Environmental Awareness

Hello everyone! Join us for an Apache Kafka® x Apache Flink® meetup on **Feb 12th from 5:30pm**, in Melbourne! The address, agenda, and speaker information can be found below. See you there! **📍Venue**: 394 High Street Northcote, Victoria 3070 \*\*\* **🗓 Agenda:** * 5:30pm: Doors open * 5:30pm - 6:00pm: Pizza, Drinks, and Networking * 6:00pm - 6:30pm: Haswin Vidanage, Senior Product Engineer, Papercut Software * 6:30pm - 7:00pm: Zhengwen Peng, Staff Technical Support Engineer, Confluent * 7:00pm - 7:30pm: Additional Networking \*\*\* **💡 Speaker:** Haswin Vidanage, Senior Product Engineer, Papercut Software **Talk:** Incremental Microservices Migration Using Change Data Capture (CDC) **Abstract:** This session will focus on how teams can migrate to microservices without disrupting their roadmaps. **Bio:** Haswin Vidanage is a Senior Product Engineer, Papercut Software. With over ten years of experience in full-stack development and microservices architecture, Haswin is passionate about designing scalable software solutions, advocating for engineering best practices, and enhancing developer productivity. \-\-\-\-\- **💡 Speaker:** Zhengwen Peng, Staff Technical Support Engineer, Confluent **Talk:** All you need to know about Kafka Transaction **Abstract:** In this session, we will be covering: 1. Why we need Kafka transaction. 2. How it works under the hood. 3. Some facts that the developer should be aware. **Bio:** Zhengwen is the staff technical support engineer at Confluent where he possess a wide and in-depth knowledge with Confluent’s products, particularly on data streaming with Flink and Kafka. \*\*\* If you would like to speak or host our next event please let us know! community@[confluent.io](http://confluent.io/)

**ATHEIST SOCIETY** \- Melbourne\, Australia\. **Charles Darwin Day lecture:** ***"Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals"*** **Robert Bender** (Humanist) will present the topic and lead the discussion. **Venue**: Unitarian Hall, 110 Grey Street East Melbourne. (Adjacent to the Epworth Freemasons Hospital). **Zoom** ID: Meeting ID 869 9408 2765, Passcode 728513. These hybrid meetings are on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 8pm. Convenor: John Perkins - Tel: 0411 143 744 - **[jlperkins@tpg.com.au](http://jlperkins@tpg.com.au/)** Atheist Society: **[Website](https://reason101.tech/Atheist/Society.htm) \- \- \- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/atheist.society.australia)**

Toastmasters is a worldwide organisation which empowers its members to conquer their fear of public speaking and become better communicators. There is no need to formally register for the event, just RSVP to this meetup event if you can, then simply show up in person on the evening. If there is no one at the entrance, please message one of the organisers on this app For more information, check out the City Centre Toastmasters website [here](https://citycentretoastmastersmelbourne.toastmastersclubs.org/). What we'll do at the meeting: \- Impromptu speaking \(Table Topics\): Everyone can take part in this\! \- Prepared Speeches: Please note that only Toastmasters members can give prepared speeches\. \- Get friendly and constructive feedback on your speaking\. \- Get to know each other during the break\, before\, and after the meeting\. Important to know * Members of this Meetup are not automatically members of the club. Meetup refers to people who belong to the City Centre Toastmasters Meetup group as 'members,' but from a Toastmasters' point of view, people are only members if they've paid their club dues.

Hi Gophers! We’re kicking off the year with our first Go meetup in February, covering structured concurrency and anti-fragility with speakers Peter Delafosse, Max Collier, and Nick Spain. 🎤 Speakers **Go News** Peter Delafosse **Better Structured Concurrency for Go** Max Collier An introduction to [sourcegraph/conc](https://sourcegraph.com/blog/building-conc-better-structured-concurrency-for-go) a library improving concurrency handling in Go. Max will cover: * The problem `conc` is designed to solve * A walkthrough of its interface * Insights into its internals Based on the Sourcegraph blog “Building conc: Better Structured Concurrency for Go.” **Automating anti-fragility** Nick Spain, Head of Platform, Stile Education At Stile we have a bug zero policy. This encompasses actions items (for reducing toil and preventing future incidents) and test flake. This means we actively prioritise bugs all the time, they're not languishing in the backlog, action items are completed whilst people still have context, and we consistently work to reduce test flake. I will talk about: How this policy is implemented, what tooling we use to help us, and how we have automated this work using AI. 🗓️ Call for Speakers Interested in speaking at an upcoming event? Our format includes: * lighting talks: \~10 minutes * deep dives: 20–30 minutes If you’d like to share a project, or idea, reach out to Katie at katie@ntptalent.com.au 🏢 Venue Partner A huge thank you to Stile for hosting this event! See you soon! Leah & Katie

