Walt Disney

Join us every **Wednesday at 5 PM** at the Emporium food court (located behind Grill’d Burger Restaurant in the CBD, not near Melbourne Station) for a dynamic networking event tailored for filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts. Afterward, we continue the evening with Happy Hour drinks at a nearby bar and a chance to grab dinner together. Understanding that schedules vary, feel free to join at any time that suits you. Rain or shine, our community has gathered every week for the past year, maintaining a consistent and welcoming environment. Our group has grown remarkably, with a **weekly turnout of over 50 participants**, blending newcomers with regulars to create a vibrant, diverse community. Feel free to bring friends interested in filmmaking; it’s a great way to introduce new faces to our expanding network. Whether you’re a writer, actor, animator, or independent filmmaker, come share your experiences, discuss current projects, or chat about favorite films. This event fosters connections among like-minded individuals, encourages friendships, and opens doors for collaboration. At **7 PM**, we move to The Carlton Club, a five-minute walk away, where we continue networking in a more formal rooftop setting over drinks and food. This change of venue offers an ideal environment to keep conversations flowing. **RSVP** to help us gauge attendance and become part of a growing network of film professionals and enthusiasts. Though the event begins in the afternoon, the relationships you build here can last well into the night and beyond. **What to Expect:** *Our Wednesday meetup is primarily a large networking event for industry professionals. There’s no set theme, workshop, or speaker. It’s a relaxed gathering where filmmakers, actors, and creatives can connect, discuss projects, share needs, and learn from each other. Conversations flow freely around the table, fostering an environment of growth and camaraderie. Beyond Wednesdays, we also host exclusive events such as table reads, cinematography workshops with Panasonic, member screenings, and more. Each week brings fresh dialogues—some participants discuss their weekend shoots, others exchange insights with seasoned producers and directors, and a few engage in filmmaking exercises. It’s a space designed for creative engagement without strict structure or formal oversight.* *Note: Our community emphasizes collaboration, friendship, and goodwill rather than promotional activities. If you wish to promote a workshop, course, screening, or similar event, please contact the organizers first. Promotional privileges are generally reserved for trusted, long-standing members.

Join us at Brunswick Stadium for a FREE fun-filled Walking Football Mixed Gender Session, brought to you by Walking Football 4 Health Victoria. This event is designed for anyone looking for a low impact sport to stay active, be part of a welcoming community, and most importantly have fun. Our friendly host, Walter, will be there to introduce you to walking football, ensuring a safe and engaging experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage in sports, socialise, and promote a healthy lifestyle in a welcoming community environment. There is no cost for this program. Sign up now and be a part of this exciting Walking Football Session. If you wish to contact the organiser, Mick directly, you can do so on: 0430 163 550 Email: [info@wf4hvictoria.org.au](mailto:info@wf4hvictoria.org.au) Website: https://wf4hvictoria.org.au/ Facebook Community: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/wf4healthvictoria/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/wf4healthvictoria/)

**Sticky stories are memorable, meaningful, and magnetic. They make people feel something — and that’s what makes them powerful.** You already tell stories — to friends, family, co-workers, and peers. You might need to inspire your team, persuade a colleague to support your ideas, or influence a client to say yes. But if your stories aren’t *sticky*, your message won’t land. It won’t be remembered. And it won’t drive action. Mastering the art of ‘sticky’ storytelling is one of the most valuable communication skills in today’s world. And the good news? It’s a skill anyone can learn. **THIS IS A CURATED GUEST EVENT** Whether you're new to public speaking or looking to elevate your influence and impact… Join us tonight at Port Melbourne Toastmasters as we dive into the principles of powerful storytelling that make messages truly stick. Get ready for a session that will help you speak with heart, connect with purpose, and leave a lasting impression. *Guests, Meetup Group members, and visiting Toastmasters attend for free.* 🌐 [www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org](http://www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org) 📍 Where: Find directions [here](https://www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org/directions.html) ***Port Melbourne Toastmasters is a club for people who are serious about developing their speaking, leadership, and personal presence.*** We offer limited, curated guest sessions throughout the year for prospective members. These sessions allow you to experience our high-engagement, growth-focused environment firsthand — without open access to every meeting.

