Interracial Families

'KAFKA ON THE SHORE' by Haruki Murakami 'The aging Nakata, tracker of lost cats, who never recovered from a bizarre childhood affliction, finds his pleasantly simplified life suddenly turned upside down. There is a savage killing, but the identity of both victim and killer is a riddle. Kafka on the Shore follows the fortunes of two remarkable characters. Kafka Tamura runs away from home at fifteen, under the shadow of his father's dark prophesy. The aging Nakata, tracker of lost cats, who never recovered from a bizarre childhood affliction, finds his pleasantly simplified life suddenly turned upside down. Their parallel odysseys are enriched throughout by vivid accomplices and mesmerising dramas. Cats converse with people; fish tumble from the sky; a ghostlike pimp deploys a Hegel-spouting girl of the night; a forest harbours soldiers apparently un-aged since WWII. There is a savage killing, but the identity of both victim and killer is a riddle. Murakami's new novel is at once a classic tale of quest, but it is also a bold exploration of mythic and contemporary taboos, of patricide, of mother-love, of sister-love. Above all it is an entertainment of a very high order.' ***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

## Love is in the air…! After the crazy success of our first event, we're back with more connection games! This time, the games will be much shorter (15-20 mins each) to allow for easier rotation. For those who're new here, Affinitee hosts slow dating events focused on discovering relationships built on compatibility over superficiality! **No more swiping, skip the bad dates!** ### *This is how it works:* 1\. Before you arrive at the meetup\, you fill in a fun 5\-10 minute questionnaire before registration below \(if you haven't already\)\. We explore different aspects of relationship compatibility using this questionnaire\. To make use of the pre-matching facility, we recommend registering on the website as well. You may sign up here [https://affinitee.eu/au-event-3](https://affinitee.eu/au-event-3) 2\. A match will be automatically assigned \(if available\)\, based on your given criteria \(age range\, children\, location etc\.\) as well as the overall compatibility score based on your questionnaire answers\. 3\. At the event\, you will be able to try out a multitude of board/card games that are specifically chosen to explore various aspects of relationship compatibility \(moral values\, decision making etc\.\)\. 4\. After each game\, you can choose to switch partners\, or continue with the same person\, based on input from either parties\. 5\. At the end of the event\, IF you did indeed feel a spark with someone at the event \(and it is reciprocated\)\, we help you arrange a date with them\. You do not even have to exchange contacts\! **[!!IMPORTANT!!]** We recommend signing up through our website to guarantee a match as early as possible. But of course, even if no match isassigned to you due to late registration or gender imbalance, a majority of the games are still played as groups! *So nobody gets left out and everyone has a chance to meet and match with other singles.* We believe in conscious, compatibility based matchmaking. Don't waste your time dating the wrong people!

This is a facilitated creative session — not a class. You'll receive a starting prompt, access to paint, collage materials, texture, and colour, then two and a half hours to follow whatever feels right. No instruction. No judgement. No wrong moves. I designed this for women who spend their days in logic, deadlines, or high performance — and who have quietly stopped making things just for the joy of it. This session is permission to start again. We work in a small, intentional group. Music plays. Tea is ready. What you make is entirely yours. ### ✅ What's Included * All creative materials (paint, canvas cards, collage, pastels, mixed media) * A starting prompt to spark your session * Curated ambient music and calm space * Tea, coffee, and light bites * Your finished work to take home * Optional group sharing at the end. *** ### 🎒 What to Bring * Yourself and an open mind * Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting paint on * Nothing else — everything is provided ### 📋 Activity Itinerary | Step | Title | What happens | | ---- | ----- | ------------ | | 1 | Welcome & settle in | Tea, introductions, no pressure | | 2 | Meet your materials | Explore what's on the table | | 3 | Receive your prompt | One sentence to start from serving as a gateway to the experience | | 4 | Make freely | 60 min of creative flow time | | 5 | Reflect & share | Optional — share or just explore what others created | | 6 | Wrap up | Take your work, leave lighter |

