Right to Bear Arms

My favourite hike through the urban wilderness. This is where singles and socialites slip into easy banter and deliciously aimless chatter. Meander, mingle, and flirt your way along Melbourne’s most charming inner‑city adventure walk—a playground for slow strides, quick chemistry, and whatever your heart feels like discovering 🥰 ****### Before considering going on this event make sure you read the group rules section at the end ###**** Join Eat Drink Dance Melbourne for a cheeky Australia Day social stroll that blends Melbourne’s best coffee, off-trail adventure, and optional refreshment into one glorious afternoon! My pick for apres "ski" entertainment and snacks is the Johnny Green rooftop bar atop the King and Godfrey building opposite Brunetti on Lygon St, but this will probably be busy so Brunetti is a safer bet. **🕜 Start Time: 10:00 AM Sharp**. 📍 Meeting Point: Brunetti Carlton, outdoor seating area. Get there early to grab a coffee. **Please arrive at 9.45 AM**, I won't wait for stragglers. **👟 Distance**: \~15km loop, relaxed pace, about 3 to 4km/hr. **🍺 Mid point**. Sydney Road. My favourite hipster cafe, Green Refectory, to recharge batteries with a great sponge cake, sit down or smoothie/coffee **🍕 End point**. Back at Lygon St. Brunetti, Options for Pizza/Gelati , vegan pub or Johnny Green rooftop bar. We’ll kick off with optional pre-walk coffees at Brunetti, get there early, Carlton's legendary upmarket coffee haunt with arguably the classiest brew in Melbourne. Then we’ll begin our long scenic ramble. Expect a playful, off-trail wander through the secret back lots of Royal Park Golf Course, past the Melbourne Zoo and the Netball centre and then through the lushest corners of Royal Park via the Royal Children's Hospital and their award winning kids (really a big adults) playground and some of the best views of the inner Melbourne skyline from the north. We’ll loop around Princes Hill running track, swing by the Carlton Football Ground, and return via leafy laneways to Lygon St for a well-earned refreshment—coffee, pint, or cocktail, your call. This is a social primer for your Australia Day arvo: meet new faces, stretch your legs, and share stories over drinks. Whether you're caffeinated, curious, or just craving connection, a single looking for a bit of company, this walk is your gateway to good vibes and spontaneous plans. 🎒 Bring water, comfy shoes preferably runners or hiking shoes, and your best banter. 🌦️ Weather permitting – check the forecast and dress accordingly. 💃 Optional: kick on with fellow walkers for beer, gelato, conversations, movies or dinner **Notes:** Look for a tall bloke, this is the host! Instructions on the day in the comments Bring your happy and friendly self, it'll be a relaxed walk Not a dawdle and not a run.Some of the route is along rough tracks and grass, other parts on well formed tracks or pavement . You'll be pleasantly surprised by this little adventure so close to the city. About a 4+ hour walk including civilised stopovers, we'll have short rests along the way. Feel free to enter and exit at any point, **Group Rules and Event Etiquette** **Fitness Requirements**: **Walking:** 3 to 4km/hr and 200m vertically in an hour. We usually go faster, but this is a minimum. Be mindful that if you don't have reasonable fitness, its not fair on the group to wait extended periods for you. I may ask you to exit the event if this is the case. **People who are very fast or very slow or prefer being by themselves** As a group activity I can't manage the group if it splits up, please consider going by yourself or joining a fast walkers/riders group or meeting minimum fitness requirements. **If people have time constraints** Best to give yourself some wiggle room, Things rarely go to time due to various factors especially in big groups. **+++VERY IMPORTANT+++** **People who do a No Show**. This is unfortunately too common for small group events, there may be people in a waitlist wanting to come on the event and is very inconsiderate. Remove yourself from the going list at least 24 hours before the event to give people on the waitlist an opportunity. **If you do a No Show you will be removed and blocked from the group**. If you remove yourself from the event an hour or two before the event (flaking) you may also be blocked and removed from the group, this is also unfair to people on the waitlist. Please communicate with me if you do not want to be blocked and removed from the group. **People who turn up without registering** This is a major security concern, **DO NOT DO THIS**.You will be asked to leave the event unless you have made arrangements with the organiser **PRIOR** to the event. **People who are late** You will be left behind and or removed and blocked from the group as a No Show. It is your responsibility to communicate with me if you think you will be late. It is up to you to catch up, usually this may not be possible.

