Historic Preservation

**Every Monday\, Trivia starts 7PM \| Free Entry \| Prizes & Glory Await** Gather your party, sharpen your wits, and descend upon the Tavern for **Tavern Trivia** — a weekly battle of brains where legends are born one answer at a time. Hosted in the heart of our bustling Fortress Tavern, this isn’t your average pub trivia. Expect an unpredictable mix of **pop culture, video games, fantasy, film, and chaotic curveballs** that’ll test even the sharpest of sages. 🎁 **Epic Prizes** 🍹 **Themed Cocktails & Tankards** 🎲 **Gaming Lore & Curveball Rounds** 🧙‍♂️ **Immersive Vibes. Medieval Energy** Whether you’re here for the glory or just for the vibes, Fortress Trivia Night is your new midweek quest. Entry is free, but tables fill fast, so rally your crew and **[book your spot](https://events.humanitix.com/trivia-fortress-melb)**. *Registered attendance on Meetup doesn't guarantee you a ticket.* **TERMS & CONDITIONS** * *Fortress Melbourne is a licensed venue, and as such, a valid ID is required and checked upon entrance to the premises.* * *Unaccompanied minors are not permitted in the venue at any time. Please make sure any guests under 18 are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.* * *Minors are not allowed in the venue past 8:00 pm; as such, Tavern Trivia is an 18+ Event* * *Any drink tokens must be redeemed on the day of the event, and standard RSA applies* * *No outside food or drinks.* *More information on valid forms of identification and Fortress' minors policy can be found here: [www.fortress.games/minors/](https://www.fortress.games/minors/)*

Have you been interested in woodworking, 3D printing, CNC, cosplay or Electronics? Come visit Maker Community to get a tour of our space, learn about our memberships, have a chat with our members and discuss your dream projects.

**Special Edition Trivia starts 7PM \| Free Entry \| Prizes & a guaranteed Marvel\-ous time\!** Assemble your heroes (or villains), don your mask, and head into our Tavern for **Marvel Themed Trivia** — a one-night special event where your knowledge muscles will be flexed! Hosted in the heart of our bustling Fortress Tavern, this isn’t your average pub trivia. Expect an night filled with themed music, special drinks**,** and like-minded fans battling you for the top prize! 🎁 **Epic Prizes** 🍹 **Themed Cocktails** 🎲 **Marvel Lore & Curveball Rounds** 🧙‍♂️ **Immersive Vibes. Cosplay Highly Encouraged** Whether you’re coming solo, or joining friends, you don't want to miss one-night only special event! Entry is free, but tables fill fast, **[book your spot](https://events.humanitix.com/marvel-tavern-trivia-free-fortressmelb)**[ ](https://events.humanitix.com/marvel-tavern-trivia-free-fortressmelb)**[now!](https://events.humanitix.com/marvel-tavern-trivia-free-fortressmelb)** Please note that attending on Meetup does not confirm your reservation.

With winter fast approaching, our thoughts turn to snowy pursuits and the delightful prospect of getting back out amongst the majestic snow gums in the glorious Australian high country. If you've ever wanted to try cross country skiing or you're keen to get back into it after time away then this is the evening for you. An experienced member of the YHA Cross Country (XC) Ski Club will fill you in on all you need to know and answer any questions you have including: * what is XC skiing? * what gear do you need? * what trip options are there for first timers and beginners? * will someone be there to help you for your first go? Join us at the Great Northern Hotel in Carlton for an informative evening that will help you keep warm and safe, and have fun in the snow - cross country style! Presentation will start at 7.00pm in the function room. The Great Northern Hotel has a great menu and Monday nights is $22 chicken parma night so why not come along earlier for something to eat or drink and meet members of the club.