📍 Hilversum Station, 10:30 → finish at Baarn railway station (~17:30) We meet inside the station near piano. 🚶‍♂️ ~10 km total | ~6–7 hours | relaxed pace with sketching stops 🎯 Main destination: Kasteel Groeneveld We’ll walk together through nature from Hilversum to the castle (~7 km), making several short sketching stops (15–30 min), with a longer session near the castle. After that, we continue ~3 km to Baarn station. There’s a café at the castle (coffee, sweets, late lunch), but we’ll arrive later — bring your own food/snacks so you don’t get hungry. Bring along: * Sketching materials * Water * Foldable chair or blanket (there is no guaranteed seating in forest) * Comfortable walking clothes * Extra layer (it gets cold when sitting still) * Sandwich or snacks to keep energy going No pressure on skill level — all styles welcome. Come for the walk, the nature, and the sketches 🌿✏️

Join us for the XXL edition celebrating the 3rd anniversary of our (board) games meetup at our local community center! We’re doing things a little differently this time, so make sure to read everything below and we hope to see as many of you as possible on this special day! This event is part of an ongoing series organized through our Discord server [[discord.gg/utrecht](http://discord.gg/utrecht)] • Free entry for everyone, as always! • Bring your favorite (board) games • Meet new friends and fellow gaming enthusiasts • A night filled with exciting challenges and friendly competition • Warm food, snacks, and drinks will be provided for everyone! (e.g. fries, sauces, chips, fried snacks, sodas) There will also be a Nintendo Switch 2 available with games like Mario Party, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros and other party games, so feel free to bring a controller if you’d like to play! Whether you're a board game aficionado or a video game guru, this event is for you. Bring your friends, bring your favorite games, and let’s celebrate three years of gaming together! Note that due to limitations of the location, we cannot open the door for you after 19:00. Make sure to read the ''How to find us'' carefully and join the Discord if you have any questions.

Lieve leden, Vanaf 19:30 op onze oude vertrouwde locatie, MFA Safari Maarssen Dan nog een veel gevraagd onderwerp.. de entree! Vanaf deze post gaan we wel starten met de mogelijkheid tot doneren. Heb je het de afgelopen jaren naar je zin gehad? Overweeg dan te doneren, zo kunnen we blijven vernieuwen! Weet je niet hoeveel? Met 5,- kunnen we al een hoop. Bij binnenkomst op de club zullen we ook een QR-code plaatsen die je kunt gebruiken en natuurlijk.. de vertrouwde spaarpot. ## Tot de Gamenight! Board game fanatics and beginners, assemble! We host a GameNight every two weeks on a Friday. We have our own game collection that you can use, but we encourage you to bring some of your favourites as well! No entrance cost. We have coffee, tea and drinks from the fridge for low prices! Parking is free and there are over a hundred spaces in front of the building. Please use the stairs at the back of the MFA Safari building outside to get into the club.

Are you looking into self-improvement? Try out family constellations. It is a great way to better know how you can improve your relations, with loved ones, family, but also towards yourself. What makes you happy? What stops you from living your potential? On a day like this, we together find out more about being human. Feel free to check for more information at https://teamcoachzuidas.com/familieopstellingendag/. Look forward to meeting you! Feel free to bring others as well. Price for representatives: E50 ex VAT. Price for those with a question: E150 ex VAT. Walk-in 9:30 hrs, start 10:00, end 17:00 hrs.

