee & tea** ☕ ✅ Visit to breathtaking **lookouts & waterfalls** 🌄 ✅ **1-night** Cosy shared **accommodation** ✨ ✅ **Winery visit** 🍷 ✅ Exploration of **Aboriginal rock art** ✅ Christmas **BBQ** ✅ **Meditation** & grounding \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🕒 **2-Day Itinerary Highlights** **Day 1** 🌅 07:30 — Meet at St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street 🍉 08:30 — Refreshment **stop** ☕ 09:30 — Welcome morning **tea & snacks** (included) 🥾 09:45 — Guided 10 km forest+mountain easy **hike** (190m elevation) 🍽️ 13:30 — **Picnic** & lunch (BYO) with tea & snacks (provided, ulimited) 🌄 14:30 — Explore **Venus Baths** & scenic **peaks** 🌊 15:30 — Breathtaking **lookout** visit 🦘 16:30 — Spot native **wildlife** 🚐 17:30 — **Scenic drive** through the ranges 🍝 18:00 — Hotel check-in & relaxation - shared **accommodation** 🏨 20:00 — Christmas **BBQ** - **Group dinner** ✨ 21:00 — **Meditation** under the stars \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Day 2** 🍳 08:00 — Hotel check-out & **breakfast** 🛶 09:30 — **Kayaking** on a beautiful lake (beginner friendly!) 🥪 12:30 — Lunch break + **Picnic** ✨ 13:30 — **Meditation** & grounding 🌅 14:30 — Visit Aboriginal **rock art** sites 🍷 15:30 — **Winery** & **scenic** valley views ☕ 17:30 — Stop for refreshments 🏙️ 19:00 — Return to **Melbourne**, filled with memories 📍 Drop-off: Hamer Hall, Melbourne \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$319 transfer** **Please note:** An RSVP alone does not secure your spot — only a transfer confirms your place on the trip. Thanks for understanding! 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** Gra 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now to avoid missing out!** 🎒 S*pots are only confirmed once payment is received !!!* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**Please Note:** **Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.** In all other circumstances, payments are **non-refundable and non-transferable**. ❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What to Bring?** ✔️ **Comfortable hiking shoes (or able to supply, let me know size)** **✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket**🧥 ✔️ **Long pants & long sleeves** 🌿 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **Lunch for day 1+2** ✔️ Christmas dinner share plate ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***🌟 Days Include :*** 🥾 A 10 km guided forest **hike** (190 m elevation gain) 🍉 Snacks, coffee/tea, soft drinks 🌄 Visits to stunning **lookouts** 🌺 **Winery** — scenery and beauty combined 🚐 Scenic road trip through ✨ **Meditation** & grounding 😊 Christmas **BBQ** 🛶 **Kayaking** on a beautiful lake ✨ Cosy shared **accommodation** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share Instagram: nogeography.hike.kayak https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Credited or refunded only if the event is canceled/moved. Non-refundable in any other cases \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **\*\*\*Two Days. Endless Views. Lasting Joy**. **\*\*\*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms. ## **COVID-19 Safety Measures** * The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. * Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. * If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending. * Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!

Curious about Pickleball? Now’s your chance to give it a go! Join our COME AND TRY PICKLEBALL sessions for just $10 and experience the fastest-growing sport in the world! Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to have a hit and enjoy some social fun. ✅ OPEN PLAY – Relaxed, fun, and easy to pick up! ✅ All equipment provided – Paddles & balls included ✅ Limited spots available – First come, first served! SESSION TIMES: 🗓️ Wednesdays: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 🗓️ Fridays: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 🗓️ Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 🗓️ Sundays: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 SPORTS POINT Altona North Unit 1, 64-66 McArthurs Road, Altona North, VIC 3025 📞 0403 556 859 \| ✉ [admin@sportspoint.com.au](mailto:admin@sportspoint.com.au) Sign up now on Open Sports, Meetup, or at [www.sportspoint.com.au](http://www.sportspoint.com.au/) Spots are filling fast – Don’t miss out! Come down, have a hit, and experience why Pickleball is the hottest sport right now!

