Coffeehouse Chess

This week's event is **unhosted**. I'm still expecting many of the regulars to show up, there will likely be \~20 people in total this evening. Pay the **5 € board gaming fee** to the bar at the counter when you arrive. You must be at least 18 years old to enter [Arkade](https://www.arkade.fi/). We play in English and the game rules are taught before starting play, unless everyone is already familiar with the game. No previous experience with board gaming required. The venue has a great board game library, the host and other players usually bring their own games too: our selection varies weekly. We're a very casual group so you're welcome to arrive early or late and join whatever game is starting up, there is no attendance tracking, or welcoming process. The bar has alcoholic drinks, mocktails, and soft drinks available as well as some snack foods. They've been okay with people ordering food to the bar with meal delivery services. If you are feeling sick, please stay home.

🎲 **Board Game Thursdays at GTC!** 🎲 Every Thursday at **6:30 PM**, we dive into a new board game together! It’s the perfect chance to explore different games, learn new strategies, and share laughs with friends old and new. Whether you’re a casual player or a board game enthusiast, you’re always welcome to join the fun! ✨ **Entry Fee:** €7 for new visitors \| €5 for loyal customers Pääsymaksu: 7 Euroa \| €5 for loyal customers 🎲 **Lautapeli-torstait GTC:llä!** 🎲 Joka torstai klo **18:30** tutustumme uuteen lautapeliin yhdessä! Tämä on loistava mahdollisuus kokeilla erilaisia pelejä, oppia uusia strategioita ja viettää hauska ilta ystävien sekä uusien tuttavuuksien kanssa. Olitpa satunnainen pelaaja tai todellinen lautapeliharrastaja, olet aina tervetullut mukaan! ✨

🇫🇮 Embrace the beauty of the Finnish language with us every Thursday at 7:30 PM at GTC Cafe! 🗣️ Join our Finnish language event where you can immerse yourself in the sounds and culture of this wonderful language. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, everyone is welcome! Come meet new people, practice your Finnish, and enjoy a friendly and supportive atmosphere. It's the perfect opportunity to enhance your language skills while having a great time. No matter your level, we invite all language enthusiasts to attend. Let's make Thursdays your favorite day of the week. 🇫🇮📚🗨️ See you at GTC Cafe for an evening filled with language, laughter, and new friendships! 🍵🤗 Participation in our events incurs a fee of 5 euros per person. Furthermore, following the event's conclusion, you have the opportunity to enjoy unlimited access to and play more than 130 board games available at our café.

Our next ****Mindful Movements**** meeting will be a ****Exercitia Holistica**** class with the topic: ****New Year, Old Me, Fortunately!****😊🙌🏽❤️ Let go of the productivity and self-improvement pressures of the new year’s beginning to embrace more acceptance, relaxation and peaceful growth at your own pace. Let’s play, move our bodies and relax our minds learning how to apply the “effortless effort” mindset (Wu Wei) in our daily lives. ****Exclusively for women. Migrant women very welcome. LGBT+ very welcome.**** Come as you are, just show up to yourself and your wellbeing, bringing openness and curiosity. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring your own massage oil or cream for face and feet self massage. **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, so make sure to reserve yours. If you are not on the list, you will be kindly asked to leave. If you have reserved but are unable to attend after all, please remember to cancel your spot in good time, so that a person from the waitlist can participate instead! Exercitia Holistica classes are a mix of practices from Yoga, Qi-gong, endurance and mobility, dance, music, creativity and play, self-massage, breathing exercises and deep relaxation. The classes are part of the Mindful Movements activities, a project started in September 2025 by Lay Wascher, Yoga teacher, Holistic BodyWork and Wellbeing specialist, Group Fitness instructor, and Miitti volunteer. The project also includes workshops on BodyWork practices and psychological education for overall wellbeing and good mental health. WHEN: Thursday, January 8th, 17:00-18:30 WHERE: Wanha Labra, Lapinlahden Lähde Lapinlahdenpolku 8 00180 Helsinki (How to find us: Inside the yellow main building's courtyard, enter through the door to Kahvila Lähde and turn left, head up the stairs, the door to Wanha Labra is straight ahead. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: [Instagram](instagram.com/miitti1) [Facebook](facebook.com/miitti1) [Website](lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! ***MIITTI’s Principles for safer space:*** MIITTI wants to nourish a safe and pleasant environment for everyone, where everyone can feel safe as themselves. By joining as a volunteer, employee or participant of the event or activity, you agree to follow the guidelines below *Non-discrimination* I do not make assumptions about people based on their external characteristics or names. I treat all participants with respect, and I don’t use language or take actions that discriminate based on race, gender, sexuality, disability, age, religion, or any other characteristic. I respect pronouns and names. *Boundaries* I respect others' personal space and boundaries, both physical and mental. I acknowledge that I cannot know someone else's boundaries without asking first. I ask before touching. I listen to others and adapt my behavior if someone indicates that my behavior makes them feel uncomfortable. *Creating Safe Environment* Everyone is responsible for contributing to a safe and respectful environment. If I witness harassment, I do my part to support those who experience inappropriate or offensive treatment. *Zero Tolerance for Harassment* Our space upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment. Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or online, will not be tolerated. If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior or harassment at our events, please report it to the MIITTI or Lapinlahden Lähde staff.

