Creative Non-Fiction

Four makers share their projects in embedded systems, robotics, and microcontroller electronics. Come, listen, ask questions, and learn in a friendly and entertaining environment. Demos can go wrong, so enjoy the jeopardy as our presenters tell their story. * **Fun with Furbies**: [Mike Brewer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/magarimike/) Mike brings us back to the 1990s Furbies craze but hacks them to bring them under his control * **When Machines Sing**: Designing a Robot Choir: [Richard Vahrman](https://www.youtube.com/@RichardVahrman/videos) A short talk and live demo exploring the Robot Choir: an experimental performance system that treats robotic voices as a choir rather than an instrument. * **Drifting with Dignity**: My Macanum Drive Journey: [Jon Durrant](https://youtube.com/@drjonea) From a custom RP2040 quad motor control to Inverse Kinematics and the Robot Operating System control. Lets start the journey * **Breaking Breadboards at Evolve26**: [Mike Brewer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/magarimike/) We will have an area again at Evolve26 on 26-Jun-26 at the Brighton Centre. We would like your thoughts on how to make this a truly community event. Remeber you can book your ticket with 50% off by using the code **`BREAKINGBREADBOARDS`** [https://evolve.siliconbrighton.com/](https://evolve.siliconbrighton.com/) Timeline: 18:30 Pizza, soft drinks and networking 18:50 Introdutions 19:00 **Fun with Furbies** 19:20 **When Machines Sing** 19:40 **Drifting with Dignity** 20:00 Q&A With the Panel 20:10 **Breaking Breadboards at Evolve26** 20:30 Close Thank you to all the companies who help us put these events on: * [Yair Energy](https://yair.energy/) for helping us fund the event * [Sopro](https://sopro.io/). for helping us fund the event * [Freedom Works](https://www.freedomworks.space/) for hosting us * [Silicon Brighton](https://siliconbrighton.com/) for helping us run, marketing and AV support If you would like to present your project, please get in touch with our organisers. Or why not bring a project along for our show-and-tell table?

Onze meetups zijn speciaal voor testers die verder willen kijken dan alleen scripts schrijven. De talks zijn door testers, voor testers. Interactief, laagdrempelig en gezellig. We doen niet aan basisintro's of verkooppraatjes maar gaan voor scherpe inhoud (én lekker eten en drinken :-)). *[let op: aanmelden op deze pagina https://heeyoo.nl/blog/qa-meetup-utrecht-25-feb/ of email thomas.wattel@heeyoo.nl]* Deze avond wederom twee uiteenlopende talks op de agenda, hieronder beide talks iets verder uitgewerkt: Talk 1: **Van functioneel naar performance testen binnen je team** Performanceproblemen komen vaak pas laat aan het licht. In de testfase, of nog vervelender: in productie. Terwijl je als tester al veel eerder signalen kunt oppikken. In deze talk laat Nico zien hoe je de stap maakt van puur functioneel testen naar performance testen. We kijken naar hoe je bestaande geautomatiseerde testen kunt inzetten om performance inzichtelijk te maken. Wat kun je realistisch automatiseren? Waar ligt de grens? En hoe zorg je dat performance echt onderdeel wordt van het werk van het ontwikkelteam zelf? Praktisch, herkenbaar en gericht op ownership. Concrete handvatten om performance structureel mee te nemen in je dagelijkse testwerk. Talk 2: **Testautomation in een microservice architectuur: uitdagingen en oplossingen** Microservices beloven snelheid en flexibiliteit, maar maken testautomation er niet per se eenvoudiger op. Waar test je precies? Op welk niveau? En hoe voorkom je dat je test suite net zo complex wordt als je landschap? In deze talk duikt Erik in het toepassen van testautomation binnen een microservice architectuur. Wat zijn de meest voorkomende uitdagingen zoals afhankelijkheden tussen services, testdata en het behouden van vertrouwen in je tests. Geen ideale wereld, maar een talk met oplossingen en praktijkvoorbeelden. Vragen waar we mee aan de slag gaan: Wat gaat vaak mis? Welke keuzes helpen juist? En hoe zorg je dat je teststrategie meegroeit met je architectuur in plaats van erachteraan loopt? **Tijdstip:** Inloop vanaf 17:00u, start om 18:00u en we ronden af om 21:00u **Locatie:** Newtonlaan 201. Er is ruim voldoende parkeergelegenheid in de garage vanaf 16:00u. **Aanmelden:** Meld je aan op deze pagina https://heeyoo.nl/blog/qa-meetup-utrecht-25-feb/ of email thomas.wattel@heeyoo.nl

