Landscape Painting

Get outside and join us for a day of planting trees and shrubs on a beautiful property in the Yarra Valley. Come and help to protect waterways, improve ecosystems and create habitat for wildlife. Share the day with a fun bunch of outdoorsy folk who like doing good! No experience required - we will train you on the day. Morning tea and lunch are provided for free. **[YOU MUST REGISTER VIA THIS LINK!](https://events.humanitix.com/help-plant-native-seedlings-at-gulf-station-historic-farm)** This link tells you everything you need to know - what to bring, where to go, FAQs - you MUST register and get your free ticket on this page! (This is a FREE event - large Corporate Groups are asked to pay a supporter's charge, but NOT individuals) You'll meet friendly, like-minded people, and return home knowing that you've done something meaningful. You'll need your own transport, approximately one hour's drive from Melbourne CBD. TreeProject is an award-winning, not-for-profit organisation that has been growing and planting native seedlings for farmers and Landcare groups for over 30 years. We have grown over 2 million trees! This year alone we are growing over 150,000 trees, and helping landowners plant about 50,000 trees! Come and join us!

A **Thursday** ride from town gonig north to Wollert & Epping North via Darebin Creek Path & back on Galada Tamboore, Merri and Upfield paths. **Forecast:** Melbourne area - 17° Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower (0-1mm). Light winds becoming south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning. **Distance**: **72 km.** The paths go moderately uphill as we go north and the ride back is generally downhill and also shorter. Please check the map. Note: Upfield line is running buses for the whole line so unavailable for any early exits. (Use Mernda line from Epping if you do need to) **Check for Metro Planned Works**: https://www.metrotrains.com.au/planned-works/ **Speed**: **20-25 kmh** typical speeds **Map and GPS files**: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41745312](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41745312) \* \*Actual route likely to vary on the day **Bike to bring**: Most bikes fine. MTBs may struggle if heavy. Please keep your bike light, ie leave bulky panniers at home. Check your bike mechanically and pump your tyres beforehand, thanks. **Surface**: Should be sealed all the way. It's a path ride predominately. **Bring**: -Water, jacket, spare tube and tools, snacks, money for lunch. -Your mobile phone with my number. **Lunch spot**: Aurora Shopping Centre (Epping Nth) where you'll find various cafes or pop into Coles or Aldi for what you need. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 **Photo**: Darebin Creek Trail going under Darebin Rd (June '22) "All riders are riding at their own risk and Melbourne Cycling does not take any responsibility for any injuries or accidents you may have on any of our rides"

**Details - Coding Night!** Bring your laptop and your iOS, visionOS, macOS, tvOS or watchOS project to the combined CocoaHeads & Android GDG coding night. Everyone is welcome to our all-ages alcohol-free event. Hosted in a professional environment to allow you to work on your project. Get help from industry experts who are on hand to help you out. • What we'll do: We'll help you setup up Xcode and start your first project. We'll help answer your questions re how to get to the next phase of your project. • What to bring: Your laptop, a copy of Xcode, a project you'd like to hack on. Before arrival, make sure you're grabbing a fresh copy of Xcode from the Mac App Store (Apple Menu then App Store then search for Xcode, Install. Link: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/xcode/id497799835?mt=12) Doors open at 5:45 PM at our host the Mantel Group, Level 2/452 Flinders St Melbourne. Message via Meetup or Slack if you are arriving after 6:00 as the lifts won't let you up. The hack night will wrap up at 8:30.

Our meetings for May are: Saturday, 9 May 10.30am-12.00pm Online Discussion Seneca's Letters 121-125 Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89412632670?pwd=xIhvXscyO1fKHU8G2YmF3DXQulpGIM.1 Meeting ID: 894 1263 2670 Passcode: 743980 "Stoa in the Pub" We get together once a month for an informal chat about random Stoic topics and their application to our lives Every One is welcome! Location: Vapiano, 334 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000

Join us at Preston Library and boost your public speaking skills! ## Speak with Confidence at Northern Exposure Toastmasters Join us in person at Preston Library for a fun and friendly Toastmasters meeting! Whether you're looking to sharpen your public speaking skills or just want to meet like-minded folks, this is the place to be. Share your stories, get useful feedback, and boost your confidence in a supportive atmosphere. ### **Set Your 2026 Challenge** Maybe this is the year you want to: * Improve your public speaking and presentation skills * Build confidence in meetings or high-pressure situations * Become a more influential leader * Sharpen your thinking on your feet * Strengthen your communication for career advancement * Expand your personal and professional network Whatever your 2026 challenge looks like, Toastmasters meets you where you are, and helps you grow from there. There is so much to learn from presenting speeches to become a Leader in the Club. * 1\. Personal & professional development * 2\. Improved communication & listening skills * 3\. Increased confidence * 4\. Develop & enhance leadership skills * 5\. Affiliation with an internationally renowned organisation Don't miss out on this chance to speak up and stand out!