Monthly meeting for the Victorian Division of the Secular Party of Australia. We welcome anybody who is interested in a secular Australia. (The meeting officially starts at 7:30, with dinner prior from 6:30). http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/f/3/c/600_306312092.jpeg

Meditation practicing

NuCalm is a patented, drug-free neuroscience technology designed to rapidly reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and aid recovery by shifting the body from a "fight-or-flight" state to a deeply relaxed parasympathetic state within minutes. [https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html](https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html) It uses neuroacoustic software, a biosignal processing disc, and light-blocking eye masks to guide brain waves from active beta states down to alpha/theta (relaxation/meditation) levels NuCalm uses a patented, clinically proven pitch and frequency matrix with non-linear oscillating algorithms to safely present your brain with precise signals, prompting what is known as a frequency-following response. Your brain synchronizes with the incoming NuCalm signals helping you naturally and effortlessly manage your state of mind by speeding up or slowing down your brain wave frequencies. NuCalm has mapped all of your brain wave frequency zones and created products to safely and predictably guide you to whatever mental state you desire. The amazing thing is, NuCalm is all-natural and works every time you use it within minutes. The best thing to do now is to watch the video on the website and download the NuCalm app. All you need is a headset and eye mask. This app purchase is covered with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Get started today and FEEL the difference even 15 minutes can make. WATCH THE VIDEO ON THE WEBSITE. [https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html](https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html)

Let’s visit Melbourne Museum after dark for Nocturnal, an adults-only evening where the museum stays open late with talks, performances, exhibitions, music, and a more relaxed evening atmosphere. We’ll meet outside the museum gate at 5:45pm, say hello, and head in together before the program starts at 6:00pm. The plan is to catch a few highlights from the evening, including a live harp performance by Genevieve Fry, the Antarctica talk with Dr Joanna Sumner, and ROME: Empire, Power, People spot talks. After that, we’ll keep the last part of the evening flexible and explore the exhibition/galleries at an easy pace. This is a relaxed, low-pressure event. Solo attendees are very welcome, and it’s completely fine if you only want to stay for part of the evening. **Who this is for:** People who enjoy museums, science, history, exhibitions, after-dark cultural events, and relaxed social evenings. **Links:** Event/tickets: [https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/nocturnal/](https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/nocturnal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Meetup start point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/yQG71XTvTR2CVeuM8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/yQG71XTvTR2CVeuM8) **Timeline:** * 5:45pm — Meet outside the Museum gate and say hello * 6:00pm — Special performance by Harpist Genevieve Fry * 6:30pm — Antarctica with Dr Joanna Sumner * 7:30pm — ROME: Empire, Power, People spot talk * 8:30pm–9:30pm — Explore the exhibition/galleries at a relaxed pace * 9:30pm — Meetup ends **Tickets/cost:** Please buy your own ticket in advance through the official event link. Meetup RSVP does not include entry to the museum event. Tickets may sell out or details may change, so please check the official page before booking. **Transport:** Melbourne Museum is in Carlton Gardens, opposite the Royal Exhibition Building. Please plan your own transport and allow enough time to arrive before 5:45pm. **Expect:** * Distance: Mostly indoor walking around the museum * Difficulty: Easy * Pace: Relaxed and flexible * Vibe: Friendly, curious, social, and low-pressure * Group style: We’ll attend some program highlights together, but people can also explore at their own pace **Important notes:** * Please buy your own ticket before attending. * Meetup RSVP does not include entry to the museum. * If your plans change, please update your RSVP so numbers stay clear.

**About this event:** Have you been dreaming of going tiny? Are you curious about minimal living, off-grid setups, or just downsizing your life in Victoria? You are not alone! We are launching a new community for enthusiasts to connect, share stories, and support one another. Imagine a life with less clutter, less debt, and more freedom. We are building a community in Victoria for those who want to step away from the traditional housing market and embrace tiny homes and minimal living. For our first-ever meetup, we are keeping it simple. We’ll meet in the park to introduce ourselves and discuss what we want to create together. Whether you want to talk about the technical side (trailers, solar, regulations) or the lifestyle side (downsizing, remote work), this is the place to start. Come along, make new friends, and let’s talk about how to make big dreams happen in tiny spaces. **What to expect:** This is a strictly casual, unstructured meetup. No presentations, no sales pitches, and no pressure. Just a relaxed afternoon in the park with like-minded people. We’re simply gathering to discuss: * Who is already living the tiny life? * Who is dreaming/planning? * What are the local hurdles (council rules, finding land, etc.)? * How can we support each other? **Who should come:** Whether you have your tiny house plans drawn up, you're already living in one, or you just watched a documentary and thought "I could do that"—you are welcome here. **About Your Host** Hi, I’m Karen. After exploring over 50 countries, I’ve chosen Melbourne as my home. As an entrepreneur, I’ve come to realize that we don't need much to be truly happy. In fact, nature provides us with so many "free luxuries"—from sunlight to green spaces—that we often overlook in the modern world. I am channeling this philosophy into building my own tiny home in Victoria this year. I started this group because I realized that while the tiny house movement is growing, the journey can feel a bit lonely. I want to build a supportive local community where we can share resources, untangle the regulations, and help each other turn these small dreams into reality. * **Wet Weather Plan:** (e.g., "If it rains, we will move to a cafe close by.")

