OpenStack

Let’s end the weekend the right way ✨ Join us at Goldilocks Rooftop Bar for a relaxed afternoon of good drinks, easy laughs, and meaningful conversation before we head back into the work week. This isn’t a big party vibe , it’s more “just right.” Think: rooftop views, cosy corners, a cocktail (or mocktail), and genuine chats with beautiful humans. Whether you’ve had a busy weekend or a quiet one, this is your chance to unwind, reset, and connect in a chilled, welcoming space. Come solo or bring a friend , you’ll leave feeling lighter and ready for Monday. Can’t wait to see you there 🤍

Book via link [https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1511253](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1511253?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyaDQ3YWN0YXJ0R3g5bnVTV3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR40Ybnft6YhKsuMipBE-n93Q79GR9KtfmQjcYh4Ov_oaOZsbCCLD35tMS0KTQ_aem_J3WHuUnXdwxffxjzNaePdQ) Experience this original dramatic musical based on the life and biblical figure of Mary Magdalene. It is a bold human story of rebellion, ruin and resurrection. Mary Magdalene finds her life forever changed through a life- altering encounter that leads to profound spiritual awakening. The musical was written by John Lee and features an original score by Antonio Rullez, Keith Ng and Beth "Betchay" Mondragon Williams. This production, directed by Beth "Betchay" Mondragon Williams, reimagines Mary Magdalene with depth, dignity and resonance, employing poetic license for artistic purposes. Join us as we stir the spirit through theatre and song. TRAILER below https://youtu.be/a1lwDG8nocw?si=LDDaIAP24p1zW73t Other musicals that have been produced by COG Theatre Group and written by multi award winning playwright, John Lee, include Call of Guadalupe, Saul Saul Paul Paul, Francis of Assisi, Amazing Augustine and John Paul II. “ [http://cogtheatre.org](http://cogtheatre.org/) ## Dates Friday 13 March 2026 - Sunday 15 March 2026 (UTC+11) Fri 13 March, 7pm Sat 14 March, 1pm and 7pm Sun 15 March, 1pm Renaissance Theatre 826 High Street, Kew East VIC 3102