For many First Nations People Jan 26th is a day of mourning. I am Aboriginal and will be attending this Mourning Ceremony, feel free to join me. 🖤💛❤️ — 🎟️ This event is free but requires a ticket, the link is below. — ✏️ Bring your sketchbook along if you feel like sketching. I will bring mine. — ☕️ Drinks will be available but they request you bring your own reusable cup. ——————————————————— Join Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson for the January 26th Mourning Ceremony: Healing, Resilience and Survival. January 26th is a day of grief for many First Peoples, as it marks the beginning of dispossession and ongoing impacts of colonisation. In 2017, Merri-bek City Council chose to no longer refer to January 26th as Australia Day and supports calls for a new day that brings people together. This ceremony is a time to reflect on resilience and survival, to listen and learn, and to stand together for truth-telling, justice and Treaty. Light refreshments will be provided at 9am. ——————
This event is proudly presented by Merri-bek City Council on the unceded land of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples. Merri-bek pays our respect to Elders past, present and acknowledges that sovereignty was never ceded. ———— This event is free but requires a ticket via this link - https://events.humanitix.com/26-january-2026-merri-bek-city-council-mourning-ceremony/tickets?utm_content=linkstream_stream&utm_source=storystream&fbclid=PAVERFWAPeWdBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafC0_xxH7gkNOfci-16kOKycRa7JvXrXWOn3bkf16yzGJfcC1B7lsM0QFtRkA_aem_XqemOFMXOv2OjTo63R8Uuw

[blob:https://www.facebook.com/6dd3fbc2-2357-4495-badb-75055a562729]() Come along to Iddy Biddy Bar in St Kilda for Australia Day Eve Karaoke and dinner (both optional.) Tables booked under Andrew Goodwin (ph: 0424453134) at 6pm for dinner. Here is a copy of the menu. [https://www.iddybiddy.com.au/food-menu.html](https://www.iddybiddy.com.au/food-menu.html) [https://www.iddybiddy.com.au/drinks-menu.html](https://www.iddybiddy.com.au/drinks-menu.html) Then Straya Day Mate Karaoke from 7pm. So singing is totally optional and you can sing as many, IF ANY, songs that you like and watching on all night is totally fine too. Event cohosted by Martin Carr. So plenty of parking around the general area and getting the tram up from Balaclava Station to the corner of Carlisle Street and Barkly Street or catching the 96 tram near here or buses up Barkly Street probably the best ways to get here via public transport. PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS ON MULTIPLE GROUPS.

This is an easy walk, duration 1 hour return.We will walk to either Ricketts Point, or to Red Bluff near Half Moon Bay

For everyone that stayed in Melbourne for Australia Day the long weekend, come along for a last minute early morning walk to make the most of the nice weather before the heatwave returns! Very last minute, but I'm going regardless of numbers, even if it's just myself. Meet at 8:20am for an 8:30am start. The distance is approximately 10km and we will walk at a moderate pace so we can get this done and you can have the rest of the day to relax and feel good having gotten up early and done something active. I'll be aiming for an average of 6 km/h (10 min/km) but will adjust to suit. After we reach Kerferd Pier, we turn around and may stop at any cafe's that may be open. The trail is easy. Just follow the Bay Trail along the bay. Keep the water on your left on the way out and keep the water on your right on the way back. You can exit and turn around at any time. **If you wish to exit the walk, you must message me or catch up and tell me so that we don't continue to wait or look for you.** **What to bring:** * Water bottle * Appropriate clothing if it's windy or possibility of rain (we've done this walk in a thunderstorm before, got great photos). **MEETING LOCATION** Meet at the Point Ormond Lookout. The big white tower on the hill. https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZXAhnPLGmBUzyPcp9 **LIABILITY WAVER** The organiser of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury or accidents 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.

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your lamp, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Join us for a hands-on workshop where families can learn the art of creating beautiful Turkish lamps together. This unique and engaging class will guide parents and kids through crafting intricate and colorful lamps. No prior experience is required, as our expert instructors will provide step-by-step instructions on design, assembly, and decorating techniques. This workshop is perfect for families and friends to bond, unleash their creativity, and take home a stunning handmade craft that can brighten any room. Come discover Turkish lamp-making's magic with your little ones in a fun and supportive environment. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you'll lose track of time and end up with a beautiful lamp to take home!

Looking to get outside, clear your head, and connect with good people? Join us for a relaxed walk around the promenade of Port Melbourne during the golden hour. The route will start at the meeting point and heading towards St. Kilda. After 40m aprox we will turn around and back to the meeting point. This is a casual meetup, no pressure. Just a friendly stroll, good conversation, and a reason to step away from screens and into the fresh air. Whether you’re new in town, working from home, or just want a social reason to walk, you’re very welcome. Come as you are. Comfy shoes, water bottle, and curiosity are all you need. **Optional:** After the walk, some of us might grab a coffee nearby — feel free to join if you’re up for it!

