Bamboo

Come discuss books and make new friends 🌈✨ How the meeting works: While we are waiting for everyone to arrive, we have tea and get comfortable. Once most of the group is seated (please aim to arrive on time to help with this!) we go around introducing ourselves. From there we have a loosely structured discussion that can go in whatever direction feels natural. Once we've talked about everything we want to related to the book we often hang out for a while later to chat about other things for anyone who wants to stay. April's book will be Confessions of a Mask by Yukio Mishima. The Dutch translation (Bekentenissen van een gemaskerde) is available at de bibliotheek. The English translation unfortunately has to be procured elsewhere. Confessions of a Mask tells the story of Kochan, an adolescent boy tormented by his burgeoning attraction to men: he wants to be “normal.” Kochan is meek-bodied, and unable to participate in the more athletic activities of his classmates. He begins to notice his growing attraction to some of the boys in his class, particularly the pubescent body of his friend Omi. To hide his homosexuality, he courts a woman, Sonoko, but this exacerbates his feelings for men. As news of the War reaches Tokyo, Kochan considers the fate of Japan and his place within its deeply rooted propriety. Confessions of a Mask reflects Mishima’s own coming of age in post-war Japan. Its publication in English―praised by Gore Vidal, James Baldwin, and Christopher Isherwood―propelled the young Yukio Mishima to international fame. The meeting will take place at De Uithoek handarbeidlokaal, an 8 minute cycle / 20 minute walk away from Utrecht Centraal. Everyone is welcome who has read the book (or DNF, and is okay with spoilers) by the time of the meetup. The book club is hosted in English. Please update your RSVP if you find out you cannot attend. Hope to see you there! 🏳️‍🌈📚

Ontdek de nieuwste ontwikkelingen in tech, samen met vakgenoten, collega's en externe professionals. **De sprekers van de avond:** Richard Vincent Nederlog & Edwin van Wijngaarden * Eigenaren en oprichter van Two Rocks. Een bedrijf die zich specialiseert in AI & Procesautomatisering voor MKB organisaties Mysterie guest! * Dit jaar hebben we een mysterie guest op de planning! Benieuwd naar het onderwerp? Meld je aan en kom erachter op 16 april bij 4CEE. **Het programma van de avond:** * 17:00 - 18:00 Inloop & Pizza * 18:00 - 18:45 Opening & Talk 1 met Richard en Edwin * 18:45 - 19:00 Pauze * 19:00 - 19:45 Talk 2 met een mysterie guest * 19:45 - 20:00 Q&A * 20:00 - 21:00 Borrel & netwerken Aanmelden kan [hier](https://werkenbij.4cee.com/tech-talk)!

De Nederlandse Umbraco community groeit. Na de Umbraco 17 Launch Party van vorig jaar bouwen we verder aan de community. En dat vieren we met een nieuwe meetup! Werk je met Umbraco? Of ben je benieuwd hoe andere teams Umbraco gebruiken? Dan is dit het moment om kennis te delen en de community te ontmoeten. **Programma** 16:30 tot 17:00 **Inloop** 17:00 tot 17:45 **Umbraco Commercial Products (Umbraco HQ)** 18:00 tot 19:00 **Diner** 19:00 tot 19:45 **Accessibility in Umbraco** 20:00 tot 20:45 **How (not) to upgrade to v17** 20:45 tot 22:00 **Borrel** **Gratis deelname** Tijdens deze avond kun je rekenen op technische talks, praktijkervaringen uit projecten en vooral veel ruimte om bij te praten met andere Umbraco-developers. **Powered by** TRES, iO, ilionx en Conclusion Experience. Vier enthousiaste Umbraco-partners met een grote groep betrokken developers die hun kennis, ervaring en liefde voor Umbraco graag delen met de community.

¡Compartamos juntos con el grupo de personas más divertido de la ciudad!... ¡en español! No necesitas ser un hablante fluido o nativo.... ¡Solo atrévete a compartir! Te esperamos a las 20hrs.... ¡Entrada gratuita! ¡Nos vemos! ¡Hasta entonces! 😃 Let's share together with the funniest group of people in town!... in Spanish! You don't need to be a fluent or native speaker.... Just dare to share! We wait for you at 20hrs ....Free entry! Nos vemos! Tot dan! 😃 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/habladores/ Meetup Link: https://www.meetup.com/nl-NL/los-habladores/ Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/los_habladores_utrecht/ Los Habladores!

