Family Estrangement

'I WHO HAVE NEVER KNOWN MEN' by Jaqueline Harpman "As far back as I can recall, I have been in the bunker." A young woman is kept in a cage underground with thirty-nine other females, guarded by armed men who never speak; her crimes unremembered... if indeed there were crimes. 'The youngest of forty—a child with no name and no past—she survives for some purpose long forgotten in a world ravaged and wasted. In this reality where intimacy is forbidden—in the unrelenting sameness of the artificial days and nights—she knows nothing of books and time, of needs and feelings. Then everything changes... and nothing changes. A young woman who has never known men—a child who knows of no history before the bars and restraints—must now reinvent herself, piece by piece, in a place she has never been... and in the face of the most challenging and terrifying of unknowns: freedom.' Please read the book and join us for a lively discussion (in English) about the contents during our afternoon book club meeting. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- PLEASE NOTE: This is an IN-PERSON event in Amersfoort, The Netherlands. Please cancel your attendance in advance if you are unable to join, so that those on the waitlist can participate. Looking forward to seeing you all IN REAL LIFE then! Best regards, Sandra

**Please note**: there are two Dutch Nature Hikes organised on this day. This hike starts in Baarn and ends at train station Hollandsche Rading. This hike is fully booked - please sign up for hike #2! Start the year well with a winter hike in the forests of Baarn and Lage Vuursche. This hike in the province of Utrecht offers a lot of variation in landscape over mostly unpaved paths. We will take a break at restaurant [De Bosrand](https://bosrandlagevuursche.nl/) – to warm up and to have lunch. The hike starts at train station Baarn and ends at train station Hollandsche Rading. Both train stations can be reached from Utrecht Centraal. **Meeting time and place**: we will meet at **10.15am** at train station Baarn. **This hike is fully booked.** Please RSVP to hike #2 that takes place on the same day and the same trail. [You can find the hike here.](https://www.meetup.com/nl-nl/dutch-nature-hikes/events/312366813/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events) [You may also sign up on my website](https://rewildyourself.nu/dutch-nature-hikes/).

**Please note**: there are two hikes organised on this day. This one starts at train station Hollandsche Rading and ends in Baarn. This hike in the forests of De Vuursche en Baarn offers a lot of variation in landscape over mostly unpaved paths. We will take a break at restaurant [De Bosrand](https://bosrandlagevuursche.nl/) – to warm up and to have lunch. The hike starts at train station Hollandsche Rading and ends at train station Baarn. Both train stations can be reached from Utrecht Centraal. **Meeting time and place**: we will meet at **10.00am** at train station Baarn. **How to join**: RSVP to this hike AND send me a message with your phone number and email address (if this is your first Dutch Nature Hike). I will send you a payment link about 1-2 weeks before the hike. [You may also sign up on my website](https://rewildyourself.nu/dutch-nature-hikes/).

