rural living

Join us for the next **Men Unplugged** dinner. A monthly catch-up for separated dads who want to connect, reflect, and just be themselves. Whether you're navigating the early days of separation or further along the journey, this is a relaxed space to meet other men who get what you're going through. No pressure, no expectations. Just real conversation, good food, and the chance to connect with other guys who understand the ups and downs of fatherhood after separation. Each dinner has a theme to guide the conversation—but sharing is completely optional. You can talk, listen, or just enjoy the company. **Spots are limited to 15 men**, so booking is essential. **📅 Date:** Wednesday, 11th of February 2026 **🕢 Time:** 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM **📍 Location:** Hardimans Hotel, 521 Macaulay Rd, Kensington VIC **🎟️ Cost:** Pay as you go: Steak, chicken parma, burger or pizza ($20-25). Drinks at bar prices. There is ample free parking in the area. Getting there with public transport: Getting There by Train: Take the Craigieburn Line and get off at Kensington Station. From there, it’s a short 3-minute walk to Hardimans Hotel.

**Queer Salsa Bachata Australia is here!** Join us **on February Wednesday 11th** at the vibrant **Welcome to Thornbury** **Schedule:** 7PM - 8PM: Cuban Salsa 8PM - 9PM: Bachata Sensual 9PM - 12AM: Social Dance – time to shine and connect! 1x class + 1 drink + social= $20 2×class + 1 drink + social = $25 Social only + 1 drink = $15 Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/queer-salsa-bachata-australia-tickets-1981851671700?aff=oddtdtcreator This space is proudly **BIPOC centered** and built on **gender-free roles** – come as you are, dance how you feel. No partner needed, just bring your beautiful self and a willingness to move! Whether you're new to dance or a seasoned salsero, this is a community-first space for joy, expression, and rhythm. **Let’s dance outside the binary. Let’s move in community.** Go to @queersalsabachataaustralia

Come join us and practise public speaking! All levels are welcome. Take the first step to overcome your fears, build confidence and learn to speak with impact in a friendly, supportive and encouraging environment. Start you public speaking journey with us now to improve your communications skills and elevate all aspects of your life. Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can settle everyone in for a 5.30pm start. See you soon!

Join us at The Men Spirit for a safe space where men can connect, grow, and support each other. Discover the power of connection and growth. ​​Our group focuses on various aspects of personal development, including well-being, relationships, masculinity, fitness, spiritual growth and everything in between. Welcome! To join the event, please get your ticket below.

This is a relaxed after-work bouldering session at **[BlocHaus Bouldering Port Melbourne](https://maps.app.goo.gl/sXoZZVviD4eJY8w89)**, focused on moving, chatting, and unwinding rather than performance or grades. If you’re curious about bouldering, coming back after a break, or just want a low-key way to be active and social on a weekday evening, this one’s for you. No partner required, no pressure to climb hard, and no expectation to already know anyone. We’ll climb at our own pace, take plenty of rest, and socialise between attempts. **Who This Is For** * Beginners or first-timers * Casual climbers who prefer a social pace * Solo joiners who don’t want it to feel intimidating * Anyone who wants to move their body without it feeling like a workout class If you’re an experienced climber, you’re still welcome — just expect a chill, mixed-ability vibe. **Plan** * 6:00 pm — Meet at reception, quick hellos * 6:15 pm — Gentle warm-up & easy climbs * 6:30 pm — Climb at your own pace, rest, and chat between attempts * 8:00 pm — Wind down, stretch, and head off Feel free to arrive later or leave earlier — no rigid structure. **What to Bring** * Change of clothes * Climbing shoes (hire available at the gym) * Entry fee paid individually at the desk * Check out the pricing here: [https://mlb.blochaus.com.au/pricing/](https://mlb.blochaus.com.au/pricing/) **Event Notes** This is not a lesson or coaching session — just a friendly container to climb and socialise together. The goal is to make weekday movement feel easy and welcoming, not intense. **Meeting point:** [BlocHaus Bouldering](https://maps.app.goo.gl/sXoZZVviD4eJY8w89) reception at **6pm**. I’ll post a photo of myself here once I arrive. If you’re running late, please message me your ETA beforehand — once you arrive, I can share our location with you.

Let’s grab some foods in the Victoria Queens Market .

Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production. You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at [Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov](mailto:Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov) to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or [sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore](https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/event-details/read-plant-grow-2026-02-24-18-30). ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

The [Simplicity Living Study Circle of Northern Virginia](https://www.coachingwithdanijk.com/study-circle) meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Lacey Woods Park in Arlington, Virginia.\* **This is a rain or shine outdoor event.** This free community group offers a unique and empowering space for individuals seeking to live a simpler, more intentional life. Led by participant-driven discussions, our circle is designed to foster connection and support as members share their experiences, wisdom, and insights on simplifying their lives. Hosted by members of the Simplicity Living Circle of Northern Virginia, we aim to bring together like-minded people who are passionate about mindful living and environmental care. Whether you're new to the journey of simplicity or looking to deepen your practice, we invite you to join us in this nurturing and inclusive environment. \*This month's gathering was rescheduled due to hazardous conditions from the snowstorm in January. All other meetings will be held at the described time of month unless otherwise specified!

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration at [Birding Banshee - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-banshee-february/) Whether you’re a beginning birder or an expert, you’ll be thrilled by the many bird species you’ll find at **[Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve](http://www.loudounwildlife.org/Great_Places_Banshee_Reeks.htm)** south of Leesburg. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk at this birding hot spot. Bring binoculars if you have them. ***Registration required.*** \*\*\*Questions: \*\*\**Contact Joe Coleman at [jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org).*

It’s Ann’s birthday, which means one thing: we’re celebrating the only way we know how—live music, dancing, and great people!!! Bring your positive energy with you! It's also Joe R's Birthday! Double the birthdays! Double the fun! Join us for a high-energy night with Junkfood. If you know this band, you know it’s nonstop fun, and a packed dance floor. If you don’t know them, trust me — you will by the end of the night!!!

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration required at [Birding Algonkian - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-algonkian-feb/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at Loudoun’s top birding hotspot, ***[Algonkian Regional Park](https://loudounwildlife.org/2016/11/algonkian-park/)*** in eastern Loudoun, for the monthly bird walk. Combining extensive frontage along the Potomac River, rich bottomland forests, wetlands, and extensive grassy areas, this can be a very productive place to bird. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot. ([Boat ramp location.](https://goo.gl/maps/Pz1S69mqSuX1z3FW8)) ***Registration required.*** ***Questions:*** *Contact [bhenson@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:bhenson@loudounwildlife.org).*

*Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration requested at* [The Disappearance and Persistence of Bees (Virtual) - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/persistent-native-bees/) The demise and disappearance of bees is well documented, yet bees still persist. Wildlife biologist Sam Droege shares a more nuanced look at the current state of native bees based on his research. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.