Widows and Widowers

This event is dedicated to Theo Angelopoulos and his two masterpieces, Landscape in the Mist and Weeping Meadow. Remember to watch the films before coming and we will have an insightful discussion about them. Our topics include but not limited to how he manipulates time, the effects of the long take, social commentary in his films, and the juxtaposition of music and image.

We'll meet at the spot where Fed Square meets the Princes Bridge over the Yarra (near the pedestrian crossing closest to the river from Flinders St, on the Fed Square side). We'll walk for about 6km along the Yarra River, through the Botanic Gardens and back along the river to Federation Square for a coffee after the walk. This month, we're reading and talking about 'The Emperor of Gladness' by Ocean Vuong The blurb: "**Ocean Vuong returns with an achingly beautiful novel about chosen family, unexpected friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive.** One late summer evening in the post-industrial town of East Gladness, Connecticut, nineteen-year-old Hai stands on the edge of a bridge in pelting rain, ready to jump, when he hears someone shout across the river. The voice belongs to Grazina, an elderly widow succumbing to dementia, who convinces him to take another path. Bereft and out of options, he quickly becomes her caretaker. Over the course of the year, the unlikely pair develops a life-altering bond, one built on empathy, spiritual reckoning, and heartbreak, with the power to alter Hai’s relationship to himself, his family, and a community at the brink. Following the cycles of history, memory, and time, *The Emperor of Gladness* shows the profound ways in which love, labor, and loneliness form the bedrock of American life. At its heart is a brave epic about what it means to exist on the fringes of society and to reckon with the wounds that haunt our collective soul. Hallmarks of Vuong’s writing – formal innovation, syntactic dexterity, and the ability to twin grit with grace through tenderness – are on full display in this story of loss, hope, and how far we would go to possess one of life’s most fleeting mercies: a second chance." Goodreads rating: 3.93 How does a walking bookclub work? Like a normal bookclub, we talk about the book, what else we're reading, have read, or want to read (as well as a few tangents into life outside literature!) but we do it while walking around Melbourne and then over a coffee. We often split into smaller groups as we walk, but we also regroup through the walk. Should I read the book beforehand? The conversation will be more interesting if you do, but you can still come along if you haven't finished it yet! Do I need to bring anything? **Comfy** walking shoes, drinking water, some money for coffee or a bite to eat after if you wish. No need to bring the book unless you want to. No shows No shows (RSVPing yes and not attending) mean the group waits unnecessarily for those who are not coming, thinking you are running a little late. It’s absolutely fine to change your rsvp for any reason up until the walk begins, and you don’t need to leave a comment, send a message or give a reason, but if you don't click that 'change rsvp' button, you may be removed from the group. Membership Fee Did you know that while it is free to attend most events, Meetup charges organisers about $600 a year to organise a group? Members of the Walking Book Club are asked to pay a membership fee of $10 per year (not per event) to help cover this cost. When you join the group, you'll be automatically given a three month trial so you can see what the group is like, without needing to make any payment. If you would like to continue attending events after this, please follow Meetup's instructions to pay the $6.50US/approx $10AUD fee once per year (or contact group organisers if you would prefer to make payment using paypal, payID, cash or bank transfer).

For March we’ll be reading “All Her Fault” by Andrea Mara. As always, if you haven’t finished the book, or haven’t had a chance to read the book- please still join us for a wine with some like-minded ladies! I ask that you please only RSVP if you are absolutely committed to attending, and please update ASAP if you decide not to attend. This means that everyone who really wants to come can join us! RSVP OPENS SATURDAY MARCH 7th AT 12PM. *Please note the PayPal fee to join is to cover MeetUp admin app costs.

Come for a free class at the Pure Aikido dojo!