For the New Year, we're going to do something a little different than usual: we're going for a walk in the evening, around the city center of Utrecht, and for drinks afterwards! We'll be meeting at Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn train station and depart at 7.30PM. We'll then walk towards the Singel canal and will follow it all around the city center until we get back to Vaartsche Rijn. All together the walk will be about 7.5 km and we'll pass by several points of interest, such as Nijntje Pleintje, the Sonnenborgh Observatory and Park Lepelenburg. After the walk, we're going for drinks at Taplokaal Gist, near to Vaartsche Rijn station. Please register for this in the separate event, so we can reserve a space that's big enough in a bar nearby Vaartsche Rijn: https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-qrspmgci/events/312636529/ Do you think about joining, but you're not sure if it's something for you? Let us explain. Utrecht Hiking Community aims to organise one hike per month in or around Utrecht. If you're in for a hike with a bunch of friendly other hiking enthusiasts, you're very welcome to join, no matter whether you're an expat, local, nomad, student, professional, beginner, alone or with friends. The hikes are a way to meet people while being active and going to places you otherwise might not be going to. We call this 'Social Hiking'. If your aim is to hike fast, we might not be the right hiking group for you though. We're organising our hikes together with UR-Glocal, the organisation of expats in Utrecht Region organising several kinds of activities. Please try to arrive to Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn train station on time. 7.30PM is the time that we want to depart. If you're late due to unforeseen circumstances, please write on WhatsApp to +31621177691. We can't keep the whole group waiting for you, but we can send you our live location so you can try to catch up with us. At Vaartsche Rijn train station there is a toilet (paid), a bike shed and a parking garage. For those coming by car, the hourly rate in this parking garage is €3,50, but they also have an evening ticket, valid from 7PM until midnight, for €8,73 (if the prices don't change for the New Year). Please wear good shoes for this walk. Some parts of the route are paved, but most are unpaved and might be a bit muddy. Please also have a look at the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Participation in the hike is free of charge, but as we do make some costs in organising (MeetUp subscription, transport costs), donations are very welcome. If you'd like to support us, you can do that via this link: https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=pjugtUBpLwTSnvghmxPW1nItq1VvXOzm For an impression of previous hikes, check our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/utrecht.hiking.community If you're having any questions, please let me know. See you at Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn train station on Saturday 3rd of January, 7.30PM!

For the New Year, we're going to do something a little different than usual: we're going for a walk in the evening, around the city center of Utrecht, and for drinks afterwards! For all info about our New Year's walk, please check this event: https://meetu.ps/e/PKzvZ/14lh7Q/i Afterwards we're going for drinks at Taplokaal Gist, nearby to the start and end point of our New Year's walk. Please register for the drinks in this separate event, so we can reserve enough space for our group. If you can't join to our New Year's walk, but still would like to come to Taplokaal Gist, you're welcome to join for the drinks. We expect to arrive at Taplokaal Gist after our walk at around 9.15PM. Do you think about joining, but you're not sure if it's something for you? Let us explain. Utrecht Hiking Community aims to organise one hike per month in or around Utrecht. If you're in for a hike with a bunch of friendly other hiking enthusiasts, you're very welcome to join, no matter whether you're an expat, local, nomad, student, professional, beginner, alone or with friends. The hikes are a way to meet people while being active and going to places you otherwise might not be going to. We call this 'Social Hiking'. If your aim is to hike fast, we might not be the right hiking group for you though. We're organising our hikes together with UR-Glocal, the organisation of expats in Utrecht Region organising several kinds of activities. At the nearby Vaartsche Rijn train station there is a bike shed and a parking garage. For those coming by car, the hourly rate in this parking garage is €3,50, but they also have an evening ticket, valid from 7PM until midnight, for €8,73 (if the prices don't change for the New Year). For an impression of previous hikes, check our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/utrecht.hiking.community If you're having any questions, please let me know. See you at Taplokaal Gist on Saturday 3rd of January, around 9.15PM!

Draft event roster ahead. everything is up for adjustments due to weather & availability Also, more hikes to squeeze in there Perhaps you also have ideas to plan in this roster? 😉

