First Time Home Buyers

**🌊 Ocean Promenade Walk – Brighton Beach to Fed Square via Beacon Cove** Saturday 21 February @ 10 a.m, please meet at 9.45 am \| 16 km of flirty fun\, fresh air\, and cheeky chats. Moderate to Difficult walk mainly because it's looooong! **_⚠️Read about optional train share from Flinders St to Brighton later_** Let’s take the scenic route to connection — join us for a playful oceanfront walk from Brighton Beach to Fed Square (Transport Bar) via Beacon Cove, with plenty of stops for snacks, chats, and cheeky banter along the way. This is Eat, Drink and Dance Melbourne in motion: flirty, social, and full of potential. Celebrate the end of the journey with drinks or food at Transport Bar @ Fed Square **+++Ensure you read the rules at the end before joining. Registering = agreeing to them+++** **👟 The Route** We’ll stroll the stunning 16 km ocean promenade, hugging the coastline from Brighton Beach to Fed Square (Transport Bar) via Beacon Cove and South Bank. Expect sea breezes, café pit stops, and plenty of chances to mingle. Whether you’re here for the views or the vibe, this walk is all about connection — with the ocean and each other. Feel free to exit at any point if the effort or heat becomes a tad too much. Public transport short cuts at St.Kilda and Port Melbourne. **🍽️ Food Stops & Flirty Pauses** We’ll pause at scenic cafés and food stops along the way — perfect for grabbing a coffee, sharing a snack, or sparking a conversation. At the end, we’ll celebrate with fish and chips at Beacon Cove, or hop a tram back to Transport Bar for a cheeky drink or meal around 3 p.m. **🚉 Two Ways to Join** **Option 1**: Meet us at Brighton Beach Train Station at 9.45 am, Departing at 10a.m (last train from Flinders St.) Meet us on the car park side of the platforms for city going trains where the ticket office and toilets are. * **Option 2: Train share** Meet near Transport Bar (Federation Square), on the south western corner alongside the princes bridge and walkway at 9 am to catch the 9:17 a.m. Well leave the corner about 9.10 am. Sandringham train together (35-minute ride). This isn’t just a walk — it’s a moving mixer. Come solo or bring a friend, but be ready to meet someone new, share a laugh, and maybe even spark a little post Valentine's Day chemistry. Please take water and snacks along with sunscreen. Having comfortable walking shoes and clothes is definitely a bonus. **⚠️ Group Rules & Event Etiquette ⚠️** These are basic, commonsense standards that keep events safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone. **👟 Fitness Requirements** Walking: 3–4 km/hr We walk at a relaxed pace. Please ensure you meet the fitness level for the event. If the group is forced to wait excessively, you may be asked to leave the event. **⛹️ Pace: Too Fast or Too Slow** Small social events rely on staying together. If you prefer a very different pace, consider going solo, joining a faster/slower group, or choosing events that match your fitness. **👩‍💼 Time Constraints** If you’re on a tight schedule, this may not be the right event. Social activities rarely run exactly on time. **⚠️ CRITICAL EXPECTATIONS ⚠️** **👻 No‑Shows** No‑shows block waitlisted people from attending and disrupt small-group events. - Remove yourself at least 24 hours before the event. - No‑shows will likely be removed and blocked from the group. - Last‑minute cancellations **(“flaking”)** may also result in group removal, especially when there is a waitlist. **👀 Attending Without Being on the Going List** This is a security issue. **Do NOT turn up unannounced**. If you’re not on the Going list and haven’t arranged it with the organiser beforehand, you will be asked to leave. Event check‑ins are performed. **⏰ Late Arrivals** If you’re late, the group will not wait. - You may be marked as a No‑Show and removed from the group. - It’s your responsibility to communicate and catch up—this may not be possible for some events. **🎲 Second Chances** If something goes wrong, communicate with the organiser. Silence + poor behaviour = removal. Communication + accountability = second chances. As the organiser is busy organising this may be impossible during the event. **🚩Disclaimer: No Liability & Organiser Indemnity By participating in this event, you acknowledge and accept full personal responsibility for your own safety, wellbeing, and belongings. The organiser assumes no liability for injury, loss, or damage incurred during the activity. Participation is entirely at your own risk.**

