Choir

If you've got soul and love to sing, join us on Thursday 19th March at 6pm. No audition needed! The wonderful Monique Boggia leads us, helping us bring songs to life like I Second That Emotion, Son of a Preacher Man, Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Tracks of My Tears. We meet above the bar at **FAD Gallery,** 14 Corrs Lane, Melbourne. (Corrs Lane is in Chinatown, off Little Bourke Street). Grab a drink before we start and take it upstairs. After we sing, we love to be social and always have a drink and a chat in the bar. There's no need to commit to every week in this 8 week term. You can pay **$20** per session or pay in advance for the whole term: **$100**. Class dates for Term 1, 2026 Week 1 - 5 February Week 2 - 12 February Week 3 - 19 February Week 4 - 26 February Week 5 - 5 March Week 6 - 12 March Week 7 - 19 March Week 8 - 26 March Any questions? Email Dan at xx.danscott@gmail.com

Meditation practicing

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive workshop - Become the charismatic leader Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best** Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Passion!!! 1\. Fast\-paced\, energized and exciting meets 2\. We practice **bold, confident** and **dynamic** leadership! 3. **Everyone talks** multiple times during super-interactive workshops every meet - Plus the chance to speak on the big stage for those that are keen 4. **FAST LEARNING** **Free parking** close-by: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing leadership & teamwork Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking with Southbank Toastmasters! Ready to transform nerves into confidence? Join us for a fun, interactive workshop to: ✨ Conquer your fear of speaking 💡 Learn pro tips from experienced mentors 📈 Boost your business and career through powerful communication Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned speaker, this is your chance to grow, connect, and shine! 🌟 Don’t miss out—step up to the mic and join us! 🎤

We invite you to come and practise your English with people from all over the world in a friendly environment. We are open to all levels from beginner to advanced. We have classes in small groups and you will be placed in one of these groups according to your level of English. Our free conversational English classes are every Thursday evening (except term breaks). If you are coming for the first time, please come on time for registration. Please note: English Corner is for non-native speakers. Our team of facilitators is really looking forward to having a wonderful time speaking English with you! **Please scan the QR code upon arrival to register your attendance.** If this is your first time, we recommend arriving a bit earlier to complete your initial registration. In case you aren't able to join us face to face we have an Online Alternate English Conversation Thursday class option too! Sign up for this on Meetup.

Friendly, Relaxed, Supportive. Join our welcoming English conversation club for international students! Practice speaking, learn new vocabulary, and make friends in a relaxed, judgment-free environment. Sessions are led by a qualified English teacher and hosted by a caring Christian community. Everyone is welcome, and no beliefs are imposed — just good conversation and a great place to belong.

**🙋‍♀️**Welcome to our THURSDAY Social + language ​exchange meetup. Meet people from many countries and make new friends. 👉We always have between 250 - 350 people attending our THURSDAY event since this event is listed in 3 different meetup groups. 👉This is a great opportunity to learn to speak English with native and non-native speakers. Many English speakers, Europeans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and other Asians attend our fun and friendly party. 👉It is suitable for international students, working holiday people, professional ex-pats, and local Australians. 🍺: Discounted 15% house beers and wines 🍸: Extra cost for cocktails and spirit 🍲: Food available is to purchase at the bar with 15% discount on menu. 👉**Fee** of **$4.50** to be paid at the entrance OR you can buy anything from the bar. No Limited numbers but RSVP is a must. 🆔 Please carry a Photo ID as you may be asked at the entrance. 👉**Location**: Diesel bar & Eatery. we book the whole Second floor, Capacity of 500 people. and the welcoming table is at the door entrance. No entry from Melbourne Central. only from 202 Little Lonsdale St.

March is for the letter C. We polled the group for ideas and Choukette won. Choukette is a French cafe in Brunswick that we've not been to. The menu looks quite enticing. So here's a suggested itinerary... **ITINERARY** 11am - Meet at the entrance of Brunswick Town Hall (233 Sydney Road). Visit Counihan Gallery and Brunswick Library (both in the Town Hall building). About Counihan Gallery: https://www.merri-bek.vic.gov.au/exploring-merri-bek/arts-merri-bek/counihan-gallery/ 11.45am-12pm - Walk to Choukette cafe together. 12-12.45pm - Lunch at Choukette. Here's the menu: https://www.choukette.com.au/ 1pm onwards = For dessert, we'll be dropping by Tofu Shoten (6B Saxon St), which one of our members highly recommends for its unique tofu desserts (tofu donuts, anyone?). About Tofu Shoten: https://tofushoten.square.site/menu I'm already weighing my dessert options haha :) **GETTING THERE** The closest train station is Jewell. Trams: 19. 48. 96, 109. **COST** There is an organizer fee of $10 for this outing. You can PayID me at 0403 413 056 (Serena Low) or bring cash on the day.

