Poodle

Easy, Social 15 km. Celebrate New Years Day with a ride to the beach then take away pizza in new wetlands and coastal woodlands, (of a sort (LOL)) in Elwood. Depart Fed Square, cruise down the St Kilda Road bike track to Fitzroy Street St Kilda trail then the bayside trail to Elwood Beach. If you’re feeling brave, or just curious, a quick dip in the sea, then up the Elwood canal to Ormond Road to purchase take away pizza, or of course, BYO dinner. Zanini Pizzeria & Cucina Italiana https://maps.app.goo.gl/44uDTuQwtJ5Wikoc9 We’ll chill out in the newly rehabilitated Yalukit wetlands and coastal woodlands, a former golf course. Gardenvale Station is nearby, you can bail out there or retrace your ‘steps’ back to fed Square. Bring lights if you’re planning to cycle back to Fed Square in the evening. The ride can be viewed on Ride with GPS: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53621362](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53621362) RIDE REGISTRATION FORM This will be available within a day of the ride being announced. Preferably it is to be completed when you RSVP, but no later than the day before the ride. It can be found at https://www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider ESSENTIAL ITEMS Functioning headlight & tail light Spare tube and a puncture kit MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, food/snacks, etc WATER It's your responsibility to check the temperature and distance for the day and carry an appropriate amount of water. When riding outside suburbia remember that carrying too much water is better than not enough as the distances between water availability may vary greatly from the planned route due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances. Check Meetup for any changes the day before the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If you cannot make it to the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' at least one day before the ride day. This ride is for financial MBTC club members, or those who have not yet done three single day rides with us. To join our club check out [https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership](https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership) The MBTC Refund & Cancellation Policy can be found [here](https://www.mbtc.org.au/refund-cancellation-policy/) When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organiser from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law. I acknowledge that photos may be taken of me during MBTC rides and social events, and that it is club practice that these photos will be published on Meetup, Facebook, and the club website. I will notify the ride leader and other riders if I wish to not be photographed. MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC controlled sites.

To BOOK you must GET a FREE TICKET from the Nomads website by following: **[https://thq.fyi/se/98fd2111eff3](https://thq.fyi/se/98fd2111eff3).** Click on **Get Tickets.** **Note:** *An RSVP on Meetup is **NOT** a booking.* *Please visit the Nomads website for full and early details of events.* Enjoy a leisurely picnic and explore one of Inner Melbourne's historic treasures, Burnley Gardens, located in the traditional country of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People. **GRADE \| LENGTH \| TYPE**: Grade 1: Easy - picnic together with a short walk to explore the extensive range of flora in the Gardens (graded according to the **[AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System](https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/hiking-and-bushwalking/choose-the-right-hike/how-walking-tracks-are-rated)**). **ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION**: The Burnley Gardens are a great escape for inner Melbourne, even though they are little-known and difficult to find. Open to the public 24/7, they are tucked away within the heritage buildings of the Melbourne University campus on a remote bend in the Yarra and accessed via Yarra Boulevard. Created in 1863 for horticultural research and teaching, they contain more than 1000 species of plants and have some of the inner city’s oldest trees. Now part of the University of Melbourne since 1997, much of the late 19th-century form of the Gardens remains, though with extensive additional building, including a rockery by Ellis Stone, a new stream and pond system by Robert Boyle in the native garden, and a courtyard by Steve Mullany, a Californian landscape designer. **NOTE:** this is an uneven and hilly area plus has gravel / dirt based paths, thus "stilettos" or similar footwear are not suitable - LOL. ***The Park is dog friendly.*** **BOOKING**: By Wednesday 31st December. To BOOK you must GET a FREE TICKET from the Nomads website by following: **[https://thq.fyi/se/98fd2111eff3](https://thq.fyi/se/98fd2111eff3).** Click on **Get Tickets.** **Note:** *An RSVP on Meetup is **NOT** a booking.*

Kick off the New Year with a relaxed morning walk through the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, designed for Australian-born Chinese (ABC) singles aged 35 and over who value meaningful connection and easy conversation. This is a low-pressure, friendly walking activity — a chance to enjoy fresh air, gentle movement, and natural conversation with like-minded people who share a bicultural background and are at a similar life stage. We’ll walk at a comfortable pace, pause for casual chats, and finish with the option to grab a coffee nearby for those who’d like to continue the conversation.