Get ready to embark on a journey to undisclosed locations. We will be hiring a 24-seater bus with a driver for this adventure. This is our 5th surprise trip. We're setting off to explore locations we have not been as part of the group over the last 9 years. But here's the twist: the full itinerary stays under wraps until you're seated on the bus. If you are a youtuber or content creator, please message me before signing up. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please get your ticket via Trybooking ($99 - Lucky Bird, $109 - Early Bird, $119 - Regular) - [https://www.trybooking.com/DJMUM](https://www.trybooking.com/DJMUM) Payments are managed through Trybooking and not Meetup. You will see an **"Unpaid"** status on your RSVP. The only thing you need is the Trybooking ticket which you will receive by email. I will manually update the meetup payment status closer to the event date if the names on Trybooking and Meetup are the same. Trybooking payments are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking payments will be refunded only if the event is cancelled or moved to a new date. **Meeting Point:** Let's meet in Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone (Corner of Russell and Flinders Street) at 9 AM. Please don't be late. We should be back to city around 9 pm. **[Google Map Link](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Federation+Square+Bus+%26+Coach+Pickup+Drop-off+Zone/@-37.8174106,144.9702863,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x9629c0ef7d056ab5?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiExo-b6taDAxVWslYBHbHtA2sQ_BJ6BAhYEAA)** Walking distance is flexible. Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) This is a rain-or-shine event. Please carry takeaway lunch, water, and snacks. We will make a stop on the way if you want to pick takeaway lunch. Cost: $99 - Lucky Bird $109 - Early Bird $119 - Regular Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia with more than 44,000 members. We know these group rules won’t suit everybody, and that’s okay—there are many other groups where you might feel more at home. To keep things safe, fun, and positive, we have 8 simple rules for people attending our events. Over the past 9 years, we’ve removed 342 people (around 0.8%) for breaking them—so please read carefully! ❌ Not a dating group – We’re here to make friends and share experiences, not find soulmates. 📵 No phone numbers – You’re welcome to swap social media if you both agree, but please don’t share or ask for phone numbers. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups. 🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older. 📢 No advertising – Please don’t promote other events, groups, or businesses here. 😅 Don’t be clingy – Give people space to mingle and chat with others too. 🚗 No carpooling – For safety reasons and insurance coverage, we don’t allow carpooling or ride-sharing through the group. 💰 No sales pitches – That means no selling, MLMs, pyramid schemes, or “life-changing mentorships.” Keep it scam-free. By joining an event, you agree to follow these rules. Breaking them means removal from all our groups—no exceptions. Thank you! **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 safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to the liability waiver mentioned here: [https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

Want to try something different? Get some exercise with good company, maybe challenge yourself in a team environment? Come paddle with us! Join us - **Southern Storm Paddle Club** - for a Saturday morning session to give Dragon Boating a go! **Introduction session** We host an introduction session regularly on Saturday mornings — 8.30 to 10.30.am at 912 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008. For the first part of the session, we will provide you a safety briefing and some demonstrations on basic paddling technique. Then you will join our club for their regular \*on water\* training session. There will be a small coffee catch up after the session at the nearby café. Once you complete the introduction session, you can join us on regular weekday trainings and ***paddle for free for 30 days*** (with a valid Dragon pass - free to register). **To join us**, simply RSVP to the event on Meetup and email/message your contact details (email or phone number) to our host if this is your first time attending the session. We will provide a PFD (life jacket) and paddle. We recommend you bring a drink bottle, sun protection and clothes for change as you may get wet in the boat. There are shower facilities and lockers at the boat hub. More specifics will be provided to you the day before the event! **Can't make it** on Saturday session? We also train on Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6pm. Contact us and see what we can arrange. **Southern Storm Paddle Club** trains all year around in Docklands, weather permitting. (Rain is not an issue!) If you have any questions, please get in touch with us on Facebook, meetup or email on [southernstormpaddleclub@gmail.com](mailto:southernstormpaddleclub@gmail.com) Follow the team on Social Media @ [http://www.southernstorm.com.au](http://www.southernstorm.com.au) [https://www.instagram.com/southernstormpc/ ](https://www.instagram.com/southernstormpc/)[https://www.facebook.com/southernstormpaddleclub/](https://www.facebook.com/southernstormpaddleclub/)