**Bitcoin Basics -** Altcoins & Tax This is a Melbourne based, live event. Limited seating, booking required. Hosted by Craig A Guest Speaker: Sam Accetta from Haines Muir Hill, Member of the Institute, Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand **What You’ll Learn:** * The Bitcoin Basics related to; * What is Bitcoin * Bitcoin comparison to Altcoins. * Bitcoin and Altcoin historical performance. * What makes Bitcoin special? * Basis of Taxation * Ordinary Income * Capital Gains * Capital Gains Tax Example * Personal Use Assets * Stablecoins * Leaving Australia - Tax Xonsequences AML/CTF Rules. * Questions and answers. At the upcoming live Bitcoin event, attendees will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of Bitcoin, with a focus on how it compares to altcoins and the key taxation considerations involved. The session will explore the historical performance of Bitcoin and altcoins, as well as the unique characteristics that set Bitcoin apart. It will also provide an overview of how Bitcoin is taxed, including ordinary income and capital gains, supported by practical capital gains tax examples. In addition, attendees will learn about special considerations such as personal use assets, stablecoins, the potential tax consequences of leaving Australia, and important AML/CTF rules. A dedicated Q&A segment will allow participants to ask questions and engage directly with knowledgeable speakers. This is a free community event designed to promote education around Bitcoin and support the growth of the local Bitcoin community. With limited seats available, early booking is highly recommended to secure your spot. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of Bitcoin in a practical, hands-on setting. Please send us a message if there is someting in particular you would like to hear about and we will aim to include it within the presentation on the night. **IMPORTANT** please arrive by 5:45pm to ensure we can let you in at ground level and to access the lifts. Thereafter, we may not have someone available to let you in the building. **Location: Melbourne Connect - Level 7 Manhari Room 7212.** **Address: 700 Swanston St, Carlton VIC 3053** How to get there? Take the tram from Melbourne Central Station, there are multiple bus options or paid parking is available at Ace Parking, Cardigan House. Detailed Directions: [Directions Link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-KL-V_FoEyLkfWzGtFXMNOzSfTI_8K6e/view?usp=sharing) The event will be catered. There'll be some finger food/snacks and drinks available. Please register early so we can allow for everyone. If there is something in particular you would like to learn about, send us a message and we will do our best to include it in the presentation. *\*Final details are subject to change.*

**What Breaks When AI Picks Up:** **Lessons from Voice AI in Australian Healthcare** 181 commits. 10 weeks. 28% were fixes. In this session, Dr Kevin Ong, Co-Founder, CEO and CTO of Voral.ai, and Principal AI Consultant at Equal Experts Australia, shares what really broke when AI was deployed on a live phone line handling patient calls in Australian healthcare practices. From phantom bookings and four-second silent gaps that no unit test could catch, to race conditions where callers were simultaneously handled by multiple AI agents - this wasn’t theory, it was production reality. No polished architecture diagrams. Just hard won lessons from the fixes that followed. **Agenda** 5 30 PM - Gates open (Networking drinks & food) 6 15 PM - G-EE-K Talk 7 PM - Q&A 7 15 PM - Networking drinks (and more food) 8 30 PM - Wrap up

Curious about Pickleball? Now’s your chance to give it a go! Join our COME AND TRY PICKLEBALL sessions for just $10 and experience the fastest-growing sport in the world! Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to have a hit and enjoy some social fun. ✅ OPEN PLAY – Relaxed, fun, and easy to pick up! ✅ All equipment provided – Paddles & balls included ✅ Limited spots available – First come, first served! SESSION TIMES: 🗓️ Monday : 7:00 PM - 8:00PM 🗓️ Wednesdays: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 🗓️ Thursady : 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 🗓️ Fridays: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 🗓️ Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 🗓️ Sundays: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 SPORTS POINT Altona North Unit 1, 64-66 McArthurs Road, Altona North, VIC 3025 📞 0403 556 859 \| ✉ admin@sportspoint\.com\.au Sign up now on Open Sports, Meetup, or at www.sportspoint.com.au Spots are filling fast – Don’t miss out! Come down, have a hit, and experience why Pickleball is the hottest sport right now!

