Dysfunctional Families

Join us for a relaxed, family friendly picnic at Fairfield Boathouse and Tea Gardens 🌿 This is a collaboration between NeuroSparks and Pawshare Club, bringing together people who value genuine connection, community, and time outdoors. Expect a casual, welcoming space to meet others, spend time with pets, and enjoy low pressure social connection by the river. Come solo, with family, as a carer, or with a pet. All ages are welcome 🐶 No structure, no pressure. Just good people, fresh air, and space to connect. **Date:** April 18 **Time:** 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM **Location:** Fairfield Park Boathouse and Tea Gardens 🎟️ **Free Event** No cost to attend. Just bring yourself. 🐕 **Guidelines** Dogs must remain on leash at all times Do not bring dogs with aggressive behaviour 🌧️ **Weather** If weather is poor, the event will be rescheduled and updated here ⚠️ **Liability** You attend at your own risk You are responsible for yourself and any pets you bring **Co Hosts** 🐾 Pawshare Club [https://pawshareclub.com](https://pawshareclub.com) ✨ NeuroSparks [https://www.meetup.com/neurodivergent-sparks/](https://www.meetup.com/neurodivergent-sparks/)

By popular demand, D is for Dumplings + Donuts! Now that we're in autumn and the weather is getting cooler, what's better than a plate of steaming hot dumplings to start with? **ITINERARY** 11.30am - Meet at JUICY BAO in Chinatown. That's the time it opens, so it's our best opportunity to find a big table to ourselves before the crowd arrives. I recommend that we order separately: the xiaolongbao (steamed pork dumplings with soup filling) is a popular choice - do watch out for the hot soup squirting if it's your first encounter! Preview the menu here: https://restaurantguru.com/Juicy-Bao-Melbourne/menu After lunch, we'll meander along Lt Bourke and Elizabeth St past St Francis Catholic Church and more restaurants to our second destination, SHORTSTOP COFFEE AND DONUTS. Around the corner from Shortstop is GUILDFORD LANE, a charming laneway some of us explored on a previous outing. It's one of my favourite hidden laneways in the CBD - less touristy than AC/DC but no less loved. You'll see what I mean. 1pm - SHORTSTOP COFFEE AND DONUTS Get your caffeine fix and enjoy choosing from the range of fancy flavours: https://www.short-stop.com.au/product-category/melbourne/ The event ends at 1.30pm. P.S. There is an organizer fee of $10 per person for this event. Feel free to pay in cash on the day or PayID me at 0403 413 056 (Serena Low). **GETTING THERE** The closest train station to Chinatown is Melbourne Central.

Join us for a relaxing time of folding together at the Ratio chocolate factory in Brunswick! Bring a fun origami project to fold and share, all while sipping on delectable hot chocolate! Standard origami paper will be provided. We just ask for a gold coin to help with group expenses.

## ☕🥐 **Brunch at Melissa’s – Because Toast is Better with Friends** 🥐☕ *Melbourne Women’s Over 50 Friendship Group – Northern Branch* Ladies, it’s time for our **monthly brunch at Melissa’s in Templestowe** — where the coffee is strong, the food is fabulous, and the conversation is *far more interesting than anything happening at home*. 😉 📅 **18th April** 🕚 **11:00 AM** 📍 Melissa’s, Templestowe Why you’ll love it: ☕ Coffee that actually works 🥗 Delicious Greek-inspired brunch (yes, olives count as a personality) 🍳 Eggs done properly — finally 😂 Laughter, gossip, and zero pressure to be anywhere else This is your official permission slip to: * ignore housework * abandon responsibilities * and sit around chatting like the interesting, intelligent women you are No rushing. No stress. Just a long, lazy brunch with women who *get it*. 👉 RSVP wisely — brunch spots disappear faster than hot toast with butter 😏

Fellas, Come along, grab a coffee, and connect with other dads who understand life after separation. Chat if you feel like it, and enjoy a good coffee. I’ll be sitting with my push bike helmet on the table — just come up, say hello, and grab a seat. Cheers, Paul

