Hookah

We will be continuing our trial of our new venue - 3rd floor of MIT Mahjong at 139 Franklin St, just a short walk from Melbourne Central! Players of all skill levels are welcome, and no experience is needed. Stop by for one game or play for the whole 6 hours. Warmup and casual gaming from 5 to 5:30 pm, and the first timed and recorded game starts at 5:30 pm. If you want to learn how to play, we can teach, and if you already know how, then join our shuffle and monthly leaderboard! The games schedule is: * 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Setup, Freeplay * 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Game 1 * 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm: Game 2 * 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm: Game 3 * 10:00 pm - 11:00 pm: Freeplay This event has a $10 fee which you can pay on the night. This money is used to pay for our use of the store space, maintaining equipment and other meetup services, and organising larger events open to everyone! Members get a special discount, which you can sign up for on the website links below. We also take photos and videos at our meetups for posting on social media, you may potentially appear in these. Hope to see you all then! *** Scores tracking: [https://scores.vicriichi.org/](https://scores.vicriichi.org/) The mahjong ruleset we play with: [https://www.vicriichi.org/mahjong-meetups#meetup-rules](https://www.vicriichi.org/mahjong-meetups#meetup-rules) Join us on Discord and connect with other jongers! [https://vicriichi.org/discord](https://vicriichi.org/discord)

Homer composed “The Odyssey” roughly around 750–650 BCE (the exact date has been lost to the ages). The first English translation appeared in 1615 (by George Chapman). There have been over 60 English translations since George’s - and all but one by men. Emily Wilson, a professor of classics at the University of Pennsylvania, has studied Homer in depth, and found that existing translations glossed over some of the language and context expressed by Homer in order to appease masculine societal sensibilities. In her own translation, Emily refuses to sugarcoat Homer’s precise wording - and comes in like a phraseology wrecking ball! You’re now invited to read and consider this swashbuckling adventure in its first unadulterated translation.

Come and join our friendly group of horror fans as we talk about horror books and movies. You don't need to read or watch everything to come and participate! I kindly ask that everyone purchases dinner and/or a drink to cover the room hire costs. If you're new, we meet in the function rooms on the left hand side of the dining area. The books and film for this meetup are: **Classic book** Bestiary by Julio Cortazar **Contemporary book** Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung **Movie** Reanimator

**A taste of Malaysia of Nasi Kandar at Roti Bar!** **TICKET** TICKET: $59/pp TICKET LINK: [https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofmalaysianasikandar](https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofmalaysianasikandar) **WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE** Join us for a delicious **three-course dinner experience** celebrating one of Malaysia’s most iconic dishes—**Nasi Kandar** at the local Melbourne favourite restaurant **\- Roti Bar**. Originating from Penang, Nasi Kandar is a beloved Malaysian meal featuring steamed rice served with an array of rich, spiced curries and side dishes, often accompanied by fried chicken, and more. Hosted by Malaysian founder **Pheh Sze**, this intimate evening offers you a true taste of Malaysia. Enjoy a curated entrée, a hearty Nasi Kandar main, a traditional Malaysian dessert—all in a cozy setting where you’ll learn more about Malaysian culture through food. Spaces are limited, so gather your foodie friends and don’t miss out on this unique cultural dining experience **WHAT YOU'LL GET** * **Three course meal :** Enjoy a curated entree, nasi kandar main, dessert * **Cultural Insight :** Learn all about Malaysian food culture with fellow Malaysian host * **Socialise and Dine :** Connect with fellow foodies , share your passion, and make lasting connections Limited tickets are available, so secure yours now for an unforgettable experience! **TICKET** TICKET: $59/pp TICKET LINK: [https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofmalaysianasikandar](https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofmalaysianasikandar)

There’s a lot happening in the world right now, and it’s easy to feel the weight of it. But joy is still available, and choosing it on purpose can shift everything. ⁣ After six years, our LIVE events are back, and we’re beginning with a beautiful, uplifting topic: Choosing Joy on Purpose! ⁣ **This evening is perfect if you’re wanting to:** • Feel lighter and more aligned • Shift your vibration/energy • Reconnect with yourself • Be surrounded and connect with warm, like‑minded people. ⁣ **What to Expect:** • Feel‑good, heart‑opening conversations • Practical tools for choosing joy • A welcoming, supportive community • Powerful positive content • Tea, coffee, and biscuits provided ⁣ Wherever you are at, you’ll be held in a space that feels soothing, uplifting, and full of possibility. ⁣ **Investment:** $15 cash - this covers the venue and refreshments. If cost is a barrier, please email [admin@debmarven.com](mailto:admin@debmarven.com "mailto:admin@debmarven.com"). Everyone who feels called is welcome. ⁣ **Location:** Hawthorn Library (Meeting Room 2), Melbourne A short walk from Glenferrie Station Plenty of free parking nearby **Dress:** Come along as you are (whatever feels comfy for you). ⁣ **RSVP Etiquette:** If you RSVP “attending” but can’t make it, please let us know so we can plan numbers. ⁣ I can’t wait to meet you, connect, and share a night that leaves you feeling lighter, clearer, and full of joy. ⁣ Love Deb x **PS This event is for women.**

