Hookah

Here's an opportunity to practice German over a good cup of coffee in a cozy Viennese coffee house 🍷☕️🍻🍾🎡 🇦🇹 The events are free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. You can also enjoy specialties from Vienna ☕️🇦🇹🥰 When? ⏰ Usually Tuesdays from 16:00 - 17:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese Café & Restaurant: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki Herzlich willkommen! Tässä mahdollisuus harjoitella saksaa hyvän kahvin äärellä viihtyisässä wienilaisessa kahvilassa 🍷☕️🍻🍾🎡 🇦🇹 Tapahtumat ovat ilmaisia ja mukana on aina saksaa äidinkielenään puhuva henkilö. Saat myös kokeilla erikoisuuksia Wienistä. ☕️🇦🇹🥰 Milloin? ⏰ Yleensä tiistaina klo 16.00-17.00 Missä? 📍 Viihtyisässä wieniläisessä kahvilassa ja ravintolassa: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki Herzlich willkommen! The Good Coffee Company Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki www.thegoodcoffee.co A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹 PS: Please visit our Facebook Page for updates and changes: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events

(SWE nedan) This is a language café for anyone who wants to practice their Swedish through discussion in a laid-back environment. Swedish Language Café takes place every Tuesday at Luckan, and the programme is adapted according to the participants’ needs and wishes. Swedish Language Café is organised in collaboration with Kvinnliga Akademiker i Helsingfors. The Swedish Language Café meets at Luckan, Georgsgatan 27 / Yrjönkatu 27 every Tuesday at 17:30-19:00. There is no need to sign up in advance. For more information: integration@luckan.fi SWE Swedish Language Café är ett språkkafé som är öppet för alla som vill öva svenska via diskussioner i en avslappnad miljö. Språkkaféet hålls varje tisdag och programmet anpassas enligt deltagarnas behov och önskemål. Språkkafét ordnas i samarbete med Kvinnliga Akademiker i Helsingfors. Språkkafét hålls på Luckan, Georgsgatan 27 klockan 17:30-19:00. Förhandsanmälan krävs ej. För mera information kontakta integration@luckan.fi

Learning Finnish in Finland can be difficult because Finns tend to switch to English. That is one of the reasons people like our Finnish language café: you get to practice Finnish with Finns :) The events are completely free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. The coffee is good too ☕😋🇦🇹 Tervetuloa! When? ⏰ Usually Tuesday to Friday from 15:00 - 16:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese coffee house: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki The Good Coffee Company A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹 Eerikinkatu 33, 00180 Helsinki Please visit our Facebook page for updates and changes: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events

Welcome to join our Sahaja Yoga meditation meetings in English! The meetings are free of charge and you can just show up. The group consists of people of different ages and nationalities who have been meditating different periods of time. Newcomers are welcome at any time. We normally sit on chairs or on pillows on the floor, so there is no need to bring a mat and you can wear normal clothes. Meditation means mental silence or thoughtless awareness. You are present here and now, but your mind is not bombarded by thoughts from the past or the future. In this state, you feel peace and joy, which are the essential elements of the present moment. With regular practice of meditation, it is possible to establish this state within us. The group is lead by volunteers who are experienced and can offer guidance to get you started. We give a short introduction to the meditation and after that we do meditation exercises. We also give tips on how to meditate at home. After the meditation class, we have a cup of tea and there is time for questions. Welcome! We hope to see you in our meditation meetings! This video helps you to find the Kamppi Sahaja Yoga center: https://vimeo.com/199566137 More information about Sahaja Yoga meditation: www.discoversahajayoga.org (in English) www.jooga.org (in Finnish) www.sahajayoga.ru (in Russian) www.sahajayoga.es (in Spanish) Guided online meditations to support your meditation practice at home: www.wemeditate.com

Join us for an empowering workshop hosted by Helsinki Toastmasters, focusing on mastering confidence and communication skills. Whether you are a seasoned public speaker or just starting your journey, this event is tailored for individuals looking to boost their self-empowerment and enhance their leadership skills. Our experienced mentors will share valuable insights on how to speak with conviction, project confidence, and become a compelling communicator. Connect with like-minded individuals, network with professionals, and engage in thought-provoking discussions aimed at personal development and positive thinking. Elevate your public speaking game, gain inspiration, and set yourself on the path to success. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and unleash your full potential. Helsinki Toastmasters welcomes you to this interactive event that promises to be both educational and fun. The meeting is in English language, meet and greet starts at 17:30, meeting starts at 17:45 pm sharp. Warmly welcome as a guest.