Meditation practicing

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.

✨ **Do you want to...** * 🫶🏽 Connect with like-minded people in your local community? * 🏋🏽‍♂️ Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others? * 🌈 Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn)? * 🧘🏼‍♂️ Experience a simple yet powerful meditation practice to find calm and clarity? Or maybe you just want to... ☮️💟☯️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet some amazing new people?** *** ### **Join us on Sundays!** Let’s come together, share positive energy, and build a warm, supportive local community. **Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** *** ### **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection *** ### **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need. *** ### **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$10 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue costs, provide resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** *** ### **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** *** ### **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present.

**Saturday 21st March from 10.30am** Be inspired by the season as you ***dress & adorn yourself*** in celebration of the Autumn Equinox & the time of equal light & dark. **\*MIDDAY – EQUINOX RITUAL of RELEASE & EMBRACE** Join us in the **Living Circle** of the **Magical Garden** as we celebrate the time of symbolic balance, when day & night & light and dark are of equal duration. The ritual will begin with a releasing from our lives of those things that hinder us, followed by a symbolic embracing of those things that free & empower us to grow & shine. The ritual will culminate with a harnessing of the seasonal powers in an ***‘Equinox Fire Spell’***. **\*AFTERNOON – AUTUMN EQUINOX ROUND TABLE of FEASTING & CELEBRATION** Bring along your ***drum***, ***musical instrument*** or ***spoken word piece***, as we gather in the courtyard to honour & capture the essence of the season, woven with music, magic, song, poetry, rhythm & chant. All contribution of ***food***, ***fun***, ***poetry***, ***song & magic*** welcome & encouraged. **IMPORTANT INFORMATION – Please Read** **PLEASE RESPECT OTHERS – IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS THAT MAY BE COVID OR FLU, WE ASK THAT YOU DO NOT ATTEND – WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.** **What to Bring:** \- contributions to the Autumn Equinox Round Table of Feasting & Celebration \(encouraged but not compulsory\)\. **Time:** from 10.30 am. **Where:** 130 Boronia Rd., Vermont, Melbourne 3133 **Cost:** $20 (kids free) **Contact:** **Julie** on 03 9873 3736 (or email: esoteric666@optusnet.com.au). **\*$20 (kids free)\*** [https://esotericbookshop.org](https://esotericbookshop.org/)

**🍹 Rooftop drinks. 👋 Meet new people. 🎤 Karaoke fun.** Ticketed event - get your tickets [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/heroes-rooftop-mingle-karaoke-night-tickets-1984750491147?aff=oddtdtcreator) Join us on **Friday, March 20 from 6pm** for a fun night of drinks, conversation, and karaoke at **Heroes Karaoke & Rooftop Bar,** right in the heart of the CBD. We’ll kick things off on **Level 4’s vibrant rooftop beer garden**, where you can grab a drink, chat with new people, and enjoy the cool views over Chinatown. The rooftop has cover and heating, so we're all sorted even if Melbourne decides to do its crazy weather thing. Once everyone has warmed up, those feeling brave can head downstairs to our **reserved karaoke area on Level 2** to belt out their favourite songs. Whether you’re a seasoned performer, a casual sing-along enthusiast, or just there for the laughs, there’s plenty of room to join in the fun. **Coming alone? Perfect.** Most people at our events come solo and many are attending for the first time. It’s a welcoming, relaxed environment where everyone is there for the same reason — to meet new people, enjoy some good conversation, and have a great night out. So grab a drink, sing a song (or cheer someone else on), and enjoy an easygoing night with great company. **What to expect:** 🍹 Rooftop drinks and socialising 🎤 Optional karaoke performances 👋 Friendly group of mostly solo attendees 🌃 Great rooftop atmosphere in the CBD Come along for songs, laughs, and new connections — we’d love to see you there! ✨ **\*TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY TO THIS EVENT\*** Please follow these 3 simple steps: **1\. RSVP for the event here to register your attendance** **2\. Purchase a ticket via this link:** [https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/heroes-rooftop-mingle-karaoke-night-tickets-1984750491147?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/heroes-rooftop-mingle-karaoke-night-tickets-1984750491147?aff=oddtdtcreator) **3\. Show your ticket barcode at the door on the day of the event\. No ticket\, no entry\.** Check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/melbourne_mingle) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567494869532) 👀