**༅།༅།Tibetan Art Group (TAG) – Learn Painting & Symbolism།།** Join TAG to explore Tibetan art and meet like-minded people. Workshops are creative, educational, and mindful (not therapy). **Current events (limited):** • Runs monthly or during holidays • Group bookings (5+) available anytime • CBD or Malvern (2–3 hrs) • All materials provided – take your artwork home **Pricing:** $35/hr full \| $25/hr concession Explore Buddhist iconographic painting through guided, hands-on practice—traditional symbolism, Buddha imagery, and unique designs in a relaxed setting. Led by a Tibetan practitioner with experience in community, school, TAFE and local govt programs. Open to all levels. Small group, supportive space. **Bookings:** Full payment secures your place. Limited spots (also listed on other platforms).

**✨Are you tired of making ‘how are you’ friends? This event is for you!✨** 🎨What better way to build and deepen connections than through a fun activity like **Figurine painting**! There are many social events but it isn’t easy to feel connected to someone in a large group setting. I am super extroverted yet found myself walking home after a great social feeling more lonely, because of all the superficial connections made. I started Hue&Crew to help people build their next close-friend circle based on age, personality and interest! 🎨**What to Expect** This isn’t a big mixer event, every event has a limit of 6 people per table and a fishbowl full of conversation starters to help people get started! We move around Melbourne's many beautiful cafes weekly to keep things fresh! Expect: * A fresh, comfy venue * A hosted structure so you’re never left awkwardly quiet * A fishbowl of conversation starters for the introverts * A relaxed atmosphere where you can genuinely be yourself * Hand-painted figurines you made yourself to bring home Each group is curated to feel natural, matched by age, interest and personality 🎨**Notice before you sign up:** As the events are really small and it might take some time to form a group with similar interests, we will inform you when there is a suitable group for you! **RSVP now:** [https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9](https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9) **Take a look at our instagram page to see past public events**👇 [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) **Bring a friend for a 10% Discount for the both of you!**