👉🏻 [GET YOUR TICKET (CLICK HERE)](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1982320216129?aff=oddtdtcreator) [ ](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1977239373191?aff=oddtdtcreator)👈🏻 ------------------------------------------------------- 🗓️ Date: Sunday, 15 March 2026 📍 Location: Cape Schanck (Approximately 1 hour & 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD on Sundays) 🚙 Need a lift? Tap here - To see the carpool drivers and organise your ride. 📏 Hike Distance: Around 8 km total. 🔗 Trail Map: Cape Schanck 🕙 Start Time: 3:45 PM. Please arrive at the hike/parking location (shared via the private Instagram group chat). This allows time for a quick ice breaker and, if available, a toilet break at the car park before we set off. The hike will begin promptly at 4:00 PM. 🕔 End Time: 7:30 PM. 🚶‍♂️ Pace/Difficulty: Friendly and social / Easy. ------------------------------------------------------- Plan for the Day: We’ll start with a 1-hour scenic coastal hike, taking our time to enjoy the views and the trail. After the hike, we’ll spend around 2 hours relaxing at the destination time to unwind, take photos and enjoy the surroundings head back to car park at 6/6:30 pm. We'll explore and swim in the amazing rock pools. ⚠️Important notes: Swimming is optional and at your own risk No jumping or diving is allowed There is no lifeguard on duty 🚩 ------------------------------------------------------- ⌛️ Average Hike Duration: 4–6 hours, depending on the group’s pace + including breaks to admire nature and a lunch break along the trail. 💬 Community Chat Access: You'll be added to our private Instagram group chat after booking! This is where we share final hike details, updates, and a fun space to connect before and after the hike. 👉 To make it easy for us to add you, please follow us on Instagram @socialhikesau prior booking. Important Note For this hike, we recommend that all participants download the AllTrails app before the event. This will help you: View the trail map in advance Track your progress during the hike Stay on course in case you get separated from the group Having AllTrails ensures everyone can enjoy the hike safely and confidently. ------------------------------------------------------- Looking to meet new people, explore nature, and have a good laugh along the way? This is your perfect Sunday plan! 🎉 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Melbourne Social Hike. A welcoming day out where the focus is all about fun, friendships and fresh air. Whether you come solo or bring a mate, you’ll leave with new connections and memories! ------------------------------------------------------- 🚙 Carpooling Makes It Happen Social Hikes Australia runs on community spirit and carpooling is a big part of that. Every seat offered means another hiker can join the adventure. Less cars, easier logistics, more fun together. Carpooling is a great way to start the day by meet new people, share a few laughs, and arrive at the trail together. Drivers, your contribution makes a huge difference, and passengers, your gratitude keeps it all running smoothly. It’s simple, social and one of the best parts of the Social Hikes Australia experience. 🚗🌿 ------------------------------------------------------- 👉 Carpool Driver information If you’ve got spare seats and don’t mind some company, offering a lift is one of the best ways to kick off the day 🚙💨. It makes the trip more fun, helps out fellow hikers who don’t have a car and is an easy way to make a few friends before we even hit the trail. Plus, fewer cars means less parking stress and a smoother start for everyone. For passengers, it’s the easiest way to get to the trail, meet new people and enjoy the ride together instead of travelling alone. In our Social Hikes Australia community, many people are more than happy to help out those without cars it’s part of what makes these days feel so welcoming and connected. ✨ Best practice: Passengers should try to secure transportation before purchasing a ticket to avoid any last-minute stress. Important Carpooling Note Drivers and passengers should stick with the arrangements they make. We do not recommend swapping drivers or cars after you’ve agreed on a ride. If you do decide to change, please make sure all parties are clearly informed and agree to avoid confusion. If a driver forgets, gets mixed up, or doesn’t pick you up, Social Hikes Australia (and your driver) are not liable for any inconvenience caused. For this reason, it is best to keep things simple with the driver you first arranged with. In the transport chat, drivers will share their preferred pick-up locations often major CBD train stations like Parliament, Richmond, South Yarra, Southern Cross, or North Melbourne. For this hike, the nearest station to the trail is Frankston , though drivers may choose whichever spot is most convenient for them. Passengers can then join from those locations. ------------------------------------------------------- 🤩 Why Join? 🌟 Make new friends in a super easy, zero pressure way 🌟 Enjoy nature and fresh air with great company 🌟 Friendly vibes full of laughs, chats and good times guaranteed 🌟 Your next hiking buddy might just become your next uni mate, housemate or travel buddy! ------------------------------------------------------- 🎟️ Tickets: All tickets are $20 per person. This helps cover: Public liability insurance A $2.40 contribution per ticket directly to Parks Victoria Experienced guides with a tour operator license who know the trails well First aid kit and safety equipment for the group 🚗 Carpoolers Discount If you’re driving and offer seats to passengers, your ticket is only $5 🙌. ------------------------------------------------------- 🥾 What to Bring: 👟 Comfy hiking shoes 💧 2–3L of water 🥪 Snacks/lunch ☀️ Sun protection (hat, sunnies, sunscreen) 🦟 Bug spray (always a good idea) 🏖️ Towel to lie on 🎒 Optional: hiking poles, wet weather gear/raincoat ------------------------------------------------------- 📌 How It Works: After purchasing your ticket, you’ll receive a link to our private Instagram group chat. All final details will be shared there: Hike route, meet-up location and any last-minute updates. Friendly pace, friendly faces! This hike is intentionally slow–medium so everyone can enjoy and chat along the way. ------------------------------------------------------- Why Join Us? 🌱 Make new friends in a relaxed, casual way. 🌱 Enjoy nature while meeting people your age. 🌱 No pressure, just good vibes and real connections. 🌱 You never know. Today’s hiking buddy could be tomorrow’s uni mate, flatmate, or travel buddy! 🌱 Your safety is our priority. Equipped with a first aid kit on hand. ------------------------------------------------------- 🍽️ Food Arrangement After our hike, we love keeping the good vibes rolling with a meal together. We’ll suggest a café or restaurant that’s usually on the way back toward the city so it’s easy for everyone and avoids extra driving. It’s always a highlight of the day swapping stories from the trail, sharing laughs, and getting to know your fellow hikers even better over some good food. Joining is optional, but most people stick around because it’s such a fun way to finish the adventure. Everyone just covers their own meal, and we’ll confirm the spot in the Instagram group chat on the day. When booking, you’ll be asked if you’d like to join: Yes / No / Not Sure. The organisers will confirm the restaurant or bar on the day, based on feedback. ------------------------------------------------------- ⚠️ Important: Must be 18+ years old to attend. Hike at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety and belongings. Respectful, kind behaviour is a must. We are a positive and welcoming community. Zero tolerance for any unwelcome behaviour. We’re here to have fun, together! ------------------------------------------------------- 📜 Liability & Waiver By joining this hike, you acknowledge that participation is voluntary and at your own risk. Social Hikes Australia is not liable for accidents, injuries, illnesses, theft, or transport-related issues. 🚑 If you have previous injuries, medical conditions, or health concerns, discuss with the organiser before purchasing your ticket. Transport/carpooling is a community initiative only, not a service. 👉 Please make sure to read our Terms & Conditions (click here) before purchasing your ticket. ------------------------------------------------------- Refund Policy: Tickets are non-refundable unless the hike is cancelled or rescheduled. Tickets cannot be transferred to other hike unless agreed with the organisers. ------------------------------------------------------- 🌧 Rain Policy If the forecast shows over 15 mm in 6 hours or 20+ mm during the day, we may postpone or adjust the hike to keep things safe and enjoyable. Slippery trails, flooding, and poor visibility are no fun or safe. We’ll also reschedule for thunderstorms or if trails are still soaked from heavy rain the days before. Light rain (under 5 mm/hour) is usually fine. We’ll check each hike case-by-case. Safety first 🌿 If it changes and gets heavier, we’ll reschedule for the following Saturday, 29 March 2026 instead. ------------------------------------------------------- 🌿 About Social Hikes Australia: Social Hikes Australia was founded in 2023 with a simple mission: to bring people together through the beauty of nature. Since then, we’ve completed over 45 incredible hikes across Victoria, From coastal trails to mountain summits, we have explored the diverse landscapes Victoria has to offer, fostering connection, adventure, and a deep apreciation for the wild. 🥾🌿 We're excited to announce that fortnightly hikes have officially become part of our schedule! 🚀 Every two weeks, we'll be exploring new locations, creating more opportunities for you to connect, adventure, and be part of a growing, supportive community. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just getting into the outdoors, Social Hikes Australia is a place where everyone is welcome. Come for the adventure, stay for the friendships. 🤝✨ 👉 Follow us on Instagram for updates and upcoming hikes: @socialhikesau ------------------------------------------------------- 💸 Where Your Contribution Goes: Advertising and outreach – helping us bring in new people on every event. $2.40 per person – paid directly to Parks Victoria as part of the per-day use fee. Public liability insurance – so we’re covered for safety and compliance. First aid kit supplies – keeping our hikes safe and prepared. Tour Operator Licence. Every ticket makes it possible to cover the essentials and keep creating safe, social, and welcoming outdoor adventures. 🌿 ------------------------------------------------------- 📞 Organiser Contact: We highly encourage you to text our organiser team before purchasing your ticket if you have any concerns about transport: Jacob 📱 0404 870 123 l Sebas 📱 0435 993 237 🥳 Ready to make friends, explore Melbourne’s beautiful nature, and have a blast? Spots are limited, so grab your ticket now and let's hike, laugh and connect! 🌿🎉