**Are moral truths discovered or invented?** Is right and wrong grounded in reality itself, or do moral claims ultimately reflect human attitudes, cultures, or power structures? In this meetup, we step back from *applied ethics* and ask the deeper **metaethical** questions behind all moral debate: * Are there **objective moral facts**, independent of human opinion? * Or is morality **subjective**, relative to individuals or societies? * If moral claims aim at truth, *what kind* of truth is it? We will explore and critically discuss major metaethical positions, such as: * **Moral realism** vs **anti-realism** * **Subjectivism**, **relativism**, and **expressivism** * **Divine command theory** * **Naturalism** and **non-naturalism** * Error theory (are all moral claims false?) No prior expertise is required, but the discussion will be **serious, analytical, and charitable**. The goal is not to “win” but to clarify what we mean when we say things like *“this is wrong”* or *“you ought to do X.”* Come prepared to question your assumptions—and to defend them. Description by ChatGPT

**Sahaja Yoga -meditaatio Ison Omenan kirjastossa, Espoon Matinkylässä** Sahaja Yoga on helppo ja kaikille sopiva meditaatiotekniikka, joka mahdollistaa rentouttavan hetken ilman ajatuksia. Sahaja Yoga -meditaatio herättelee hienojakoista energiajärjestelmää ja luo tasapainoa ihmisen henkisten, psyykkisten ja fyysisten toimintojen välille. Ohjattu meditaatio ja esittely suomeksi ja englanniksi, **Aika:** torstai 8.1.2026 klo 18.00 – 19.30 **Paikka:** Ison Omenan kirjasto, kokoustila Kaisla, Iso Omena, Suomenlahdentie 1, Espoo Vapaa pääsy, tervetuloa! *In English* **Sahaja Yoga meditation in the Iso Omena library, Matinkylä, Espoo.** Teaching about the chakras, the subtle energy system and meditation technique that can silence your thoughts. Sahaja Yoga meditation offers a spontaneous harmony and connection between your mental, emotional and physical functions. Guided meditation and presentation in English and in Finnish. **Time:** Thursday 8.1.2026 at 18.00 - 19.30 **Place:** Iso Omena library, meeting room Kaisla Iso Omena, Suomenlahdentie 1, Espoo Sahaja Yoga is always free of charge. **What is Sahaja Yoga about?** Meditation means mental silence or thoughtless awareness. You are present here and now, but your mind is not bombarded by thoughts from the past or the future. In this state, you feel peace and joy, which are the essential elements of the present moment. With regular practice of meditation, it is possible to establish this state within us. The group is lead by volunteers who are experienced and can offer guidance to get you started. We give a short introduction to the meditation and after that we do meditation exercises. We also give tips on how to meditate at home. We normally sit on chairs or on pillows on the floor, so there is no need to bring a mat and you can wear normal clothes. Welcome! We hope to see you in our meditation meeting! More information about Sahaja Yoga meditation: www.discoversahajayoga.org (in English) www.jooga.org (in Finnish) www.sahajayoga.ru (in Russian) www.sahajayoga.es (in Spanish) Guided online meditations to support your meditation practice at home: www.wemeditate.com