**2026 BENTLEIGH CUBAN SALSA, BACHATA** **& RUEDA DE CASINO DANCE CLASSES** **\- NOW OPEN \-** **EVERY THURSDAY** *\* No dance experience necessary* *\* No partner required* *\* Open to all adult ages* At: **BENTLEIGH UNITING CHURCH HALL** 495-497 Centre Rd, Bentleigh (\* Located opposite the Bentleigh RSL) **\* HALL Entry** \- via the front entrance of the church \- Go past the glass panel doors \- We are at the far end\, in the back room on the right\. **2026 BENTLEIGH PROGRAM:** **6.15pm – 7.30pm** **#1: CUBAN SALSA BEGINNER** Starting with the **INTRODUCTION TO SALSA BASICS** An extra 15 minutes has been added, aimed specifically to assist new Beginners with a slower breakdown of the main basic steps. More experienced Beginners are recommended to come use this to strengthen their core steps. We found that by doing it this way, new students get a much better dance experience overall. This leads into the main Beginner Salsa lesson. **BEGINNER CUBAN SALSA** (Main Beginner Class) *(Beginner to Improver Level)* *TOTAL CLASS TIME: **1 Hour & 15 Minutes***)\*\* **7.30PM – 8.30PM** **\*\* CLASS #2:** **CUBAN SALSA / RUED DE CASINO** **IMPROVER - INTERMEDIATE LEVEL MAIN CLASS** *(Covering Rueda De Casino & Cuban Salsa)* \- Ideal for students who are confident with their Beginner level steps and turns\. This Improver to Intermediate level class will concentrate on Cuban Salsa & Rueda De Casino to raise the level of the Beginners to Improver Level and higher\. **What is Rueda De Casino?** *Rueda De Casino*, also called just *'Rueda'*, in it's basic form means 'Casino wheel', where dance couples comes together to form a circle, with one main 'caller', who calls out the names of different Cuban Salsa figures made up of different sequences of fun dance moves, which are danced by the couples in synchronisation. As the level of the dancers improve, so does the figures performed become more elaborate and complicated and with the constant change of partner calls, make the dance fun and exciting for the dancers, as well as spectators who view the dance. **8.30pm – 9.30pm** **\*\*\* CLASS #3: BACHATA** *(Absolute Beginner to Improver Level)* \* No experience or partner necessary - all welcome \- Bachata is the second most popular Latin dance around the world after Salsa **CLASS COST:** Casual/Drop-in attendance: Any Main class - $20 per class Any 2 Classes on the night - $30 for both classes or Do ALL CLASSES on the night for only $35! ***\* Please note:*** We only accept **CASH** on this night **CLOTHING & SHOES:** Comfortable casual clothing. Best shoes when starting are low or flat smooth sole shoes like leather sole shoes. Avoid sandals & open toe shoes. Avoid track shoes or runners as these grip the floor & can interfere with your turns **MEDICAL:** Anyone with breathing problems, heart conditions, knee, back or shoulder injuries and who are taking prescribed medication, please consult with your doctor first before joining any classes. **COVID PROTOCOLS:** \* If you have flu like symptoms or feeling unwell, please do not attend any classes \* If you are a first contact, as a precaution, please do not attend any classes until after 7 days of negative tests \* Sanitize hands frequently **PRIVATE LESSONS:** We provide private lessons on a one-to-one basis, with or without a dance partner and for private groups at a time that suits you

🍻Come to the language exchange in Melbourne! 🌍Practice your preferred language while making new friends and getting to know more about new cultures. THURSDAYS 👉🏻Where? DIESEL BAR, 202 Little Lonsdale St. ⏰What time? From 18:00 to 22:45 👨🏻‍🎓🍻The first 50 international students who register at the QR CODE entrance will get a free drink. 🤩5$ ENTRY + 1 free drink for non-students.

