University Students

Unlike the usual BYOB format of this group, this is an **assigned reading format.** **You are expected to have read some of the book** to join the discussion :) I am excited to finally read this book, its an award-winning, one of the most highly rated non fiction books across Goodreads/Amazon and for good reason! About the book: # A grand, devastating portrait of three generations of the Sackler family, famed for their philanthropy, whose fortune was built by Valium and whose reputation was destroyed by OxyContin. From the prize-winning and bestselling author of Say Nothing. *"A real-life version of the HBO series Succession with a lethal sting in its tail…a masterful work of narrative reportage.*” – Laura Miller, Slate “*The opioid epidemic has killed nearly half a million Americans over the past two decades. Many of their loved ones, along with public health advocates and experts, believe that one very rich, very famous family has never fully faced the consequences for its role in those deaths. EMPIRE OF PAIN, the explosive new book by journalist Patrick Radden Keefe, is an attempt to change that — to hold the family accountable in a way that nobody has quite done before...*” —Jonathan Cohn, The Washington Post Note: * **location subject to change** but we'll keep it around Wan Chai District. * You **must** buy something at the venue. * **First timer attendees** are requested to contribute 20HKD to fund the Meetup Group Subscription. * No-Shows make the host sad (please update your attendance)

Cultural Diversity Meetup Group join the group now! INVITE TO JOIN: 0 Cultural Diversity Meetup Group join the group now! [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vwqhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vwqhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 0 Call for speakers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/zwqhvtyjcdbsb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/zwqhvtyjcdbsb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 1 Indonesia workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/kxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/kxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 2 Phılıppınes workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/gxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/gxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 3 Indian workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/wxqhvtyjccblc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/wxqhvtyjccblc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 4 EGYPT workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rzqhvtyjcdbqb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rzqhvtyjcdbqb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 5 Pakıstan workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/dzqhvtyjcdbkb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/dzqhvtyjcdbkb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 6 Thaıland workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vzqhvtyjccbgc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vzqhvtyjccbgc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 7 Bangladesh workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/cbrhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/cbrhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 8 Srilanka workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 9 Nepal workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/mzqhvtyjccbvb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/mzqhvtyjccbvb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 10 Nigeria workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vbrhvtyjccbxb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vbrhvtyjccbxb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) Diversity * **What it is**: The presence of people with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, culture). * **Analogy**: A diverse team has members from different places, with different skills. Inclusion * **What it is**: Actively creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, supported, and empowered to participate and succeed. * **Analogy**: In an inclusive team, everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and is heard, not just present.

Cultural Diversity Meetup Group join the group now! INVITE TO JOIN: 0 Cultural Diversity Meetup Group join the group now! [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vwqhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vwqhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 0 Call for speakers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/zwqhvtyjcdbsb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/zwqhvtyjcdbsb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 1 Indonesia workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/kxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/kxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 2 Phılıppınes workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/gxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/gxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 3 Indian workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/wxqhvtyjccblc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/wxqhvtyjccblc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 4 EGYPT workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rzqhvtyjcdbqb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rzqhvtyjcdbqb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 5 Pakıstan workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/dzqhvtyjcdbkb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/dzqhvtyjcdbkb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 6 Thaıland workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vzqhvtyjccbgc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vzqhvtyjccbgc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 7 Bangladesh workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/cbrhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/cbrhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 8 Srilanka workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 9 Nepal workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/mzqhvtyjccbvb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/mzqhvtyjccbvb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 10 Nigeria workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vbrhvtyjccbxb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vbrhvtyjccbxb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) Diversity * **What it is**: The presence of people with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, culture). * **Analogy**: A diverse team has members from different places, with different skills. Inclusion * **What it is**: Actively creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, supported, and empowered to participate and succeed. * **Analogy**: In an inclusive team, everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and is heard, not just present.

