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Kom naar het HaHaHo Makers Lab Utrecht voor een avond vol kennis & ervaringsdelen en maken, met de focus op elektronica met microprocessoren zoals Arduino & Raspberry Pi, LED’s en meetapparatuur. 19:00 Inloop + opzetten apparatuur 19:45 Standup: wat wil iedereen doen en/of leren deze avond? 20:00 Parallelle activiteiten: – startactiviteiten voor nieuwe deelnemers (Arduino, soldering, meetapparatuur, etc.) – onderlinge kennisuitwisseling adhv de wensen uit de standup – werken aan het gezamenlijke [PraatPaal-project](https://github.com/hadoopmarc/hahaho-interactive-pole) – werken aan je eigen project – ordenen/markeren van de ladenkasten met elektronisch componenten 21:30 Start met opruimen 21:45 Einde en verlaten van de Bibliotheek Een laptop is niet noodzakelijk maar komt vaak van pas! We vragen een vrijwillige donatie van €5 per avond om de inventaris met apparatuur en elektronische componenten op peil te kunnen houden. English 19:00 Room available for setting up equipment 19:45 Standup: what are the participant’s plans and wishes for the evening? 20:00 Parallel activities: – starter activities for new participants (Arduino, soldering, measuring equipment, etc.) – sharing knowledge as follow-up on the plans and wishes expressed during the standup – working on the community [Interactive Pole project](https://github.com/hadoopmarc/hahaho-interactive-pole) – working on your individual project – sorting the chest of drawers with electrical components 21:30 Start decluttering the room 21:45 End: leave the Public Library Bring your laptop if you want to program microcontrollers! We ask for a voluntary donation of €5 per evening to maintain the inventory with equipment and electrical components.

#### Level: Advanced *What really happens behind closed doors?* The Flat is an advanced long-form improv course inspired by Rear Window and the quiet drama of everyday lives lived side by side. Set in a shared apartment building, this format invites you to explore the unseen worlds of neighbours who observe each other from a distance, collide unexpectedly, and slowly reveal who they really are. Across the course, you and your fellow players will build a living, breathing building filled with recognisable characters and intertwined storylines. Windows become frames. Hallways become crossroads. Small details grow into big consequences. Together, you will create a fully improvised performance of forty minutes or more that feels coherent, cinematic, and emotionally grounded. Is there romance blossoming across balconies? A secret criminal operation hidden behind tidy curtains? Or simply a lonely man whose strongest relationship is with his cat? The Flat thrives on contrast, tension, and quiet observation, allowing humour and drama to sit side by side. The audience becomes a voyeur, peeking into private lives and watching stories unfold over time. This course focuses on long-form improvisation as collective storytelling. You will work on sustaining narrative over a longer arc, making bold but consistent character choices, and trusting the ensemble to carry the story together. Editing is treated as a creative tool rather than an interruption, helping scenes flow smoothly and keeping the audience oriented and engaged. Throughout the course, you will deepen your understanding of longform structure and develop the patience and confidence required to let stories emerge naturally. You will practise playing multiple scenes on stage, supporting parallel storylines, and staying true to your characters as they evolve. The emphasis is on emotional truth, recognisability, and commitment, allowing scenes to resonate long after the laugh has faded. This is a course for players who enjoy subtlety as much as spectacle, and who want to challenge themselves to create something layered, restrained, and powerful. #### Who this course is for This course is intended for experienced improvisers who want to deepen their longform work. You should have completed at least four improv courses or have a solid foundation in character building, story spine, and editing. You are comfortable on stage, curious about narrative structure, and ready to invest in slower, more detailed scene work. This course is not suitable for beginners. The Flat has previously been directed and taught by Matthijs and performed by groups such as Pure Chocolade at the Impro XL Longform Festival in Hoorn, and Liever Veul Bloemen in Wageningen. #### About the teacher Matthijs Meulblok studied Media Studies at Utrecht University and runs his own podcast studio at Wolvenplein, where he records podcasts and voice overs and coaches people in voice acting, podcasting, and media performance. He has performed with multiple improv groups in different countries, trains a variety of ensembles, and regularly teaches specialised workshops. Since 2025, he has also been exploring stand-up comedy as part of his own performance practice. Matthijs is known for creating thoughtful, thematic lessons and for developing innovative formats in both short-form and long-form improvisation. His teaching combines clarity, creativity, and a strong sense of narrative play. #### Course details New Location: De Speler Grote zaal, Thorbecklaan 18c Utrecht. Schedule: Mondays 20:00 to 22:00 Nine sessions in total, consisting of eight lessons and one show ##### Dates 19 January 26 January 2 February 9 February 23 February No lesson during the school holiday unless agreed otherwise with the group 2 March 9 March 16 March Show date to be confirmed Price: €240 including 21 percent VAT Group size: Minimum of seven participants, maximum of ten Improv Utrecht offers one funded place per course with a twenty percent discount for people with limited financial means. You can contact Marieke van Laar to discuss this option. Tickets are available via improv-utrecht.weticket.io