**Social Pickleball - All Levels Welcome!** ** [Instagram: @rmit_pickleball](https://www.instagram.com/rmit_pickleball/) [WhatsApp: RMIT Pickleball Club](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7VE0NcThWWIgLnnJBVQBq)** ** Paddles and balls provided! Beginner friendly - simply show up and we’ll teach you the basics ** Grab a paddle, play pickleball, and meet new people! ** Who is it for?** * Members of public and RMIT students * Complete beginners * Intermediate players * Advanced players (up to DUPR 4.5 expected) **✅ How to join?** 1. **Become a club member** [at the RMIT Store](https://store.rmit.edu.au/pages/club/pickleball) (one-off payment) 2. **RSVP** on Meetup to join the session 3. When marked as **“Going”**, pay for the session: **\- Payment link** is in the **comment section below** (posted 1-3 days before) \- Use your RMIT Store account with a club membership \(from step 1\) 4. Can’t attend? Update your RSVP to “Not Going” **⏳ Priority on waitlist** 1. Clear Meetup profile with name and photo 2. RMIT students 3. Regular attendees ** On the day** * New players, please **introduce yourself to the host** * New players wanting a **rules intro**, please arrive on-time and ask a host * Have your **emailed ticket receipt ready** \- it will be checked on the day ** Cancellations and Refunds** * No refunds for change of mind, non-attendance, or no-shows * Refunds only if the event is cancelled (weather or court availability) * Credit for a later session may be offered by agreement in case of event cancellation * Pay only when we share the payment link in Meetup - using old links is at your own risk Whether you are new to pickleball or a regular player, this is a great way to get some games in and connect with the community. Come solo or bring a friend - everyone is welcome! ** Spots are limited, so RSVP early! **

SKA & ROCKSTEADY REVIVAL is looking to bring back the sounds of young Jamaica, the music that gave life to Reggae and Dancehall. SKA & ROCK SKA & ROCKSTEADY REVIVAL is looking to bring back the sounds of young Jamaica, the music that gave life to Reggae and Dancehall. SKA & ROCKSTEADY REVIVAL will feature the sounds of young Jamaica, going back to the days when the music was fun and talent was in abondance. The 2 to 8 supermix will feature Fabulous Fez, Stryka D, Stick Mareebo and Zare Demus . Bring the kids for a taste of old school Jamaican music and dance. Looking forward to seeing you there on the day.

Come meet us in the burbs in April! For those of you who may be joining us for the first time, we have no set reading list, "homework" or assigned book. We want to hear about what you like to read! Come along and **tell us about up to four** of your recently read and/or to be read books and hear about what we're all reading too! Whilst we encourage all readers, given the nature of the discussions that we have our meetups aren't suitable for children under the age of 14. **Please note that as advised in our email and post of November 14th 2024 our fees have increased from $5.00 to $6.50 per person per meetup. This is due to [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) doubling the organiser fees for meetup groups. We now pay at least $50 a month to have a Meetup site (unfortunately this cost fluctuates due to Meetup charging us in USD). All fees go towards paying the meetup fees. This can only be accepted via the Meetup site and we do not accept cash on the day.** Similarly, if you are planning to attend, please RSVP on the Meetup site. RSVPs can be made right up until the moment the event starts, we are unable to accept cash on the day or attendances from those who have not RSVPd as we need to plan for attendance numbers and space. We also ask that you purchase something from San Churro on the day as we are taking up their space. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you've got any questions. Happy reading and see you then!

Join us for some games of (Japanese) Riichi Mahjong at Good Games Box Hill. We welcome beginners and seasoned players alike; let us know ahead of time if you are a beginner. We play with WRC rules with red fives. Please see the following website for more information regarding rules ([https://www.worldriichi.org/wrc-rules](https://www.worldriichi.org/wrc-rules)). Games are timed at 75 minutes + 1 additional hand and scores are tracked on https://scores.vicriichi.org/. Estimated start time for games: \- 12:45pm \- 2:15pm \- 3:45pm Have the best 10 consecutive games between 1 February 2026 and 30 April 2026 to earn a $50 gift card to spend at Good Games! Entry fee: $5. If paying by cash, please pay at the counter. This money is used to pay for our use of the store space, maintaining equipment and other meetup services, and organising larger events open to everyone! Please change your RSVP to not going if you're no longer able to attend. This will give the next person on the waitlist the opportunity to attend. There is free parking available in the Care Park on Watts St next to the store. Want to support Victorian Riichi Mahjong and receive exclusive benefits? Then become an official member! For $30/year, members receive an extensive benefits package that includes: -Eligibility to discuss and vote on Club matters during live Club meetings, and to vote and run for Leadership Officer positions. -Complimentary Vic Riichi merchandise every membership year. -Early access and discounted entry fees for events and tournaments. -Mahjong coaching, workshops, study sessions, and online log reviews. -Access to exclusive members-only merchandise and events. -Access to meetup benefits such as discounted loyalty cards. Please see [here](https://www.vicriichi.org/membership) for more info! If you would like to connect with other Victorian/Australian Riichi Mahjong players online, check out our website, [https://www.vicriichi.org](https://www.vicriichi.org), and join the [Victorian Riichi Mahjong Association (VRMA)](https://vicriichi.org/discord) and [Australian Riichi Mahjong Association (ARMA)](https://discord.gg/m8rYv4fS4F) Discord groups!

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

**Let’s catch up and take an afternoon break.** **Grab a coffee or snack and let’s chit chat! Gayle and I will bring adult coloring books and/or a simple craft if you’d like to unwind and relax.😊**

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

**Our May novel is: *The Quiet Librarian* by Allen Eskens** **This month’s book is set in the 20th century and mixes historical fiction with suspense and thriller elements. It also centers on women’s stories and relationships. The novel is 368 pages in print or 8 hours and 12 minutes on audiobook.** Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head\*\*.\*\*

**Pickleball + coffee + community 🌱** **Let’s kick things off with pickleball at Park of Roses, then join us at Blackend Coffee to unwind and connect.** **Pickleball 🏓 10:30am-12:30pm** **Blackend Coffee ☕️ 🌯 1-3pm** **All levels welcome!** **Can’t waitt to see everyone!** **📍 Park of Roses** **3901 N High St** **Columbus, OH 43214** **📍Blackend Coffee** **2619 N High St** **Columbus, OH 43202**