Meet Gillian outside Sebastian's, even though it's not open till next week. We'll walk along the beach to Green Point in Brighton (one hour round trip). There are plenty of benches along the way if you don't feel like doing the whole walk. Then back to Brown Cow for a cuppa & chat. For any queries, don't hesitate to get in touch with Gillian 0409219524 http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/8/6/8/event_431898536.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/7/5/4/event_306566452.jpeg

At the corner of King & Flinders, this seven-level destination blends the soul of a classic pub with the spirit of global adventure. From the Public Bar to South-East Asian dining, rooftop cocktails, and three event spaces for private celebrations, complete with lush terraces and sweeping city views. **Public Bar & Beer Garden** Located on the ground floor of The Waterside Hotel, this is where locals and visitors alike gather for cold beers, great flavours, and warm service. Whether you’re dropping in for a casual pint, catching up with mates, or kicking off a night upstairs at Past / Port, it all starts at the Waterside Public Bar & Beer Garden So come along for dinner at Waterside Hotel in the Public Bar on the Ground Floor at 6pm. Table for dinner booked under Andrew Goodwin (ph:0424453134) at 6pm. Here is a copy of the menu. [https://watersidehotel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/THEWATERSIDEPUBLICBAR_MENU.pdf](https://watersidehotel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/THEWATERSIDEPUBLICBAR_MENU.pdf) Event cohosted by Martin Carr. As far as getting here for public transport take your pick of either Southern Cross Station or Flinders Street Station and preferably take a tram near here or if necessary walk it. Likely to be plenty of parking around the general area and Crown Casino Carpark might be a good options here. PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS ON MULTIPLE GROUPS.

How about we kick off the best day with a jog and coffee together? Trust me, you won't want to miss out! 🏃‍♂️Training menu🏃‍♂️ Every Sunday 8:00~ Fed Square Assembly 【https://maps.app.goo.gl/zmPQ6U533pUDcNSA9?g_st=ic】 If you have luggage, please consider using the lockers at the station. 💥40~60 min Jog+Walk Pace: Easy pace, suitable for beginners. If you got tired, let's walk together. 【schedule】 8:00 Gathering 8:10 Start 9:00 End of training Challengers we are waiting for you 😊

Join us for some games of (Japanese) Riichi Mahjong at Good Games Box Hill. We welcome beginners and seasoned players alike; let us know ahead of time if you are a beginner. We play with WRC rules with red fives. Please see the following website for more information regarding rules ([https://www.worldriichi.org/wrc-rules](https://www.worldriichi.org/wrc-rules)). Games are timed at 75 minutes + 1 additional hand and scores are tracked on https://scores.vicriichi.org/. Have the best 12 consecutive games between 1 November 2025 and 31 January 2026 to earn a $50 gift card to spend at Good Games! Entry fee: $5. If paying by cash, please pay at the counter. This money is used to pay for our use of the store space, maintaining equipment and other meetup services, and organising larger events open to everyone! Please change your RSVP to not going if you're no longer able to attend. This will give the next person on the waitlist the opportunity to attend. There is free parking available in the Care Park on Watts St next to the store. Want to support Victorian Riichi Mahjong and receive exclusive benefits? Then become an official member! For $30/year, members receive an extensive benefits package that includes: -Eligibility to discuss and vote on Club matters during live Club meetings, and to vote and run for Leadership Officer positions. -Complimentary Vic Riichi merchandise every membership year. -Early access and discounted entry fees for events and tournaments. -Mahjong coaching, workshops, study sessions, and online log reviews. -Access to exclusive members-only merchandise and events. -Access to meetup benefits such as discounted loyalty cards. Please see [here](https://www.vicriichi.org/membership) for more info! If you would like to connect with other Victorian/Australian Riichi Mahjong players online, check out our website, [https://www.vicriichi.org](https://www.vicriichi.org), and join the [Victorian Riichi Mahjong Association (VRMA)](https://vicriichi.org/discord) and [Australian Riichi Mahjong Association (ARMA)](https://discord.gg/m8rYv4fS4F) Discord groups!