Welcome along to our April meetup in collaboration with [PyData Helsinki](https://pydata-helsinki.github.io/), kindly hosted by [TEK](https://www.tek.fi/en/en/tek-trade-unions-and-you) and [ILry](https://www.ilry.fi/en/membership/become-a-member/)! Our hosts will introduce their services for both employed and unemployed IT specialists, talk about how the unions fight for your rights, discuss the current situation in the IT sector from the unions' perspective, and tell us more about the collective agreement system and upcoming negotiations. After a quick break and our famous Python Quiz, we will welcome to the stage our very own Cal Paterson, who will paint us a picture of LLM security issues regarding prompt injections. You have to RSVP for the event to join. If you can't make it, please update your RSVP promptly so another Python enthusiast from the waiting list can take your spot. Photos of the event may be shown on different digital channels of HelPy/PyDataHel and our hosts. Please also share your own photos! **Location: TEK - Ratavartijankatu 2 A, 00520 Helsinki** **Schedule** * 17:00 Doors open, snacks and drinks available 🍺 * 17:30 Welcoming words * 17:35[ Owain Hopeaket](https://www.linkedin.com/in/owainhopeaketo/)o &[ Anne Granat-Jukakoski](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-granat-jukakoski/): Intro to TEK and ILry unions * 18:00[ Tietoala](https://tietoala.fi/in-english/): IT sector, collective agreement and the law * 18:30 Break and pizza 🍕 * 18:50 Quiz 🔮 * 19:00[ Cal Paterson](https://calpaterson.com/about.html): "Disregard that!" attacks * 19:30 End of programme * 20:00 Let's start moving to a nearby bar to continue Python discussions 🍻 **Arriving** The event venue is close to the Tripla mall/Pasila train station. Here you can see[ the location of the office on the map](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//60.1979559,24.9366098/@60.1974137,24.9352379,17z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0). The building's main entrance (door A) is facing the Junailijanaukio plaza. Junailijanaukio plaza is reserved for pedestrians and it is above the normal street level; use the stairs in Ratavartijankatu street to get to Junailijanaukio. The entrance will be on your left. If you're arriving by car, read more on[ parking in Eastern Pasila](https://pasilanpysakointi.fi/lyhytaikainen-pysakointi/) (in Finnish)

**Designed for experienced cybersecurity professionals, this event focuses on senior peer-level exchange. Others are welcome to apply, though priority will be given to those** **with several years in the field.** No career in cybersecurity is without setbacks, and no real expertise is built without learning from them. This event digs into how experienced professionals turn difficult moments and missteps into strength. With experience comes perspective. This event is designed for senior women in cybersecurity to openly reflect on the challenges, mistakes, and turning points that have shaped their careers. Expect honest conversations, shared insight, and meaningful connections among peers. **Please note that we can accommodate dietary restrictions for those who get a spot before 14.04.2026. However, due to some constraints, we may not be able to make special food arrangements for those who get a spot after this date. We appreciate your understanding.** **Note:** We will use meetup.com to communicate with you. Please check that you have allowed notifications and emails from meetup. This event requires some of the details which you can answer during RSVP. Please be mindful to answer the questionnaires. The information will be used purely to tailor relevant discussions during the event. Our experts: **Jenni Gyllenberg**, Expert IT Security Specialist in Nordea, who has held both leadership and specialist positions in the financial industry for the past 25 years. **Benjamin Särkkä** is a cybersecurity leader, hacker, and CEO of 10100 Group, as well as the founder of the Disobey community. With experience ranging from building incident response capabilities to leading cybersecurity in organisations of different sizes, he brings a practical, real-world perspective not only to digital defense but also to how setbacks can be turned into strengths. **Kaarina Satamo** is Head of Identity Management at Nordea. She has a background in global industrial companies with passion in Identity and Access Management and how it can support cybersecurity, compliance and process automation. She values diversity, strategic thinking and focuses on practical and responsible solutions. **Agenda** **17:00** Doors open **17:30** W4CFI introduction **17:40** Presentation by Jenni Gyllenberg: “Imperfect Experts – Turning setbacks into strengths” explains why you should shift from being afraid of making mistakes to embracing them, and why this is the only way forward. **18:15** Food, drinks & networking **18:45** Presentation by Benjamin Särkkä: “Threats and Opportunities of the Modern Operating Environments” **19:00** Small group discussions lead by Jenni Gyllenberg, Benjamin Särkkä, and Kaarina Satamo **20:30-21.00** Wrap-up, networking If the event is full, we still recommend you join the waitlist, since often spots open up closer to the event. **We have a no-show policy** If you are not able to participate and do not cancel, you will not be allowed to participate in upcoming events for the next six months. **If you need to cancel your participation, please update your RSVP status in Meetup to "Not going" by the 18th of April, 2026 latest.** **Photos and social media** Please note that pictures from the event will be shared in our social media channels. You can opt-out from being photographed at the event. **How to enroll?** The venue requires prior registration. To enroll in the event click "Attend" in Meetup. Please note that Women4Cyber Finland's events are primarily for women, but we welcome everyone. As the spots for the event are limited, we prioritize women currently working in the cybersecurity field. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at events[at]women4cyberfinland.com **About Nordea** Nordea is the largest bank in the Nordics where we work to support our customers’ financial development. Nordea is a major employer for technology specialists in the Nordics and Poland. Our technology units employ around 8000 people with a diverse background, nationalities and competences. With us, you get to work with all the modern technologies. We are up to date with cybersecurity trends, ensuring quality of banking services, with operational stability on top of mind. Warm welcome!