Instagram: @findyourtribemelb Take a pause from the hustle and join us for **The Monthly Reset** \- a space for **driven and ambitious people** to reflect on the past month, set fresh goals, and connect with other growth-minded individuals. This months theme is all about **alignment.** There’s something powerful about sharing your reflections and intentions with other growth-minded individuals. When you're surrounded by people who value progress, purpose, and self-awareness, it creates a natural sounding board for ideas, clarity, and encouragement. These kinds of conversations can help you see things differently, feel more supported, and stay aligned with the goals that truly matter to you. 🌿**MEETING POINT** Let's meet outside Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre at 9.00am. Anyone who would like to grab a coffee can do so, then at 9.15am, we'll take a walk around the Tan. 🤝**CONNECTION ACTIVITY** During the walk, you’ll be invited to participate in structured conversations with different partners as we rotate every 15ish minutes. We’ll provide reflection prompts to guide your discussions. This month we will take the time to set and share intentions for 2026 together. This is a space to connect authentically, think intentionally, and feel supported by others who care about growth and alignment - both professionally and personally. 👋**NEW HERE?** Welcome! Find Your Tribe Melbourne is a community mostly around 25-40 who are passionate about connection, purpose, and personal development. We’re open-minded, respectful, and always excited to welcome new faces. Whether you come solo or with a friend, we’ll make sure you feel included and supported. Pushing outside your comfort zone can be tough—but it's where growth and friendship begin. 🌱 If you have any questions or just want to say hi before the event, feel free to message me! ⚠️**LIABILITY DISCLAIMER** By attending this event, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and are responsible for your own health, safety, and well-being during the walk and any related activities. *Find Your Tribe Melbourne* and its hosts are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur. Please take care, be mindful of your surroundings, and participate within your own comfort level. **PHOTO AND VIDEO DISCLAIMER** Please note that photos and videos will be taken throughout the event and may be used on our social media channels or other platforms. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, kindly inform one of the hosts at the beginning of the event. Instagram: @findyourtribemelb

**🔥 MELBOURNE'S NO.1 BAR CRAWL! 🔥** Want an epic night out for just **$20**? Here’s what you need to do: 1\. Click "**Attending**" on the Meetup event 2\. Pre\-book your ticket at [ontherocksbarcrawl.com](ontherocksbarcrawl.com/melbourne/book-now) – Use promo code “**MEETUP26**” on an '**Online Saver**' ticket for $10 off your ticket price! 3\. ARRIVE **BEFORE 18:30** (strict cutoff – no exceptions!) ⏳ Miss any of these steps? It’s **more expensive** on the door! If you're late, your discounted ticket won’t be valid. **WHATS INCLUDED?** 🍹 **3** **Free Shots** 🍸 **1 Free Drink at the last venue** 🚀 **VIP** fast-track entry to **4 top** **venues** 🕺 **Free** pass to the best **nightclubs** at the end of the night 👫 Fun games and friendly guides throughout the night We’re officially TripAdvisor’s #1 nightlife experience in Brighton (UK), Barcelona, and now Melbourne! **ARRIVAL INFORMATION:** 📍 Wax Music Lounge, 250 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia 🕢 Arrive BEFORE start time (18:30) **💡 IMPORTANT INFO:** 🔞 18+ only – bring a valid Driving Licence or Passport (other IDs may not be accepted) 💬 Contact +61 436 399 434 if you have any issues! 🚫 Due to previous negative experiences, we do not allow stag/hen dos or same-sex groups of 9+ on our public crawls. (Private bookings available – email enquiries to info@ontherocksbarcrawl.com) **🔥 DON’T MISS OUT – BOOK YOUR $20 TICKET [HERE](ontherocksbarcrawl.com/melbourne/book-now) NOW! 🎉**