Location: Amsterdam House of Arts & Crafts Duration: 2 hours Price: €59 **Dates & times** * Wednesday evening: 19:30–21:30 * Friday evening: 19:30–21:30 * Sunday afternoon: 13:00–15:00 Open Atelier is a relaxed creative event where you can work with your hands in an inspiring studio — no long-term commitment and no prior experience required. During this two-hour open studio session, you choose one creative direction to focus on and work at your own pace. You are free to experiment, make, and explore, with professional guidance available whenever you need it. **What can you make?** You choose one creative direction per session, such as: * Painting * Clay * Upcycling * Mosaic * Glazing * Beading For upcycling, many participants bring their own items. In previous sessions, people have given old T-shirts, shoes, or other forgotten pieces a completely new life using paint, textiles, and other materials. You are very welcome to bring something from home if you’d like. Please note that glazed ceramic work needs to be fired in the kiln. These pieces cannot be taken home the same day and can be collected at a later moment. All materials are included, as well as tea and a cookie. Friday evening sessions also include a drink. Doors open 15 minutes before the session starts. If you have any specific questions before booking, feel free to send me a message here on Meetup. Tickets and available dates can be found here: https://amsterdamhouseofartsandcrafts.com/eng/classes/open-atelier

*( English below)* Voordat een bordspel of kaartspel kan worden uitgegeven, moet er veel aan het spel getest worden om zeker te zijn dat het leuk is, duidelijk is en altijd goed werkt. Daarom komen we **elke 2 weken** met spelauteurs uit de regio samen om prototypes van spellen te testen en ze zo beter te maken en misschien ooit wel gepubliceerd te krijgen. Om 8 uur verzamelen we bij [StartUp Nijmegen](https://startupnijmegen.nl/) voor een speltestavond. Afhankelijk van het aantal aanwezigen en prototypes dat er wordt meegenomen (neem zelf ook iets mee als je wilt) vormen we een aantal groepen. Bij kleinere spellen kun je in de loop van de avond van groep wisselen, bij grotere spellen moet je dat even overleggen. **Ook als je zelf** **geen spellen maakt** of een spel hebt dat je wilt testen, ben je natuurlijk van harte welkom. Het is voor ontwerpers heel fijn om de mening van zo veel mogelijk andere mensen te krijgen. En heel eerlijk: het testen van nieuwe spellen is ook gewoon heel leuk! We gaan door tot een uur of 11, maar voel je vrij al eerder naar huis te gaan. Er is **gratis koffie** **en thee** bij StartUp Nijmegen. Voor fris, bier of wijn wordt een kleine bijdrage gevraagd. StartUp Nijmegen ligt tegenover het station. De auto kun je parkeren in de naastgelegen Keizer Karelparkeergarage (50 cent per uur). Er is hier ook een afgesloten fietsenstalling. De testavonden in Nijmegen zijn elke **2e dinsdag** en elke **4e woensdag** van de maand. Zet die dus vast in je agenda (tip: zet met [deze iCal link](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/c_d2267afce516f9296468270649b3f44da6c06cbc0bc3de05f049992373db5f4f%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics) ze automatisch in je agenda)! Spellenmaakgilde Nijmegen maakt onderdeel van het [Nederlandse Spellenmaakgilde](https://spellenmaakgilde.nl/) en is onderdeel van het SAZ. Je vindt ons daarnaast ook in het #Nijmegen kanaal op de [Discord-server van het Spellenmaakgilde](https://discord.gg/6JzD6Sz2m5). **For English-speaking guests:** Before a board game or card game can be published, it must undergo extensive testing to ensure that it is enjoyable, clear, and always functions properly. Therefore, **every 2 weeks**, we gather with game authors from the region to test prototypes of games, thereby improving them and, perhaps, getting them published someday. At 8 PM, we gather at [StartUp Nijmegen](https://startupnijmegen.nl/) for a game testing evening. Depending on the number of attendees and prototypes brought (feel free to bring something yourself), we form several groups. For smaller games, you can switch groups throughout the evening, but for larger games, you should discuss this. **Even if you** **do not design games** or have a game you want to test, you are, of course, very welcome. It is very beneficial for designers to receive feedback from as many people as possible. And to be honest: testing new games is just a lot of fun! We continue until about 11 PM, but feel free to go home earlier if you wish. There is **free coffee** **and tea** at StartUp Nijmegen. A small contribution is requested for soft drinks, beer, or wine. StartUp Nijmegen is located opposite the station. You can park your car in the adjacent Keizer Karel parking garage (50 cents per hour). There is also a secure bicycle parking facility here. The testing evenings in Nijmegen are every **2nd Tuesday** and **4th Wednesday** of the month. So be sure to mark those in your calendar (tip: automatically add them to your calendar with [this iCal link](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/c_d2267afce516f9296468270649b3f44da6c06cbc0bc3de05f049992373db5f4f@group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics))! The Spellenmaakgilde Nijmegen is part of the [Dutch Game Designers Guild](https://spellenmaakgilde.nl/) and is also a part of SAZ. You can also find us in the #Nijmegen channel on the [Discord server of the Game Designers Guild](https://discord.gg/6JzD6Sz2m5). And don't worry if you don't speak Dutch! We regularly have non-Dutch speaking guests, and everyone is welcome to join and have fun with us.

