Community Management

We have returned! We got busy, blinked, and then a year passed. We missed you! You missed us! What a time to be alive! Anyway... I'm excited to announce our return to our first home **Squarespace**, on **May 14th**, where they will be treating us to two new talks, and some Pizza! \- Deployment orchestration with Auto Rollbacks using Argo \- **Sean Ryan** \- Reliable On\-Demand Cloud Environments for Microservice Development \- **Ronan Watkins** To facilitate building security we will be closing signups on May 12th. Please sign up before then to avoid disappointment. We are always on the look out for more speakers! If you've an idea, please reach out! And now that I mention it, the CFP for SRECon just opened, we can be your gateway to the next stage! Check it here: [https://www.usenix.org/conference/srecon26emea/call-for-participation](https://www.usenix.org/conference/srecon26emea/call-for-participation) Finally you can find us on the the **Irish Tech Community Slack** in the channel #SRE. Sign up [here](https://irishtechcommunity.com/). See you there! T.

Welcome to a vibrant community created for men and women who are ready to connect, explore, and thrive together as friends! This group is all about bringing solo people together in a fun, and welcoming space where new friendships are formed and fresh experiences await. Whether it’s trying out exciting activities or restaurants. Discovering hidden gems in the city, or simply enjoying meaningful conversations. This is a place to step outside your comfort zone and share life’s adventures with like-minded people. Come as you are, leave with new friends, and discover just how fun life can be when we experience it side by side! **About this event:** This is a relaxed midweek social. A great opportunity to meet different people. The area reserved is upstairs at the front of the entrance. Your host will be there to welcome you. **Important information:** RSVPs are not a true representation of the number of people attending. Continuous no shows, will be removed from guest lists. Please bring ID in case the doorman ask you for proof of age. Minimum age to attend is 23. You must purchase a drink - alcoholic or non alcoholic from the bar before engaging with the group. By joining this event, you accept our T&Cs, check them out here: Yinyangevents.ie **[Follow us on Insta: Yinyangeventsireland](https://www.instagram.com/yinyangeventsireland/)**

## **The Jam: Open Mic Night** 🎤 ### *Seafront Sessions \| All Are Welcome* 🌊 **The Jam Hits the Seafront** 🎡 The Jam is heading to the coast! Every second Thursday, we take over **The Promenade** for a high-energy, public Open Mic night. This is where our community meets the seafront for a night of live performance, creativity, and connection. 🌊🎸 Whether you’re a performer looking for a lively room to test your material or a music lover looking for a great night out, this is the place to be! 🤘✨ ### **The Vibe** 🍻 The Open Mic is a public celebration. It’s loud, it’s social, and it’s open to everyone! * **The Floor is Yours:** Step up and share your craft. We provide the space; you provide the soul. 🎤✨ * **All Genres, All Talents:** This is a multidisciplinary room. We are proudly open to **comedians, storytellers, poets, and musicians of all genres.** Whether you’re dropping a beat, a punchline, or a poem, there is a place for you here. 🎭🎷📖 * **Your 10 Minutes:** Each performer has a **strict maximum of 10 minutes**. There is zero pressure to fill the whole slot—whether you have one piece or a full ten-minute set, the floor is yours! ⏳ * **The Venue:** Since we are hosted in a local pub, there is a full bar service available at the venue to keep you hydrated! 🍺 ### **Equipment & House Rules** 🛠️ * **PA System:** Roland Street Cube EX. * **Microphones:** 2 mics and stands provided. * **Percussion:** Cajon, shakers, and a glockenspiel are available. * **Backing Tracks:** Cables provided to plug in phones/tablets. * **Accessories:** Music stand, stand light, extra guitar picks, and tuners available. * **Keyboard:** Available **on request only**. Message us in advance if you need it. 🎹 * **Instruments:** **We do not provide guitars.** You must bring your own instrument. 🎸🚫 * **Technical Setup:** To keep the night moving, the 10-minute limit is final. If you require help setting up or have specific technical requirements, you must let us know in advance. ⚠️ ### **2026 Season: Dates & Themes** 📅 * **April 30** \| The Jazz Fringe 🎷 *(Jazz Festival Special)* * **May 14** \| Electric Dreams ⚡️ * **May 28** \| High Tide 🌊 * **June 11** \| Neon Nights 🌃 * **June 25** \| Summer Solstice ☀️ * **July 9** \| Cover Your Tracks 🎸 * **July 23** \| Boardwalk Empire 🎡 * **August 6** \| Heatwave 🔥 * **August 20** \| Shipwrecked ⚓️ * **Sept 3** \| Back to School 🎒 * **Sept 17** \| The Big Screen 🍿 * **Oct 1** \| Harvest Fest 🍎 * **Oct 15** \| The Witching Hour 🕯️ * **Oct 29** \| Ghouls & Guitars 🎃 *(Halloween Special)* * **Nov 12** \| The Afterglow ✨ * **Nov 26** \| The Grand Finale 🏁 ### **The Details** 📍 * **Admission:** FREE ENTRY 🆓 * **Sign-up:** **8:00 PM Sharp**📝 * **First Act:** **8:15 PM** ⚡ * **Age:** Strictly **18+**. * **Location:** The Promenade, Bray (Seafront). **Come for the music. Stay for the shore.** 🌊🎶🤘 Check out our social media and full event list here: [https://linktr.ee/TheJam.HBE](https://linktr.ee/TheJam.HBE "https://linktr.ee/TheJam.HBE")