**🌿 Fall in Love with the Planet – Eco-Impact Tribe Walk & Talk** This Valentine’s season, we’re celebrating love in a different way — love for the planet 🌎💚 Join Eco-Impact Tribe for a relaxed **Walk & Talk** through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. A chance to slow down, connect with nature, and share simple ideas on how we can care a little more for the world around us. This is a casual, friendly event for anyone who wants to meet like-minded people, enjoy good conversation, and spend time outdoors. As a small gift, each participant will receive a **seed to take home and plant** — a tiny symbol of growing something positive for the planet 🌱 **Meeting Point:** We’ll meet at the Kiosk of **The Observatory** **Café at 11:00 AM** inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, so you’re welcome to grab a coffee before we begin. If possible, bring your own takeaway cup. 📩 If you’re running late, please DM me! **Plan for the day:** • Meet and greet at the Observatory Cafe at 11:00AM (https://maps.app.goo.gl/gskx6xgNiJF1f72g6) • Gentle group walk through the gardens • We stop at **Central Lawn** to connect and relax (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EPbmiZzVk1wRoD989) **What to bring:** • Comfortable walking shoes • Water • Hat and sunscreen if it’s sunny • Have something to sit down • A reusable coffee cup (preferable) • Your good vibes Whether you’re new to sustainability or already passionate about it, this is a welcoming space to connect and reflect together. Come along and let’s fall a little more in love with the planet 💚

✨ **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.

Join us for a relaxed morning of community connection, light activity, and caring for the Maribyrnong River. **What to Expect:** We will walk along the riverbank and surrounds collecting litter, enjoying fresh air, gentle exercise, and friendly conversation. After the clean-up, we will head to Myrtle Café together for a coffee and chat. This is an optional part of the event, and all are welcome to join. **What to Bring:** * Drinking water * Sunscreen * Closed shoes * Gloves (optional – we also provide gloves if needed) We will supply rubbish bags, and have gloves, extra sunscreen, and hand sanitiser available. **Meeting Point:** We meet at Footscray Wharf, near Waterside Metal Art in Footscray. This location offers shelter and free parking on nearby streets. **Important Information:** Please check the exact meeting point before attending. If you need help finding us on the day, call 0418 184 457 or 0415 635 063. Our clean-ups take place once a month and continue in all weather, unless conditions are extreme. Please check the event page on the morning of the clean-up for any last-minute updates.

**We’re back! 🚀** If you’re reading this, chances are you’re not just after small talk and swipes. We’re not products on a dating app. There are no algorithms here, just proper hellos and a bit of good old-fashioned eye contact. After some remodification, Slow Dating 2.0 is back after several requests! Thank you for your patience and support. It means a lot to us! 💞 If you never heard of us, no worries! We welcome new people and souls! 🐢 🌸 **Attendee Profile** Women tend to register from their **late 20s to 30s**, and men join from a **slightly wider age range**, creating great variety in conversations. **GET YOUR TICKET HERE** 👉👉 👉[GET YOUR TICKET](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/valentines-offline-slow-dating-women-90s-men-85s-fitzroy-registration-1980803251848?aff=oddtdtcreator) 👈👈👈 ### **Introducing our newest venue partner: Triple U** We are taking over one of Melbourne’s most romantically lit bars, perfect for spontaneous connections and conversations that flow smoother than the Japanese sake. ### **So how does it work?** At slow dating events, you will have **more time AND multiple chances** to build some more connections with the ones you are interested in. **🍹 You can claim your welcome drink when you arrive.** **🗣 One-on-one rotations** to spark conversations with your handpicked matches. 🎴 **Conversation cards are provided if you need.** **🤙Private matching system**—no awkward rejections on the spot :) You will be notified of your matches afterwards. At **Slow Dating**, we focus on building **real connections** by 👥 **Keeping it intimate**—a limited number of participants are accepted because we focus on **quality, not quantity.** 🎟️ **The dating may be a bit slow, but tickets sell fast!**

Hello Minimalists! We are back to our regularly scheduled monthly meetups! If you have stuff to declutter, bring it around and see if anyone could give it a new home. Anything left over we can donate it at the op-shop after we are done at the cafe. Looking forward to chatting about what's been going well in our minimalist journeys and share tips and tricks! P.S. We always appreciate a gold coin donation to help with the cost of the meetup fees (until we figure out a low cost-alternative to Meetup).