*( English below)* Voordat een bordspel of kaartspel kan worden uitgegeven, moet er veel aan het spel getest worden om zeker te zijn dat het leuk is, duidelijk is en altijd goed werkt. Daarom komen we **elke 2 weken** met spelauteurs uit de regio samen om prototypes van spellen te testen en ze zo beter te maken en misschien ooit wel gepubliceerd te krijgen. Om 8 uur verzamelen we bij [StartUp Nijmegen](https://startupnijmegen.nl/) voor een speltestavond. Afhankelijk van het aantal aanwezigen en prototypes dat er wordt meegenomen (neem zelf ook iets mee als je wilt) vormen we een aantal groepen. Bij kleinere spellen kun je in de loop van de avond van groep wisselen, bij grotere spellen moet je dat even overleggen. **Ook als je zelf** **geen spellen maakt** of een spel hebt dat je wilt testen, ben je natuurlijk van harte welkom. Het is voor ontwerpers heel fijn om de mening van zo veel mogelijk andere mensen te krijgen. En heel eerlijk: het testen van nieuwe spellen is ook gewoon heel leuk! We gaan door tot een uur of 11, maar voel je vrij al eerder naar huis te gaan. Er is **gratis koffie** **en thee** bij StartUp Nijmegen. Voor fris, bier of wijn wordt een kleine bijdrage gevraagd. StartUp Nijmegen ligt tegenover het station. De auto kun je parkeren in de naastgelegen Keizer Karelparkeergarage (50 cent per uur). Er is hier ook een afgesloten fietsenstalling. De testavonden in Nijmegen zijn elke **2e dinsdag** en elke **4e woensdag** van de maand. Zet die dus vast in je agenda (tip: zet met [deze iCal link](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/c_d2267afce516f9296468270649b3f44da6c06cbc0bc3de05f049992373db5f4f%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics) ze automatisch in je agenda)! Spellenmaakgilde Nijmegen maakt onderdeel van het [Nederlandse Spellenmaakgilde](https://spellenmaakgilde.nl/) en is onderdeel van het SAZ. Je vindt ons daarnaast ook in het #Nijmegen kanaal op de [Discord-server van het Spellenmaakgilde](https://discord.gg/6JzD6Sz2m5). **For English-speaking guests:** Before a board game or card game can be published, it must undergo extensive testing to ensure that it is enjoyable, clear, and always functions properly. Therefore, **every 2 weeks**, we gather with game authors from the region to test prototypes of games, thereby improving them and, perhaps, getting them published someday. At 8 PM, we gather at [StartUp Nijmegen](https://startupnijmegen.nl/) for a game testing evening. Depending on the number of attendees and prototypes brought (feel free to bring something yourself), we form several groups. For smaller games, you can switch groups throughout the evening, but for larger games, you should discuss this. **Even if you** **do not design games** or have a game you want to test, you are, of course, very welcome. It is very beneficial for designers to receive feedback from as many people as possible. And to be honest: testing new games is just a lot of fun! We continue until about 11 PM, but feel free to go home earlier if you wish. There is **free coffee** **and tea** at StartUp Nijmegen. A small contribution is requested for soft drinks, beer, or wine. StartUp Nijmegen is located opposite the station. You can park your car in the adjacent Keizer Karel parking garage (50 cents per hour). There is also a secure bicycle parking facility here. The testing evenings in Nijmegen are every **2nd Tuesday** and **4th Wednesday** of the month. So be sure to mark those in your calendar (tip: automatically add them to your calendar with [this iCal link](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/c_d2267afce516f9296468270649b3f44da6c06cbc0bc3de05f049992373db5f4f@group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics))! The Spellenmaakgilde Nijmegen is part of the [Dutch Game Designers Guild](https://spellenmaakgilde.nl/) and is also a part of SAZ. You can also find us in the #Nijmegen channel on the [Discord server of the Game Designers Guild](https://discord.gg/6JzD6Sz2m5). And don't worry if you don't speak Dutch! We regularly have non-Dutch speaking guests, and everyone is welcome to join and have fun with us.