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

An elegant evening of blind chocolate tasting, accompanied by five diverse quality French wines. We will have an assortment of French cheeses and meats to accompany the wine. Co-hosted by Paris 75 and Dublin Toy Emporium, in Historic Downtown Dublin. Arrive at 6:30pm at Paris 75 for a glass of French sparkling wine to start your evening and other wines and food will be next door at Dublin Toy Emporium. Dress is business casual or cocktail dress. Details to follow. Estimated cost will be $40. Your reservation will not be firm until you Venmo or Zelle the Organizer. **Faire la Fête NV Brut Sparkling** (Crémant de Limoux) 90 Pts WE - Aromas of wet stone meet tart green pears on the nose of this sparkling wine. Beautifully structured, the palate is chalky and displays tart green apple, wildflowers and lemon pith flavors with a crisp finish. **2000 Château Piron Montagne-Saint-Émilion - Merlot - Cab. Sauv.** CT – 94 Pts - Medium ruby color intensity, with a slight browning on around the rim. Pronounced aromas and flavors of plum, cedar, mushrooms and earth. Tannins are slight at this point. Alcohol is moderate. Finish is moderately long. **2022 Les Sources de Montmiral – Gigondas** 91 Pts Jancis Robinson – Syrah 20% – Grenache 70% – Mourvèdre 10%. Soil: Very stony alluvial terraces and steep hillsides. Aroma: Bouquet of violets and red fruits in its youth, then evolving towards nuances of undergrowth, cloves and tobacco. Tannins: Velvety and soft. Taste: Fleshy palate. It gives a spicy and harmonious finish from the exceptional Terrior of the Dentelles de Montmiral Massif. **2023 Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Maranges 1er Cru "La Fussière"** 92-94 Pts Vinous. The 2023 Maranges La Fussières 1er Cru Rouge is blended with 30% whole bunch. This has an understated bouquet with light earthy red fruit with sous-bois and mineral scents. It opens succinctly in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled tannins, very poised, airy and transparent yet with real weight and presence on the finish. Bon vin! **2023 Louis Latour Pouilly-Fuissé** 92 Pts. J.Suckling Lemon pith, honeysuckle, lanolin, grapefruit and wet river stones. The midweight palate has a generous, textural mouthfeel and bright acidity, leading into a fruit-driven, powerful finish with finesse. A lovely chardonnay with instant gratification.

**Community Dance – Every Friday at Unity of Columbus** Let go of the week’s stress and move into joy! Join us every Friday for an evening of community, connection, and dance at Unity of Columbus. It’s a chance to meet new friends, express yourself through movement, and experience the emotional healing that comes from music and rhythm. No dance experience needed — just bring your energy, an open heart, and your dancing shoes! Dance is freedom. Dance is healing. Dance is fun.

Join us as we get together for a Discount Tuesday / Choose Your Movie event to see your choice of the top-reviewed indie drama TOW or the action-comedy-horror THEY WILL KILL YOU! A winner either way! Here are details, trailer and plan for this event: TOW: This drama follows a homeless Seattle woman who fights her way out of tow-company hell to reclaim her life and the car that held it all together after receiving a tow bill for $21,634. The film is directed by Stephanie Laing and stars Rose Byrne, Dominic Sessa, Demi Lovato, Ariana DeBose, Octavia Spencer, Simon Rex, Elsie Fisher and Corbin Bernsen. Tow premiered to rave reviews at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival where critics declared, “Tow is a winner” and called the film “a story of perseverance, heart, and real fight, the kind of small human story we see less frequently these days, but need now more than ever!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiUtqgeDVI8 THEY WILL KILL YOU: A woman takes a job as a housekeeper in a NYC high-rise, unaware of the building's history of disappearances. She soon realizes the community is shrouded in mystery. The film is directed by Kirill Sokolov and Zadie Beetz, Myha'la, Paterson Joseph, Tom Felton, Heather Graham, and Patricia Arquette. The film is being released immediately following its premiere at this year’s SXSW Festival earlier this month. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYqQPiXpi4w PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing of both films and will meet in the upstairs lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime! Once showtimes are announced, advance ticket purchase via the GFC website is advised! Once you have yours, please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event. Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. 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

# **Band and caller TBA** 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.