Coffee, conversations & new connections ✨ I’d love to invite you to a special brunch to enjoy a relaxing and fun time together, share stories, and lots of laughter. It’s the perfect moment to connect, unwind, and make friends. 📅 Date: January 10, 2026 🕑 Time: 12:00 – 13:30 📍 Place: Moko Market, Punavuori 💶 Price: 26€ 👩‍👩‍👧‍👧 Spots available: 10 I hope you can join! ❤️😀 : https://chat.whatsapp.com/D5jBp2pLa5tJ9j4iEDGjg4?mode=wwt No pressure, no agenda – just good vibes, interesting people and a cozy atmosphere.

Welcome to Food Without Borders! Come and experience tastes from around the world in Merirasti's community kitchen with Katja Meriläinen! IMPORTANT: Participation is free, but space is limited! Please make sure to reserve a spot! Food, and cooking in general, is on of the oldest and most universal ways of uniting people. Language barrier is one of obstacles for people to express themselves. This makes the kitchen an easy environment and great place to connect with people of different cultures. Introducing and cooking together dishes from various parts of the world will enhance diversity and richness of people with different backgrounds. Local food culture, foreign traditions and fusion cuisine that was created by mix of intercultural food preference. A brief introduction of what participants are going to learn: \- Practical skills for cooking and creating dishes of different international cuisines from scratch \- Learn about ingredients of introduced food equipment and tools needed for cooking \- Clear instructions with recipes for cooking at home independently \- Guidance from professional instructor \- Discussions about types of food and cultural traditions warm atmosphere for meeting new people and of course, the pleasure of cooking together! The workshops will each focus on a different theme. No previous cooking experience or skills are required to participate, just curiosity and willingness to try to cook and taste new food! WHEN & WHERE: Sunday 11th of January At 14.00-18.30 Kulttuuritila Merirasti, Jaluspolku 3 00980 Helsinki If you have questions about the workshop, feel free to contact Katja: +358404123242 About the facilitator: Katja Meriläinen is a professional Food and Beverage specialist and graduate of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Science, Hospitality, Tourism and Experience manager. She has 10 years of experience in the field, in restaurant, catering business and nowadays working for Helsinki city, cooking for 260 schoolchildren in Vuosaari. Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/)

Embark on a journey of creativity and relaxation as you explore different artistic mediums. Immerse yourself in a sculpture painting workshop and discover a variety of techniques and styles. Led by experienced painting masters, our workshops provide expert guidance and insider tips to enhance your skills. We supply all the necessary materials, from paints and brushes to sculpting tools, so you can fully immerse yourself in the creative process. At the end of each session, take home your unique masterpiece as a memento of your artistic journey! Reserve your spot today by pre-booking through the links below. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to tap into your artistic potential. Join us at GTC Cafe's painting workshops and let your creativity soar! You can also arrange this workshop for special events, birthdays, or any other occasion to enjoy with friends. Simply let us know your preferred date at least one week in advance. We can't wait to paint with you!

**🎨 Keramiikan Maalaustyöpaja – Vapauta Luovuutesi! 🏺** Liity mukaan **keskiviikkoisin klo 16** ja **lauantaisin klo 13** rentouttavaan ja hauskaan **keramiikan maalaustyöpajaan**! 🌟 **Miten se toimii?** * Valitse suosikkisi **kymmenistä keramiikkatuotteista**, kuten mukeista, vaaseista, hahmoista ja muista. * Suunnittele ja **maalaa oma taideteoksesi** valitsemillasi väreillä. * Ota upeasti maalaamasi keramiikkatyö mukaasi kotiin muistoksi! Tarjoamme **kaikki tarvittavat materiaalit**, mukaan lukien keramiikan, maalit, siveltimet ja muut tarvikkeet. Työpaja sopii erinomaisesti **perheille, ystäville ja yksin osallistuville**. Ikäraja **6 vuotta ja vanhemmat**. 📍 **Missä?** GTC Café 🎟 **Paikkoja rajoitetusti – varaa paikkasi nyt!** Tule mukaan luomaan jotakin kaunista! 🎨✨ **-** **🎨 Pottery Painting Workshop – Unleash Your Creativity! 🏺** Join us every **Wednesday at 4 PM** and **Saturday at 1 PM** for a fun and relaxing **Pottery Painting Workshop**! 🌟 **How It Works:** * Choose from **dozens of pottery pieces**, including mugs, vases, figurines, and more. * Pick your favorite design and **paint it however you like** using our wide selection of colors. * Take your beautifully hand-painted pottery home with you as a unique keepsake! We provide **all materials**, including pottery, paints, brushes, and everything you need to bring your creativity to life. This workshop is **perfect for families, friends, and solo participants** looking for a creative and enjoyable experience. Suitable for **ages 6 and up**. 📍 **Where?** GTC Café 🎟 **Limited spots available – book your session now!** Come and create something beautiful! 🎨✨ Book Now