Now at the Ringwood Bowls Club. There is plenty of parking and the Ringwood Bowls Club is wheelchair accessible. DR Big Band, jazz jam, open mic, Jazz Notes, invited singers, Caught In The Act! Over 3 hours of music at the Ringwood Bowls Club. **RSVP** Please RSVP to the event to say that you’re 'GOING' - this helps us with planning the tables. **Booking** Entry for the entire afternoon of music is $15. Please book through TryBooking to ensure your place - tickets will be on sale UNTIL 5:00pm on THE DAY BEFORE the event. [https://www.trybooking.com/BVWQE](https://www.trybooking.com/BVWQE) Tickets will also be on sale at the venue, subject to availability. Entry after 4:00pm is by donation. **About the event** It’ll be a huge afternoon of music at the Ringwood Bowls Club with the bands followed by a jam. A guest singer will join the 17-piece DR Big Band for some big band favourites, old and new. And Jazz Notes – Caught In The Act! will bring you some funky Latin music and more. Doors open at 12:30 and the music commences at 1:30pm. Here are some photos from a recent event: [https://www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Music-Performers/photos/32235314/](https://www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Music-Performers/photos/32235314/) **Jazz Jam** The jazz jam runs after 4pm: singers and all instrumentalists are welcome. The house band will fill gaps in the line-up. Road song (Gm) Sonnymoon for two (Bb) Beautiful love (Dm) For lead sheets, see: [https://www.swiss-jazz.ch/partitions-real-book.htm#real-book](https://www.swiss-jazz.ch/partitions-real-book.htm#real-book) If you’d like to bring along a song that's not in Real Book 1, please bring 4 copies of the lead sheet. Even better, contact us before the event to discuss your choice. And, please let us know that you're coming so that we can include you in our programme. **Food** Food is available, provided by the Ringwood Bowls Club. The bar has beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks at very reasonable prices. Coffee and tea are complimentary (self-serve). **About us** This event is run by Community Music and Performances Inc, and Jazz Notes: CMaP website: [https://www.cmapinc.org.au](https://www.cmapinc.org.au) CMaP Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/cmapinc](https://www.facebook.com/cmapinc) Jazz Notes website: [https://jazznotes.net.au](https://jazznotes.net.au) Jazz Notes Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/jazznotes](https://www.facebook.com/jazznotes)