**\*\*The Perfect excuse to Draw and Paint in the Dark, and have Fun!\*\*💕**👨‍🎨👩‍🎨💕 ⭐ No experience needed 💬 English speaking activity 🕑 2 Hours of painting, creativity & fun in the dark 🧑🏻‍🎨 Workshop is guided by a professional artist 🎨 Extra Creative warming-up activity 🥳 All materials included 🏢 Amersfoort / Langestraat / City center 🎟️ **Book your seat formally HERE in [THIS LINK](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430509)**! 📽️🔮🌙🌟 Check on Instagram, a video of what painting in the dark with us looks like: **[https://www.instagram.com/p/DRskEb1E2bx/](https://www.instagram.com/p/DRskEb1E2bx/ )**[ ](https://www.instagram.com/p/DRskEb1E2bx/ ) 🌟If you want, you and your friends can bring freely any accessory, custom, or object that glows in the dark to have fun. 👓🎩⛑️👒🧤👕👙👔👗. This is a personal choice and not for everyone. Just for those who want to do it. 🎈 **Is it your birthday🎂 or a special occasion👰🏻💍🎒🧑🏻‍🎓, and do you want to bring some friends?** We can do something special for you ( contact us in advance to arrange). **🎨**💃🏻🎉**🖼️ ENJOY 2 HOURS OF CREATIVITY AND FUN IN THE DARK!** 🕑**CALENDAR 2026:** First Sunday of every month from 4PM - 6PM Jan 4 Feb 1 March 1 Apr 5 May 3 Jun 7 July 5 Aug 2 Sept 6 Oct 4 Nov 1 Dec 6 Jan 3 2027 🚫**NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED.** Our Artists and hosts will guide you through a step-by-step tutorial. You can use our suggested image or bring your picture of reference 🎨🖌️🖼️**ALL MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED** We'll provide you with everything you need to create your masterpiece. Create your very own masterpiece in only 2 hours using Glow in the Dark Painting! This session is not about perfection; it is about capturing emotions and personal expression. No experience required - our professional artist will guide you step-by-step. You can come with friends or alone - you are always very welcome! **🎟️🤔 QUESTIONS?** Contact one of our team members via WhatsApp in the following link: **[https://bit.ly/ArtLoversTickets](https://bit.ly/ArtLoversTickets "https://bit.ly/ArtLoversTickets")** **See you Soon.We are looking forward to painting and having Fun Together!** **🥳🎈**

**🟢🟢 ABOUT OUR WATERCOLOR PAINTING PARTY / AMERSFOORT** 🎨🥳🍷🏢 Amersfoort - Utrecht Province / Center of the City / Easy access from train station. Create your very own **portrait, animals, landscape, or figurative** masterpiece in only **2 HOURS using watercolor and our secret mixed media techniques!🧪🧫.** This session is not about perfection; it is about capturing emotions and personal expression. **No experience required** **\- trust us\!** our professional artist will guide you step-by-step through this unique self-portrait journey. You can look forward to a fun and exciting evening with other participants, **so it doesn't matter if you want to come with friends or alone - you are very welcome!** This is the perfect after-work or weekend activity where you'll unleash your creativity while creating something deeply personal. You will create a portrait combining painting, drawing, and creative techniques to bring your unique vision to life. When finished, you'll take home your newly created self-portrait artwork to cherish or share with loved ones. Each participant will have pencils, colored pencils, watercolor, acrylic/gouache paints, and a surface. You'll work from an image we will bring. **🎟️ READY TO HAVE FUN?** Get your Ticket and book your seat **✨[HERE](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555) ✨** 🤔 **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP HERE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) 💬** .................................... **🟢🟢 WHAT'S INCLUDED?** 🔶 All supplies included 🔶 **2-HOUR [TICKET SESSION](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555)** 🎟️ 🎁 **EXTRA BONUS:** **FREE TICKET**🎟️ to participate in our Drawing and Painting Cafes in Amersfoort or Our Online Still-Life sessions if you live far away. 🔶 New friendships and Conversations💬 🔶 Freedom to work at your own pace 🔶 **English tutored activity** (And of course, you can speak in your local language with your friends!🍷🥰🥰🍹) ⭐ No experience needed **🎟️ BOOK YOUR SEAT🪑 IN ADVANCE ✨[HERE](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555) ✨!** 🤔 **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) 💬** **🕑 2025 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:** Every 2 weeks on Sundays from 1.30 PM - 3:30 PM. .................................... **🎟️ ART LOVERS CLUB / ABOUT US** **ART LOVERS CLUB** is a community where art enthusiasts come together to explore their creativity and connect with new buddies through various events and sessions ( In-Person and Online) . Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, we have something for everyone!⭐ To share with you more about what we do, you can see here the overall atmosphere of our events in Amersfoort and also follow us if you want⭐: **[https://www.instagram.com/art_lovers_social_club](https://www.instagram.com/art_lovers_social_club)** 🤔 **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) 💬** **🕑 2025 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:** Sundays from 1.30 PM - 3:30 PM. **See you soon. We are looking forward to painting and having Fun Together! 🎨👩🏼‍🎨👨🏼‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨🧑🏼‍🎨🎈**