**What's going to happen?** There are 4 activities to choose from: **Connection Carousel** (structured conversations), a **Board Game Table**, a **Choose Your Own Adventure** hangout area, and a **Quiet Retreat Space**. Refer to the [detailed plan here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nVbe9zl_dzniTTEavz97LWCWiHfefDZZILYXjVxrAMs/edit?usp=sharing). **Where is it?** It's in the Sandringham Library event space, a short walk from Sandringham railway station. Refer to the [visual directions here to find it](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nVbe9zl_dzniTTEavz97LWCWiHfefDZZILYXjVxrAMs/edit?usp=sharing). **Who's it for?** Whether you have Adult ADD/ADHD, ADHD, Autism, or identify with any other neurodivergent traits, this event is a safe space for open discussions and support. Connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and learn from each other's unique perspectives on living with neurodivergence. Our goal is to foster a community where everyone feels accepted, understood, and empowered. Come spice up your neurodivergent journey with us!

Hello book lovers, Our book for April is *The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie* by Muriel Spark. Romantic, heroic, comic and tragic, unconventional schoolmistress Jean Brodie has become an iconic figure in post-war fiction. Her glamour, freethinking ideas and manipulative charm hold dangerous sway over her girls at the Marcia Blaine Academy - the ‘creme de la creme’ - who become the Brodie Set, introduced to a world of adult games they will never forget.

A favourite comedian and what I have heard to be a terrific show. Let's check it out on the last night of the Festival. You can buy your tickets via Meetup here, or direct online here: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/danielle-walker-bittersweet/ show blurb \-\-\-\-\- They say you can’t put lipstick on a pig. Well call the Guinness Book of Records, 'cause I did it and she’s a sexy little sow. This show is not about that, I just wanted to let you know that it can be done, and the results are absolutely stunning. You may have seen me on *Taskmaster*, *Gold Diggers*, *Thank God You’re Here* or a bunch of other shows if you are partial to free to air TV. I’ve also won some bigtime comedy awards if you care about that stuff. I’ve won Raw Comedy, Best Newcomer at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Pinder Prize and been nominated for Most Outstanding Show.

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.

Let’s get together for a relaxed Saturday brunch! This will be the very first event for our group. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, get out more, or just enjoy good conversation over brunch, this is the perfect place to start. We’ll be meeting at The Goat Gahanna for great food, drinks, and a welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere.

**Optional movie afterwards**

Join us as we get together for a Discount Tuesday / Choose Your Movie event to see your choice of two great new films! Option 1 (and the one I'll be seeing) is the top-reviewed comedy-drama, THE CHRISTOPHERS! The film is set in the art world and follows the estranged children of a former artist who hire a forger. It is directed by Steven Soderberg, stars Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel and has been earning rave reviews on the indie circuit. Option 2 is the latest action-thriller starring Bob Odenkirk, NORMAL! The film follows a temporary small-town sheriff who uncovers dark mysteries after a local bank robbery. Here are descriptions, trailers and our plan for this event: THE CHRISTOPHERS: The children of a once famous artist hire a forger to complete some unfinished, long ago abandoned canvases so they'll have a better inheritance when he dies. It is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning and James Corden. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film is earning an excellent 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it a “dynamic, emotional and surprising journey” and a “compelling chamber piece that works like intellectual comfort food.” Others call the film, an “incredibly funny, comedy drama with plot reversals that make it feel like it’s on the verge of a thriller!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H79-EqzmdwY&t=20s NORMAL: This action-crime-thriller follows a man who comes to the sleepy town of Normal, Minnesota to serve as the temporary sheriff. But a bank robbery leads him to a criminal underground reaches throughout the entire town. The film is directed by Ben Wheatley and stars Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler and Lena Headey. The film comes from the same team that brought us Nobody and the John Wick series, so expect an over-the-top, action-filled thrill ride! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmm-lM33Qw0&t=19s PLAN: Details for this event have been confirmed! For THE CHRISTOPHERS, please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:40 and 6:50pm! For NORMAL, please purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and meet in the upstairs lobby between 7:10 and 7:20pm! For both films, tickets just $5 ($6.50 after online fees when purchased on the GFC website). Advance purchase is advised. Once you have yours, please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event. 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! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Columbus City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.