**About the Session -** *Light Within, Light Around.* A warm Christmas morning meditation to help you begin the day with softness, inner brightness, and a sense of gentle companionship, no matter what your Christmas looks like this year. Before the energy, memories, or emotions of the day gather, this hour is a gentle way to settle into your body and connect with a quieter, steadier space inside yourself. This session is especially supportive if you’re spending the day alone, navigating family dynamics, feeling tender or reflective, or simply wanting a moment of warmth and grounding before the day unfolds. We’ll be lying on the grass beneath the Christmas morning sky, allowing nature, breath, and stillness to soothe the nervous system and bring you back to yourself. **This session is designed to help you:** • Feel the warmth of your own inner light. • Anchor into steadiness before a the day. • Let the intensity of the season soften in your body. • Regulate and calm your nervous system. • Feel held, accompanied, and quietly supported by the morning. **We’ll begin with Yoga Nidra,** a guided deep-rest practice where you simply lie down, get comfortable, and allow your body to soften. There is nothing to perform or achieve. Once you’re settled, staying still helps your system drop into deeper rest while I guide your awareness gently through the body, helping the mind unwind and open. **From there, we’ll move into a visual meditation** themed around inner light, the glow within you that warms, steadies, and expands. Through imagery of sunlit warmth, gentle radiance, and a feeling of being held by both inner and outer light, this practice helps release emotional heaviness, invite comfort, and welcome the kind of companionship that comes from within. The experience is deeply soothing and designed for anyone who wants warmth, grounding, and presence on Christmas morning. **No experience is needed,** this session is beginner-friendly and fully guided from start to finish. ***"Nothing can dim the light that shines from within."*** *-Maya Angelou.* **When & Where:** **🗓 Christmas Day - Wednesday 25 December** **⏰ 9:00am - 10:00am** **📍 Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North** We’ll set up on the grass behind the Rotunda - look for my yoga mat and the large pink sign that says “Free Guided Meditation.” **Weather notes:** This is an outdoor session. If the weather turns rainy, I’ll update the event listing beforehand - please check the Meetup page to make sure it’s still going ahead. Christmas mornings are usually calm and sunny, but Melbourne can always surprise us. **What to bring:** • Yoga mat or something to lie on • Light blanket • Eye covering or small pillow for comfort • Water • Comfortable clothing (If you forget a mat, I’ll have spares with me 😊) **Arriving and running late:** Arriving a few minutes early helps you get settled and grounded before we begin. If you’re running late, please still join, just slip in quietly. You won’t disturb the practice 😊. **Everyone is welcome.** Whether you're spending Christmas morning alone, with family, feeling reflective, or simply wanting a moment of calm and warmth, this space is for you. A soft, grounding morning to breathe, rest, and reconnect with the light within you. **I look forward to sharing this Christmas morning with you 🌿✨😊** **Kathy**

