Ontology

## **SEA OF FAITH IN AUSTRALIA (SoFiA)** \- Melbourne\. In-Person Lecture/Discussion. ***"A Critique of Atheism."*** **Steven Higson** will present the topic and lead the discussion. Wikipedia's entry on **[Atheism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism)** *\~ SoFiA promotes the open exploration of religion, spirituality and the search for meaning. They welcome ALL viewpoints, including Atheism.\~* Enquiries: sofmelb@iprimus.com.au **[SOFiA Website](http://www.sof-in-australia.org/).** **[Facebook: 'Sofiatalk'](https://www.facebook.com/groups/sofiatalk/)** \- Please join their ongoing discussions\.

We’re excited to bring our community together again — this time with a focus on **data and AI**. This event will start with a deep dive into how modern organisations turn raw data into meaningful insights — covering the full data journey from collection to decision-making & cloud solutions that enable it. We’ll then shift into the world of AI, exploring how cloud-powered solutions can go beyond automation to build systems that truly listen, understand, and create real human impact. Whether you’re working with data, curious about AI, or somewhere in between, this evening is designed to give you practical perspectives from both sides. **Topics** **1\. Turning Data into Decisions: The End\-to\-End Data Journey** Modern digital products generate large volumes of data through user actions, system events, and integrations. This talk explores the end-to-end data lifecycle — from event tracking and data pipelines to storage in cloud platforms. Anlita will cover how raw data is cleaned, organised, and modelled into structured, analytics-ready datasets, and how cloud features like scalable storage and distributed processing help manage growing data efficiently. By connecting data flows to business use cases, the session shows how organisations turn everyday data into reliable metrics, dashboards, and actionable insights. **About the speaker** [Anlita Chaisrisukumporn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anlita-chaisrisukumporn-174690183/) is a Lead Data Analyst in the Platform team at [Easygo](https://easygo.io/). She works closely with business, product, and engineering teams to deliver meaningful data insights that support operational and strategic decision-making. Her work focuses on strengthening the data platform and enabling teams across the organisation to better understand product performance and drive business improvements through data. **2\. Cloud with Compassion \- Agentic voice AI which truely listens** What if AI could do more than automate tasks — what if it could truly care? In this session, Vanitha will take you on a journey of building a Voice Agentic AI solution on AWS that goes beyond technology — it listens, it understands, and it acts when it matters most. A solution born not just from engineering, but from empathy. Come discover how cloud technology, when built with compassion, can become a lifeline for those who need it most. **About the speaker** [Vanitha Kaliyaperumal](https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanitha-kaliyaperumal/) is a Lead Engineer at [Versent](https://versent.com.au/) with over 25 years of IT experience across Telecommunications, Resources, Banking and Software industries. She has a proven track record in architecting and delivering mission-critical platforms across both On-premises and Cloud environments including AWS, Azure, and Oracle. Vanitha brings deep expertise spanning Monolithic to Cloud transformation, Microservices, DevOps, Security and is deeply passionate about harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to build solutions that create real human impact. She is a passionate advocate for Women in Tech and Building AI for Social Good. **Agenda** 5:30pm – Food and networking 6:00pm – Presentation 1. Turning Data into Decisions: The End-to-End Data Journey 6:30pm – Presentation 2. Cloud with Compassion - Agentic voice AI which truely listens 7:10pm – Quiz 7:20pm – Networking We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors — [Easygo](https://easygo.io/), [Mantel](https://mantelgroup.com.au/) and [REA group](https://www.rea-group.com/) — for supporting our community and making this event possible. Join us for an evening of learning, meaningful conversations, and great company, we can’t wait to see you there!

Join us for tea, coffee and cookies as we centre our discussions around Life & Death. The intention of our café is to initiate, normalize, socialize & transform the conversations around End-of-Life, Death and Dying in our society. We provide a safe space where we bring acceptance, empathy, empowerment and education to each conversation. Traditionally these cafes have been known as ‘Death Cafes’, however, it is our opinion that Life is present until the moment breath leaves the body and at all stages we have the opportunity to choose the Life we please. Also, from a theosophical context, Theosophy offers a perspective that puts Death as a recurring incident in an endless Life that opens the gateway to a fuller more transformed existence. ***NOTE: If you wish to stay and discuss a personal matter, that you are dealing with concerning End-of-Life, we will make ourselves available after the cafe has concluded.*** **PLEASE NOTE: NUMBERS FOR EACH WORKSHOP ARE CAPPED AT 20.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- The MTS is committed to providing events that align with and further The three objects of The Theosophical Society: * To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. * To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. * To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being. However this being stated, the MTS does not endorse any health, spiritual, science-related, philosophical or theological /other assertions or claims made by any facilitator we host.