Houden onzichtbare persoonlijke en familiedynamieken je tegen? Doe dan deze dag mee met familieopstellingen. De begeleider is Oscar Westra van Holthe. Leer meer over familieopstellingen op https://teamcoachzuidas.com/familieopstellingendag/. Representantenprijs: E50 ex BTW. Vraaginbrengersprijs: E150 ex BTW. Inloop 930u, start 10u, eind 17u. Je kan je overigens ook per whatsapp aanmelden op 0616261381. Of informatie aanvragen over een individueel coachtraject per mail op oscar@westravanholthe.com.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **IMPORTANT!!!** **DO NOT RSVP HERE IN MEETUP!** **DO NOT RSVP HERE IN MEETUP!** **If you want to join the origami workshop you MUST join the following whatsapp channel.** **[https://shorturl.at/Ttdhk](https://shorturl.at/Ttdhk)** Once you have joined the chat channel. Click on the **"Origami workshop attendance chat"** channel. Please send a message stating your name and the workshop date you want to join. This workshop is being advertised on multiple platforms as such the whatsapp channel is the only way for me to ensure people get a place on a first come, first served basis. Please understand that we have a limited number of spaces and as a voluntary donation workshop, it is very popular! The workshop is regularly getting 30-40 registrations but we are only able to accomodate 20 people per workshop. If you do not get a place for the current workshop, you will be put on a waiting list and given first priority for the next available one. **If you can NOT make it, please cancel your RSVP so that someone else can attend.** There is also a monthly intermediate workshop on the fourth Sunday of every month. If you like to join that workshop please message me in the chat channel. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Hi Everyone!** **Welcome to Amsterdam Origami Club.** This is a monthly origami workshop for all abilities to learn the wonderful art of origami. Each month there will be a different themed origami workshop. The workshop is run by [Samuel Tsang](https://mindfulorigami.com/) the author of "[The Book of Mindful Origami"](https://www.yellowkitebooks.co.uk/titles/samuel-tsang/the-book-of-mindful-origami/9781473635012/) and "[The Magic of Mindful Origami."](https://www.yellowkitebooks.co.uk/titles/samuel-tsang/the-magic-of-mindful-origami/9781473635029/) **How much is the workshop?** The workshop is sponsored by the OBA to promote more community activies and events in the libraries. The workshop will run on a **voluntary donation basis.** If you can, please donate to help fund the art materials, paper, books & printing. You can make a donation at the workshop either with cash or our QR tikkie code. **Monthly themes:** Every month I choose a different set of models to teach. Below are just suggested topics, they can often change if I discover a new fun model. Jan - Animals - land, air and sea. Learn to make birds, fish and cats and dogs. Feb - Valentines Day - learn to make hearts, love letters, diamond ring and tulips. March - Wedding bouquet - learn to make lilies and tulips and tie them into a beautiful bouquet . April - Easter - bunnies, chicks , baskets and tulips May - Mother's day - learn to make beautiful flowers June - Modular origami - Learn about the science and math of modular origami and their architectural uses. Make Sonobe modules and build complex geometric shapes. July - Kirigami - cut paper models. Aug - tbc Sep - Water animals Oct - Halloween - learn to make spooky ghosts, bats and pumpkins. Nov - tbc December - Christmas themes This is an instructor lead workshop where you will follow step by step instructions on a projector screen on how to create each of the beautiful models. In between demonstrations you will have time to recreate each model and there will be a short break half way through the workshop. You will also be provided with all materials and sent a link to instructional videos on our website. **Aims of the origami club:** We are looking for volunteers to help run the workshops and hope to make the origami club a regular meetup to promote origami. I also hope to train up some deputies to help lead the workshops. I will show you how to present and confidently teach an origami model. If you are interested in volunteering please contact me. **Date:** We run on the Second Sunday of evey month 2026 dates : * **January 11, 2026** * **February 8, 2026** * **March 8, 2026** * **April 12, 2026** * **May 10, 2026** * **June 14, 2026** * **September 13, 2026** * **October 11, 2026** * **November 8, 2026** * **December 13, 2026** **Time:** 11am - 12:30pm Please try to arrive on time. The room we are in is on the first floor, just above the entrance. The front door is locked on Sundays, if you are late, press the door bell and someone will let you in. To avoid me having to run up and down to open the door and disrupting the class, the last person to arrive, will be the one to walk down to open the door for others. :) **Max number:** 20 participants. The room can accomodate a maximum of 20 people. **Venue Address:** [Makerplaats Room](https://maps.app.goo.gl/V9H9ya9xKFpNKt7s5) [1st Floor](https://maps.app.goo.gl/V9H9ya9xKFpNKt7s5) [OBA CC Amstel](https://maps.app.goo.gl/V9H9ya9xKFpNKt7s5) [Cullinanplein 1,](https://maps.app.goo.gl/V9H9ya9xKFpNKt7s5) [1074 JM](https://maps.app.goo.gl/V9H9ya9xKFpNKt7s5) [Amsterdam](https://maps.app.goo.gl/V9H9ya9xKFpNKt7s5) **About Origami** Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding and has been shown to promote relaxation, improve memory, patience and hand eye coordination. It is also effective at promoting mindfulness and creative thinking. You will find that origami is fun and relaxing activity that allows you to quieten your mind and allows you to focus, concentrate and be in the present moment. Origami is a relaxing and peaceful hobby, a beautiful art, a craft, a science and a meditation all in one. When you are folding paper, there is stillness, calm and an inner peace. There is something beautiful in turning a plain flat piece of paper into an amazing three dimensional object with just your own hands. It’s one of the simplest art forms in that it just requires a piece of paper and your hands – there’s no need for tools such as pens, brush, inks and paints. I call origami ‘yoga for the mind’ as it allows you to stretch and exercise the creative and artistic areas of your brain that most of us don’t utilise on a day to day basis. Origami is a gender and age neutral activity and something that can be practise anywhere as long as you have a piece of paper. **Video:** **AT5** The origami club was featured on the AT5 / OBALIVE progam. Forward to the 16:30 time mark to see our workshop. [https://www.at5.nl/artikelen/229659/oba-live-vrouwelijke-sint-en-iets-wat-ons-verbindt](https://www.at5.nl/artikelen/229659/oba-live-vrouwelijke-sint-en-iets-wat-ons-verbindt) **BBC:** [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p060lv4m](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p060lv4m) **Channel 4:** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JINxFi68dmo&t=164s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JINxFi68dmo&t=164s) **Additional information:** Please note that this is a hand on crafting session. The workshop is suitable for complete beginners. Children are welcome to attend but we only recommend the workshop for children over 8 years old. **FAQs** This workshop is suitable for adults and children. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult during the workshop. This workshop is recommended for children over 8 years old. From our previous experience children under 8 years will not have the necessary fine motor skills to complete the models. **What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?** Closest Metro station is De Pijp. **[https://maps.app.goo.gl/V9H9ya9xKFpNKt7s5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/V9H9ya9xKFpNKt7s5)** There is no parking on site. There is street parking (Usually free on Sundays). The closest car park is ParkBee Pestana. **What can I bring into the event?** All materials are provided. But feel free to bring your own paper if you want to work with that. Please bring a bag to take home your creations. How can I contact the organiser with any questions? If you have any questions please contact me on **[origamicrane@gmail.com](http://mailto:origamicrane@gmail.com/)** **Books:** I will also be selling signed copies of my origami books available in English and Dutch. See my works on my other websites. **[Www.sesames.co.uk](Www.sesames.co.uk)** **[Www.mindfulorigami.com](Www.mindfulorigami.com)** **Follow me on Instagram** **[#mindFOLDness](https://www.instagram.com/mindfoldness/)** **[#MindfulOrigami](https://www.instagram.com/mindfoldness/)** After the origami workshop there are paid arts and craft workshops. Check out my other listings!