**🌞 Eat, Drink, Dip & Coast — Summer Social Ride along the beach to Point Ormond - 22km Return** A breezy, cheeky, sun‑kissed roll along Melbourne’s waterfront Ready to flirt with summer? We’re taking our wheels, our wit, and our warm‑weather charm on a coastal cruise from the Skyline Ferris Wheel at South Wharf all the way to Point Ormond — with beach dips, café temptations, and plenty of banter stops to keep things loose (especially my muscles, which will absolutely need it). **🚲 Meet & Greet (and maybe a cheeky pre‑ride coffee) 10:15 a.m. — Arrive early** at the Skyline Ferris Wheel, right next to the Love Café by the Exhibition Centre. We'll leave by 10.30 a.m. Grab a snack, sip something energising, and warm up your social muscles. 10:30 a.m. — We roll out. Smooth, slow, and social. **🌊 The Route: Waterfront flirtation** We’ll glide along the cycleway to Beacon Cove, then follow the coastline past Port Melbourne, hugging the bay all the way to St Kilda and finally Point Ormond. It’s about 11 km each way — a breezy 22 km return — and absolutely not a race. Think: leisurely cruising, sunshine, sea breeze, and the occasional “wait, look at that view” pause. 🩱 Swim Optional… but highly encouraged if it’s hot If the day turns steamy, we’re making a splash. Bring towel + bathers if you’re feeling brave, beachy, or both. **☕ Lunch & Swim Stop — Group Choice** We’ll hit the café‑rich stretch around St Kilda for our mystery lunch decision point. The group decides where we land — café, swim, or both. Add an extra hour if we settle in for food or a dip. **🕒 Timing** Expect around 3 hours of rolling and chatting, plus optional extra time for lunch/swim indulgence **💬 Vibe** Light. Flirty. Inclusive. A summer ride with a wink — perfect for loosening up, meeting new people, and letting the coastline do its magic. **👍Requirements** Make sure your bike works and is capable of doing 22km return. Bonus if you can do it as well lol! Bike helmet and Bike Lock **Optional** Consider getting RACV Bike assist insurance. Only $23.50 per year that covers bike repair, or if you need repair and transport and can't finish the ride. Download their Arevo bike navigation app which contains the discount code. Beach towel and bathers (thongs) if an ocean dip is on the cards If you need a bike rental consider [Blue Tongue Bikes](https://bluetonguebikes.com.au/), just across the river at Batman Park, next to King St.

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

Let’s meet for dinner at the Rossi, In the short north. The plan is to have dinner and then head over to Good Night John Boy around 9 pm for drinks and dancing. Please only RSVP if you are having dinner so that I have a head count for the restaurant. If you want to only join us for John Night John Boy, you don’t have to RSVP, you can write a comment under the event. This is the menu for the restaurant: https://rossikitchenandbar.com/dinner

Start the new year with your local IxDA pals. Join members of the Central Ohio UX and design community for our monthly breakfast.

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** 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. Snacks to share are always welcome!

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us as we celebrate **National Spaghetti Day** with this hearty dish! Though the origins of spaghetti are disputed—whether it was Marco Polo bringing back culinary invention from the East or a home-grown Sicilian treat dating back to the 12th Century—we can all agree that a cold day with a big bowl of noodle-y, saucy goodness is balm for the soul. # Carfagnas Spaghetti and Sauce *Everybody's favorite!* Our handmade egg spaghetti topped with our homemade marinara and served with two of our famous meatballs. There are other classic spaghetti dishes on the menu, too. **Where:** We'll have tables in their beautiful upscale bar at Carfagna's Ristorante; and you need to check out everything Italian this place has to offer under one roof!! (shopping, pastry) ***Reservation for 12 under Michele Z starts at 2pm***. *Members Only. Space is limited so no guests, please.* I hope you'll join me at Carfagna's AMAZING complex on Gemini/Polaris. -Michele