Welcome to NeuroGamers Ireland, an event for those of us of all neurodiversity and their friends and allies who want to meet, hang out and play board and card games. We'll be meeting at Third Space at Smithfield, which is only a 5-minute walk from the LUAS Red line station of the same name. We're happy to help in travelling using other forms of transport if you message. Each event costs €5 which you can pay through cash or Revolut. It'll especially be appreciated with the space being booked for our group alone. We have a range of games available please see list below. Feel free to message if there is one you want us to bring and feel free to bring own games. [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16JHgxxDlY3x83S1VdYIPx5ZWorBZrrjCMVSbSZaqLks/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16JHgxxDlY3x83S1VdYIPx5ZWorBZrrjCMVSbSZaqLks/edit?usp=sharing) Please read our guidelines before attending one of our events as attendending one will be an agreement you agree to them; https://docs.google.com/file/d/1mJFuGaGPXbMIlsSl8naUmIcAKNFWTLdc/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msword Also, for the purposes of health and safety, this event is 18+.

**To get the Zoom link, [please register here](https://www.samadhi.org.uk/events/psychology-of-stress-and-burnout/), you'll receive the link by email.** Stress and burnout are everywhere right now. But what’s actually behind them, and how can we have more peace and balance amidst life’s demands? Join Buddhist teacher David Oromith, who has spent over a decade at the intersection of Buddhist psychology and modern approaches to mental wellbeing, for an honest and practical evening on the inner causes of stress and burnout, and what we can do about them. Drawing on Buddhist psychology, years working in mental health services, and his own journey through depression, anxiety and burnout, David will explore: * why the modern stress cycle is so relentless, and what breaks it * the three layers of burnout and how to work with each one * simple practices and resets you can use anytime, anywhere * how acceptance and self-compassion help you bounce back when things go wrong David guides with warmth, honesty and humour. There’s no jargon and no pressure to be spiritual or anything other than who you are. We hope to share practical tools grounded in both ancient wisdom and modern understanding. The evening includes a short guided meditation, talk, and Q&A. **Who’s it for?** Anyone feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just curious. Whether you’ve never meditated or practise every day, you’re very welcome. **Booking & Donations** There are limited places available for this evening talk and you can also join online. Please book in advance using the following link: [The Psychology of Stress & Burnout: A Buddhist Perspective - Samadhi](https://www.samadhi.org.uk/events/psychology-of-stress-and-burnout/) **Suggested donations:** £8–£15 in person, £5–£12 online. We are embracing a sliding scale policy for this event, guided by the Buddhist principle of generosity and inclusivity. There are suggested donations to help cover the cost of putting on these events, including room hires, refreshments, and travel and accommodation costs for the teacher and volunteers. Choosing the higher option includes a donation to support our activities for the benefit of all. We firmly believe, however, that financial constraints should never be a barrier to participation. If the suggested amount is beyond your means, please choose the lower option or contribute what you can — every offering helps make this event possible for the collective good. Without your honesty and generosity, we wouldn’t be able to make this event happen!

Welcome to lockpicking at Tog. Join us as we teach the various methods of picking and bypassing common locks in Ireland. All equipment provided. Warm clothes reccomended as the heating isnt the best.

Free. Easy. No experience needed. We meet at 12:00 in Dublin city centre for a little hike - the kind that clears your head after a full week and reminds you why you started. This is community time. No agenda, no pitches, just good conversation with fellow solopreneurs, founders and professionals who get it. After the walk, we head to a nearby restaurant (costs not included in this meetup) No pressure to join, always welcome if you do. This is a free event hosted by the Accountability Circle. Want more? Join us online at [Accountability Circle](https://www.skool.com/bebeyond-now-momentum-makers-2352#) 📍 Exact meeting point in Dublin city centre, details shared before the event. 🚶 Beginner-friendly, flat route, all paces welcome.