FYI: Meetup's iOS App is failing to open links in the text at the moment. You can open this event in a Desktop or Mobile Browser instead to follow links for the route map and weather forecast: https://www.meetup.com/melbournecycling/events/313271486 **Ride**: A social paced ride north to Coburg via bike-preferred backstreets to Edwardes Lake Park in Reservoir before heading around to Coburg. We'll stop for lunch in Coburg's former Pentridge Prison then return to town via Merri Creek Trail and Canning St in Carlton. **Distance**: 34 km return. (20km to lunch, 14 back to town) **Forecast**: 25°C. Sunny with light SSW winds https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/reservoir/forecast/detailed/#d2026-02-14 **Route**: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35984056 \* \* Actual route may vary on the day **Bike**: Any mechanically sound bicycle. Please check your tyres for condition and pump them to recommended pressures. **Speed**: 22 km/h max (Easy for most) **Bring**: Water, sunscreen, spare tube, tools, your phone with my number. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 \***Photo**: Wardens Walk, formerly part of Pentridge Prison "All riders are riding at their own risk and Melbourne Cycling does not take any responsibility for any injuries or accidents you may have on any of our rides"

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → WOMBAT FOREST** 🏙️ * 📅 **SUN 15 FEB, DAY TRIP ☀️** * **Walk, float, taste, breathe — in nature.** * \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### 🌿 Embark on a Day Trip to Wombat Forest! 🌿 Discover the stunning beauty of **Wombat Forest** as you explore its natural wonders. This exciting day trip features scenic **hikes** through lush forests, a picnic and **fruit platter**, awe-inspiring lookouts, **meditation** & grounding, **kayaking**, and a visit to a **winery** for tastings or a scenic viewpoint. Enjoy a leisurely drive, wander along picturesque trails, and savor delicious food throughout the journey! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What’s Included?** *(All-Inclusive for $99!)* ✅ Round-trip **transport** in a comfortable **MERCEDES minivan** 🚐 ✅ Guided **9 km hike** with an elevation gain of 170m 🥾 ✅ Unlimited **snacks, soft drinks, coffee & tea** ☕ ✅ Fresh **Fruit** Platter 🍉 ✅ **Meditation** & grounding 🧘 ✅ **Picnic lunch stop** with great company 🧺 ✅ **Kayaks**🛶 + all gears🛶 ✅ Visit **stunning scenic lookouts** 🌄🦘 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- #### 🕒 Itinerary: 🌅 7:30 – Pickup at **St Paul’s Cathedral**, Flinders Street 🚐 8:00 – Quick **stop/break** 🍜 9:00 – Welcome **morning coffee/tea** & snacks (included!) 🥾 9:15 – Easy **Hiking** adventure (9 km, 170m elevation) 🍽️ 12:30 – **Picnic**+**Fruit platter,** with unlimited drinks & snacks (BYO lunch welcome) 🧘 14:30 — **Meditation & grounding** 🛶 13:30 – **Kayaking** time on beautiful **Lake** (beginner friendly) 🌇 15:30 – **Stunning Lookout** 🌄 16:00 – **Winery - tasting or view scenery** 🏙️ 18:30 – Depart back to **Melbourne**, filled with memories! 📍 Drop-off: **Hammer Hall**, Melbourne \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$99 transfer**: 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** WF 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**Please Note:** **Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.** In all other circumstances, payments are **non-refundable and non-transferable**. ❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What to Bring?** ✔️ **Comfortable hiking shoes (or able to supply, let me know size)** **✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket**🧥 ✔️ **Long pants & long sleeves** 🌿 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **BYO lunch** 🍽️ (or can buy on the way) ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share Instagram: nogeography.hike.kayak https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Credited or refunded only if the event is canceled/moved. Non-refundable in any other cases \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- * **A day in nature is a day well spent** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **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 own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms. ## **COVID-19 Safety Measures** * The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. * Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. * If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending. * Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

