World History

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your cheeseboard and coaster, use the *MEETAMC10* coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Unleash your creativity at our Resin Art Workshop in the heart of Melbourne! Join us for a fun and interactive session where you'll learn the art of resin pouring from expert instructors. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is perfect for everyone. You'll create stunning, unique pieces to take home and enjoy, all while surrounded by like-minded creatives. Our workshops provide all the tools, materials, and guidance you'll need to bring your vision to life. Discover the mesmerizing flow of resin, explore vibrant pigments, and watch your art evolve into a glossy masterpiece. Each session is designed to be both educational and relaxing, making it the ideal activity to unwind, socialize, and spark inspiration. Spaces are limited, so book your spot today and dive into the colorful world of resin art with us!

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your lamp, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Join us for a hands-on workshop where families can learn the art of creating beautiful Turkish lamps together. This unique and engaging class will guide parents and kids through crafting intricate and colorful lamps. No prior experience is required, as our expert instructors will provide step-by-step instructions on design, assembly, and decorating techniques. This workshop is perfect for families and friends to bond, unleash their creativity, and take home a stunning handmade craft that can brighten any room. Come discover Turkish lamp-making's magic with your little ones in a fun and supportive environment. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you'll lose track of time and end up with a beautiful lamp to take home!

Sunday Evening Meditation 5.30 to 6.30pm Join us in our cosy centre in Carlton North. Whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner you are welcome at these relaxed and informal sessions. Simple instructions are provided and you can sit in a chair or on a cushion. Masks optional but not mandated. Bring your own sealed drink bottle. $10 for workers or $5 for concession. Find out about our activities. Incense and other dharma books and items for sale 803 Nicholson Street, Carlton North. Website: https://melbourne.rigpa.org.au/

Jewellers can hire a desk in our workshop to make or finish off their own pieces. This workshop is self run, you need to attend a health and safety induction before working daily unattended. Basic jewellery making tools are provided and some consumables such as flux, borax, tumbling polish, lathe polish and some drill bits. Aprons and safety glasses are provided, tie up loose hair, wear enclosed shoes. Please email claw.creative.studios@gmail.com for any questions or inquiries. Clara Carija, Director CLAW CREATIVE.

**Sunday Walk** **Middle Brighton Beach – Bayside foreshore** This next Sunday Walk will head back to the bayside foreshore. This walk takes us to the ever-popular Middle Brighton Beach, with its famous bathing boxes. We'll finish with coffee at the **Royal Brighton Yacht Club** \- on the deck overlooking the marina and the bay\. Come and join us. It'll be a great way to spend your Sunday morning. **Start:** Bay St, Brighton. Assemble at the beach end of Bay St. **Parking:** Park along Bay Street or in St Ninnians Road, off Bay St, just back from the beach. Parking is FREE. **The Walk**: The walk is along the Bayside Trail past the Brighton Baths and onto the picturesque bathing boxes, and then return the same way. **Total distance**: 5.0 km. **Time:** Allow 2.5 hours, including coffee. **Difficulty:** Easy, although we are walking on beach sand for a short distance. **Toilets:** At several places along the way. **Coffee:** At the cafe in **Royal Brighton Yacht Club**. We can have brunch there too if we wish.

* Have fun and meet friendly people at our regular contra dances! Every second Saturday evening (except March, June, Nov) and fourth Sunday evening (except Dec) of each month in 2026, often with live music. Contra dance has some similarities to bush dance and square dance. It is very popular in the USA, Canada and London. The dances consist of interesting patterns, walked to upbeat music. For a good description, look at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance. A good example can be viewed at [http //dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163](http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163-heartbeat-contra) * All dances are called. Singles and couples are all very welcome. The cost is $12 ($6 for students). If no live music, then the cost is $8 ($4 for students). Cash or PayID is preferred. * No experience needed. If first time, please attend for free instruction before the dance from 7.15 – 7.45 pm. * **Uniting Church Hall, 72 Highfield Rd, Canterbury** * You might also like to eat beforehand at Bao & Bun Vietnamese restaurant 770 Riversdale Rd at about 6 pm. Just roll up.

**🌅 Refresh & Connect: 1-Hour Morning Walk around The Tan – Every Weekday!** Start your day the refreshing way with a gentle, energising group walk in the heart of Melbourne! **🕖 Schedule** * **Meet**: Aim for 6:50 AM at the steps/entrance area of **Federation Square** (look for the group near the main steps or a small sign – easy to spot in the early light). * **Depart**: 7:05 AM sharp – we leave on time to keep things smooth! * **Route**: A relaxed loop around **The Tan** (the iconic 3.8 km gravel track circling the Royal Botanic Gardens and Kings Domain). * **Pace**: Easy and conversational – perfect for walking, not racing. We're there to enjoy the fresh air, not set records. * **Vibe**: Friendly banter welcome! Chat, laugh, share stories, or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings in companionable silence. We're mindful of the beautiful parklands – leave no trace, respect other path users, and soak up the calm of nature right in the city. * **Finish**: Back at Federation Square around 8:00 AM (about 55 minutes of walking + buffer for a relaxed pace). * **Optional extra**: Grab a well-earned coffee or breakfast at **Clocks** (or nearby spots) to keep the conversation going if you like. This is a no-pressure, inclusive group for anyone who wants to: * Kickstart their weekday with movement and fresh air * Meet friendly locals in a low-key setting * Enjoy Melbourne's stunning parklands in the beautiful morning light All fitness levels welcome – walkers of every speed are encouraged (just be ready to move at 7:05 AM!). Bring water, comfortable shoes, and a positive attitude. Dress for the weather – mornings can be crisp! See you on the steps – let's make mornings brighter together! 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️🌳 **Recurring**: Every Monday–Friday **Duration**: \~1 hour **Location**: Federation Square, Melbourne CBD