What if life isn’t one journey—but many different games being played at the same time? 🎯 💡Human life is filled with many pursuits—security, relationships, money, knowledge, influence, service, creativity, and personal growth. But what if these pursuits are actually different “games of life” that shape how we spend our time and energy? 🌱In this thought-provoking MOTIVATE Community webinar, Adrian Cahill introduces a fascinating framework for understanding human motivation and life choices. Participants will explore how different life games influence decisions, priorities, and personal fulfilment. Many of these games are not consciously chosen. They are influenced by family, culture, education, and social environments. 📅This session invites you to step back, reflect, and gain deeper self-awareness about the games you are currently playing—and how they shape your life. Join this engaging conversation and begin exploring life with greater awareness and clarity. 🚀**Key Takeaways** ✅ Understand the concept of the Games of Life framework ✅ Discover how human motivations shape life choices ✅ Recognize unconscious influences affecting life decisions ✅ Explore different life pursuits such as security, relationships, career, knowledge, and service ✅ Gain greater self-awareness about personal motivations 🚀**Additional Benefits** ✅ Reflect on what currently drives your life ✅ Learn how different pursuits interact and influence each other ✅ Increase clarity about your priorities ✅ Begin exploring how awareness changes decision-making **🎤 ABOUT THE MOTIVATE COMMUNITY** Our community is a not for profit, social enterprise. We share passion for personal and community growth and evolution. Started by Adrian Cahill, partly Townsville local, partly expatriate and international Coach. For the last years Adrian has brought hundreds of new & experienced coaches/therapist/speakers to our live and virtual community sharing from the heart. **CONTACT DETAILS** 👉Telephone: 0432170578 👉Facebook: www.facebook.com/Adriannqld 👉Instagram: www.instagram.com/adriannqld/ 👉Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/adriancahill/ 👉Youtube: www.youtube.com/@MotivateCommunity 👉Website: www.motivatecommunity.com ⏰**March 15, 2026** (𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆), 𝟭.𝟱 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿 5:00 PM GMT+8 China 7:00 PM GMT+10 Brisbane 8:00 PM GMT+11 Sydney/Canberra 4:00 AM GMT-5 New York 10:00 AM GMT+1 Barcelona 📌For first-time attendees please scan the QR code on the flyer or click the following link to register and become part of our enriching live discussion, all at no cost: https://adriancahill.agilecrm.com/forms/6002900926529536 📌Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/86301571361 Log-in: 86301571361 Password: #motivate 👉Don’t miss it. Register now!

Cultural Diversity Meetup Group join the group now! INVITE TO JOIN: 0 Cultural Diversity Meetup Group join the group now! [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vwqhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vwqhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 0 Call for speakers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/zwqhvtyjcdbsb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/zwqhvtyjcdbsb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 1 Indonesia workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/kxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/kxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 2 Phılıppınes workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/gxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/gxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 3 Indian workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/wxqhvtyjccblc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/wxqhvtyjccblc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 4 EGYPT workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rzqhvtyjcdbqb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rzqhvtyjcdbqb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 5 Pakıstan workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/dzqhvtyjcdbkb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/dzqhvtyjcdbkb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 6 Thaıland workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vzqhvtyjccbgc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vzqhvtyjccbgc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 7 Bangladesh workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/cbrhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/cbrhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 8 Srilanka workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 9 Nepal workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/mzqhvtyjccbvb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/mzqhvtyjccbvb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 10 Nigeria workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vbrhvtyjccbxb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vbrhvtyjccbxb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) Diversity * **What it is**: The presence of people with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, culture). * **Analogy**: A diverse team has members from different places, with different skills. Inclusion * **What it is**: Actively creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, supported, and empowered to participate and succeed. * **Analogy**: In an inclusive team, everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and is heard, not just present.