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → DANDENONG Ranges** 🏙️ * 📅 **SUN 24 MAY, DAY TRIP ☀️** * ✨*Walk gently • Taste deeply • Breathe fully*✨ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### 🌿 Wander the Rail Trail of the Dandenong Ranges 🌿 Step into a storybook journey just beyond Melbourne — a day where forest paths, quiet villages, and simple moments come together. ☕ With **coffee and snacks** in hand, we begin gently in the charming village — easing into the rhythm of the day. 🚶‍♂️ From here, our trail unfolds along the historic rail line — a \~15 km **easy hike** through tall eucalyptus forests, fern gullies, and peaceful clearings where time slows and nature leads. 🌲 Along the way, we pause… to breathe, to listen, to take in the stillness of the forest — not just a hike, but a moving reset. 🚂 If we’re lucky, we’ll catch the iconic **Puffing Billy** passing through — a quiet moment where everyone stops and simply watches. ☕ Midway, we arrive in a small village for a relaxed **coffee stop** — warm drinks, easy conversation, and a chance to recharge. 🥟 By early afternoon, we reach the beautiful Lake — where something special awaits. A lakeside picnic with **Ukrainian dumplings**, shared together in the open air — simple, soulful, and unforgettable. 🧘 We slow down even further with a gentle **guided meditation** by the water or forest— a moment to reset, reflect, and just be. 🥐 And to finish the day on a delicious note, we visit a **renowned gourmet bakery** — a final treat of something fresh, flaky, and indulgent. 🌄 As the day winds down, we take a final scenic pause at a **beautiful lookout** — where golden light stretches across the ranges. 🚐 Then, a relaxed drive back to Melbourne — calm, content, and filled with fresh energy. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 All-Inclusive for $99** ✅ Round-trip **transport** in a comfortable **MERCEDES minivan** 🚐 ✅ Guided **15 km hike** + all gears 🥾 ✅ Unlimited **snacks**, **soft drinks, coffee & tea** ☕ ✅ **Picnic** \- with great company 🧃 ✅ **Ukrainian dumplings** experience 🥟 (Veg.) ✅ **Meditation** session 🧘 **✅** **Puffing Billy** viewing experience 🚂 ✅ Visit **stunning scenic lookouts** 🌄 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- #### 🕒 Itinerary: 🌅 07:30 — Meet at **St Paul’s Cathedral,** Flinders Street 🍉 08:00 — Short **break** to stretch and refresh ☕ 09:00 — Morning **coffee/tea** and snacks (included!) 🥾 09:15 — **Hike** into the forest magic 15 km - 180 elevation 🍫 11:00 — **Break** & snacks🦘 🥾 12:00 — Continue to **Hike** 🚂 12:30 — **Puffing Billy** Experience • Visit a historic railway station • Scenic stop to observe the steam train passing (timing dependent) • Photos, short break, storytelling moment 🍽️ 13:30 — Picnic & **Ukrainian dumplings** 🥟 +snacks & drinks (included) 🎨 14:30 — **Art-Gallery** \- local artists ✨ 15:00 — **Wishing Well** \- make a wish 🥐 15:30 — Finish hike and visit **gourmet bakery** 🚐 16:00 — **Scenic drive** through Ranges 🌄 16:30 — Breathtaking **lookout** 🏙️ 18:00 — Return to **Melbourne** with a heart full of memories 📍 Drop-off: Hammer Hall, Melbourne \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$99 transfer**: 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** Dan 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ## **🎒 What to Bring?** **✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket**🧥 ✔️ **Long pants & long sleeves** 🌿 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **BYO lunch** 🍽️ (optional) ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**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! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿✨ Don’t miss this **epic day of adventure, nature, and fun!** ✨🌊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share](https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share) Instagram: [nogeography.hike.kayak](http://nogeography.hike.kayak/) [https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/](https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property on 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!

**✨Are you tired of making ‘how are you’ friends? This event is for you!✨** 🎨What better way to build and deepen connections than through a fun activity like **Figurine painting**! There are many social events but it isn’t easy to feel connected to someone in a large group setting. I am super extroverted yet found myself walking home after a great social feeling more lonely, because of all the superficial connections made. I started Hue&Crew to help people build their next close-friend circle based on age, personality and interest! 🎨**What to Expect** This isn’t a big mixer event, every event has a limit of 6 people per table and a fishbowl full of conversation starters to help people get started! We move around Melbourne's many beautiful cafes weekly to keep things fresh! Expect: * A fresh, comfy venue * A hosted structure so you’re never left awkwardly quiet * A fishbowl of conversation starters for the introverts * A relaxed atmosphere where you can genuinely be yourself * Hand-painted figurines you made yourself to bring home Each group is curated to feel natural, matched by age, interest and personality 🎨**Notice before you sign up:** As the events are really small and it might take some time to form a group with similar interests, we will inform you when there is a suitable group for you! **RSVP now:** [https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9](https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9) **Take a look at our instagram page to see past public events**👇 [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) **Bring a friend for a 10% Discount for the both of you!**

Join us this Thursday at 6:30 pm for a nice hike along the Big Walnut Trail along the Gahanna golf course, circling Creekside and back. This 2 mile hike is fully paved and a beautiful walk through the heart of Gahanna.

Join us this Pride season to paint your own pride on rocks, paper, canvas, and yes- we are bringing back the bricks! Come create and paint with us. Seats and supplies limited! Come while you can for as long as you like! Westerville Public Library Meeting Room D.

### Goblin Mayhem in May \| One Free Goblin Mini Event Embrace the chaos this May with **Goblin Mayhem** at The Arcane Foundry. Join us for a paint and sip experience where you’ll receive a free goblin miniature and dive into one of the most unpredictable and mischievous factions in Warhammer Fantasy and The Old World. Whether you’re new to painting or a seasoned hobbyist, this event is all about fun, creativity, and a little bit of madness. Learn how to paint vibrant greens, tattered clothing, and grimy details while exploring the lore and playstyle of goblins. From sneaky ambushers to reckless hordes, you’ll discover what makes these creatures both hilarious and dangerous on the battlefield. All supplies are provided, space is limited, and things are bound to get a little out of control.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.