Come and join us for an evening of Buddhist meditation with like-minded people. The doors open at 7:00 PM, and meditation begins promptly at 7:15 PM. The meditation will last between 30 to 40 minutes, followed by tea and biscuits for anyone who would like to stay and chat. On some evenings, there will also be a short Dharma talk to provide some Buddhist context. The meditation space is down at the canal. To get there, you can take the stairs down. The meditation is offered on a donation basis. See our [website](https://utrechtbuddhistcentre.nl/) for more information.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Utrecht.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over coffee. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

**WE'RE MEETING IN A NEW PLACE!** **Bunk Hotel - Long table on the first floor** Join in for a morning of crafting & chatting over a drink. Just bring your own project and payment for drinks. Meet fellow crafting enthusiasts, whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique! We talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning in good company. All ages, levels and crafts welcome! And don't be shy, we have newcomers most weeks! **We have limited space at the café, so if you've RSVPd and can't make it, please cancel as early as possible so another person can join!** We now also have a WhatsApp group, where we want to organise get-togethers and other events. Ask one of the organisers at the next Meetup you join for more information and access.

🍂 **Weekly Anime Night Autumn Season 🍂** Your friendly neighborhood animeclub is there to get you through those dark days. We hope you had a great New Year’s and are ready to relax, laugh, and ease into 2026 with some anime together. *** 📅 **Event Series Details** **Date: January 4th** **Time: 19:00–21:00** **Location:** Buurtcentrum De Speler, Thorbeckelaan 18, 3551 BR, Utrecht A spacious space to share and watch our favorite anime. *** 🎬 **What’s the Plan This Week?** Check-in & Meet & Greet – New faces and returning fans, let’s connect! **Let’s Play – Episode 4** Break – Grab a drink, chat, and stretch those legs. **Let’s Play – Episode 5** Break – Grab a drink, chat, and stretch those legs. **Let’s Play – Episode 6** Closing & Hangout – Bring your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments to drinks afterwards! *** 🎒 **What Should You Bring?** * Your favorite snacks and drinks (not provided) * Your love for anime * Friends, or just your awesome self – all are welcome! *** 🎟️ **Free & Open to All!** This is a **non-commercial, community-driven** event created by fans, for fans. Whether you’re new to anime or a seasoned otaku, there’s a seat on the couch for you. *** 🔍 **Questions?** Drop them in the event chat – we’re happy to help! Come for the anime, stay for the laughs, theories, and the awesome people. **This is your Sunday night plan. See you there! ✨🎥🍿**

Meet new people, have a chat, do a little dance, sing a little song.

On a list of "My Favorite Things", few people would put a "break up" in their top ten. More often, these words evoke feelings of shame, embarrassment, poor choices, and bad or sad endings. Before the new and beautiful can be built, the old, broken, and unnecessary must be cleared away. This process can be painful, but it is good, needful, and can produce wonderful results when done wisely and well. How does one break free from anxiety, comparison, or shame? Christian Bevere points people to the freedom God desires for His children, as well as giving practical ideas on how to shed both unhealthy baggage and the lies that seek to leave us anchored to past failure. Drawing from the Bible, ***Break Up With What Broke You*** clearly shows that what Satan would seek to use for evil, God uses for good and to accomplish His purposes. Join us **Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6:30 pm**, when we gather at **Panera Bread, 300 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, across from St. John Arena**. We'd love to see you there! Get your tickets on EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/break-up-with-what-broke-you-tickets-1970803869426 Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/3496806620469488

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

This is an all inclusive event to inform, support and help bring special needs families and the community together. Come and enjoy family and sensory friendly: games, activities, snacks, free stuff and more! Meets the 2nd Saturday of each month. Located at Village Chapel - 30 Circleville Avenue, Ashville, OH 43103.

Communication is everything in life. You are only as successful as your ability to communicate! \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024