* Have fun and meet friendly people at our regular contra dances! Every second Saturday evening (except March, June, Nov) and fourth Sunday evening (except Dec) of each month in 2026, often with live music. Contra dance has some similarities to bush dance and square dance. It is very popular in the USA, Canada and London. The dances consist of interesting patterns, walked to upbeat music. For a good description, look at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance. A good example can be viewed at [http //dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163](http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163-heartbeat-contra) * All dances are called. Singles and couples are all very welcome. The cost is $12 ($6 for students). If no live music, then the cost is $8 ($4 for students). Cash or PayID is preferred. * No experience needed. If first time, please attend for free instruction before the dance from 7.15 – 7.45 pm. * **Uniting Church Hall, 72 Highfield Rd, Canterbury** * You might also like to eat beforehand at Bao & Bun Vietnamese restaurant 770 Riversdale Rd at about 6 pm. Just roll up.

There will be a cap of 18 players, allowing 3 teams of 6. Games will be played to 15 points.
 These games are intended to be played at an intermediate to advanced level. 
$8 per person if you wouldn't mind! 😁🙏 
Account name: Tam Nguyen
BSB: 067873
Account number: 12770014
Or
PayID: 0481463419 *Make sure to attach YOUR name!* RSVP opens each Sunday at 10:30pm Only those on the “going” list can play. See you on the court! ***** Disclaimer: By attending this session, you acknowledge that you are participating at your own risk. The organisers are not liable for any injuries, accidents, or personal loss that may occur during the session. Please play responsibly and look out for each other. 🙏

Join us Saturday, 1/31 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for an evening at The Cozy at Portia’s Café. Come learn about this local, grassroots animal rights organization and our current campaigns. Whether you want to do more for animals or simply meet other activists and vegans, this is the place for you. Bring your friends — all animal lovers are welcome. Enjoy games, socializing, and meaningful connections with fellow vegans and animal advocates. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Feel free to purchase food from Portia’s if you’d like — it’s completely optional. Location: Portia’s Café 3083 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43202 The Cozy is located right next door.

🎉 You’re Invited! 🍩 Join Columbus Vegan Meetup for a fun community gathering at Monster Baby Donuts, a vegan, peanut & gluten-free, local family-owned business that just opened their new storefront! They started as a beloved food truck, and now they have a permanent location. 📍 700 Bryden Rd, Columbus, OH 43205 🗓 Saturday, January 31 ⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Come enjoy amazing donuts, meet other vegans, and help grow our community with people who share your values. It’s a great opportunity to connect, support a local vegan business, and have a good time. 🥪🥗 The shop also has ready-to-go sandwiches and salads. 🚗 Ample parking in the back. Everyone is welcome — see you there! 🌱💚

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

**\*\*\* We've Moved! Bold Penguin - 6555 Longshore St, Dublin, OH 43017 \*\*\*** Please note that the Jan meeting is moved to the following week because of the MLK Holiday (instead of the 3rd Monday of the month) **AGENDA:** * Doors open at 5:30, feel free to come and hang out before! * Official start of the meeting is at 6:30pm * After the meeting is done, we will go hang out at a nearby space in Bridge Park! If you can, please sign up via meetup by noon the day of the meeting so we can have an estimate headcount for food :) We always order extra, so feel free to join us even if you don't get signed up! Thank you to Bold Penguin for providing the location! **Parking & Arrival:** **Parking:** Parking in Bridge Park is free. The closest lots are the Mooney Garage and the Hotel/Endres Garage. **Entry:** The doors to the office are to the right of PINS. The street level door and elevators lock at 6pm. If you arrive after that, someone should be there to let you in, else call the number posted. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Once you exit the elevator, turn right. \*\*\* We are a bunch of professionals, students, and geeks who are excited about Ruby programming language ([http://ruby-lang.org/](http://ruby-lang.org/)) and Rails framework ([http://rubyonrails.com/](http://rubyonrails.com/)) and the joy they have brought back to web development. Our main goal is to share the love of the Ruby and Rails ecosystems with anyone that is interested. We cater to everyone, whether a non-programmer through advanced Rubyists. We give lectures on programming topics We freely provide decades worth of experience For full details of this month's meeting please visit [http://columbusrb.com](http://columbusrb.com)

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!