We are stoked to announce our next **Melbourne MLOps Community Meetup** of the year! We are bringing you an absolute powerhouse lineup featuring two industry heavyweights. We will dive deep into tracking ML/DS performance using high-impact business metrics over raw statistical metrics. We will also tackle the AI coding productivity paradox and the high-stakes build-vs-buy SaaS dilemma. **🎤 Speakers** We’re thrilled to introduce: **\- Nathanael Lampe**, Machine Learning Manager *at* Bunnings Warehouse. Nat is widely recognised as one of the most brilliant, deeply technical data science leaders. He brings an elite background in advanced data science, now driving the core Data Science team at Bunnings. In his talk, *Data & Decisions,* Nat will explain how in ML, we often focus on model accuracy but it’s a lot harder to measure the decisions a model supports. When we can anchor our ML practice in true business metrics, we are better equipped to ensure analytics projects succeed. **\- Javier Candeira**, Fractional CTO *at* Infoplumbing. Javier is a distinguished veteran of the data, software, and tech consultancy scenes. He brings many years of battle-tested technical and business experience to guiding teams through today's volatile AI landscape. His talk titled: *The Buy/Build Dilemma and the Agentic Productivity Paradox* addresses three red-hot issues in the MLOps community: 1\. Local LLM inference and tooling for small scale teams\. What is too much local MLOps for a 1\-5 person shop? Is local inference only a cost saver\, or are there also capabilies unlocked by the finer\-grained control afforded by operating one’s own models? 2\. The Buy/Build dilemma\. This is a question for every company\, from small SaaS to big corporate\. The abundance of LLM coding tools shifts the balance\. How? 3\. The Productivity Paradox: If Agentic Coding and LLM autocomplete are so great\, where are the great new products? Where’s the programmer productivity going? Javier will showcase some of his NixOS-based MLOps-for-one tools, and will attempt to progress the conversation on these three questions with his own reflections based on personal experience. **Networking** The Melbourne MLOps Community is committed to fostering a space where AI/ML engineers and practitioners can connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships. Come ready to discuss: * The tools you’re experimenting with * Trends you’re seeing in ML and MLOps * Challenges you’re tackling * Ways to find peer support We’ll have food, drinks, and the perfect space for great conversations — so feel free to bring along anyone interested in ML, MLOps, or AI more broadly. **Agenda** 🍕 **5:30pm** – Networking, drinks & food 🙋 **6:00pm** – Welcome 🎤 **6:10pm** – Presentation by Nathanael ❓ **6:30pm** – Questions for Nathanael 🎤 **6:40pm** – Presentation by Javier ❓ **7:00pm** – Questions for Javier 🍻 **7:10pm onwards** – Networking, drinks & food We’re looking forward to seeing you there! **P.S.** If you can’t make it in person, we’ll be streaming the event via Google Meet. Google Meet link: [https://meet.google.com/fxh-hpsg-ryt](https://meet.google.com/fxh-hpsg-ryt)

Oh snap! I know what we're going to do today! Grab your funky hats, put the PRNDL in gear, and get ready to rock out the show because we are throwing a totally cheetahlicious party celebrating everything that dreams are made of! ([TICKET LINK HERE](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1605784)) Drag shows and dancefloor inspired by everything Disney Channel - from Hannah Montana to High School Musical, Demi Lovato to Descendents, Lizzie McGuire to Lemonade Mouth. Hosted by Max Drag Queen Drag shows by Bobbee Pinn and Trash DJ's lmaochloe and Saatana Lee-Rose Doors open 9pm with drag shows at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30. Please note: Pride of our Footscray is located on the first floor of a venue with no elevator and is therefore not accessible by wheelchair. We sincerely apologise for our reduced accessibility.

There is something uniquely disorienting about Tati's comedy: jokes that arrive without fanfare, gags that unfold in the periphery while you're looking somewhere else, a world governed by its own imperturbable logic. This evening we screen two films that together form the most sustained and affectionate critique of postwar modernisation in cinema — *Les Vacances de M. Hulot* (1953) and *Mon Oncle* (1958). In *Mr. Hulot's Holiday*, the comedy is still porous and warm, rooted in the rhythms of a seaside resort where nothing quite goes to plan and nobody seems to mind. Hulot himself moves through the world like a benign disturbance — a figure of courtly anachronism whose very presence generates chaos. By *Mon Oncle*, the stakes have shifted: Hulot is now set against the sleek, automated world of the Arpel household, a monument to the convenience of a life thoroughly organised. The film's geometry is almost architectural in its precision — the old neighbourhood and the new suburb held in quiet but devastating contrast. What do Tati's long takes, his carefully engineered soundscapes, and his refusal to centre the joke actually ask of us as spectators? How does he make modernisation legible as comedy without ever quite letting us feel superior to it? Come ready to discuss the films' formal strategies, their relationship to French social transformation, and what it means that Hulot — perpetually bewildered, permanently out of step — is the figure we keep returning to.

Are you looking for something different, if so, I would like to invite you to come on a healing journey to discover peace and harmony within yourself and life. If this is of interest to you, the first class is free, as it's an introduction to the explorations of mindfulness/meditation with a spiritual flavour. If you choose to return (no obligation), then a small amount is asked of $5 per class. What a wonderful opportunity to explore your physical, emotional, mental and soul bodies and how they are all inter-related and all can be greatly affected with the stresses and challenges of everyday life. Through engaging with an energetic hygiene process that I facilitate, you will be able to cleanse your energy field on a daily basis. With the event/class there is a variety being presented each week, always a guided meditation, followed by either reflection on self-care through working with a variety of gentle approach resources (which will be given to you to take, if you choose), as well as, listening to different short mindfulness cds. All you need to bring is yourself and a crystal, if you like.