Are you looking for an opportunity to learn more about Buddhism and meditation? Come and join us for our regular Buddhist meditation sessions every Tuesday. Every session will start with a short introductory and will be followed by a guided, 20 - 30 minute meditation. Feel free to join us after the session for some social time and questions and answers. The evening is free of charge, but donations are always welcome. More info can be found here: https://diamondway.org.au/centres/melbourne

Join me at the historic Abbotsford Convent for a relaxed walk following the Yarra Trail to the traditional crossing point at Dights Falls. We'll have time to take in the cultural significance of this meeting place on the River, enjoy quiet conversation together and make new friends. Heading upstream we'll cross the Merri Creek where it flows into the Yarra and make our way to Deep Rock with its sheer granite backdrop. Further along the trail we'll have fun together crossing the Kane's suspension bridge. The riverbank return takes us beside the Collingwood Children's Farm and into the tranquil gardens surrounding the Abbotsford Convent. We'll finish up at the Convent Bakery to socialise and enjoy a coffee and our lunch together. **Agenda** I will meet you at 10am just inside the front gate of the Abbotsford Convent on St Heliers Street. We'll head off at 10.15am to join the Yarra Trail and walk beside the Yarra to Dights Falls. From there we will follow the trail to Kane's Bridge before making our way back through the Abbotsford Convent gardens to the bakery. We can take time to socialise and enjoy coffee and lunch together. This is an easy to moderate walk along a gravel path. The distance is about 7km all up and will take us around 1hr 45mins. **Location** If coming by public transport you can catch the Mernda or Hurstbridge line train to Victoria Park Station. The train station is a 10-15 minute walk to the Convent. Or you can catch the 200 or 207 bus down Johnston Street to the Clarke Street stop. The bus stop is a 3-5 minute walk to the Convent. The Abbotsford Convent car parking fee on the weekend is $7.50 for the first hour and $2 per hour after that. When you RSVP, please click Attend on the event page and I will be in touch via Direct Messages. I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day.

## 🇯🇵 Progressi部: Japanese-English Language & Culture Exchange 🇦🇺 **"Serious Study, Authentic Community" — 本気で学び、本気で交流する。** Join us for our weekly exchange designed for those dedicated to practicing Japanese and English. This is a space to improve your language skills, share cultural insights, and make new, like-minded friends in a respectful environment. ### 🎯 Who This Group Is For We welcome individuals who are here to **actively practice their Japanese or English**. Whether you are looking for a study partner or want to learn more about culture, this is a community for focused and meaningful interaction. **✅ 受付方法 / Event Check-in (Strictly Required)** 到着の際、必ず主催者に以下の提示をお願いします / Upon arrival, please present the following to the organizer: * **Meetupの参加申し込み（RSVP）画面をご提示ください。** / Show your Meetup RSVP confirmation screen. * **予約なし（No RSVP）での参加はお断りしております。** / No walk-ins permitted without a confirmed RSVP. * **Participation Fee: $3 CASH** Non-Japanese citizens. ### 🚫 Conduct & Safety Policy To ensure a high-quality experience for all members, we maintain a strict standard of behavior: * **Immediate Ban:** Any individual found guilty of misconduct or creating "trouble" will be banned from the group immediately.**.** * **Organizer Authority:** The Organizer reserves the right to remove any member at their sole discretion to maintain the safety and integrity of the community. * **Respectful Interaction:** All members are expected to be polite and mindful of others. Do not make fellow participants feel uncomfortable or pressured. * **Privacy:** Please respect the personal boundaries of others. Do not pressure members for private contact information. **If any member makes you feel uncomfortable, please report it immediately to the organizers: Shin, David, or Ray.** *** ### 📝 Event Details * **Time:** Saturday, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM * **Arrival:** Please arrive **10–15 minutes early** due to limited seating. * **Entry Fee:** **$3 CASH** (Non-Japanese citizens). This contribution covers monthly meetup hosting fees. * **Photography:** Photos will be taken during the event for our community archives. ### 🇯🇵 日本語でのご案内 メルボルン市内のカフェで、本気で学べる日英言語文化交流会を主催しています。 * **目的:** 日本語・英語の練習、そして同じ目標を持つ友人作りを目的としています。 * **参加費:** 日本国籍以外の方は $3ドル（現金のみ）。 * **ルール:** 迷惑行為やトラブルを起こす方の参加は一切禁止です。主催者の判断により、即座に退会・出入り禁止の措置を取らせていただきます。 * 困ったことがあれば、すぐにオーガナイザー（Shin, David, Ray）までお知らせください。 ### 🔗 Connect With Us * **Facebook:** [facebook.com/groups/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.facebook.com/groups/progressibu) * **X (Twitter):** [twitter.com/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://twitter.com/progressibu)