**Hands in the Soil: Community Growing, Learning & Craic** This first gathering will be a relaxed mix of **hands-on garden work, shared learning, and good conversation**. It’s about getting together in a real space, doing something practical, and seeing what ideas and connections might grow from there. On the day, we’ll: * Get our **hands dirty** with some light garden work and soil prep * Do some **seed sowing** and talk about what grows well locally * **Make kombucha together** and chat about fermentation, food, and simple home practices * Share knowledge, questions, and experiences around growing food * Enjoy some **fellowship, chats, and a bit of craic** along the way.Alongside the practical side, we’ll also have an open, informal discussion about a bigger idea: * The possibility of **small community “park farms” or gardens** in underused green spaces around Dublin * What that might look like, what’s realistic, and whether others feel drawn to exploring it further There’s no pressure, no expertise required, and no expectation beyond showing up with curiosity and a willingness to pitch in. Whether you’re experienced with gardening or completely new, you’re very welcome. Bring clothes you don’t mind getting muddy, and if you have them, gloves. Everything else will be very low-key. This is just a **first step** — a chance to meet, work, talk, and see if there’s a shared appetite to keep growing something together.

It's National Bike Week from Saturday 9th – Sunday 17th May 2026. Join us at Tog on the afternoon of Saturday 16th May from 3pm, for a bicycle maintenance and advice meetup. Many of us at Tog are keen cyclists and e-bikers. Tinkering with our bikes is business-as-usual for us. We have plenty of tools at Tog to do most basic bicycle maintenance, cleaning, lubrication & adjusting. Even if your bike is running well and you just want to pop in for a bit of advice, we'd be delighted to see you. We'll be continuing our Saturday from 7pm that same day with our regular monthly Open Social event. You're welcome to stick around or drop back in later. Expect the usual pizza, good chat and craic.... and of course we'll be willing to talk all things cycling.

A relaxed coffee meetup to connect, chat, and get to know each other in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. A simple chance to meet new people, enjoy conversation, and build connections.

Please PREPAY for this game either by Revolut https://revolut.me/davidandl or Paypal ([kenna.david@gmail.com](http://kenna.david@gmail.com/)) √ We have just 60 minutes to play so please come along a few minutes early to ensure we can start on time. √ The maximum number of players is 18. Please be sure you show up. Places are in high demand so unfortunately, failure to show will result in you being automatically removed from the group. √ As always, you participate in these games at your own risk and an agreement to indemnify the organisers from any injury, loss, claim, or infection.

This meeting is about having a good chat and meeting new people who enjoy coffee or tea. In a safe environment with no judgments and possibly new friendships

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. We are a collaboration between people of all faiths and stripes. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee is authentic, spacious, has a helpful staff, and I like their espresso. If you try this place on your own, they’re open early and late. This spot has been recommended a couple times and I think it’ll make a great stop on our journey. Come out Saturday morning for a relaxed convo. (Please keep your RSVP updated if you know you won't be able to attend, so others who can join have the opportunity to. No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

Cafein in Chantilly is another good area cafe. I like their matcha and espresso. If I remember correctly, they have the usual assortment of pastries and breakfast sandwiches. All local cafes seem to have friendly staff, and this is no exception. you'll have no trouble finding parking either. Please come and add your own energy to the group. (Please keep your RSVP updated if you know you won't be able to attend, so others who can join have the opportunity to. No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

**Saturday • May 16 • 2–5 PM • Ashburn, VA** Many people say they want to write a book someday — **this session helps you start.** Your life experiences already contain stories, lessons, and insights that could become books. The real challenge is **how to organize those experiences and actually turn them into writing.** In this interactive session, I’ll share the approach I’m using to build a **multi-book journey based on lived experience.** So far I have: 📚 **3 books published on Amazon** 📖 **1 more books releasing this year** (end of the year) 📝 **16 additional books planned** — and likely many more. This session is not about writing **just one book**. We’ll explore how your experiences can evolve into **multiple books over time**, and how to **use AI the right way to speed up your writing while keeping your voice authentic.** *** ### What We’ll Explore • Turning life experience into book ideas • How one journey can become multiple books • Simple ways to structure stories and lessons • Using **AI to organize ideas and speed up writing** • Practical strategies to actually finish a book **Everyone will leave with the outline of their first book idea.** **You don’t need writing experience — just curiosity about how your life experiences might turn into ideas worth sharing.** *** ### Event Details 💵 **$25 RSVP — includes coffee + snacks** 📍 **Ashburn, VA** (exact address shared after RSVP) 🕑 **2:00 PM – 5:00 PM** 👥 **Max 10 people** for a small, interactive conversation. Most attendees are professionals, entrepreneurs, and people navigating reinvention or new chapters in life. *** # Background — Writing & Reinvention Journey Writing has been one of the most powerful tools in my own reinvention journey. What began as reflections during a difficult life transition gradually evolved into published books and a growing body of work focused on reinvention, personal growth, and life transitions. My goal is not just to write books — but to help others realize that their experiences may also hold stories worth sharing. *** # 🔗 Midlife Reinvention Ecosystem 🌐 Website [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co) ▶ YouTube (400K+ views) [https://www.youtube.com/@midlife_mindfulness](https://www.youtube.com/@midlife_mindfulness) 💼 LinkedIn (4K+ followers) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-debnath-0061524/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-debnath-0061524/) 🤝 Meetup Community (300+ Members) [https://www.meetup.com/ashburn-transition-meetup-group/](https://www.meetup.com/ashburn-transition-meetup-group/) 📚 Amazon Author Page [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anju-Debnath/author/B0FFNBVZLQ](https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anju-Debnath/author/B0FFNBVZLQ)