This year's Lunar New Year starts on 17 February. So in honour of the Year of the Horse and having listened to your suggestions for the letter B, we're going to Box Hill. **ITINERARY (TBC)** 11am - Meet at the entrance of Box Hill Train Station. This is the plan: * Visit Fo Guang Shan Box Hill Temple * Yumcha for lunch (or equivalent Asian food) * See a lion dance together (if there's one when we're there) * Visit an Asian supermarket. In short, we're going to wander around and soak up the Lunar New Year ambience, Box Hill style. P.S. There's an organizer fee of $10 for this event. You can PayID me at 0403 413 056 (Serena Low). **Note:** I am capping the group at 9 persons to fit a round table in a Chinese restaurant and because yumcha servings typically come in threes. If you are no longer able to attend, please update your status to Not Going.

We will meet at the starting point. Take a round trip to St. Kilda Botanical Garden, hang for a coffee/ bite in between, then loop back to the start. If you don’t feel like coffee/bite, you are welcome to just join us for a walk. Take it slow and start from there. Come join us for a chilaxing catchup! **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30mins in advance. We will wait up to 15mins before heading off. Once we start, we won't be able to keep track with messages. **\-\-\- RSVP/ Change of Plan \-\-\-** If you change your plan or decide not to attend. Please update your RSVP, so others can attend. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos to Friends….Expand Your Social Circle Meetup group is a community of individuals who prefer to take it slow to get to know people over time in Melbourne. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, chilling, culture exchanging, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **\-\-\- WhatsApp Group \-\-\-** We use WhatsApp for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the WhatsApp Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * taking advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.

Walk/Tour - Yarra River Heritage, & Melbourne History. Plus Lunar New Performance @Crown, +[Optional\*] Chinatown Festival Walk alongside the Yarra River, learn about the 1830s-1880s anglo-european settlement of Melbourne, discover some riverside heritage places & enjoy views. Meet at Outdoor tables @Cups & Cones, Southgate Shopping Centre, Southbank; alongside the Southbank riverside promenade. We'll depart 3:30 Sharp & walk quickly to Crown, for 4pm LNY Performance. *May do only that; depends on weather/rain.* If lose me/us walking to Crown, or at/& ***to Re-Group at Crown:*** *Meet in Upper Foyer* @Crown main Atrium (towards Queensbridge St); *at top left of the big marble staircase in the Atrium.* Though the walking pace is casual, it will be a 4-5km walk, & a full afternoon & early evening, learning a bit re Melbourne heritage places, Yarra River heritage, & more. We will be stopping a number of times to learn of Melbourne history, & will visit a few heritage places. ***Please note: event*** *is **Tour-ish.** It's not a full tour, just to show/explain some things of interest. It's also not just a walk as will stop several times.* Route, & Listed Locations/Points of Interest, below, may change on day. From Crown/After the CNY performance This will be a walk along north side of river & along parts of South Wharf & Southbank riverside precinct, where we can stop briefly at a pop up cafe along the riverside promenade, right next to the river. \*From the river, we will walk via Heritage listed Arcades, to Chinatown/Little Bourke St/Russell St areas & enjoy the festivities\*. \*\**Dependant on weather*: Clear till about 5pm then chance of light rain between 5-7pm. Probable heavier rain & thunderstorm from approx 7pm (after the Meetup). 26C@5pm; 22C at7pm with probable rain. During our Walk - *some of below may be included, not all* \- as replacing with some LNY events & locations: Walk over the Sandridge Pedestrian bridge, with sculptures & panels dedicated to everyone who came to Melbourne in past many decades. Learn of the first train line (1854) in Melbourne (& first in Australia). See where sailing & steam ships used to dock in the Yarra River, before the Spencer St bridge was built. Learn where the first ships & the first european immigrants landed when they came up the Yarra River. Find out why a row of old buildings was called Banana Alley Learn a few things about Melbourne generally, such as the Hoddle Grid (Melb's CBD street's layout). There will be also some 'modern' places included in the walk/tour. Stop to take photos of some of the best views in Melbourne. Past Spencer St, walk on the Jim Stynes & Seafarers pedestrian bridges & have a look at North Wharf before that area is closed for a redevelopment Also go into Seafarers House which is not much different to as it was in the early 1900s. We will take a 10-15 minute break during the walk for a cold drink, takeway food but NO cafe break this time. But time @Little Bourke CNY We will finish walk at a cafe or eatery; or at something cool - literally. Please do not attend this event if unwell, have cold or flu like or covid symptoms. Bring mask if prefer to wear in crowded indoor places or outdoor ones. Remember to: -take care when crossing roads without signals/crossings, or obey walk/don't walk signals -keep to left side on paths (many are shared with bikes) -Bring water/drink bottle, hat or cap, jacket, sunscreen or umbrella, etc; -wear suitable clothing and footwear, -act appropriately in/to your surroundings. Disclaimer: The organizers of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss or accidents by participants on this activity. This meetup will be combined with a Multinationals group, & Daytime Events group