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your ceramic, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** **Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop - Melbourne** **Hosted by Art Masterclass** Unleash your creativity at our fun and relaxing Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop! Whether you're a seasoned artist or have never touched a paintbrush before, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels—no prior knowledge is required. Join us for different sessions every day, where you can personalize your ceramic masterpiece while enjoying a glass of wine in the heart of Melbourne. Book your session today and experience the joy of art in a fun and social setting!

**🎟️ SPECIAL MEETUP DISCOUNT** **[www.eventbrite.com/e/1980844853279/?discount=MeetUp](www.eventbrite.com/e/1980844853279/?discount=MeetUp)** **ALIVE** is a series of wellness events combining **empowerment practices, free-form movement, and guided breathwork.** This journey blends **EMPOWERMENT • MOVEMENT • BREATH** into a powerful container that awakens the body, sharpens the mind, and nourishes the heart. Its purpose is to help individuals reconnect with their inner vitality and feel more present, energised, and *alive*. Each edition includes: • Complimentary cacao • Mindfulness & gentle meditation • Ecstatic dance & free-form movement • Breathwork & guided integration • Community sharing circle Through movement, breath, and conscious connection, participants are invited to return to the present moment, reconnect with their voice, and embody their personal truth with clarity and confidence. **ALIVE** has been created to offer practical tools for emotional wellbeing, self-expression, nervous system regulation, and personal empowerment — in an accessible, community-focused format. 💫 **Come as you are. Leave feeling renewed.** 💫 Early booking recommended, limited spots. 🎟️ **[www.eventbrite.com/e/1980844853279/?discount=MeetUp](www.eventbrite.com/e/1980844853279/?discount=MeetUp)**

**Welcome to the inaugural meeting of the International Relations / Foreign Policy Group Columbus!** This group brings together students, professionals, academics, and anyone interested in global affairs, diplomacy, and geopolitics. Our first meetup will be an informal discussion focused on current international developments and global trends. This is a great opportunity to: • Meet others interested in international relations and foreign policy • Discuss current global events and geopolitical developments • Exchange perspectives and ideas in a respectful environment • Build a network of globally minded individuals in Central Ohio (Columbus and periphery) **Discussion topics may include:** * Strategic planning for the group and the way forward * US foreign policy priorities in 2026 * Major geopolitical developments (Europe, Asia, Middle East) * Global security and strategic competition * International economic and diplomatic trends No prior expertise is required—everyone is welcome, whether you're a student, professional, or simply interested in world affairs. **This will be a casual, friendly, and intellectually engaging conversation.** I look forward to meeting everyone and building a strong international relations / foreign policy community in Central Ohio.

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

#### Turning Rentals Into Income: How Investors Pay Off Properties Faster #### **Featuring Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** #### A lot of people get into real estate because they want freedom. Then they buy a rental…and realize most of the rent goes straight to the bank. They technically own property, but the mortgage controls the income. And waiting 30 years for properties to be paid off doesn’t feel realistic. This meetup is about understanding a different way to think about rental properties… one that focuses on paying them off sooner so the income is actually usable. **Featured Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** We’re excited to welcome John Blackburn as our guest speaker for this event. John has been actively investing in real estate since 2006 and has: * Been involved in **5,000+ real estate transactions** * Helped investors **acquire over $150 million in rental property** * **Raised more than $100 million** in private capital John didn’t start with family money or shortcuts. He built his portfolio by focusing on clear systems, real numbers, and long-term strategy. For this meetup, John will walk through how investors shift their focus from simply owning rentals to building properties that eventually pay them…without a mortgage attached. **What You’ll Learn** John will break down, in simple terms: * Why most rental properties don’t produce much usable income early on * Why buying more rentals isn’t always the answer * How investors structure their properties to pay off mortgages in a fraction of the time * How properties can work together to eliminate debt faster * What changes once rentals become free and clear This approach is often referred to as an accelerated paydown strategy — using rental income intentionally to reduce debt sooner, rather than waiting decades for mortgages to run their course. John will also share a simple calculator you can use to see how this works with real numbers and realistic scenarios. **The Core Idea** When a rental has a mortgage, the rent has one job: **pay the bank.** When a rental is paid off, the rent has a different job: **pay you.** Most people only see one timeline…30 years. This session shows how investors shorten that timeline and gradually increase their income as properties become free and clear. **Who This Event Is For** This event is for people who want more than just “owning rentals” on paper. * Rental owners who are tired of most of the rent going to the bank and want a clearer path to real, usable income * New investors who want to understand how rental properties actually build wealth over time before jumping in * People with capital who want to invest in real estate with intention and a long-term plan * Anyone serious about freedom and curious how rental properties transition from debt-heavy assets into income-producing ones **Event Details** **Location:** Ohio Brewing Company - 421 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 **Date & Time:** January 25th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** If you’ve ever wondered how rental properties actually turn into freedom —this is the room to be in.