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive reality workshop - Tonight learn how to respond to questioning, by thinking on you feet Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best** Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Just two member's thoughts, "The fun/laughs factor is definitely a point of difference. We keep it moving with high standards so it’s a nice balance. Too strict makes it tense and boring, too loose and we can lose the energy/commercial feel. SmashSpeak's vibe's in the sweet spot." "At other clubs I used to listen to long speeches and lectures, here we get so many chances to talk every meeting, that we have to improve" **Free parking** close: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing teamwork, greater good focus, sharing the stage, etc Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, PURPLE Room (End of corridor) More to come...

Come for a coffee and settle in for a meaningful conversation on the "Mountains of Life". We start our exploration using short selections from the Bahá’í teachings and other inspirational sources. The aim is to uplift, inspire and motivate; the conversation will benefit from all participants’ viewpoints. Community members of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs are invited to contribute to elevated conversations, inquiry, consultation and learning. As we grow together and learn from one another we hope to build new connections, bridges of unity and respect for all humanity.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Join us as we get together for a CAPA Summer Movie event to see the romantic, funny, heartwarming, feel-good classic, PRETTY WOMAN! Julia Roberts and Richard Gere star in this modern-day fairy-tale romance! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A wealthy corporate raider hires a Hollywood escort as his date for a week of high-society business events. But what starts as a business transaction blossoms into genuine love, challenging both of their lives and leading to an unexpected romance. The film is directed by Garry Marshall and stars Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Héctor Elizondo, Ralph Bellamy (in his final performance), Laura San Giacomo and Jason Alexander. MINI TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-JghOdhAwc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-JghOdhAwc) SHORT BONUS CLIP #1 - DIRECTOR GARRY MARSHALL Recalls Famous Scenes from the Film: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpIMOzieGPs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpIMOzieGPs) SHORT BONUS CLIP #2 - RICHARD GERE on the Film’s Impact all these years later: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0T3O94dAA8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0T3O94dAA8) SHORT BONUS CLIP #3 - JULIA ROBERTS Remembers a Gift from Director Garry Marshall: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ4AZSjbMsA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ4AZSjbMsA) BUZZ & ACCLAIM: A huge box office hit at the time of its release, PRETTY WOMAN has since gone on to become a modern-day classic! The film catapulted Julia Roberts to superstardom and earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress and her first Oscar nomination! Critics praise Julia Roberts’ star-making performance, the undeniable chemistry between her and Richard Gere, and its warm, funny feel-good story about kindness, self-worth and transformation! The film’s “intelligence and wit,” “first-class performances” and “sharp, funny script” have made Pretty Woman a classic and truly “something special!” THE OHIO THEATRE: The Ohio Theatre is located at 39 E. State Street, between 3rd and High Streets, across the street from the Ohio Statehouse. From classical music to modern dance, yearly family traditions to hot concerts, the world’s best artists come to the 2,791-seat, historic Ohio Theatre. The breathtaking details (including the 21-foot-high chandelier!) of its opulent, Spanish-Baroque architecture make any night at the Ohio Theater an event to remember! PRE-SHOW ENTERTAINMENT: Now celebrating his 33rd year as featured organist for the CAPA Summer Movie Series, Clark Wilson will again provide pre-show entertainment at the keyboards and controls of the Ohio Theatre’s treasured “Mighty Morton” theatre organ 30 minutes prior to each screening. PARKING: Parking is available at Columbus Commons Parking Garage off 3rd or Rich Streets or in Statehouse Parking Garage off 3rd Street. You can find out more about parking in Downtown Columbus by visiting the Downtown Columbus website. PLAN: Purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and we’ll meet outside the theater between 6:50 and 7:00pm. We’ll head in at 7pm to get good seats and enjoy the pre-show organ music! TICKETS: Tickets just $6 adult / $5 senior! Parking is available under the Capital building, in the nearby garage, or on the nearby streets. You can purchase your ticket at the box office on the day of the event or online here: [https://www.capa.com/capa-summer-movie-series/](https://www.capa.com/capa-summer-movie-series/) Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Let’s meet and discuss John Updike's Rabbit, Run, the first in his series of four novels following the life, hopes, and disappointments of former local basketball star, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, as he fitfully confronts and evades adulthood.

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.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. NOTE: We’re switching it up this time and going with a DINNER shift on Mon, 7/6. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for DINNER from 4:30 to 6:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 4:20pm and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all 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 try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible 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. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to those volunteering at this (or any of our previous or future) CMG Gives Back events! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

The topic for July is "Shoes" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!