用另類角度🧠👽🫀👻😈🌝看香港及世界新聞，一按即入，歡迎分享給親友加入 https://chat.whatsapp.com/Cpc6EqzJYn7LaMZtlYXIaB?mode=gi_t

「靜心」免費.每週四、五、六、日.下午6：30 pm-7:30pm *皇龍道17號（天后站A1) 或 *Zoom: 98873304090 密碼：5522 *Free meditation 6:30-7:30pm every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday *17 Dragon Rd. (Tin Hau station exit A1) OR zoom *另免費課 free class：whatsApp 64620951

**Total beginners** **welcome!** A whole new movement, fitness & self defense cultural activity **outdoors!** Structured progressive practices for **Strength**, **Flexibility,** **Coordination** & **Self Defense** skills in a fun group environment! Totally NOT what you expect, **serious cardio**, **whole body movement** & **practical!** You will really be surprised by what WE do but even more by what YOU can do! Nothing like what you imagine about Kung Fu, No screaming, No rigidness, No mysticism & No getting hit… but YES, definitely a fun workout with great people! **Curious?** To get an ideal of what class is like, hear instructor & hear student testimonials go to [https://www.instagram.com/natural.style.kungfu](https://www.instagram.com/natural.style.kungfu) **FEE:** 1st time TRIAL fee of 100 HKD. Please RSVP here or Whatsapp me. Non-Resident 150 HKD. After trial 10 class package is $1500 HKD or $200 HKD single class. **WEAR:** Workout clothing, sports shoes & bring bottle of water! **WHEN:** Sunday 5:45 pm NEW people, 6 pm students. Please be on time, warm up very important for your 1st class! **WHERE:** Inside Kowloon Park. Meet at McDonalds across from Indoor Swimming Pool entrance, next to Sports Center. MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, or Austin. Link below: [Kowloon Park Swimming Pool](https://maps.apple.com/?address=22%20Austin%20Rd,%20Tsim%20Sha%20Tsui,%20Kowloon,%20Hong%20Kong%20SAR,%20China&auid=15054175802527892571&ll=22.301815,114.170365&lsp=9902&q=Kowloon%20Park%20Swimming%20Pool&_ext=CjIKBAgEEAUKBAgFEAMKBQgGEKcBCgQIChAACgQIUhADCgQIVRAQCgQIWRADCgUIpAEQARIkKSODum0jNjZAMWByPQiohFxAORGqqD1gZDZAQaw+9nwmkVxA&t=m) **WHY:** Out of shape? Gym BORING? More? You want to exercise & have fun building strength, flexibility, coordination & self-defense skills while cultivating patience, focus, confidence & yes… discipline! **HOW:** To get in touch with me, Whatsapp .9420.0360. or email through Meetup. For more info about my art, please visit NaturalStyleKungfu.com. **\- Book a Private 1\-on\-1 Kungfu Class\!** Learn at your own pace & prepare for later group classes, choose the day & time suitable to you! Private Class in Kowloon Park: 1.5 Hours $500, other locations $900 **-**