We work with driven business owners, emerging founders, professionals refining what they've built, and individuals rewriting their narrative - choosing growth, ownership, and aligned action over staying comfortable. You are the average of 5 people you surround yourself with - for this reason, our mission is to create a space where ambitious people connect genuinely, learn, and expand alongside other driven individuals. * **What We’re About** You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so join us — and be part of a community that rises above circumstances and creates opportunities. Inspire and be inspired by those who make things happen. It's a relaxed, organic space to connect with like-minded people and network—genuinely talking, learning from each other, and connecting over shared interests. * **What to Expect** Casual Meetups☕: We gather semi-regularly at a local café to chat about everything from stepping outside your comfort zone to business ideas, creative projects, and building a life aligned with your purpose. It’s relaxed, easy, and welcoming—no need to have anything “figured out.” An Easy-Going Space: We keep things simple and low-pressure. Once everyone arrives, we ease in with some light conversation and naturally break into smaller groups. Networking: Feel free to introduce yourself or let people know what you're working on if you feel like it. And if anyone wants to quickly shout out what they’re working on or looking for before we settle in, go for it—it’s a great way to spark new conversations. * **Host Support** If you’d like a one-on-one chat with me about your business, just tap me on the shoulder. I’ll be floating around and happy to make time for you. **Quick note for the day:** Depending on the weather, we might go for a walk around Wattle Park. Just remember to wear comfy shoes :)

**Turn Anxiety and stress into happiness!** Become your natural self again. Discover the drug-free way to a healthy mind. This educational talk is based on the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by New York Times bestseller author L. Ron Hubbard. Dianetics is an exact science of the mind. In this educational talk you will learn about the hidden source of all irrational thoughts and behavior as well as unwanted emotions (anxiety, fear, depression, apathy) and how to handle them forever. Free entry and free parking. Please send messages to host if you have any question.

✨ **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.