**⚔️ Introduction to Wargaming & Painting Miniature Soldiers at The Arcane Foundry ⚔️** Join me in **The War Room at [The Arcane Foundry](https://share.google/S5i6DYJnJteHWeKtd)** for a laid-back evening of hobby talk and tabletop fun! For just **$15**, you’ll get a **3D-printed regiment of 20 high quality resin models** of your choice to paint — a **$40 value!** Bring your creativity, relax, and let’s make something awesome together. **Choose one from Below:** * 20 Orc Warriors * 20 Empire Soldiers * 20 Dwarf Warriors * 20 Elf Spearmen Step into a world where strategy meets artistry — and where every painted figure tells a story of battle, honor, and imagination. Join **Daclaud** at **The Arcane Foundry** for an evening that introduces newcomers and enthusiasts alike to the timeless craft of **tabletop wargaming** and **miniature painting**. My own journey began with a fascination for fantasy — knights in armor, grim and hardened warriors, and monstrous creatures locked in epic battle. That passion led me to **Dungeons & Dragons**, where I painted my first **Basic Heroes set** and felt the spark that comes from bringing a character to life in miniature form. Not long after, I discovered **Warhammer Fantasy** and **Warhammer 40,000**, and I was hooked. The vision of vast armies clashing across the table — each unit meticulously painted, each story unfolding through dice and imagination — became my creative obsession. During this event, we’ll explore the **origins of wargaming**, from its early military simulations to the richly detailed worlds of modern tabletop battle systems. You’ll learn how to **build and customize your own armies**, paint your first figures, and experience the joy of turning strategy and storytelling into a hands-on art form. Whether you’re drawn by the lore, the hobby, or the thrill of commanding miniature legions, this introduction will open the gates to a world that has captivated hobbyists for generations. **🎨 RSVP today and join us at The Arcane Foundry — where every brushstroke and battle tells a story.**

**When:** Saturday\, February 21 \| 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM **Where:** [1124 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206](https://twodollarradiohq.com/about-us) Looking for a night of meaningful connection and great vegan food? Join us at [Two Dollar Radio Headquarters](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgFEAI) for a special community gathering! **What’s on the menu?** While [2$R](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgGEAI) typically serves a selection of [house-made sandwiches](https://twodollarradiohq.com/weekly-food) and vegan pastries, they are creating a **special menu** specifically for our event. You can also grab a coffee, tea, or a drink from their [full bar](https://twodollarradiohq.com/) of cocktails and beer. **The Main Event:** * **Play:** Bring a favorite game from home to share or dive into the ones available at the shop. * **Connect:** Meet new and old friends in a space that values independent culture and plant-based living. * **Support:** Help us champion a local, family-owned vegan business that doubles as a powerhouse [indie book publisher](https://twodollarradio.com/pages/headquarters). **Parking Instructions:** * **Street Parking:** There is free public street parking available on both sides of Parsons Avenue and on the surrounding residential side streets. * **Lot Parking:** The [Columbus Metropolitan Library](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/126262ks5&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgKEAM) lot (1113 Parsons Ave) is located directly across the street and is available for guest use **only after the library has closed**. On Saturdays, the lot is typically available starting at 6:00 PM. * **Bike Parking:** For those cycling, there is a bike rack conveniently located at the corner of Cline and Parsons.

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.

**🎬 Movie Meetup: Avatar: Fire and Ash + Pizza & Games at Pins! 🍕🎳** Join us for a fun, low-key outing at Easton! We’ll be seeing *Avatar: Fire and Ash* together and then heading over to Pins for Mikey’s Late Night Slice, games, and hanging out. **📍 Location:** Easton Town Center **🕓 Start Time:** 4:30 PM (please arrive a little early so we can get seats together) ⌛**Movie Duration**: 3 hours & 15min **After the movie:** We’ll walk (or drive) over to Pins Mechanical Co. to grab Mikey’s Late Night Slice and enjoy some games and social time. Feel free to come just for the hangout if you can’t make the movie! **What to expect** * Casual, friendly group * No pressure — come solo or bring friends * Stay as long (or short) as you’d like **Cost** * Movie ticket $15.99 (purchase individually) * Optional food/drinks after

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Let's check out a Popular Astronomy and Science Based Film at COSI Science Center on their HUGE 360 Degree 4K Spherical Dome Screen Theater, in which is touring the nation and has already sold over 10,000 tickets! COSI is one of the leading Science Centers in America. Alan Watts was one of the Most Influential Amateur Astronomers of the 20th Century and held fascinating views of the Galaxy. Tickets are only $33 plus a small fee and taxes and can be purchased here: [Trust the Universe: Immersive Dome Show](https://www.sphericalpictures.com/tickets) PLEASE purchase tickets for the 8:15 PM Feature on Friday, February 13. There seem to be at least 10 tickets left, possibly more. We should be able to sit together in the same row or at least in the general section. This is an exciting chance to view actual footage of the Solar System on a Large 4k Resolution Screen plus added in Cosmological and Astronomical Related Philosophy! We will plan on meeting at about 7:50 PM by the Atomic Cafe on the first Floor of COSI, where the Movie Theater is located, in order to give us time before the show starts to purchase refreshments. Parking is available at the COSI Garage and in the area on side streets and adjacent garages. We can also walk somewhere in the area and get food afterwards, if anyone wants to do so. Thanks and hope to see you come out!