Join me to explore the stunning '1000 Steps' in the Dandenong Ranges, the first section of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. For those who would like to, we can catch the train together from Southern Cross to Upper Fern Tree Gully, a chance to chat, connect, make new friends before we begin our walk. The track starts at the Fern Tree Gully picnic grounds, the staircase winds up a steep hill along a creek through rainforest, before emerging into a clearing where we can enjoy beautiful views of Melbourne through the trees. We will complete the loop by taking the Lyrebird Track back to the picnic grounds, and will stop in at the 1000 Steps Cafe for a coffee or something to eat. The Dandenong's is home to beautiful flora and fauna, including giant Mountain Ash trees, Rainbow Lorikeets and Lyrebirds. The path has steep sections on both the staircase and down Lyrebird Track, and is described as moderate to challenging and suitable for reasonably fit people. The track is **3kms** and takes around **1.5 hrs** to complete. The staircase is one way, however there are many places along the track to stop and rest. We will walk slowly, and have a rest at the clearing before heading back down. For anyone who would like to join but is not keen on the stairs, there are walking tracks to explore that run along the creek, from the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, with many beautiful spots to sit and relax and enjoy the environment. **Agenda:** I will meet you at **Southern Cross Station at 10.20am** at the Water Tower Clock We will catch the **10.35am Belgrave train** to **Upper Fern Tree Gully** Anyone driving can meet us at the Memorial Mates Statue, at **12pm** We will walk the 1000 Steps, and reach the cafe around 2pm After a coffee or something to eat we can explore the tracks at the foot of the hill, And then catch the **3.30pm** Belgrave train back, reaching Flinders St Station at **4.30pm.** We will keep to the times in the schedule as public transport runs to a reduced timetable on weekends. When you RSVP please click attend on the event page, and I will be in touch about the details, I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day and add any updates there about weather conditions if needed.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Join us Tuesday (6/2) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hundred Acre Woods in Westerville. This is a beautiful trail that is filled of hills and roots but a picturesque wooded landscape to hike. Wear your hiking boots if you have them. We will do 2 loops of the 1 mile trail.

Hosted by OSU Extension Summer 2026 Food Preservation Workshops Join Shari Gallup from Ohio State University Extension, for a summer food preservation series at the Bryn Du Mansion. Discover how to safely preserve food at home. Learn basic food preservation methods including pressure canning, water bath canning and drying. June 4 - Water Bath Canning July 9 - Pressure Canning August 6 - Drying Fruits and Vegetables We're excited to once again welcome Shari Gallup from The Ohio State University Extension Office to lead a series of Life Local food preservation workshops. These hands-on sessions are designed to help participants learn practical, time-tested techniques for preserving seasonal foods at home. Registration is not yet open but will be available soon. Stay tuned for details on this wonderful series. Time 5:00 p.m. Location Bryn Du Mansion 587 Jones Road, Granville https://www.bryndu.com/public-events

June 17, 2026: Worthington Library. Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage. Jim McCormac. Worthington, Ohio. 7 pm.