**The Telepathy Tapes podcast** brought the ESP abilities of autistic children to the world’s attention, with several studies exploring this association more closely. However, the neurological effects of autism can affect other abilities as well – like present-life memory and even past-life memories. **Jim Matlock and his team are pioneers** in this new cutting-edge field of study - now exploring it more systematically than ever before, with new findings still coming to light. **Some autistic people have outstanding memory** capabilities, while also struggling in other areas. But other autistic people are unable to form the basic episodic memories that underlie autobiographical recall. And research is revealing that the same factors impacting present-life memory can impact past-life memory as well. **In this session, Jim Matlock will discuss** several case studies of autistic children and adults to describe how autobiographical past-life memories can either be suppressed or enhanced under autism. **About Jim Matlock PhD:** * Anthropologist and world-class reincarnation researcher * Creator of the 'Processual Soul Theory' through his comprehensive, multicultural and interdisciplinary approach * 45+ years involvement in parapsychology and reincarnation studies * Editorial Board member of the *Journal of Scientific Exploration* * Editorial Board member of the Journal of Near-Death Studies * Research Fellow with the Parapsychology Foundation, Inc. * Winner of 2021 Parapsychological Association Book Award for Signs of Reincarnation: Exploring Beliefs, Cases, and Theory (2019) * Author of a multitude of academic publications on reincarnation * Curator of top-notch FB group "Signs of Reincarnation" **Online Option:** While this is billed as an in-person event, there will be online access as well. Just reach out to me via Meetup or russ.parapsych@gmail.com Here are the Teams meeting details: [Autism and Past-Life Memories - Parapsychology Meetup Melbourne | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams](https://teams.live.com/meet/9353411450149?p=fHMKtHIjiSKrh9ZeA6) Meeting ID: 935 341 145 014 9 / Passcode: 5fj6Cq **Post-Event Social Lunch Hangout (12.45 - 1.45pm)** Afterwards, you are invited to lunch with everyone at Flora Restaurant (5min walk from the venue) **PLEASE NOTE:** * **11AM Start -** Please be considerate and arrive early. * **$10 Cover Charge:** Room hire, facilities, and running costs.

🌟 **A new one-on-one, personality-based connection experience** Many of you have been asking about structured events and if I’d ever bring them back. Well… here it is - a new version, more intentional, and built around something I care about : **matching people based on personality.** Over the years, I’ve seen how hard it can be to find people you truly click with as adults. Small talk goes nowhere, and most events don’t give you the space for real conversation. 💫 **What to Expect** This is not speed dating, and it’s not a big mixer. It’s a curated, one-on-one connection experience where you’ll meet a few people who’ve been matched to you based on personality and vibe. Expect: * A cosy, comfortable venue * A hosted structure so you’re never left awkwardly standing around * A series of guided one-on-one conversations * A relaxed atmosphere where you can genuinely be yourself * This is not dating focused event, there will be a seperate one for dating Each conversation is designed to feel natural — because the match is based on compatibility Get your tickets here - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1984161364052?aff=oddtdtcreator 🧭 **Before the Event** Once you get your Eventbrite ticket, you’ll receive a **short personality test (If you have already taken the test at a previous event you don't need to do it again)**. It takes only a few minutes but helps us understand your communication style, energy, and compatibility factors. This is how we curate meaningful one-on-one pairings for the event. 🌿 **Come Join Us** If you’re tired of small talk and ready to meet people who truly fit your personality, this is for you. A warm, intentional space created for deeper conversations and genuine chemistry - whether it becomes friendship, something romantic, or just a surprisingly great chat. RSVP now — spots are kept limited to ensure quality one-on-one time.