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

## ✨ KISMETRIX \| True Connection [Ticked Event](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/all-events/?event=26306) ### The Valhalla \| Elegant Singles Night Hosted by **KISMETRIX \| True Connection** 📍 **Valhalla Bar (Basement, Olderfleet Building)** 477 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 📅 **Saturday, 14 March** 🕖 **7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Hosted)** (Venue open late) ### AN ELEGANT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR THOSE WHO PREFER DEPTH OVER NOISE Hidden beneath the iconic Olderfleet Building lies **Valhalla** — a Scandinavian-inspired underground bar where atmosphere, design and conversation take centre stage. This is our **Elegant Singles Night** — a refined Saturday social for those who want real conversation, good energy, and connection that unfolds naturally. No swiping. No forced rotations. No loud, chaotic party crowd. Just confident adults showing up — in real life. ### 👥 AGE GROUPS [(TICKETED)](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/all-events/?event=26306) To create a balanced, comfortable room, tickets are released across two overlapping age groups: • **30–48** • **38–60** Guests receive coloured name tags on arrival to help our hosts support thoughtful introductions early in the evening. As the night progresses, the room naturally opens into relaxed, free-flowing mingling. This structure keeps the atmosphere elegant, social and effortless — without pressure. ### 💫 ABOUT THE EVENT Tired of dating apps that go nowhere? Over speed dating that feels like an interview? So were we. KISMETRIX \| True Connection was created for singles who want something more human — real presence\, real conversation\, and genuine chemistry\. You’ll walk into a room full of people who: * Are done with endless chatting and ghosting * Want to meet face-to-face, not behind a screen * Value depth, respect and good energy * Care about how they show up — socially and emotionally Come for a drink. Stay for the conversation. Leave glad you came. ### 🎯 WHO THIS NIGHT IS FOR This event is for singles who: * Prefer substance over surface * Enjoy meaningful conversation and elegant social settings * Are emotionally mature and socially aware * Want a great Saturday night — regardless of outcomes Come solo or with friends — many do. ### 🍷 THE VIBE Expect: * A moody, intimate underground bar setting * Nordic-inspired design and refined ambience * Hosted support early, free flow later * An elegant, socially aware crowd * **Happy Hour drink specials available at the bar** Think less “dating event” — more **a Collins Street Saturday night done properly**. ### 🎟 TICKETS & INCLUSIONS Get your ticket [HERE](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/all-events/?event=26306) Your ticket includes: * Entry to the curated **KISMETRIX Elegant Singles Night** * Hosted support throughout the evening * A thoughtfully balanced social experience Drinks and small plates are available for purchase directly from Valhalla, with **Happy Hour specials** offered during the event. 🎫 Tickets are limited to maintain quality, balance and atmosphere. Early booking is strongly recommended. ### ✅ WHY PEOPLE LOVE KISMETRIX EVENTS * No apps. No swiping. Just real people * No scripts or awkward structures * Thoughtful curation without rigidity * A genuinely enjoyable night — even if you attend solo * Many guests come “just for a drink” … and end up staying all night ### 🔔 [BOOK NOW](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/all-events/?event=26306) Spaces are limited to maintain the energy and quality of the room. **Refund Policy:** Tickets are non-refundable. If you can no longer attend, you’re welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else in the same age group. ## **🔗 Stay Connected with Kismetrix \| True Connection** Love this event? We run a variety of experiences to help people meet and connect in meaningful ways. 📧 **social@kismetrix.com.au** 🌐 **[www.kismetrix.com.au](http://www.kismetrix.com.au "http://www.kismetrix.com.au")** 📱 Follow us on **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kismetrix_/ "https://www.instagram.com/kismetrix_/"), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559826808523 "https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559826808523") & [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/kismetrix-singles-events-84848288353 "https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/kismetrix-singles-events-84848288353")** 📄 \*\*Important Notice:\*\*By registering for this event\, you confirm that you have read and agree to Kismetrix \| True Connection’s[ Terms & Conditions](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/terms-and-conditions-2/ "https://www.kismetrix.com.au/terms-and-conditions-2/"),[ Privacy Policy](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/privacy-policy/ "https://www.kismetrix.com.au/privacy-policy/"),[ Disclaimer](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/disclaimer/ "https://www.kismetrix.com.au/disclaimer/") and [Code of Conduct](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/code-of-conduct/ "https://www.kismetrix.com.au/code-of-conduct/").Some events may be non-refundable as stated in their individual descriptions.🤝 Collaborations: **collabs@kismetrix.com.au**

\#\# 🎶 Live Music Sessions In 2026🔥 Join us for a fantastic Sunday afternoon of music, good vibes, and great company at the iconic Mission to Seafarers! **Dinash & Friends** bringing a unique mix of **Soul • Dance • Reggae • Pop vibes**. 😎 **Date:** Sunday, 15th March 2026 **Time:** 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM **Venue**: The Mission to Seafarers Victoria **Address:** 717 Flinders Street, Docklands (South Wharf Venue) **Cost:** **Free Entry** (Donations for costs are welcome) **Vibe:** Great venue, great vibe, great tunes, and drinks at great prices 🍺🍷 Live music in the ‘open air beer-garden’ (weather permitting) or in the courtyard under the rooftop. This is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, so come down to this iconic South Wharf venue and support the historic Mission to Seafarers. The Mission to Seafarers Victoria is a heritage-listed building in Melbourne's Docklands and provides welfare services to seafarers. Your attendance supports this vital cause! Getting there by public transport is easy - the tram stop is just nearby or it's just a short walk from Flinders Street station. Even closer from Southern Cross Station. Enter around the back to the beer garden. [Website](https://www.pianomanaustralia.com) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dinash.daniel.2025/) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dinashdaniel) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXRJ12M0lS6XorFBn_L8Y4A) \| [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/0eARClesHkH8wUNHCaFVOc) \| [TikTok](http://www.tiktok.com/@dinashdaniel)

Come chat about Atlassian tools and best practices at the Nationwide Sunny Street Cafe and Breakfast is on Atlassian! Let's get the day started off with breakfast with your ACE Leaders! We're always excited to talk about Atlassian Products, share our knowledge and hand out swag! Come chat with us about new product news and anything you are working on within the Atlassian product stack. This is a great opportunity to come see what we are all about, hear new business news and share with other Atlassian users your questions and experiences. We'd love to see new and old friends come out to chat and learn about Atlassian! Agenda --- Moderators Kimberly Deal - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader Kevin Stanley - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader Hosted By Kimberly Deal, Atlassian User Group Leader Kevin Stanley, Chief Everything Greg Sprowls, Agility Lead --- Global Partner Atlassian (http://atlassian.com) Millions of users globally rely on Atlassian products every day for improving software development, project management, collaboration, and code quality. Partner Atlassian --- For over a decade, Atlassian customers have come together to network, share ideas, solve problems, and find new ways to use Atlassian products. Today, more than 15,000 people take part in Atlassian community events in more than 30 countries. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://ace.atlassian.com/events/details/atlassian-columbus-presents-rise-and-shine-with-atlassian-downtownnationwide-22/.

Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. If trail conditions are poor, we will use the Multipurpose Path.

**Tickets are on sale now**