**Root Cause Analysis with AI** by [Mellius Brouwer](https://www.melliusbrouwer.com). An interactive, practical talk for leaders and tech-minded professionals on using AI to uncover the true root causes behind complex problems. Senior Business Analyst and entrepreneur Mellius Brouwer combines practical tools and a clear vision with over a decade of experience in digital transformation. You’ll discover how AI supercharges your analysis in daily work: * Solve challenges more effectively * Save time and avoid repetitive work * Make better decisions with deeper insight * Create clear direction and accelerate project success Work smarter, reduce noise, and grow with more confidence and impact. The program is as follows: * **17.30** Door open, welcome drinks * **18.00** Word of welcome by [Stijn Sprenkels](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stijnsprenkels/), serving of snacks * **18.15** Talk by [Melllius Brouwer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/melliusbrouwer/) * **18.45** Q&A, discussion * **19.15** Networking drinks * **20.00** End **Almere Tech** is the meetup for the larger Almere area for startups, entrepreneurs, developers and those interested to discuss new technology. Everybody can join in for a drink and hopefully interesting and inspiring conversations.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at Factor-ij Amsterdam on Thursday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 11: 15 AM - Quick introductions 11: 30 AM - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 12: 30 PM - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 12:30 pm after the writing is wrapped. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you at Factor-ij! What Should I Bring? Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Please come with your devices pre-charged, since we probably won't be always sitting somewhere with charging possibilities. Other Important Details: Travel by public transportation: 1. Take Tram 26 from the central station Amsterdam, and step out by the last stop. 2. Take bus 66 from the Amsterdam Bijlmer station, step out by Pieter Oosterhuisstraat, and further walk in the direction of the bus till the corner. FREE Wifi. Compulsory consumption is not required, but please do order a drink to honor our generous host.

Whether you are a designer with a vision or a player who loves seeing how the "cardboard magic" happens, we invite you to our board game playtesting night in Den Bosch. Here is how you can get involved: **The Evening Flow** * **19:30 \| The Designer Pitch:** We kick things off with a quick showcase. Designers present their prototypes, giving you a glimpse into the mechanics and themes currently on the table. * **The Playtest:** Once the pitches are in, players choose their table. Our goal is to ensure every game gets the eyes (and hands) it needs. * **The Rotation:** Depending on the length of the games, ranging from quick fillers to more "epic" sessions, we will rotate players and designers throughout the night. * **22:30 \| Wrap Up:** We wind down the sessions, exchange final feedback, and head out. **Why Join Us?** * **For Designers:** Get your prototype off the kitchen table and into the hands of the players. Real-world feedback is the most powerful tool in your design kit. * **For Players:** Be the first to break (and then help fix) something new. Your insights directly influence the development of the next potential tabletop hit. **Location:** Labyrinth Den Bosch, Orthen 16, Den Bosch **Time:** 19:30 - 22:30ish Whether you have a game to test or just a passion for playing, come help us turn good ideas into great games. Bringing a game concept/prototype? Consider making a 1-pager (best known as a sell-sheet) to add to your table. Players appreciate this and it helps in preparing for your game pitch. To check for actual updates and to sign up as a designer please go to our Guild website and find the event post of that month. We also share more events and news there: [spellenmaakgilde.nl](https://spellenmaakgilde.nl/)

## 🎨**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!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

**Do you enjoy walking in nature?** Would you rather do it **together** than alone? And are you someone who’s open to meeting new people, without the small talk? Then you’re warmly invited to join this **Walk & Talk** through the beautiful *Sonsbeekpark* and *Park Zypendaal*, a mix of forest and elegant landscape. Along the way, I’ll hand out **conversation cards** with thought-provoking questions. The goal? **Real human connection**, not just “Where are you from?” but deeper questions that help you discover common ground, shared values and maybe even new friendships or business sparks. ### What to expect: * A relaxed, open-minded group of locals & internationals * A beautiful walk through one of Arnhem’s most stunning green areas * Inspiring questions that help break the ice in a natural way ### Practical details: * **Start time:** 15:00 (3:00 PM) * **Meeting point:** In front of StadsVilla in *Sonsbeek Park (Big white building, de Witte Villa)* * **What to bring:** Comfortable shoes, a bottle of water and a smile :) See you then! Warm regards Julia

Natalia Ginzburg wrote her masterful, Strega Prize winning novel *Family Lexicon* while living in London in the 1960s. Homesick for her big, noisy Italian family, she summoned them in this novel, which is a celebration of the routines and rituals, in-jokes and insults and, above all, the repeated sayings that make up every family. The father, Giuseppe Levi, is a Jewish scientist, consumed by his work and a mania for hiking. Impatient and intractable, he is constantly at odds with his impressionable and wistful wife Lidia - yet he cannot be without her. Together they preside over their five children in a house filled with argument and activity, books and politics, visitors, friends and famous faces. But as their children grow up against the backdrop of Mussolini's Italy, the Levi household must become not only a home - but a stronghold against fascism. Intimate, enchanting and comedic, Family Lexicon is an unforgettable novel about memory, language, and the lasting power that family holds over all of us.