**The Telepathy Tapes podcast** brought the ESP abilities of autistic children to the world’s attention, with several studies exploring this association more closely. However, the neurological effects of autism can affect other abilities as well – like present-life memory and even past-life memories. **Jim Matlock and his team are pioneers** in this new cutting-edge field of study - now exploring it more systematically than ever before, with new findings still coming to light. **Some autistic people have outstanding memory** capabilities, while also struggling in other areas. But other autistic people are unable to form the basic episodic memories that underlie autobiographical recall. And research is revealing that the same factors impacting present-life memory can impact past-life memory as well. **In this session, Jim Matlock will discuss** several case studies of autistic children and adults to describe how autobiographical past-life memories can either be suppressed or enhanced under autism. **About Jim Matlock PhD:** * Anthropologist and world-class reincarnation researcher * Creator of the 'Processual Soul Theory' through his comprehensive, multicultural and interdisciplinary approach * 45+ years involvement in parapsychology and reincarnation studies * Editorial Board member of the *Journal of Scientific Exploration* * Editorial Board member of the Journal of Near-Death Studies * Research Fellow with the Parapsychology Foundation, Inc. * Winner of 2021 Parapsychological Association Book Award for Signs of Reincarnation: Exploring Beliefs, Cases, and Theory (2019) * Author of a multitude of academic publications on reincarnation * Curator of top-notch FB group "Signs of Reincarnation" * **Online Option:** While this is billed as an in-person event, there will be online access as well. Just reach out to me via Meetup or [russ.parapsych@gmail.com](mailto:russ.parapsych@gmail.com) **Post-Event Social Lunch Hangout (12.45 - 1.45pm)** Afterwards, you are invited to lunch with everyone at Flora Restaurant (5min walk from the venue) **PLEASE NOTE:** * **11AM Start -** Please be considerate and arrive early. * **$10 Cover Charge:** Room hire, facilities, and running costs.

Ready to add some rhythm to your week? Join us for a **FREE Salsa class** right in the heart of Melbourne! No partner or experience needed — just bring your energy, and we’ll handle the rest. You’ll learn the basic steps, meet amazing people, and have a ton of fun while moving to Latin beats. ✨ **What to expect:** * Easy, step-by-step instruction — perfect for first-timers * A fun and welcoming community * Great music, great vibes, and maybe a new obsession! 📍 **Location:** 600 Little Collins St, Melbourne CBD (The Salsa Foundation Studio) 🕕 **When:** Multiple sessions weekly — book your spot now! 🎟️ **Cost:** 100% Free — bookings are essential due to limited space

Please join us this Sunday as we discuss if a secular society can replace the functions of religion (or spirituality), and what this may mean for our lives. We will look at this at both the social and individual level. **We will meet at the Queensberry Hotel, 593 Swanston Street, Carlton (100m north of previous location) at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **We kindly ask attendees to pay $5 to attend to help with MeetUp costs & venue costs. This is not mandatory, but if you are a regular member it would be appreciated. Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table. The venue also expects us to spend money as a group, so grateful if everyone could buy a drink from the venue.** There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. Find below some questions to consider, however these are free-ranging events and the below serve as a springboard for the discussion: **What might religion offer?** \- Meaning and existential orientation \- Moral formation \- Community and belonging \- Ritual and shared identity \- Authority and moral limits **Is religion needed?** \- Are some countries \(perhaps Australia\, perhaps the Nordic countries\) doing well with a secular society? \- Are they living off the moral inheritance of Christianity? If so\, how long will it last? \- Do we create quasi\-religions instead\, such as nationalism? \- If religion provides useful functions\, can we just replace them with something else? \- Does this question look different elsewhere\, such as in East Asian societies\. **Philosophers to draw upon** \- religion as social glue \(Durkheim\, Tocqueville\, Haidt\) \- religion as psychological response \(Hume\, James\) \- religion as declining foundation of morality \(Nietzsche\, MacIntrye\, Dostoevsky\) \- religion as historical force shaping society \(Weber\, Marx\) \- religion as replaceable or reformable \(Mill\, Comte\, Kant\) Hope to see you there!