**Only ticket holders purchased prior to the event time will be accepted. Get your ticket now so that you don't miss out on the day.** **Singles Dating Walk – The Tan track walking circuit around the Botanical Gardens.** Tickets here! [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981511576466?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981511576466?aff=oddtdtcreator) If you are lost, please message Kris at 0422467134 We will meet at 11:00 am and depart at 11:15am, so please try to arrive at 10:45 am to make sure that you don't miss us. This is a ticketed event. Tickets are purchased through Eventbrite. It is necessary for this to be a paid event as it assures us of the numbers that are attending and also helps you commit to attending as well. If you get in early $9 Early bird tickets are available. **Don't miss out!** Tickets will be monitored and released according to demand and guided to maintain gender balance. Step into nature and open your heart to new possibilities. Our *Singles Dating Walk* offers a refreshing way to meet like-minded people while strolling along the beautiful Tan track walking circuit. Throughout the walk, you’ll be gently guided to connect with someone new every so often, creating opportunities to meet a variety of potential matches in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. To make conversations flow with ease, we’ll provide thoughtful dating questions designed to inspire connection and meaningful dialogue. This event is ideal for singles who are ready to move beyond apps and experience the magic of face-to-face chemistry in a natural, uplifting setting. By the end of the walk, you’ll have shared genuine moments, discovered new connections, and perhaps even taken the first steps toward something special.