**Zin om even helemaal offline te gaan voor een avond?** Doe mee met onze offline hangout. Of je nu alleen komt of samen, je maakt gegarandeerd nieuwe connecties! **Wat kan je verwachten:** Speel (bord)spelletjes, knutsel of relax met een goed boek Een nostalgische avond in een gezellig café Ontmoet nieuwe mensen op de ouderwetse manier Schrijf met onze vintage typemachines Gratis entree! **Waar?** Bunk Utrecht (Catharijnekade 9, Utrecht) **Wanneer?** Woensdag, 25 februari (vanaf 19:00)

Join Creative Table for an interactive and fun Create & Connect session in Apeldoorn aimed at fostering community building. Unleash your creativity in a supportive and inclusive environment, where members can connect, share ideas, and collaborate on various art projects. Whether you are a seasoned artist or just looking to dabble in something new, this event welcomes all skill levels. Come prepared to mingle, create, and be inspired by the diverse talents within our community. Let's paint, draw, and sculpt our way to stronger connections and lasting friendships.

**(Tickets + event access exclusively available through EventBrite.)** Full event link here [From Fixed to Flow - EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/from-fixed-to-flow-an-online-workshop-of-creativity-and-release-tickets-1981557382473?aff=oddtdtcreator) Loosen the mental knots you didn’t know you were tightening. Use creativity to move from fixed patterns into more open habits. Refresh yourself before a new week with an easy, online workshop to open your mental well-being through creative mindset from a stuck sense of routine to more flexible state. \*\* What You'll Experience:\*\* * **Structured, guided conversations** where thinking out loud is part of the method. It's not a lecture, and it is a blend of psychology, art, and practical ritual. * A **live, interactive exercise** to break rigid thinking and experience "flow." * A **supportive space to connect** with others feeling the same desire for more lightness and less rigidity. **️ What You'll Take Away:** * **The "Separation of Tasks" Tool:** A philosopher's secret to deflating anxiety about others' opinions. * **The Conduit Mindset:** How to replace "Is this good?" with the liberating question, **"What happens if you stop deciding in advance what ‘good’ looks like?"** * **Your First Micro-Ritual:** A simple, 5-minute daily practice to make creativity an inevitable source of calm. * **Clarity & Permission:** A clear map to identify your "Fixed Self" and the courage to gently unfurl from it. **✨ This is for You if:** * You feel mentally "stuck" or confined by your routines. * You've ever said, "I'm not a creative person." * You long for more playfulness, less pressure in your daily life. * You desire to use creativity as a tool for well-being, not just output. * You are 18+ years of age. \*\* Workshop Details:\*\* * **Duration:** 90 minutes * **Format:** Live, interactive virtual session (Link provided upon registration) * **Investment:** €7 less 15% off through 1 March * **What You Need:** A quiet/comfortable space, a willingness to be gently curious, and one ordinary object within arm's reach (a pen, a cup, a book). **(Tickets + event access exclusively available through EventBrite.)** Full event link here [From Fixed to Flow - EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/from-fixed-to-flow-an-online-workshop-of-creativity-and-release-tickets-1981557382473?aff=oddtdtcreator)