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Resource Presentation** **What You Really Need to Know from an HR Professional** **Presented by Donna Giarratana** **Wednesday\, May 27 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a practical and insightful resource presentation designed to help small business owners navigate one of the most critical — and often overlooked — areas of growth: **Human Resources**. *** ## **About the Session** As your business grows, so do the complexities of managing people, processes, and compliance. Many entrepreneurs wait too long to think about HR — and by the time they do, they’re already reacting instead of planning. In this session, **Donna Giarratana** will break down what small business owners *really* need to know about HR — in a way that is clear, actionable, and relevant to your stage of growth. This conversation is designed to help you move from uncertainty to confidence when it comes to building and managing your team. *** ## **What You’ll Learn** * When it’s the right time to hire * How to set your business up for success before bringing on employees * Why HR matters — even for small businesses * Common pitfalls and how to avoid them * The foundational HR knowledge every business owner should have *** ## **Who Should Attend** * Entrepreneurs preparing to hire their first employee * Small business owners currently managing a team * Founders looking to strengthen operations and compliance * Anyone who wants to build a business with a strong, scalable foundation *** ## **Why Attend?** * Gain clarity on one of the most important aspects of business growth * Learn how to avoid costly mistakes before they happen * Ask questions and get real-world insight from an HR professional * Walk away with practical knowledge you can apply immediately *** ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **May 27** for coffee, connection, and a conversation that will help you build your business the right way from the inside out. We look forward to seeing you there.

**Join us for Soul Coffee, an informal gathering where we can connect a bit deeper, check in on each other, and share some real soul conversation together - as always, across beliefs and traditions.** Soul Coffee is a gathering by BreadBreakers, a community for people of all stripes to build meaningful relationships and have curious conversations. **Our mission in BreadBreakers is to be a place of compassion and belonging in a time of division and isolation; to rebuild the town square, one table at a time.** Usually we do this by breaking bread and having facilitated conversations over dinner, but sometimes it's good to just meet over coffee and spend some unstructured time talking about the deep stuff. At each Soul Coffee, we'll keep it simple and talk about three questions: - How's your soul doing? - How have you experienced wonder lately? - What do you need right now? No matter your religion, or if you even are religious; no matter where you are spiritually; no matter if you even think souls exist - come to be seen and known, to just be humans together in a crazy world, to talk about those things of the spirit that are so central to the human experience but rarely get discussed. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of being in community with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by[ Restoration United Methodist Churc](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers)h in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community, a collaboration between the church and those of all different beliefs. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

⚡ **Reset your mindset. Meet someone unexpected. Walk away with new clarity.** Join us for a free, small-group gathering held in our **Startup Garage** — a **spacious, comfortable living-room style space** inside a single-family home. Think couches, coffee, and real conversation — **not an actual garage 😊** 🔁 You’ll be **paired** with different attendees throughout the event for short, energizing rounds — each sparked by a simple **opening line** designed to make you laugh, reflect, and think bigger about what comes next. You won’t just talk about what’s behind you — You’ll begin to **picture what’s ahead** in a way that actually excites you. *** **☕ Coffee and snacks are on me.** Just show up with a curious mind — and a willingness to laugh. We’ll guide you through questions that blend **wisdom and humor** — the kind that help you see your story through a new lens. *** **🔍 What You’ll Experience** • One-on-one rounds to explore purpose, identity, and new possibilities • Light, energizing activities designed to shift your mindset in under 10 minutes • Fresh insights from people you’ve never met — but may never forget • A laid-back, thoughtful space to connect without pressure *** **💼 Who It’s For** • Divorced/Separated or midlife professionals figuring out what’s next • Entrepreneurs, builders, and creatives in a season of reinvention • Men and women who prefer **meaningful conversation** over surface level talk Whether you’re starting over, scaling up, or just ready for something more aligned — this space is for you. *** 📊 *Most attendees are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s — navigating life and growth with curiosity, clarity, and a sense of humor.* 🛋️ **Hosted in a spacious living-room setting** inside a single-family home (Ashburn). Full address shared after RSVP. 🌐 Explore more: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co)