**Get ready to taste and make new friends in this sommelier-led event where you can learn about and taste 7 old wines - includes $40 dining credit making your tasting just $5!** THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT: [GET YOUR TICKET HERE](https://oldandrare.eventbrite.com.au) **Your wine night just got a whole lot finer!** \- Includes $40 dining credit \- Small group setting \- Sommelier run Join us for **Old & Rare Wines Tastings** and get ready to make some new friends. Led by qualified Sommelier Antony Anderson (WSET3, WSET4 pending), this evening involves a free tasting of seven back-vintage (old) wines and some wine education, followed by your choice of dinner items and additional drinks from our extensive menus. We'll be gathering at **Life's Too Short Bar**, located in the vibrant **Tribeca Arcade** on **Victoria Parade**, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia, where you can meet like-minded wine lovers and discuss all things wine, food, and common connections and interests. **Your ticket includes a $40 dining credit** towards food and drinks purchased on the evening, making your ticket (almost) free. Reserve your spot now - Then bring your appetite and sense of humour, and join us for a night of conversation, cuisine and, of course, wine! **GETTING THERE:** We recommend you use public transport or rideshare. We are on the 12/109 tram line (stop 16, Wellington St), several Bus Routes (302, 303, 304, 305, 309, 318, 350, 905, 906, 907, 908) or a 5-10 minute walk from Jolimont and North Richmond train stations. If you decide to drive and/or have a designated driver, 2-hour paid parking is available around Powlett Reserve, Darling Square, and the Fitzroy Gardens. Extended paid parking is available at Care Park at 162 Albert Street, East Melbourne or the Epworth Freemasons Car Park in Gotch Lane off Grey Street. **UNABLE TO ATTEND?** Cancellations and Refunds are generally not possible. However, for sudden illness, COVID, or other special circumstances, we may agree to reschedule your session to another night or provide a gift certificate for part or all of your ticket price. Please SMS your request to 0466 045 473\*\*.\*\* **TERMS AND CONDITIONS:** * See the ticket link for further conditions * This is a preferred pre-booked event, but walk-ins may be possible. * RSVPs on Meetup do not constitute a booking. * Minimum spend for F&B following the event is $40 * Minimum Event Sales 2. If the minimum number of seats is not sold, the event may be rescheduled later or cancelled and tickets refunded. * If you have booked a ticket and an event is amended, we will contact you before the event to advise and make new arrangements. * Please note: By Public Health Directives, all attendees must be fully COVID-vaccinated, and proof of vaccination may be required. #meetingpeople #makingfriends #winetasting #blindtasting #winegames #singles #lonely #winelovers #winebuffs #winophiles #melbournewine #winemelbourne #melbournewinetasting #socialwines #makenewfriends #wine #lovers #tasting #event #meetup

To express gratitude for a year of connection and conversation, I thought it would be nice to have a meal together while the days are long and the sun is out. Still thinking of places and cuisines we haven't tried yet, so feel free to DM / WhatsApp me your suggestions! Tentative plan is for lunch somewhere in the CBD followed by a meander in nature (Yarra River and/or a park) and coffee after. We will meet under the clocks at Flinders St and start by exploring Flinders Lane and Degraves Street. There is a $10 organizer fee for this event. You can PayID me at 0403 413 056.

https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/f/9/b/600_462496283.jpeg ORGASMIC MEDITATION OM is sweeping the world currently because more and more people are becoming awakened to the fact that there is 'more' available when it comes to intimacy and connection in all of our relationships. The Philosophy behind the OM practice is one that we can use as a map in all of our relationships, to develop deeper levels of intimacy, connection and flow. People OM because they desire to: ⚑ Feel more connected, to themselves & to others. ⚑ Feel more confidence & higher levels of vitality ⚑ Feel more in the Orgasmic State ⚑ Feel more comfortable with their body & self expression ⚑ Cultivate greater focus & capacity for attention ⚑ Have more pleasure in their lives The OM practice is simple, specific and repeatable, focusing on the clitoris, the female center of power and pleasure. Every OM is set up the same way so participants can stop thinking and instead follow the feeling, listen to their bodies, and be present. OM Practitioner Training is the perfect way to learn the basics of OM and the philosophy behind the practice, which you can map over any area of your life where there’s connection involved. Once having completed the training you will have access to practitioners world-wide, to continue your OM journey where ever you travel. * OM TRAINING IS FOR BOTH SINGLES AND COUPLES EXPECT FROM TRAINING: ⚑ An introductory to OM philosophy - a way to live in flow state, fueled by desire and in connection. ⚑ The difference between climax and orgasm ⚑ An understanding of what is required for the body to enter into The Orgasmic State ⚑ Techniques to move your attention from your head to your body ⚑ Skills to increase sensation in your body ⚑ Female anatomy and how to find "the spot" ⚑ The Steps to OM ⚑ Stroking technique ⚑ How to ask for what you want, from the voice of your desire HOW IT WORKS: • Sessions 1 & 2: OM Philosophy & The OM Practice 90 minute session. Available in-person or on Skype. • Session 3: Coaching and fine tuning your practice 30 minute session. Available on Skype. Cost $549 *Higher levels of training are available, once having completed this Introductory level of training. FOR MORE INFORMATION Text 0404 832 141 Email premkalpa@gmail.com Someone from our team will reply shortly. MEDIA coverage of Orgasmic Meditation from around the world: Featured by the Today Show, the New York Times, Deepak Chopra, Tim Ferris’ Four-Hour Body, ABC's Luke Warm Sex, Marie Claire and more, OM has helped thousands of singles & couples to have more connection and intimacy in their lives. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/e/f/c/600_462496124.jpeg "We look forward to showing you a new way to appreciate the breadth & depth of your Orgasm, so you too can have the same. " Prem Kalpa https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/0/1/e/600_462496414.jpeg

