Dysfunctional Families

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.

The Waterside has been transformed into a seven-level pub so let's check it out! We will be here at 6pm until as late as we want to be. Come along for relaxed socialising and making new friends in a change of scenery. 📍Location: Waterside Hotel, 508 Flinders Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 On the corner of King Street and Flinders Street Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. New people are always welcome. **How often do we have events? Weekly!** Join us at a different bar/pub each week to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend. Events are also on: Meet New People, Make Real Friends [https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/](https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/) Bartopia [https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/](https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/) Bartopia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/) Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/](https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/)

Come along a join us to play some board games and meet some cool people. If you don't like games, come along anyways haha. Its just a good excuse to meet new people and have fun.

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.**

Once a month Elni hosts our Port Phillip and Bayside socials. It’s a great opportunity to meet others. Our emphasis is on fun and enjoying each other’s company whilst supporting anyone who might need it. We each pay for our own food and drinks. This time, we’ll meet for dinner at Sons of Mary, a lovely place with a relaxed, elegant vibe. It’s a cosy spot with great service and a warm atmosphere — perfect for a friendly dinner and good conversations. We’d appreciate it if you could update your RSVP the day before so we can provide an exact headcount for the reservation. The table is booked under the name Elni. We hope to see you!

Family can be a source of deep joy, belonging and connection. It can also be a site of pain, grief, tension and complexity. Many of us carry experiences that are difficult to navigate or make sense of, especially on our own. This is a space and time where what you’re carrying can be gently held and supported through the creative process, conversation, and being witnessed alongside others on a similar journey. We will begin by arriving together, with a short guided meditation and introduction. We will then have some quiet time to explore through creative expression. This could look like making marks, painting, tearing, cutting, writing, moving or simply sitting. You are welcome to engage in any way that feels right and needed for you. Afterwards, we will open up the space for a guided conversation but sharing is optional- you can speak, ask questions, listen or just be present. Materials are provided but please feel free to bring your own. No creative experience or skill required at all. If you are facing financial hardship, please key in CONCESSION as a promo code for a discounted price of $25. If that is still difficult, please email me at [greenhouse.arttherapy@gmail.com.](http://greenhouse.arttherapy@gmail.com./) No one will be turned away. **Please also note:** * This is an art-therapy informed community-based support group, and is not intended to replace individual or group therapy, and is also not for emergency crisis support or intervention. * If you are comfortable with me taking photos of you and/or your artwork for learning and supervision purposes, and to offer others a sense of what the workshop is like, please let me know at the start of the session. Your participation would be greatly appreciated!

Join us for a discussion of two provocative and polarizing films by Harmony Korine: Gummo and Spring Breakers. Rather than watching the films together, this meetup is dedicated entirely to conversation—an open space to unpack Korine’s unique cinematic language, his fractured portrayal of American youth, and the uneasy line between beauty and decay that runs through his work. We’ll explore Gummo as a collage of post-tornado suburbia, where narrative dissolves into atmosphere and the grotesque becomes strangely intimate. Then we’ll turn to Spring Breakers, a hypnotic, neon-soaked fever dream that both seduces and critiques the mythology of pleasure, excess, and escape. Topics may include: • Non-linear storytelling and anti-narrative structure • The aesthetics of trash, surrealism, and documentary realism • Youth culture, alienation, and moral ambiguity • Repetition, sound, and image as emotional rhythm • Korine’s relationship to American myth-making Whether you admire, resist, or feel conflicted about these films, this is a space for thoughtful and critical dialogue. No prior expertise required—just bring your impressions, questions, and curiosity.

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

This is an all inclusive event to inform, support and help bring special needs families and the community together. Come and enjoy family and sensory friendly: games, activities, snacks, free stuff and more! Meets the 2nd Saturday of each month. Located at Village Chapel - 30 Circleville Avenue, Ashville, OH 43103.

Join us as we get together to see the BAFTA-winning British biographical dark-comedy/drama, I SWEAR! The film is based on the true-life story of a Scottish man diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at an early age. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPITON: This true-life story follows a Scottish man diagnosed with Tourette's at 15. Targeted as 'insane' by his peers, he struggled with a condition few had witnessed. In search of his life’s purpose, he began campaigning for better understanding and acceptance of the condition of Tourette's as an adult. The film is written/directed/produced by Kirk Jones and stars Robert Aramayo, Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson and Peter Mullan. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeWqQN3snCU BUZZ & ACCLAIM: I Swear currently has an incredible 100% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which says: “A deft balance of prickly and sweet that's bound together by Robert Aramayo's knockout performance, I Swear doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of Tourette syndrome while delivering an uplifting tale of resilience.” Others call it, “"funny, fierce and full of heart!” The film was released earlier in the UK making it eligible for this year’s BAFTA’s where it won Best Casting and Best Lead Actor for Robert Aramayo. The film and Robert Aramayo's performance will be eligible for next year’s Oscars! PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the bar area about 30 minutes before showtime! Once details are confirmed, advance ticket purchase is advised! Details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Should be a good one, Dan

It's official, submissions for "Resistance, Resilience, Utopia" are are on their way from being independent pieces to becoming the second volume of gINKgo. This year we are going to have a launch party at Birdie Books on May 15th from 6-8pm open to the whole community! Come on over and help us support the creators with food, drinks, art, writing, open mic, music, community activities and more.