Tervetuloa Suomea-Englantia kahvilaan, missä voit nauttia kahvista ja harjotella kielitaitojasi suomea! Welcome to a Finnish - English café, where you can enjoy coffee and practice your skills! 📅 Päivämäärät / Dates: 22.4, 6.5 , 13.5 & 20.5 ⏰ Aika / Time: 15:00–16:00 📍 Lapinlahdenpolku 8 (Kahvila Lähde at Lapinlahden Lähde) ☕ Kahvia • Keskustelua • Kieltä ☕ Coffee • Conversation • Language Nähdään siellä! / See you there! Join our Finnish – English café on the Wednesdays listed above to practice your skills in a relaxed setting. Everyone is welcome, no matter your level!

Opitaan suomea ja arabiaa sekä kohdataan kahvikupposen äärellä! Kielenvaihtokulmassa opit tandem-menetelmällä arabiaa sitä äidinkielenään puhuvalta ja itse opetat samalla suomea, molemmat opettavat toisilleen. Tule kielenvaihtokulmaan jakamaan osaamistasi! Location: Maunula talo Metsäpurontie 4 00630 Helsinki Tervetuloa mukaan silloin kun sinulle sopii! If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: instagram.com/miitti1 Facebook: facebook.com/miitti1 Web: lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

PADEL WITH MIITTI 🎾 IMPORTANT: Spots are extremely limited, and you only get to play if you are registered on the list of attendees! If you have reserved a spot, but cannot attend after all, please cancel your spot as soon as you can so that someone on the waitlist gets to attend instead! Want to try something new or keep improving your padel game? Join our weekly MIITTI Padel Sessions. Whether you’ve never played before or already enjoy the game, everyone is welcome to come along, no matter your level. We have two courts reserved next to each other (courts 1+3), and we’ll alternate between them so everyone gets a chance to play and meet different people. ⏰ WHEN: Saturday 25th of April at 14.00–15.00 📍WHERE: Arena Center Myllypuro, Alakiventie 2, 00900 Helsinki 🎒 **Equipment**: Bring your own racket or rent one from the hall for 8€. Participation is free, but spots are limited, so again, please make sure to reserve your place. Come play, meet new people, and enjoy a relaxed and friendly Saturday afternoon together. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) FB: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

**Welcome to Food Without Borders!** Come and experience tastes from around the world in Merirasti's community kitchen with Katja Meriläinen! **IMPORTANT**: Participation is free, but space is limited! Please make sure to reserve a spot! Food and cooking in general is on of the oldest and universal ways of uniting people. Community kitchen in MeriRasti is an easy environment and great place to connect with people of different cultures. Welcome to flavours of Latin America! **Menu for the day will be:** cuñapes for starter Peanut soup as a main dish And something sweet for desert No previous cooking experience needed, just open mind and willingness to cook. You are welcome to bring your lunch boxes to take some food with you after we eat and share what is left. **WHEN & WHERE:** Sunday 26th of April At 14.00-18.30 Kulttuuritila Merirasti, Jaluspolku 3 00980 Helsinki If you have questions about the workshop, feel free to contact Katja: +358404123242 About the facilitator: Katja Meriläinen is a professional Food and Beverage specialist and graduate of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Science, Hospitality, Tourism and Experience manager. She has 10 years of experience in the field, in restaurant, catering business and nowadays working for Helsinki city, cooking for 260 schoolchildren in Vuosaari. Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/)

**All are welcome**, wherever you are in your running/walking journey! We meet at Lapinlahti’s sauna, and the run begins promptly at 6:00 PM. **Please arrive early to get ready.** * There is a changing room, a few lockers, and a bathroom available. * We will run from the sauna to the Sibelius Monument and back — a total distance of 6–6.5 km. * The sauna house will be locked while we are out running. * After the run, we will swim, hang out, and enjoy the sauna until **8:00 PM**. * We kindly ask everyone to leave by 8:00 PM. * **To ensure fair participation, if you are no longer able to join, please cancel at least 3 hours in advance so individuals on the waitlist may attend.** * *Zero Tolerance for Harassment* **Hosted by: Nia & Olli** Contact: Nia – +358 408223934 **HOW TO FIND US:** When arriving at the main gates of Lapinlahden Lähde, turn right and head towards the water. Lapinlahti's sauna is located halfway between the yellow main building and the red Venetsia building We want everyone to feel welcome and safe. **By participating, you agree to:** • Respect others – Be mindful of personal boundaries, privacy, and consent. • Listen actively – Give space for all voices and avoid dominating conversations. • Use inclusive language – Avoid offensive, discriminatory, or exclusionary remarks. • Be considerate in the sauna – Some people may prefer quiet or need space. • Address issues kindly – If a problem arises, bring it up respectfully or with the hosts. Tervetuloa Run to Saunaan! Tapaamme Lapinlahden saunalla ja lähdemme juoksemaan noin kello 18.00. Tulethan ajoissa! • Käytössä on pukuhuone, lokeroita ja vessat. • Juoksemme saunalta Sibelius-monumentille ja takaisin. Kokonaismatka on noin 6-6,5 km. • Sauna on lukossa juoksun ajan. Juoksun jälkeen saunomme, uimme ja vietämme aikaa yhdessä kello 20.00 saakka. Kello 20.00 jälkeen meidän täytyy poistua. Tapahtuman järjestävät: Nia ja Olli Voit soittaa Nialle: +358 408223934 MITEN MEIDÄT LÖYTÄÄ: Kun saavut Lapinlahden Lähteen pääporteille, käänny oikealle kohti merta. Lapinlahden sauna on keltaisen päärakennuksen ja punaisen Venetsia-rakennuksen puolivälissä. Haluamme, että kaikilla on turvallinen olo. Run to Sauna -tapahtumissa noudatamme seuraavia periaatteita: • Kunnioitamme toistemme rajoja ja yksityisyyttä. • Annamme kaikille tilaa osallistua keskusteluun. • Puhumme kaikista ihmisistä ja ihmisryhmistä kunnioittavasti. • Olemme ystävällisiä toisillemme. • Ongelmatapauksissa voit kääntyä ohjaajien puoleen. **MIITTI’s Principles for safer space:** MIITTI wants to nourish a safe and pleasant environment for everyone, where everyone can feel safe as themselves. By joining as a volunteer, employee or participant of the event or activity, you agree to follow the guidelines below *Non-discrimination* I do not make assumptions about people based on their external characteristics or names. I treat all participants with respect, and I don’t use language or take actions that discriminate based on race, gender, sexuality, disability, age, religion, or any other characteristic. I respect pronouns and names. *Boundaries* I respect others' personal space and boundaries, both physical and mental. I acknowledge that I cannot know someone else's boundaries without asking first. I ask before touching. I listen to others and adapt my behavior if someone indicates that my behavior makes them feel uncomfortable. *Creating Safe Environment* Everyone is responsible for contributing to a safe and respectful environment. If I witness harassment, I do my part to support those who experience inappropriate or offensive treatment. *Zero Tolerance for Harassment* Our space upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment. Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or online, will not be tolerated. If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior or harassment at our events, please report it to the MIITTI or Lapinlahden Lähde staff. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