**Single? 💔** **Over Dating Apps?** **Instantly Get The Dates!** **Meet Someone Today** ❤ . . **CLICK THIS LINK TO BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW** 👇 [https://speeddatingsocial.au/speed-dating-melbourne/event-34-47yrs-21-feb-2026/](https://speeddatingsocial.au/speed-dating-melbourne/event-34-47yrs-21-feb-2026/) . . **All Your Friends in Relationships?** Finding It Hard To Meet Someone? Are you better at talking in person? . . **Get 12 Fun Dates in 1 Night** Let's Get Out & Meet New People And find someone to share your life ♥ . . **Simply Turn Up and,** **Let me break the ice for you** 🧊 So you can easily chat one on one Or use conversation cards if needed . . **Ladies Sit & Men Rotate** Be Greeted by Friendly Hosts And Introduced To Each Date Most come alone, or invite friends . . **Click below to Book now (limited places)** 👇 [https://speeddatingsocial.au/speed-dating-melbourne/event-34-47yrs-21-feb-2026/](https://speeddatingsocial.au/speed-dating-melbourne/event-34-47yrs-21-feb-2026/) . . **That's 12 Fun Mini Dates** 😃 Enjoy your privacy, I booked us the bar And there's plenty of extra mingle time . . **Select Whoever You Like** Anonymously Tick Anyone You Fancy So there's no fear of rejection 94% get matches the next day ✅ . . **With Equally Booked Ratios 50:50** (I advertise everywhere not just on Meetup) 30-40 attendees at each event! Most book early, so don't miss out . . **Click the link to secure your spot now** 👇 [https://speeddatingsocial.au/speed-dating-melbourne/event-34-47yrs-21-feb-2026/](https://speeddatingsocial.au/speed-dating-melbourne/event-34-47yrs-21-feb-2026/) . . **Speed Dating Age Range 34-47yrs** **(+/- 2 years is okay)** 🥂 Bar opens at 5pm Saturday 21st Feb at Diesel Bar ❤ That's 2hrs of fun chats and time to mingle afterwards . . **STILL UNSURE?** **I Get It,** But what have you got to lose? . . **Why Not Take A Chance?** The only way is to try Every night you'll meet 15 singles Eventually you will find someone ♥ . . **And If It's Your First Time** We're all in the same boat ⛵ Just turn up, I'll find you a seat Every 5mins I rotate everyone . . **You Simply Enjoy Fun Chats** Many have already found love Tick 'yes' whenever you like someone And get your matches the next day ♥ . . **It Builds Your Social Circle** Even if you're new to the game, You'll get better at meeting people . . **Whatever You're Looking For** They're only one 5min chat away Book now and find your someone today . . **There's Limited Places,** So I'd Book Now, With only room for 20 guys and 20 ladies . . **View all Speed Dating Events on my Website** 👇 20s, over 30s, 40s, 50s & 60s singles events [https://speeddatingsocial.au/speed-dating-melbourne/](https://speeddatingsocial.au/speed-dating-melbourne/)

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **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!

This is not just a money class. This is a restoration space. The I AM Worthy of Ownership™ Path is a 12-step, sister-centered journey for women who are ready to build financial stability without shame, fear, or pressure—and to do it in a way that honors both wisdom and the spirit. Many women don’t struggle with money because they lack discipline or intelligence. They struggle because of unhealed experiences, survival patterns, and the quiet belief that they are “behind” or “disqualified.” This series gently challenges those beliefs while offering practical tools for peace, clarity, and long-term planning. Together, we will talk honestly about: Releasing shame and money anxiety Building stability as a form of self-respect and spiritual discipline Understanding money as a tool, not a source of worth Managing debt with clarity instead of condemnation Preparing for life’s unexpected moments without fear Laying a calm foundation for future ownership and legacy Each session blends practical financial education with reflection, conversation, and encouragement. There is no pressure to share personal numbers or experiences. You are welcome to speak, journal quietly, or simply listen. This is not about hustle. This is not about perfection. This is about alignment, wisdom, and peace. Who this series is for: Women who are starting over or rebuilding Women who want stability without stress Women preparing for future ownership or housing decisions Women who want their financial lives to reflect wholeness, not fear No prior financial knowledge is required. Come as you are. Bring a notebook. Leave a little lighter than you arrived. Light refreshments will be served along with 30 minutes of networking.

# **Band: Old Possum's Menagerie; Caller: Richard Ades** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** 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 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. 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. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