Presented by： “一舖清唱”專業無伴奏合唱藝術家團隊、進階無伴奏合唱訓練班、人聲口技工作坊(二) 、形體工作坊(二)之學員 [Yat Po Singers (Professional A Cappella Artists), the participants of the Advanced A Cappella Classes, Beatbox Workshops II, and Physical Theatre Workshop II] #當中有我Isa+組員Lawrence演出。如果想參加“一舖清唱”下期訓練，可以問我哋。 [One member and I will show up in the performance.] ##此次活動為個別進場。[This event is without group seat arrangement.] 日期：2026年3月15日(星期日) 時間：3:00pm-4:30pm 地點：荃灣大會堂演奏廳 座位: 自由劃位(先排隊入場就可獲取好座置) 主辦單位：一舖清唱, 康文署 Date: 15 March, 2026 (Sunday) Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm Address: Auditorium, Tsuen Wan Town Hall Seating: No seating is set and seats are served on first-come-first-served basis Organization: Yat Po Singers, LCSD MeetUp費用：免費,(亦接受捐贈) 報名：按Attend-> 填寫1)聯絡電話號碼, 2)男/女, 3)電郵地址(予QR code碼入場), 4)你想參與唱歌/舞蹈/作曲/編劇/其他藝術?-> 確認入選活動 MeetUp fee: Free,(also receive donation) Join: Click ‘Attend’-> Write down your 1)Contact number, 2)Male/Female, 3)Email address( for QR code entry ticket) 4)Would u like to learn some music/ dance/ song-composing/ film production/ any arts issue? \*\*\*a) Welcome foreigners. Please remark your language if you are foreigner. [歡迎外地本地人一同熱鬧.請外地人指明語言.] \*\*\*b) Participants are required to follow instruction of the venue. [參與者要遵守場地規則,違者則有可能被邀離開.] \*\*\*c) Late comer may be restricted to admit and continue in the activity. [主辦組織不作逾候,逾時者有可能不被參加,請預早抵達.] \*\*\*d) No refund or seat transfer after payment, unless is the cancellation of activity or by our group. [交費後若未能出席參與者,繳款不獲退回及轉讓.(除非活動取消而全數退款).] \*\*\*e) Photos taken by our group during activity will be as record and promotion. [活動如有拍照,以作記錄和宣傳用途.] \*\*\*f) When there are 3 No Show, we have the right to ban you out from our groups. [凡超過3次No Show者,本組有權將該組員移離本群組.]

Technical Level: NONE Exercise Difficulty: EASY Join fellow **builders, founders, and tech lovers** from the Lunatechs community for a **golden hour hike to [Victoria Peak](http://chatgpt//generic-entity?number=0)**. ​We’ll meet at **[HKU Station](http://chatgpt//generic-entity?number=1) (Exit A2)** and take the beginner-friendly trail up to the Peak (\~60–75 min). ​📸 **Golden Hour Group Photo (\~5:30 PM)** ​We’ll take a Lunatechs skyline group photo — the highlight of the event. ​**3:00 PM** – Meet at HKU Station (Exit A2) **3:15 PM** – Start hike **\~4:30 PM** – Arrive at the Peak **\~5:30 PM** – Golden hour group photo ​After the photo the evening is **optional** — stay for sunset, explore viewpoints, talk tech, grab dinner, or bus down together. ​We’ll create a **WhatsApp group on the day of the event** so late arrivals can coordinate or bus up to meet us. ​**About Lunatechs** ​Lunatechs is a community for people **crazy about technology** — founders, developers, AI builders, creators, and tech enthusiasts. ​In today’s AI world, teams are getting **smaller and more solo**, and many of us spend long hours at our computers building the future. ​Our casual outdoor events are designed to **break that pattern** — get outside, move a little, and connect with fellow builders in the real world. ​Most of the time we’re focused on **changing the world ….** For a few hours, let’s focus on **you — your mind, body, and soul.**

Sports Chanbara Regular Class (Sunday) Sports chanbara is a free-style Japanese combat sport, which originated from Kodachi Goshindo (Self-defense with a short sword). We would like to introduce this new sport to Hong Kong. Please join us and be a Samurai. Dress code: Sport Attire The session will include the following: Warm-up exercise Basic Japanese Dojo manners Sports Chanbara Basic movement (Kihon Dosa) Attaching Techniques Blocking Techniques Basic Movements of Dodging Sparring Date: Each Sunday Time: 2000-2200pm Location: 6/F, Activity Room, Tai Kok Tsui Sport Centre Fee: $600 per 4 classes Others: Attendee no need to bring/buy any helmet or gear and coach will borrow the gears for attendee use during class. For reservation, please message/call Stephen Sensei at 61762261 https://wa.me/85261762261 To find out more, please visit our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HongKongSportsChanbara Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/sports_chanbara_hong_kong/