You’re not overwhelmed because you’re doing too little. You’re overwhelmed because your attention is under attack. In a world of constant pings, shifting priorities, and endless context switching, burnout doesn’t arrive all at once—it creeps in quietly, disguising itself as “just another busy week.” This session with Nosh cuts through the noise. Blending human-centred design and real-world experience along simple practical tools, Nosh will help us recognise the early signals of cognitive overload and how we can manage it. It’s about working with your mind and not against it. Nosh is a purpose-driven service designer with international experience, working at the intersection of technology and human-centred experience. He embraces complexity to create more human systems, beyond work, he is a seeker of stillness. If you want to thrive rather than just survive in the age of infinite distraction… this session is for you.

Assumptions help us make sense of a complex world whilst preserving our time and energy, but when left unchecked they can get in the way of relationships as our minds tend to fill in the blanks, jump to conclusions, and assume we know what someone means. This workshop is an invitation to discover what becomes possible when we stop relating to our story of someone and start relating to the actual person in front of us by using one of the most powerful relational tools we have, our own curiosity. When we use curiosity well, conversations become richer, misunderstandings dissolve, and connections become easier and more alive. Through playful, insightful and connecting exercises, we will experiment with how it feels to replace “I know” by “I wonder” and: * Bring more awareness to how much we assume and what it feels like when people assume things about us * Learn how to notice our assumptions and check them out skillfully * Use curiosity as the antidote * Be interested to make conversations more interesting * Build our curiosity muscle * Find the topics that are of interest to everyone involved * Learn to ask questions that invite depth **TICKETS** Tickets start at $30. We’re committed to accessibility and offer further discount if money is a real barrier to attending. [Book here](https://www.mysoremelbourne.com/authentic-relating) **FUNDAMENTALS OF AUTHENTIC RELATING** Fundamentals of Authentic Relating (AR) happens every 3rd Saturday of the month. It’s for people who want to bring more awareness, honesty, and connection into their relationships. Anyone curious about personal growth, wanting more ease and connection in their interactions, interested in improving their relational skills, or wishing to gain a formal understanding of AR frameworks and mechanics. Sessions are themed and we’ll begin by exploring how to notice what is happening inside (Feb), followed by listening more deeply (Mar), developing curiosity (Apr), expressing oneself with clarity and courage (May), and navigating boundaries and conflict with care (June). **YOUR FACILITATOR** Guillaume has been training in Authentic Relating since 2020, and most recently with ART international (level 4 facilitation certification). He facilitates online and in-person AR workshops for corporates, training institutions, mental health organisations (Menergy, Island of Men), and at private events and festivals (Confest, Renaissance). After 15+ years in leadership positions in the corporate world, Guillaume’s focus is now in the relational arts (Authentic Relating, Circling, Non Violent Communication) and therapeutic modalities (counselling, Gestalt psychotherapy). He is the founder of [Relational Spaces](https://relational-spaces.com/) where he supports others in their personal growth both through individual sessions and group facilitation, and the co-creator of Intentional dinner, a space for human connections and a meal.

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

We live busy lives in busy times. Anxiety, depression and discontent are on the increase. There are no quick fixes for our modern woes. We are born and we die but in between can be glorious – this is the way of Zen. Zen is a way of life that is extremely practical and applicable to our contemporary concerns. It is not a religion, nor a dogma. It is a path made by walking on it. Alongside Hellenistic and Western concepts, erudite and entertaining Peter Lim, shall discuss the elements of Chinese philosophy, of Confucianism, Taoism and Zen that contribute to living a happy life as well as explore some of the impediments we often encounter along the way. ‘Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.’ Zhuangzi. Peter Lim, Dr Lim Meng Sing, is the author of many books: The Gentle Art of Tao Leadership, The Art of Purposeful Living: A Taoist Guide for the Modern Age, The Heart has its Reasons: Poems on Love and Life, and his memoir; Growing Up in British Malaya. As scholar, philosopher, poet and singer Peter believes the spiritual faculty is the highest faculty we humans have and as a humble Humanist, he has been deeply devoted to a life of purpose and integrity for over 45 years. The MTS is committed to providing events that align with and further The three objects of The Theosophical Society: * To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. * To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. * To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being. However this being stated, the MTS does not endorse any health, spiritual, science-related, philosophical or theological /other assertions or claims made by any facilitator we host.