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⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Utrecht City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated brunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

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.

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.

In April WQC's Creativity Circle will be making beaded bracelets and keychains! All supplies provided, open to all, bring yourself (and a friend or two) for when you are able to make it in the two hour window. Note: Seats are Limited to the provided space at the Westerville Public Library in Meeting Room D.

Join us for a fun Dinner & a Movie event as we get together to see MICHAEL + Dinner at CAP City! The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) as the King of Pop! Early buzz is strong for what should be an excellent musical-biopic! Here are details, a trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: This biographical musical drama follows the life of Michael Jackson, from his time with the Jackson 5 to his early solo career! Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) stars in the title role alongside Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw) MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 3:35pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby between 3:10 and 3:20pm. Tickets already on sale and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event! DINNER PLAN: Dinner immediately following the movie (around 6pm) at nearby CAP City Fine Diner! Seating is limited for the dinner portion of this event, so separate RSVP required. If you plan to join for Dinner AND the movie, please be sure to RSVP in both places. CAP CITY FINE DINER: This upscale diner from Cameron Mitchell is known its “retro-cool” atmosphere, modern twists on classic comfort food and their “showstopper” desserts! The menu reimagines nostalgic dishes like meatloaf, beef stroganoff, and pot roast with gourmet twists. The menu also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options with lots of apps, cocktails, salads, sandwiches, burgers (including a black bean veggie burger), the most welcome return of their Veggie Plate (with Hummus) and more. Desserts include their 24K Carrot Cake, Coconut Cake and Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pie. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan