Akka

'HOMEGOING' by Yaa Gyasi 'Two sisters with two very different destinies. One sold into slavery; one a slave trader's wife. The consequences of their fate reverberate through the generations that follow. Taking us from the Gold Coast of Africa to the cotton-picking plantations of Mississippi; from the missionary schools of Ghana to the dive bars of Harlem, spanning three continents and seven generations, Yaa Gyasi has written a miraculous novel - the intimate, gripping story of a brilliantly vivid cast of characters and through their lives the very story of America itself. Epic in its canvas and intimate in its portraits, Homegoing is a searing and profound debut from a masterly new writer.' ***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

Do you love books, or have you been wanting to get into reading more? Then this might just be the event for you! At this book swap everyone brings one or a few books they no longer need. We put them all out on the table and from there it's up to you, see if something catches your eye and take home whatever you'd like to read next. Any language is welcome, so bring whatever is sitting on your shelf! At the end of the meetup you can take back the books you brought that weren't picked up, or leave them with the organiser who will donate them to a local secondhand shop. ⚠️ If you're unsure whether you can make it, please free up your spot for someone else.

Zin in een avond vol leuke gesprekken, nieuwe gezichten en misschien wel een geslaagde match? Kom dan naar onze man-man speeddate in hartje Utrecht! Tijdens deze speeddate heb je ongeveer 20 dates van 4 minuten. Iedere ronde schuif je aan bij een andere single man. Klinkt de bel? Tijd om door te schuiven naar je volgende gesprekspartner! Na elk gesprek vul je op je datekaart in of je verder met de ander in contact wilt komen: ja of nee? Binnen een dag na de speeddate ontvang je van ons een e-mail met de voornaam en het e-mailadres van de singles met wie je een match hebt. Heb je bij alle deelnemers ‘nee’ ingevuld? Dan ontvang je een volgende speeddate [gratis](https://aboutlove.nl/geen-klik-volgende-speeddate-gratis/)! Date je mee? >> [https://aboutlove.nl/doelgroep/homo/](https://aboutlove.nl/doelgroep/homo/)

Join me for a relaxed sketch walk through the beautiful estates and parks around Hilversum. 📍 Meeting: 11:45 inside Hilversum Station, near AH to go 🥾 Full walk: ~12 km 🚌 Short option: ~7 km with bus back to Hilversum Station after Proeflokaal Serre We’ll make several 20–30 min sketch stops along the way, with time to enjoy the scenery and draw at a relaxed pace. Expected return to Hilversum is around 17:00–18:00 for the full route. Highlights include: * Gooilust park & 17th-century mansion * possible visit to the Siertuin decorative garden (open 13:00–16:30) * horses and farm scenery * local farm shop with fresh dairy products * Jagtlust estate and pond * coffee/tea/food stop at Proeflokaal Serre ☕ Bring your sketchbook, drawing materials, comfortable walking shoes, and something to sit on during sketch stops. All skill levels welcome! In case of heavy rain, the event may be rescheduled.

Zin in een avond vol leuke ontmoetingen? Kom dan naar onze vrouw-vrouw speeddate in hartje Utrecht! Tijdens deze speeddate heb je ongeveer 20 dates van 4 minuten. Iedere ronde schuif je aan bij een andere single vrouw. Klinkt de bel? Tijd om door te schuiven naar je volgende gesprekspartner! Na elk gesprek vul je op je datekaart in of je verder met de ander in contact wilt komen: ja of nee? Binnen een dag na de speeddate ontvang je van ons een e-mail met de voornaam en het e-mailadres van de singles met wie je een match hebt. Heb je bij alle deelnemers ‘nee’ ingevuld? Dan ontvang je een volgende speeddate [gratis](https://aboutlove.nl/geen-klik-volgende-speeddate-gratis/)! Date je mee? >> [https://aboutlove.nl/doelgroep/lesbisch/](https://aboutlove.nl/doelgroep/lesbisch/)

* We **start at 11:10** in front of Hotel Restaurant de Loenermark: Eerbeekseweg 4, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/4W6e27ij3aqjQnFg6 * Length: \~16 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by bus:** * Bus stop: Loenen, Bruisbeek https://maps.app.goo.gl/863vGKfe8nqBvZfw7 **Getting there by Car:** * Free parking opposite of Groenendaalseweg 15, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/W6213M7LwEQv8PMg6 or Free parking in the streets, close to: Eerbeekseweg 4, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/awWbkpVZJVzxmX859 **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=eSkpxZf7TymaoFsvJkBCKQ * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration technique. Techiniques are involved drawing pictures, patterns, and letters on the surface of lacquerware using lacquer, and then sprinkling and fixing metal powder, such as gold or silver, onto the surface. In our workshop, you have the opportunity to create maki-e designs using traditional Japanese patterns (wagara) or your own original designs. Then your canvas can be a glass cup or a glass picture frame. Join us for this unique Japanese art workshop in Utrecht. * Place: CLAY TO PLATE Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht * Price: three options you can choose from €56 pp(for a glass cup) €60 pp (for a glass picture frame) €76 pp (for a lacquerwares) Limited seats available. **Booking is essential for adequate preparations. If you've enrolled/registered on the Meetup app, we'll contact you through the app message. Kindly communicate with us accordingly, and refrain from showing up without prior contact. We appreciate your understanding** Website:[https://japanworkshopnet.com/ ](https://japanworkshopnet.com/) [MAKI-E workshop info](https://japanworkshopnet.com/maki-e-workshops/) Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

**Modern and Authentic kintsugi workshop in Utrecht.** Choose from three options: * 1-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€60 * 2-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€96 * 4-Day Authentic Kintsugi workshop -€180 For all details, please visit my website. [https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/](https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/) Location: **CLAY TO PLATE** [Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht](https://www.claytoplate.com/) **Booking is essential**. Please contact me if you would like to participate in the workshop. Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

**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!** 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. We now also have a WhatsApp group, where we organise get-togethers and other events. Ask one of the organisers at the next Meetup you join for more information and access.

🎭 Improv Utrecht Presents a Show Like No Other! 🎭 The graduates of the course of trainer Emma Holmes at Improv Utrecht will take the stage at Villa Concordia to showcase their skills in a very fun and interactive show! Expect games like Whose Line Is It Anyway, De Lama's and even improvised singing! 💡 What is Improv? Improv is live, unscripted theatre where anything can happen! The performers create characters, scenes, and entire stories from scratch, all based on audience suggestions and their quick-thinking creativity. It’s spontaneous, electric, and completely unique—no two shows are ever the same! 🎟 Tickets Now Available! Don't miss this one-night-only spectacle of storytelling and laughter. Secure your tickets online before they’re gone! Book your ticket at [improv-utrecht.weticket.io](http://improv-utrecht.weticket.com/) : €12 plus €1 service fee Before and after the show we have a very nice bar to meet & greet people. 📅 When? Sunday 7 April 19:30h. Bar open 19:00 📍 Where? Villa Concordia. In your ticket confirmation mail you find directions to the theatre. Limited free parking spots available, close to Utrecht Central station. Join us for a night of creativity, comedy, and community—we can’t wait to see you there! Find out more about Improv Utrecht, our other shows and courses at [www.improvutrecht.nl](http://www.improvutrecht.nl/)

🎭 Improv Utrecht Presents a Show Like No Other! 🎭 The graduates of the course of trainer Emma Holmes at Improv Utrecht will take the stage at Villa Concordia to showcase their skills in a very fun and interactive show, called Time Well Wasted! Expect games like Whose Line Is It Anyway, De Lama's and even improvised singing! 💡 What is Improv? Improv is live, unscripted theatre where anything can happen! The performers create characters, scenes, and entire stories from scratch, all based on audience suggestions and their quick-thinking creativity. It’s spontaneous, electric, and completely unique—no two shows are ever the same! 🎟 Tickets Now Available! Don't miss this one-night-only spectacle of storytelling and laughter. Secure your tickets online before they’re gone! Book your ticket at [improv-utrecht.weticket.io](http://improv-utrecht.weticket.com/) : €12 plus €1 service fee Before and after the show we have a very nice bar to meet & greet people. 📅 When? Sunday 7 June 2026 14:30h. Bar open 14:00 📍 Where? Villa Concordia. In your ticket confirmation mail you find directions to the theatre. Limited free parking spots available, close to Utrecht Central station. Join us for a night of creativity, comedy, and community—we can’t wait to see you there! Find out more about Improv Utrecht, our other shows and courses at [www.improvutrecht.nl](http://www.improvutrecht.nl/)

**When did you last do something just for fun** — with no goal, no productivity, no outcome? For many of us, play slowly disappears as life becomes more serious. Work, responsibilities, expectations… and somewhere along the way, “play” starts to feel unimportant — even a bit guilty. But what if play isn’t a luxury? In *Play*, Stuart Brown argues that play is not childish or trivial — it’s a **core part of being human**, as essential as sleep or rest. It shapes how we think, connect, create, and even how resilient we are in life. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4997659-play?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=fzFXhcGY46&rank=1 *** ## **What we’ll explore together** This will be a lighter, more energising session focused on curiosity and reflection: * What actually counts as “play” in adult life? * Why do we stop playing as we grow older? * What happens when life becomes too serious? * Different “types” of play (creative, physical, social, imaginative) * How play influences creativity, relationships, and well-being * How to reintroduce play without it feeling forced or childish *** ## **What to expect** * A relaxed, low-pressure conversation * Light reflection exercises (nothing heavy or personal unless you want to share) * A chance to reconnect with curiosity, fun, and spontaneity * A slightly more playful atmosphere than previous sessions 🙂 This is not a lecture or therapy session — just a group of people exploring what it means to feel a bit more alive and engaged. *** ## **Who is this for?** * Anyone who feels life has become a bit too serious * Anyone curious about creativity, joy, and balance * Anyone who wants a lighter, more uplifting discussion No need to have read the book. *** ## **Tone** Curious. Light. Relatable You can participate as much or as little as you like. *** ## **Closing** > “We don’t stop playing because we grow old — we grow old because we stop playing.”

**Latest Dojo Location!** **Knotty Pine Brewing** 1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community. https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9

We have moved to guild.host. Look us up there. https://guild.host/events/buckeye-cocoaheads-rcavwd

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

We are going to build together with all the CLIs! E will be doing it at Columbus Code and Coffee Agenda --- Hosted By James Power, Organizer Pete Gordon, Organizer Just a Software Guy in the age of the Internet. Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-columbus-presents-ai-improv-lets-build-a-game-together-with-claude-code-codex-and-gemini-and-be-the-judge/.

We are bringing Microsoft Build sessions to Columbus Ohio! The Central Ohio Azure Meetup and Central Ohio .NET Developer's Group (CONDG) are coming together to bring some of the labs and breakouts from Microsoft Build to your backyard. In this free, 1 day event, you are going to Build stuff with us! And yes, there will be free food. So please RSVP for a head count!

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** *Customize the IDE: Building Extensions for Visual Studio Code* Visual Studio Code is one of the most widely used development environments today, and much of its flexibility comes from its extension ecosystem. Extensions allow developers to customize the editor with new features, integrations, and workflow improvements tailored to their needs. In this session, we’ll cover what extensions are and the different types available, including full extensions written in TypeScript or JavaScript, along with lighter-weight extensions such as color themes, language packs, language support, code snippets, and keymaps. We’ll also look at practical reasons a developer might create an extension, from automating repetitive tasks to adding custom tooling. The session includes a hands-on walkthrough of creating a new extension, testing it locally, and understanding the basic project structure. We’ll close with a brief overview of how extensions are packaged and published to the Visual Studio Marketplace and other distribution options. **YouTube Link** TBD