Everyone says “use AI.” But use it for what? How? Why? What does it actually mean to use AI in your personal and professional life that is practical, valuable, and easy to understand? **That is exactly what this group is for.** We’re a free Melbourne AI community helping people understand and actually use the latest tools from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, OpenClaw, Grok, and leading open-source models. Most people know AI matters, but are still overwhelmed by the pace, confused by the hype, or unsure how to apply it in real life. This group is designed to fix that. We focus on the practical side of modern AI: agents, automation, coding, web development, research workflows, business use cases, personal productivity, and multimodal tools across text, image, audio, video, and music. Our sessions are led by people with backgrounds in AI, computer science, engineering, product building, and entrepreneurship. We break down cutting-edge tools and workflows in a way that is clear, exciting, and easy to follow, whether you’re a complete beginner or already technical. Every event is a live real-time walkthrough demonstrations, and hands-on workshop, so you can see exactly how these tools work in practice. We cover platforms and models like ChatGPT, Codex, Claude Code, Gemini, Copilot, OpenClaw, Qwen, Gemma, Kimi, GLM, Veo, Suno, GPT-Image, and more, with a strong focus on what is actually useful right now. The goal is simple: help you stop wasting time, get up to speed on the frontier, and leave with practical knowledge and workflows you can use immediately in your work, projects, and everyday life. **Agenda:** 4:00pm \~ 4:30pm: Networking and refreshments 4:30pm \~ 6:00pm: Presentations and Q&A 6:00pm \~ 7:00pm: Networking and refreshments

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** GitHub Copilot is powerful, but what if you could scale from a solo AI assistant to an entire team of specialized agents working in parallel? This session introduces Squad: an open-source framework for multi-agent orchestration that lets you define teams of AI agents with specific roles, responsibilities, and expertise. We'll progress from Copilot basics to the Copilot CLI, explore how Agents add autonomy, and see how Instructions and Skills let you customize agent behavior. Then, the climax: a live demo where a Squad team of 3 agents (Lead, Developer, Tester) stands up and builds a working application in real-time, showcasing true multi-agent collaboration. Whether you're new to AI or exploring how to scale your use of Copilot, this session will show you what's possible when agents work as a team. **YouTube Link** TBD

**Caller: Richard Ades** **Band: The McKenzies** **Clinton Heights Lutheran Church** **15 Clinton Heights Ave, Columbus, OH 43202** 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 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. 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. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

It’s time to take control of your mental health. 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.

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: This month Chris Pazsint will be talking about Agentic Coding. How does one use CLI Based Agents, and Agentic IDEs such as Cursor, Kiro, Antigravity? How to include agentic coding plugins for IDEs you already love such as Visual Studio Code. We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com

Feeling down? Sometimes depressed? Can't focus? Negativity & stress? Recent losses? Creativity in career and personal life hindered by mental blocks? Sometimes we never fully recover from traumatic experiences. Whether it was yesterday, last week or a year ago, traumatic experiences - a loss of a loved one, losing a job, a breakup - can leave you scarred. You talk about it and feel a little better, but it never goes away. After you hang up the phone, it's still there; the sadness, the cloud, the over-thinking, the worry, the guilt. You try to focus, but you're blocked. You try to look forward into new experiences, new relationships but a cloud is hanging over you, casting a shadow on what you once considered a bright, cheerful future. What happened to your courage? Your strength of character? You're 'why not' attitude? Whoever said 'time heals' must have had a special time machine, because after weeks, months, years, you're wondering - when exactly does that kick in? Sometimes it seems like drinking or drugs are the way to go. But they wear off, and now the problem is still there with added side effects from the drugs. At this free local Meetup event we will talk about: * What causes grief, anxiety and depression to become chronic. * Is it possible to regain your joy and happiness even after traumatic experiences? * How to break away from negativity and focus on the future * What are the steps to take to get control of your mind and your emotions? Learn about a safe, gentle, do-it-yourself counseling that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Let's explore safe, effective solutions for healing from traumatic experiences. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus 🌍 Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 SaveSoil 5K Walkathon here in Columbus and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children! Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Scioto Audubon Metro Park Check-in address 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215 ⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. check-in event starts at 9:30 a.m. 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-columbus-registration-1986596534713?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼Free and Open to All. Share this message and bring your neighbours, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!