Join us for a fun and fitness-focused doubles badminton session at Kowloon (TST) Badminton Meetup. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your skills or a seasoned player seeking some friendly competition, this event is perfect for everyone. Our meetups are designed to combine exercise and recreational sports in a social and engaging environment. Don't worry if you're new to the sport, as our sessions are coached to help you enhance your badminton techniques while having a great time with fellow sports enthusiasts. Meet new friends, improve your game, and stay active on Sunday mornings with us. Come down to the court, unleash your competitive spirit, and enjoy a morning of exciting badminton matches interspersed with friendly banter and sports socials. Cancellation details: The cancellation deadline is 48 hours prior to the start time of the game for weekdays and Wednesday for weekend games. No show or drop out without payment or delayed payment results in a permanent ban. WhatsApp the organizer at 57197742 to confirm your spot. Thanks https://wa.me/85257197742?text=Join%20sports We don't count RSVP for attendance; WhatsApp reservations only. Address-Harbour Road Sports Center - Arena, 27 Harbour Road, HK Time - 3:00 pm Event fees - 60$ per person Join our badminton WhatsApp group for future event updates.WhatsApp me at 5 7 1 9 7 7 4 2 to join https://wa.me/85257197742?text=Join%20badminton%20group

So this month's prompt is more general. I think we can all agree that we are living in "unique" times that require coping skills. I think that one role and/or purpose of philosophy is to help us deal with our daily lives and our "unique" times. So, let's share our feelings and thoughts about which philosopher/philosophy we turn to in order to deal with our crazy events. Who/what helps you stay focused in your daily life and helps you sleep at night. I find that Stoicism with a little philosophical pessimism mixed in goes a long way in helping me deal with what I see as very destructive, fearful and mean spirited public policies at both the state and federal levels. Hope to see you on March 28th!

Free at Bexley Library Adventures in Ecological Horticulture with Rebecca McMackin Wednesday, March 18 1:00pm - 2:30pm Gone are the days when a garden could be ornamental alone. We now recognize the impact that our land care practices have on the ecosystems around us, and can see the importance of encouraging biodiversity. Thankfully, we do not need to sacrifice beauty when we invite butterflies and songbirds into our gardens. Rebecca McMackin has cultivated gorgeous landscapes in the toughest environments possible: urban parks, school playgrounds, and the sidewalks of New York City. She will take lessons from her work at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and decades of research to share how those of us who are fortunate enough to care for land, can do it beautifully and ecologically. Rebecca McMackin is an ecologically obsessed horticulturist and garden designer. She writes, lectures, and teaches on ecological landscape management and pollination ecology, as well as designs the rare public garden. She is currently Lead Horticulturist for the American Horticultural Society, an Associate with the Harvard Divinity School’s Thinking with Plants and Fungi Initiative, and Consulting Arboretum Curator for Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY. Rebecca spent a decade as Director of Horticulture of Brooklyn Bridge Park, where she managed 85 acres of diverse parkland organically. Their research into cultivating urban biodiversity and ethical management strategies has influenced thousands of people and entire urban parks systems to adopt similar approaches. She has been published by and featured in the New York Times, Gardens Illustrated, on NPR and PBS. Her garden for the Brooklyn Museum recently won the PPA’s Award of Excellence and her TED Talk has been viewed over a million times. She holds M.Sc. from Columbia University and University of Victoria in landscape design and biology and recently completed the Loeb Fellowship at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. This program is presented in partnership with Rooted in Bexley and generously funded by the Bexley Community Foundation and Bexley Community Author Series Fund.

This 1967 film is widely regarded as one of the best American movies ever made. Now remembered almost as much for its Simon and Garfunkel music as its deadpan comedy and being the role that established Dustin Hoffman as the hottest actor in Hollywood. It became a cultural icon for capturing the spirit of 60s angst of a young man on the make, while garnering a batch of Oscar nominations. After watching the movie on your own, join us to relive (or experience!) those feelings at our discussion.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? 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. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Let’s meet and discuss this fun but moving collection of wildly creative short stories. (Photo credit: TimesNowNews.com)