If you are living in The Netherlands, by now, you may well have noticed the amount of open water. If you enjoy cycling in the city, you may wish to feel safer as you navigate the bridges and canals. And you may also want to get ready for visiting the beach, pools or the many lakes this summer. Learning how to swim takes approx 1 year and it all starts with the very first lesson. New comers enroll via our website and pay € 30,50, this is the first lesson and a goody bag. After the class you agree with the personal swim coach how to continue to obtain your final objectives. Enrolling is only possible via [www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl ](https://www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl/)hence a rvsp via meetup is not enough.

Samen sporten, gewoon voor de fun, elke week een divers programma, met allerlei verschillende sporten. Je hoeft niet de beste te zijn, maar wel zin hebben om samen te spelen en te leren. Tijdens een training doen we verschillende spelletjes, basketbal, voetbal. volleybal, spikebal, honkbal. Kom je ook, de bal ligt bij jou!! Eerste keer meedoen is altijd gratis, daarna kan je beslissen of dit voor jou is, of niet!! Dus kom een keer proberen. Kan je niet op deze dag, we sporten ook op andere dagen nl Zondag om 9:30 of Maandag om 20:30 Stuur mij een berichtje als je op die dagen een keer wil proberen! The amount of people rsvp'd to this game doesn't match the real number of people at the event, as Meetup is only used for promotion purposes.

Every 2 months, we'll visit a company or institute that will host the event and provide talks. This time, we’re visiting **SURF**. You may know SURF as the organization behind the **Snellius supercomputer**, but its role is much broader. SURF is the IT cooperative for education and research in the Netherlands, offering advanced services for computing, storage, networking, and much more. If you want to get a sense of their work, check out the SURF tag on [Tweakers](https://tweakers.net/tag/SURF/) or visit their website at [surf.nl](https://surf.nl). The talks are the following: 1. Short intro to Quantum Computing, by David Maier (SURF), 4 minutes 2. FPGAs in HPC, by Mohsen Safari (SURF), 30 minutes 3. Running CUDA on AMD GPUs (without using HIP), by Chris Kitching (Spectral Compute), 30 minutes For those who visited the previous meetup at Stream HPC, you already know what to expect: deep dives into technical subjects, snacks and drinks, and enough time to socialize. **Important** Would you like to join the Data Center tour at SURF before the event? Please register below. **Please note that the registration closes on 14.01.26 at 17:00.** The Data Center tour will start at 15:30 sharp. [\[registration link\]](https://forms.office.com/e/hFUr2mAQy6)

New Year, New Sport! 🏐 ​Whether you've never played volleyball before or it’s been many years since you last hit the court, you are very welcome to join our Beginner Group! ​We train every Monday at 9 PM at Gymnasium Bibian Mentel in Zeeburgereiland. ​Come learn the basics, get moving, and meet new people in a fun, relaxed environment. ​Get more info here: ​WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EnPEK1bHLiTGdpqz6Vtbm4 ​Instagram: @brazucavolley

A casual weekly meetup where founders connect, share, and get real feedback on raising capital. **About us**: Welcome to *Capital & Coffee*—a weekly event designed for early-stage founders and aspiring entrepreneurs to talk capital, pitch ideas, and support each other. Whether you're just getting started or mid-raise, this is a space to get feedback, meet people, and understand the funding game. **Where Are We Meeting:** Volks Hotel Cafe (1st Floor) Left of the bar then make a right to find us in the padded seated area. **What to expect**: * Pitch feedback * Open networking * Funding insights * Coffee-fueled conversation Come with questions, your deck, or just your curiosity.

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

**From the *New York Times*-bestselling author of *Cutting for Stone* comes a stunning and magisterial epic of love, faith, and medicine, set in Kerala, South India, following three generations of a family seeking the answers to a strange secret** Spanning the years 1900 to 1977, *The Covenant of Water* is set in Kerala, on India’s Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning—and in Kerala, water is everywhere. At the turn of the century, a twelve-year-old girl from Kerala's Christian community, grieving the death of her father, is sent by boat to her wedding, where she will meet her forty-year-old husband for the first time. From this unforgettable new beginning, the young girl—and future matriarch, Big Ammachi—will witness unthinkable changes over the span of her extraordinary life, full of joy and triumph as well as hardship and loss, her faith and love the only constants. A shimmering evocation of a bygone India and of the passage of time itself, *The Covenant of Water* is a hymn to progress in medicine and to human understanding, and a humbling testament to the hardships undergone by past generations for the sake of those alive today. Imbued with humor, deep emotion, and the essence of life, it is one of the most masterful literary novels published in recent years.

## Brick the shapes of the New Year! As we step into a new year, we’re welcomed by a fresh landscape of opportunities, ambitions, and challenges waiting to be shaped. It’s the perfect moment to refocus, redefine our goals and re-energize the way we work together. Starting 2026, we’re using **LEGO® SERIOUS GOALS®** @ the **Scrum Facilitators** to help us transform ideas into tangible results. LEGO enables us to visualize our thoughts, explore possibilities with our hands and build shared understanding within yourself. By turning abstract goals into something physical, we create clarity, alignment, and space for creativity. **What can you expect from the event?** * Craft your concrete goal for 2026 * Powerful coaching of yourself done by you and by others * Help keeping yourself accountable of your goals * Metaphors & visualizations * Curiosity & reflection * Lots of fun :-) **Evening Plan:** 17:30 - 17:45 Walk In, Network 17:30 - 18:30 Intro and getting into it 18:30 - 19:00 FOOD 19:00 - 19:50 Goal Building 19:50 - 20:40 Note to Yourself, Make goals concrete 20:40 - 21:00 Walk Out, Network 21:00 Please go home you lovely people :)

**Um was geht es dieses mal?** Dieses Mal haben wir zwei Talks für euch! **Agentenentwicklung ist wie Kindererziehung, nur mit mehr Logs - Ein Blick hinter die Kulissen bei vaylens - Dennis Lüger (vaylens)** "Was hat die Entwicklung eines KI-Agents mit Kindererziehung zu tun? Mehr als du denkst. In diesem Vortrag zeigt vaylens, wie wir den Service in der eMobility-Branche mit einem intelligenten Agenten neu denken – und warum der klassische Design → Develop-Prozess hier völlig an seine Grenzen stößt. Wir sprechen über die echten Herausforderungen: den Aufbau einer funktionierenden Wissensbasis, die Tücken von RAG, das Testen eines Systems, das sich ständig weiterentwickelt, und den Alltag mit einem Produkt, das selbst noch „in den Kinderschuhen“ steckt. Natürlich teilen wir auch unsere Erfolge, die wachsenden Fähigkeiten unseres Agents und geben einen Ausblick darauf, welche nächsten Schritte anstehen, um den Service der Zukunft zu gestalten." **Give Your AI Superpowers: Warum alles mit dem Model Context Protocol beginnt. - Benjamin Font Pera (codecentric)** "Moderne Sprachmodelle erreichen heute eine beeindruckende Leistungsfähigkeit, bleiben jedoch häufig in isolierten Umgebungen gefangen: Ohne eine einheitliche Schnittstelle können sie nur schwer auf externe Systeme, Datenquellen oder Werkzeuge zugreifen. Genau hier setzt das Model Context Protocol (MCP) an. MCP schafft eine standardisierte Integrationsschicht, über die LLMs transparent, strukturiert und kontrollierbar mit ihrer Umgebung interagieren können. In diesem Talk zeige ich, wie MCP die Grundlage für praktische, handlungsfähige KI-Agenten schafft Im Coding-Bereich demonstriere ich, wie ein Coding-Agent über MCP nicht nur mit Ticketsystemen arbeiten kann, sondern durch den Figma-MCP-Server sogar „sehen” lernt. Im n8n-Ökosystem wird sichtbar, wie MCP echte Agenten-Workflows ermöglicht. Am Beispiel des „Kai Vertriebsassistenten” zeige ich, wie ein LLM über MCP mit n8n Agenten kommuniziert, fehlende Informationen aktiv abfragt, Daten aus HubSpot oder Jira abrufen kann und komplexe Aufgaben wie das Erstellen von Versicherungsangeboten vollständig automatisiert. Der Vortrag verbindet konzeptionelle Grundlagen mit praktischen Demonstrationen und zeigt, wie MCP KI-Modelle aus ihrer Isolation löst und in vollständig integrierte, handlungsfähige Agenten verwandelt." **Hybrides Setup!** Wir freuen uns, euch bei uns in den Räumen der codecentric AG in Dortmund willkommen zu heißen. Vor Ort versorgen wir euch mit Snacks und Getränken und freuen uns gleichzeitig über interessante Diskussionen und einen guten Austausch. Für alle, die es nicht zu uns ins Office schaffen, werden wir das Meetup Hybrid durchführen. Der Stream beginnt ca. 10 Minuten später, damit wir vor Ort ausreichend Möglichkeit für persönliches Kennenlernen haben. Den Live-Stream findet ihr auf dem [YouTube-Channel der codecentric AG](youtube.com/@codecentricag). **Anreise:** Per Zug: Vom Dortmunder HBF sind es ca. 10 Minuten zu Fuß. Mit dem Auto: Rund um das Office gibt es einige Parkflächen, dazu befinden sich in dem Parkhaus der Thier-Galerie weitere Parkplätze.

⚠️🦖 **IMPORTANT**: You need to be a registered attendee to get access to Bitbash. **Get your free ticket at**: https://www.bitbash.nl/tickets Dutch Azure Meetup is partnering with Info Support to bring you **Bitbash**; an exciting FREE conference that will cover the latest Microsoft technologies and innovations. Whether you're interested in .NET, Azure, Data platforms or AI, Bitbash will let you take your skills to the next level! Inspiring community speakers will present you with insightful sessions, real-world experience, and compelling demonstrations. Check the full agenda at https://www.bitbash.nl/agenda! Bitbash is an in-person event that's held on Saturday January 24 at Info Support in Veenendaal. Additional pre-conference workshops are organized on Friday January 23. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and network with like-minded professionals. See you at the event!

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS] Travel / Parking info: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS]

**Real Estate** is a new series dedicated to exploring villas, estates, and remarkable buildings across the Netherlands — places that are often overlooked, not because they lack beauty or significance, but because they still exist quietly within the fabric of everyday life. The first event of the series takes us to **Kasteel Groeneveld**, an elegant 18th-century country estate in Baarn with a distinctly international character. Built as a buitenplaats for the ruling elite, Groeneveld offers a rare opportunity to explore how architecture, landscape, art, and daily life were once woven together. During our visit, we will explore both the **castle itself** and its vast **130-hectare estate**, discovering how regents lived, how the gardens and kitchen plots functioned, and how nature and culture were carefully shaped to coexist. The park is full of quiet details and unexpected corners that reveal a different perspective on Dutch history and landscape design. This is not a rushed visit or a checklist of highlights, but a slow exploration of a place designed to be experienced through movement, space, and time. ### Practical information * **Meeting point:** 13:00 at bus stop *Drakenburgerweg*, Baarn * We will walk together from there to the estate and begin the exploration * Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the size of the park ### After the visit After exploring the estate, we will stop at **Grand Café Groeneveld**, located on the grounds of the castle. The café offers a small but interesting selection of beers from local microbreweries such as **Swarte Os** and **Gooische**, providing a relaxed moment to reflect and exchange impressions after the walk. **Real Estate** is about discovering places that quietly shape the cultural landscape of the Netherlands — buildings and estates that tell stories not through spectacle, but through presence.

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. *The 5AM Club* by Robin Sharma explores how waking up early and following a structured morning routine can dramatically improve productivity, mindset, and overall life mastery. Through a blend of storytelling and practical frameworks, it teaches high performers how to build discipline, focus, and long-term success by owning the first hour of the day. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

# **Band: The Pegheads; Caller: Liz Burkhart** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

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.

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.

[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).