Lux Helsinki is an annual light art festival taking place in January. Let's take a walking tour of the installations around the downtown area (marked as [1-18 on this map](https://luxhelsinki.fi/ohjelma/)) and then sit down somewhere to discuss the experience. We'll meet at the [installation named Mielenkuvituksia, Outside Kiasma](https://luxhelsinki.fi/en/event/heli-suoninen-klas-granqvist-fi-mielenkuvituksia-2/) (number 1 on the map). **NOTE to our regulars:** this event **starts at 5PM** to view the pieces in the dark. # Lux Helsinki 6.–11.1.2026 By popular request, the Lux Helsinki Light Art Festival is being extended to six days, with the celebration to take place 6–11 January. The works will be located in the heart of Helsinki, between Kansalaistori Square and Hietalahti Market Square, at the Old Church Park and on the Espa Stage. Light works will also be on show at the Cultural Centre Kanneltalo and at up to ten art galleries in the city centre, all based on the theme Stop time! [https://luxhelsinki.fi/en/](https://luxhelsinki.fi/en/) \-\-\- Afterwards let's gather somewhere nearby ([Deliberi Keskuskatu](https://deliberi.fi/ravintolat/deliberi-keskuskatu/)) to discuss the experience we had. More details will be posted as we arrive at the venue.

【IMPORTANT SUMMARY】 * The purpose of competitive game session is to enjoy badminton games by focusing on trying your best to win the games. * You don't need to be a very good player to join this session. Our level range from beginner to intermediate. We will put you to play with people with similar level. But if you are the first time to come and I don't know your level, then I will put you to play with less-experienced players to start. * Please purchase your slot through this link [https://7538e9.myshopify.com/](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/) Please also read the instruction inside this link, so that you have an idea how it works. * Please bring feather shuttles to join the games. We only accept specific shuttles. Please read the following. **If you come without bringing feather shuttles with you, I may ask you to go home.** 【SIGN-UP SYSTEM】 * Please sign up and pay through this link. [https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/competitive-game](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/competitive-game) * We don't use the signup system on Meetup.com anymore. (Neither the waiting list) * It says this event is full on this meetup page, because I didn't open any slots here for you to sign up. You have to check this [sign-up page](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/competitive-game) to see if there is still a slot available there. * The background of using an external sign-up and payment system is because Meetup.com introduced a service fee to increase 21% of the fee in May 2023, and we want to reduce this cost. 【FEE and REFUND POLICY】 * Fee includes courts and the work I do to continue this group. Please sign up and pay before you come. NO refund if you do not cancel until 48 hours before the event. * Racket: bring one or rent one at the counter. * No matter the reason is sickness, accident or anything, the group or I will not afford the cost caused by your absence. * Of course you CAN'T ask me, "Can I sign up for free for next week because I didn't come to use my slot this week?". Please remember, the court booked for you is there and it costs money. The court doesn't simply become "free of charge", just because you didn't show up. 【COMMUNICATION】 * Communication: our whatsapp group [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JJQbJlisbcj5YDnlcSu347](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JJQbJlisbcj5YDnlcSu347) * There are too many spams, so I only accept +358 number to join whatsapp group. Numbers from other countries will all be rejected. 【DETAILS of COMPETITIVE GAMES】 * This is the list of shuttles we accept: RSL Classic Tourney Li-Ning Super 1000 Victor Smash It 1 Victor Smash It 2 Yonex Aerosansa 30 Ling Mei Gold Ling Mei Black * Smash Center also sells feather shuttles (Ling Mei Gold and Black). You can purchase there at your arrival. 【OTHERS】 * Please always keep 1 meter away from those courts where people are playing. Never step into the corners of other courts! If I see you do this, I probably will yell at you! * If you have some questions, you can put your questions in the comments on the event page. People will respond. * If you are new to badminton, please Google basic badminton rules in advance. Serve rules, double rules and point counting rules. You are always welcome to ask anyone in our group. Most of our members are more than happy to help you. * Badminton activity is organized for non-profit purpose, but I take a small fee for my work. * Want to restring your racket? I can do restring for you. €24 including the string. Please get contact with Ken. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdBBBKBmsHqvMyI7t1MttqOxwX8rs7vQ/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdBBBKBmsHqvMyI7t1MttqOxwX8rs7vQ/view?usp=sharing) * You want to pay with your sport card or voucher? check the bottom of the page. Click "read more" [https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/](https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/)