Welcome to join our Ren Xue Yuan Gong practice throughout the summer at Lapinlahden Lähde! The practice is simple but yet practical and powerful. It is easy to learn and will help you: -gain energy, feel less tired and stressed -more mental clarity, easier to concentrate -boost your immune system Time: Sundays 15:30 - 17:00 WHERE: Tallipääty, MIITTI office Lapinlahden Lähde Lapinlahdenpolku 8 00180 Helsinki About REN XUE Ren Xue is a comprehensive system for uplifting human life. It includes a unique form of Qigong (Yuan Qigong); three foundational theories (Theory of Qi, Theory of Consciousness, Theory of Totality) and a large body of teachings. It was created by world-renowned teacher and healer Yuan Tze who continues to offer online and in-person events worldwide. Ren Xue combines ancient Chinese wisdom traditions with modern insights into health and well-being. The goal of Ren Xue is to help individuals improve their physical, emotional, and mental health through a holistic approach that emphasizes the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. REN XUE FINLAND Ren Xue Finland (RXF) is the Finnish branch of the global movement, an organization dedicated to the promotion and teaching of Ren Xue and its associated practices, including Yuan Gong and Yuan Ming Medicine. It provides easy entry into the Ren Xue system through local in-person sessions, online courses and workshops/retreats. Other learning methods can be found here: Ren Xue TV, a YouTube channel and Learn Ren Xue website. More about Ren Xue: [https://www.renxueinternational.org](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.renxueinternational.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR06uJQRSC7BE3zhPePQ7X_KO7WXa60cr7NK25KdOqfbSIHpYqBLO3dYgVM_aem_alDR7a6KhbNhG3u9NhCUVA&h=AT18asmYaRkvHCJemaC7rr9GVu579uflDCg7T6mLNodWdtMVhuxwFhIyz0p5ONeJbm3WQ3ZGIwONIa0_pDvih4t9BCCJUBkjhK4BdIMEl4aQ_qPzR5ykW-aiOndhYDPeAW9_2_eWZaMsv889HKbp8_c&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT35KTjVjr2kCnYHrXXjXPxEGFK-RFbZnFVdDmWrTe5WwbSZZ5ulNxFEjPPhejS8Pf4xetwkU1hhM1P2K_ABugpnXL6w-CKE25ARXwtLSexv-4fPJ4s2_Kcqgj3g2XWjCVkPPgcjwrPoNWOvdKa2f1VqyVa-2kcTojodTS3wn9zrnRjZLcG7)/

Discover the restorative power of nature on a guided forest walk on the island of Seurasaari. Through calm observation and gentle connection with the forest atmosphere, slow down, unwind, and sharpen your senses. **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, please make sure to reserve yours! If you are not registered, you will be kindly asked to leave. Step out of everyday busyness and into a more present, embodied experience of nature. Practice selected ForestMind exercises and include optional moments of shared reflection in a safe, supportive space. These gentle exercises invite you to open your senses, cultivate a feeling of calm and refreshment, and practice being fully present in the moment. Some invitations focus on noticing and kindly accepting your own thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. The method, developed in Finland by Mrs. Sirpa Arvonen, combines researched nature-based health effects with simple mind-skill practices and is suitable for everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or previous experience. Leave the forest feeling grounded, refreshed, and more connected to yourself and your surroundings. **Program details:** *WHEN:* Sunday 26th of April, starting at 14.00 and ending around 17.00 *LOCATION:* Seurasaari Island – about 3,5 Km on designated forest trails (easy access, paths available). *MEETING POINT:* I will meet you just before the white bridge in Seurasaari, (you will see the bridge when you get off from the bus). *AGE:* over 18yo ***PLEASE NOTE***: the activity will take place with sun or rain. Participants bring comfortable shoes/clothing, weatherproof clothing, water bottle, and an open mind. No extra equipment required. *COSTS:* free. The participants pay own bus ticket to and from Seurasaari Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! IG: instagram.com/miitti1 Facebook: facebook.com/miitti1 Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjdO6QGKx3W-tfkeqWZwP-A2L4CJvi-dtPCJg0r5i0b7aZ26Xg9M70PgQrcF_aem_bilwGCnh6QkHC4t7bmF_8w)/

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday April 21 from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

**Let’s catch up and take an afternoon break.** **Grab a coffee or snack and let’s chit chat! Gayle and I will bring adult coloring books and/or a simple craft if you’d like to unwind and relax.😊**

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

**Our May novel is: *The Quiet Librarian* by Allen Eskens** **This month’s book is set in the 20th century and mixes historical fiction with suspense and thriller elements. It also centers on women’s stories and relationships. The novel is 368 pages in print or 8 hours and 12 minutes on audiobook.** Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head\*\*.\*\*

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. 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."