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

**Hello Columbus!** **The community is buzzing and growing well.** **We are thrilled to bring our third BrowserStack QA Meetup on March 12th!** We are creating a space for deeper insights, meaningful connections, and a vibe you won't want to miss. **What to expect:** * **Connect:** Network with Columbus' top engineering and QA minds. * **Learn:** Real-world tactics and trends you can use immediately. * **Enjoy:** Food, drinks, and great community spirit. **Agenda** * **[Sam Gomez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/samueljgomez/)** is presenting "AI is more than LLMs: Choosing the right AI for your needs." **RSVP Essential:** Space is limited, and we want to ensure a great experience for everyone. **RSVP now to secure your spot!** 📍 **Venue:** Leading EDJE, 6515 Longshore Loop, Suite 300, Dublin, OH 43017 📍 **Free Parking:** 6725 Longshore Street, Dublin, OH 43017 📅 **Date & Time:** March 12, 6:00 PM **Stay Connected!** Want to continue the conversation beyond the meetup? Join our **BrowserStack Discord Server** to get updates, connect with fellow QA professionals, and be part of an ongoing discussion. **Don’t miss out—click below to join!** 🔗 [\[](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW)**[Join the BrowserStack Discord Server](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW)**[\]](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW) **A Few Notes:** ✅ This is an **in-person event** ✅ **RSVP does not guarantee a seat** – A confirmation email will be sent one day before the event. **TALK ABSTRACT:** AI is all the hype these days; however, despite (or maybe because of) the excitement around it, a high percentage of AI projects fail. Projects that are over budget, delayed, or that fail to scale past the POC phase are very common. In many of these scenarios, choosing the right approach can be as critical as the solution itself. Should you build a tailored machine learning model, leverage the power of large language models (LLMs), or integrate with AI copilots? Each option has unique strengths, trade-offs, and resource requirements, and the key to success lies in aligning your choice with your business goals and technical constraints. In this talk, we will go beyond the basic concepts and definitions to provide a practical guide that allows attendees to navigate these decisions through real-world case studies. We will examine scenarios in which different AI paradigms were chosen, discuss the factors that influenced those decisions, and outline the process for evaluating needs, constraints, and outcomes. From assessing data availability and team expertise to balancing cost and scalability, you'll gain insights into the critical considerations that guide the selection process. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear process for determining whether machine learning, LLMs, or copilots are best suited to your AI challenges and understand the resources and strategies needed to bring your chosen solution to life. This talk is ideal for decision-makers, technical leads, and innovators seeking to demystify AI implementation and maximize the impact of their investments.

#### Turning Rentals Into Income: How Investors Pay Off Properties Faster #### **Featuring Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** #### A lot of people get into real estate because they want freedom. Then they buy a rental…and realize most of the rent goes straight to the bank. They technically own property, but the mortgage controls the income. And waiting 30 years for properties to be paid off doesn’t feel realistic. This meetup is about understanding a different way to think about rental properties… one that focuses on paying them off sooner so the income is actually usable. **Featured Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** We’re excited to welcome John Blackburn as our guest speaker for this event. John has been actively investing in real estate since 2006 and has: * Been involved in **5,000+ real estate transactions** * Helped investors **acquire over $150 million in rental property** * **Raised more than $100 million** in private capital John didn’t start with family money or shortcuts. He built his portfolio by focusing on clear systems, real numbers, and long-term strategy. For this meetup, John will walk through how investors shift their focus from simply owning rentals to building properties that eventually pay them…without a mortgage attached. **What You’ll Learn** John will break down, in simple terms: * Why most rental properties don’t produce much usable income early on * Why buying more rentals isn’t always the answer * How investors structure their properties to pay off mortgages in a fraction of the time * How properties can work together to eliminate debt faster * What changes once rentals become free and clear This approach is often referred to as an accelerated paydown strategy — using rental income intentionally to reduce debt sooner, rather than waiting decades for mortgages to run their course. John will also share a simple calculator you can use to see how this works with real numbers and realistic scenarios. **The Core Idea** When a rental has a mortgage, the rent has one job: **pay the bank.** When a rental is paid off, the rent has a different job: **pay you.** Most people only see one timeline…30 years. This session shows how investors shorten that timeline and gradually increase their income as properties become free and clear. **Who This Event Is For** This event is for people who want more than just “owning rentals” on paper. * Rental owners who are tired of most of the rent going to the bank and want a clearer path to real, usable income * New investors who want to understand how rental properties actually build wealth over time before jumping in * People with capital who want to invest in real estate with intention and a long-term plan * Anyone serious about freedom and curious how rental properties transition from debt-heavy assets into income-producing ones **Event Details** **Location:** Ohio Brewing Company - 421 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 **Date & Time:** January 25th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** If you’ve ever wondered how rental properties actually turn into freedom —this is the room to be in.