【IMPORTANT SUMMARY】 * The purpose of social games is to know some people, do some exercise and enjoy the games together with others. Winning and getting points is not the focus of this session. Please play with consideration to your opponents' level. * Please purchase your slot through this link [https://7538e9.myshopify.com/](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/) 【SIGN-UP SYSTEM】 * Please sign up and pay through this link. [https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/social-game](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/social-game) * We don't use the signup system on Meetup.com anymore. (Neither the waiting list) * It says this event is full on this meetup page, because I didn't open any slots here for you to sign up. You have to check this [sign-up page](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/social-game) to see if there is still a slot available there. * The background of using an external sign-up and payment system is because Meetup.com introduced a service fee to increase 21% of the fee in May 2023, and we want to reduce this cost. 【FEE and REFUND POLICY】 * Fee includes courts and plastic shuttles. Please sign up and pay before you come. NO refund if you do not cancel until 48 hours before the event. * Racket: bring one or rent one at the counter. * You can put a comment to sell your slot after the deadline of refund, or sell your slot in our whatsapp group. * No matter the reason is sickness, accident or anything, the group or I will not afford the cost caused by your absence. * Of course you CAN'T ask me, "Can I sign up for free for next week because I didn't come to use my slot this week?". Please remember, the court booked for you was there and it costs money. The court doesn't simply become "free of charge", just because you didn't come to use it. 【COMMUNICATION】 * Communication: our whatsapp group [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JJQbJlisbcj5YDnlcSu347](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JJQbJlisbcj5YDnlcSu347) * There are too many spams, so I only accept +358 number to join whatsapp group. Numbers from other countries will all be rejected. 【OTHERS】 * Please always keep 1 meter away from those courts where people are playing. Never step into the corners of other courts! If I see you do this, I probably will yell at you! * If you have some questions, you can put your questions in the comments on the event page. People will respond. * We play double games to 21 points. After each game, please let those who are waiting to play. Feel free to play with whoever you want, but please avoid playing with the same people all the time. * If you are new to badminton, please Google basic badminton rules in advance. Serve rules, double rules and point counting rules. You are always welcome to ask anyone in our group. Most of our members are more than happy to help you. * Badminton activity is organized for non-profit purpose, but I take a small fee for my work. * Want to restring your racket? I can do restring for you. €24 including the string. Please get contact with Ken. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdBBBKBmsHqvMyI7t1MttqOxwX8rs7vQ/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdBBBKBmsHqvMyI7t1MttqOxwX8rs7vQ/view?usp=sharing) * [https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/](https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/) * You want to pay with your sport card or voucher? check the bottom of the page. Click "read more" * https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/[https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/](https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/)

This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!

Come game with us !!! Your first visit is FREE!!! Let's play one of the 2000+ games we have on site or bring one of yours.

CABS Saturday of gaming !!! 1/10/26. Your first visit is FREE!!!

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!

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Java Central Café and Roaster](https://javacentral.coffee/)**!**

The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~$20 per person. Soft drink refills are $1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area! Parking can be challenging. There is a parking lot behind the building that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.