Gather 'round lakeside legends! 🌊✨ This time we’re trading rugged trails for smooth, accessible realness with a **wheelchair-friendly wander alongside the Leersumse Plassen** — because nothing says queer joy like gliding past shimmering lakes without too many barriers killing your vibe. Serving soft heather and glassy water views at every turn, this route is basically a nature runway. Find out more details about the route here (in Dutch): [https://rolstoelwandeling.nl/wandelroutenatuurzonderdrempels/](https://rolstoelwandeling.nl/wandelroutenatuurzonderdrempels/) Come ready to soak up the scenery! Because queer outdoors joy, like these waters, flows freely for everyone. 🌈💙 **Practical info** 📏 Distance: several options! *\~3.3 km loop, if you come by car (wheelchair accessible) *7.5 km, from/to nearest bus stop Donderberg in Leersum (wheelchair accessible) - 11 km, if you continue on via forest paths to Maarn train station (not wheelchair accessible) **Practical info** 📍 Start: Maarsbergseweg 18a (Leersum) via bus stop Donderberg (Leersum) 🏁 End: Bus stop Donderberg (Leersum) or Maarn train station 🧑‍🦽 Difficulty: easy to moderate -accessible route with some slight bumpy sections *🤝🏼 Meeting point*: **Driebergen-Zeist** station *🕙 Gathering time*: **10:55** *🚆 Travel schedule*: Bus 350 to **Leersum, Donderberg** (direction Wageningen) at **11:04** ➡️ arrival at **Leersum, Donderberg** at **11:33** ➡️Walk to Maarsbergseweg 18a ➡️ arrival at starting point around **12:00** ❗You can also travel on your own from another direction and meet us along the way or in Leersum. 🚗 If you come by car, you can park at De Veldschuur (Maarsbergseweg 18a). Several accessible parking spots available. 🧑‍🦽After a round of introductions, we start our trail around **12:10.** Pack your: 🍱 lunch box & snacks 🚰 water 🧥 rain coat/umbrella ☀️ sun screen 🏳️‍🌈 anything else you might need ❌ If you signed up and cannot make it in the end, please cancel your RSVP attendance so we know how many people will show up and someone else can take your place instead. 💗 A voluntary donation helps us to keep the Meetup group up and running :) you can either pay via a Tikkie or in cash after we finish the hike. *Hiking Queers Netherlands*

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Free Communal Garden Class Series GROWING MUSHROOMS In this class, we will discuss how to raise mushrooms on logs outdoors as a way to raise food in parts of your yard that are usually too shady to grow vegetables or other crops. We will discuss what mushroom species can be cultivated, what tree species they can grow on, and demonstrate how to prepare and inoculate the logs. By following these steps, you can have your own bountiful mushroom harvest! APRIL 27 | 6:00-7:30 PM | WELLS BARN 1851 E BROAD ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43205 INSTRUCTOR: MARC AMANTE Mare Amante is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Central State University who is also currently serving as CSU Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources Interim Program Leader. He has worked on and managed diversified vegetable farms across the Midwest and currently owns and operates an urban farm here in Ohio where he raises microgreens, vegetables, raspberries, and log-grown mushrooms for sale to local markets and restaurants. Registerefor free here https://www.fpconservatory.org/events/cg-growing-mushrooms/

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

5th annual Earth Day Celebration! This year (2026) the Celebration is scheduled for April 25th with activities running from 10am-2pm. This is a non-ticketed event. Everyone is welcome! We will have food trucks, Birds of Prey, kids crafts, live music, raspberry plants, apple trees, and of course NATIVE PLANTS! Where: Lynd Fruit Farm, 9399 Morse Rd, Pataskala Ohio 43062 Time: Activities will be from 10am- 2pm. The Market will remain open until 5pm.

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

Soccer + vegan deli eats = the perfect Saturday ⚽🌱🔥 We’re kicking things off with soccer (all levels welcome!) and then heading to Vida’s Plant-Based Butcher for some seriously good food—Vida’s Reubens, Philly cheesesteaks, Chipotle Cheddar Melt and classic deli sides. Whether you’re playing, socializing, or just here for the food, this is a great way to meet like-minded people and enjoy the day! Game → Food → Good vibes 📍 Soccer - Park of Roses 3923 N High St Columbus, OH 43214 📍 Vida’s Plant Based Butcher 1724 Northwest Blvd Unit C Columbus OH, 43212

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

Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus 🌍 Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 SaveSoil 5K Walkathon here in Columbus and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children! Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Scioto Audubon Metro Park Check-in address 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215 ⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. check-in event starts at 9:30 a.m. 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-columbus-registration-1986596534713?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼Free and Open to All. Share this message and bring your neighbours, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!