**💕 Virtual Speed Dating for Introverts – Genuine Connections Without the Noise!** 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Introverts who want to meet someone special - Shy individuals dreading traditional dating scenes - Anyone who prefers genuine conversations over small talk - Those who want meaningful connections from home **Event Details** - **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – introvert-friendly & intimate - **Location:** Your comfort zone (meet from home!) - **Host:** Experienced host who understands introvert needs - **Pressure-free:** Meaningful dialogue with Melbourne singles in a pressure-free zone **Age Groups & Registration** - **Ages 20-36** Event → [REGISTER HERE](https://luv2.ybevents.com/event?eventId=318.0&city=Melbourne&groupurlname=lifepair-long-term-relations&ar=20-36) - **Ages 30-46** Event → [REGISTER HERE](https://luv2.ybevents.com/event?eventId=318.0&city=Melbourne&groupurlname=lifepair-long-term-relations&ar=30-46) - **Ages 40-58** Event → [REGISTER HERE](https://luv2.ybevents.com/event?eventId=318.0&city=Melbourne&groupurlname=lifepair-long-term-relations&ar=40-58) - **Ages 55+** Event → [REGISTER HERE](https://luv2.ybevents.com/event?eventId=318.0&city=Melbourne&groupurlname=lifepair-long-term-relations&ar=55+) **How It Works** 1. Register for Your Age Group - Choose and register for the speed dating session that matches your age range above. 2. Fill out a Personality Quiz - Fast and simple! We'll match you with compatible singles. 3. Speed Dating Rounds - Quick, fun conversations with potential matches. 4. Find Your Match - Connect with someone special from Melbourne, no awkward bar scenes required. --- ✨ Your ideal partner is waiting. Join us for authentic introvert-friendly dating. ✨

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!

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

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

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

Join us as we get the New Year started with one of the best films of the year: THE SECRET AGENT! This political thriller from Brazil is set in 1977 where a man flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown but soon finds the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In 1977, a former professor flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown of Recife in search of peace. He soon realizes that the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. The film stars Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Gabriel Leone and Udo Kier in his final film role. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UfrzDKrhEc BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The Secret Agent was the most awarded film at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival where it won Best Actor for Wagner Moura, Best Director for Mendonça Filho, the Art House Cinema Award and the FIPRESCI Prize. At this year’s Golden Globes, it became Brazil’s first film ever to be nominated for Best Film (Drama)! It also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Film, a Best Actor nomination for Wagner Moura and was selected as Brazil’s entry for Best International Film at this year’s Academy Awards. The film is receiving an incredible 99% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics say, its “compelling script, impeccable acting, and striking 1970s aesthetic” make it “impossible to look away!” Critics say The Secret Agent is “one of the few standout movies of the year” and the Chicago Tribune calls it a “masterpiece of a film” and “the best film of the year!” PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime! With this being a limited release film, we’ll tentatively plan to see it at the Gateway, but location may change based on where it is showing and the showtimes available. Once details are confirmed, advance ticket is advised. Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. Showtime, location and complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer. Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

How to be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life Sunday, 23 February at 2pm. You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

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 Saturday 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 10AM on Saturday mornings. 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: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. 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. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) 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 Saturday!