Discover Kiro, AWS’s innovative development environment that adapts to your workflow. Whether you prefer specification-driven development or a more intuitive, vibe-based approach, Kiro empowers you to build applications your way. In this session, speakers will explore Kiro’s core functionality and its evolution through re:Invent 2025, along with demonstrations of prompts used to create APIs, hooks, and steering documents. In the latter part of the session, watch as we build a complete example from scratch, showcasing Kiro’s agentic AI workflow in action for spec-driven development and vibe coding. What You'll Learn - Core Kiro concepts and development philosophy Feature evolution: pre and post re:Invent 2025 Practical examples: API creation, hooks, and steering docs Live coding demonstration with real-time problem solving Who Should Attend - Developers, solutions architects, and technical leaders interested in modern AWS development tools and AI-assisted coding workflows. **Speakers Bio:** Matthew Jorat: Matthew Jorat is a Customer Solutions Manager at AWS with nearly three decades of expertise in AI, cloud transformation, migration, modernization, IT, technology, and business. His career spans infrastructure engineer, solutions architect, security auditor, customer success director, support and services director, and operations officer. He was an early adopter of AWS services as a customer, and his current role at AWS uniquely blends his technical and business skills as he partners with executive teams to translate strategic priorities into measurable business outcomes through cloud adoption, AI implementation, and operational excellence. Matt leads end-to-end AI initiatives for enterprise customers, identifying high-impact use cases and maintaining relentless focus on measurable ROI. He holds eight AWS certifications and serves as Adjunct Professor at Franklin University teaching cloud computing and AWS architecture. His expertise encompasses GenAI, agentic AI systems, migration, modernization, and optimization strategies that drive transformation at scale. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/) Girish Bhatia: Girish Bhatia is a seasoned technology delivery leader with deep expertise in cross-domain program management. He holds multiple AWS certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate, and AWS Generative AI Practitioner, and is also an AWS Community Builder. Girish brings over two decades of experience in the information technology industry. Throughout his career, Girish has led major technology-driven business transformation from modernizing on-premises applications to driving large-scale cloud migrations. His work includes API-based integration platforms, data-center and mainframe modernization, and enterprise cloud adoption initiatives. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Girish works at a tech-forward fintech company. He is passionate about AWS serverless architectures, Generative AI and emerging cloud technologies. An avid learner and builder, he continues to explore and apply the latest innovations in AWS to help organizations accelerate their digital transformation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/[https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/) **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

Transform stress into energy and fatigue into focus in 30 minutes flat. This is your invitation to recharge your body’s energy, emotion, and performance blueprint — live. Former Tony Robbins coach Sara Basloe leads an electrifying mini workshop designed to help you: • Upgrade your state instantly with physiology shifts • Use emotion as a navigation tool, not a reaction • Prime your body for high flow focus • Learn the nighttime habits that unlock deep recovery [REGISTER HERE](https://triumphtracknow.com/weekly-momentum-series) Bonus: Hear how client favorite sleep chews help align your rhythm naturally. And end the momentum webinar session with the chance to join a private Rhythm Reset Coaching Session to personalize your blueprint. Let’s raise your energy 3 levels — live. ➡️[ Reserve](https://triumphtracknow.com/weekly-momentum-series) your spot now and step into unstoppable energy

Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/cbus-hug-2026/

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!

Builders, creators, architects, admins, consultants - come one, come all. This one's for you. We're bringing a little friendly competition to the Columbus ServiceNow community while highlighting the cool things people have built on the platform. Five presenters will take the stage to showcase something they've built, solved, designed, or imagined on the ServiceNow platform - and a panel of judges (plus YOU, our amazing audience) will score them live. So basically, America's Got Talent but make it ServiceNow's Got Talent. Bring a notepad if you'd like 'cause you'll definitely be learning something new. Each presenter gets 10 minutes max to wow the crowd with: • A demo • A real-world business solution • A bold idea • A UX transformation • Or a creative use of the platform Judging Criteria: 🏆 Business Value 🚀 Innovation ✨ User Experience This event is about celebrating ideas, sharing knowledge, and showing how ServiceNow can drive both business impact and meaningful user value. Come learn. Come support. Come get inspired. Refreshments and bites will be provided. And maybe next time… you’ll be on stage.

**Understanding the Columbus Housing Market: Let’s Talk Downsizing for Seniors** Understanding the Market to Make Your Best Move Yet Thinking about downsizing or helping a parent prepare for a move? Join us for a friendly, educational seminar designed specifically for seniors in Central Ohio. We’ll break down what’s happening in today’s Columbus housing market, explore timing and planning for downsizing, and discuss easy ways to prepare a longtime home for sale—without overwhelm. You’ll also learn about low‑maintenance housing options, financial considerations, and simple steps to make your next move smooth and stress‑free. This is a relaxed, no‑pressure event where you can ask questions and get practical advice tailored to seniors and their families. Hosted by: Katie McCartney, Broker & Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES)

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!