** ABOUT OUR WATERCOLOR PAINTING PARTY / AMERSFOORT** Amersfoort - Utrecht Province / Center of the City / Easy access from train station. Create your very own **portrait, animals, landscape, or figurative** masterpiece in only **2.5 HOURS using watercolor and our secret mixed media techniques!.** This session is not about perfection; it is about capturing emotions and personal expression. **No experience required** **\- trust us\!** our professional artist will guide you step-by-step through this unique self-portrait journey. You can look forward to a fun and exciting evening with other participants, **so it doesn't matter if you want to come with friends or alone - you are very welcome!** This is the perfect after-work or weekend activity where you'll unleash your creativity while creating something deeply personal. You will create a portrait combining painting, drawing, and creative techniques to bring your unique vision to life. When finished, you'll take home your newly created self-portrait artwork to cherish or share with loved ones. Each participant will have pencils, colored pencils, watercolor, acrylic/gouache paints, and a surface. You'll work from an image we will bring. **️ READY TO HAVE FUN?** Get your Ticket and book your seat **✨[HERE](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555) ✨** **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP HERE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) ** .................................... ** WHAT'S INCLUDED?** All supplies included **2.5-HOUR [TICKET SESSION](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555)** ️ **EXTRA BONUS:** **FREE TICKET**️ to participate in our Drawing and Painting Cafes in Amersfoort or Our Online Still-Life sessions if you live far away. New friendships and Conversations Freedom to work at your own pace **English tutored activity** (And of course, you can speak in your local language with your friends!) ⭐ No experience needed **️ BOOK YOUR SEAT IN ADVANCE ✨[HERE](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555) ✨!** **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) ** ** 2026 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:** First Sunday or every month from 11.00 AM - 1:30 PM. .................................... **️ ART LOVERS CLUB / ABOUT US** **ART LOVERS CLUB** is a community where art enthusiasts come together to explore their creativity and connect with new buddies through various events and sessions ( In-Person and Online) . Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, we have something for everyone!⭐ To share with you more about what we do, you can see here the overall atmosphere of our events in Amersfoort and also follow us if you want⭐: **[https://www.instagram.com/art_lovers_social_club](https://www.instagram.com/art_lovers_social_club)** **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) ** ** 2025 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:** First Sunday or every month from 11.00 AM - 1:30 PM. **See you soon. We are looking forward to painting and having Fun Together! ‍‍‍‍**

Hi✋ At[ Data Tribes ](https://www.datatribes.nl/)we organise Meetups because we truly care about sharing knowledge both inside and outside the organisation. We believe that it is beneficial to us and to the market as a whole to connect, create, learn and grow together! **The agenda** // Doors open 6.00pm // Drinks and Pizza’s 6.30pm // Start presentations 7.00pm **Henk van der Valk:** "Optimizing the Azure cloud?" ***Who really cares about Cost & Co2?*** // Start networking 9.00pm // End Meetup 9.30pm Greetings, Data Tribes Inc.

Donderdag **26 februari 2026** is het weer tijd voor onze **Techday**: hét vaste moment waarop we kennis delen, elkaar inspireren en nieuwe ideeën direct in de praktijk brengen. Deze editie komt een spreker van Onyx langs. Onyx is gespecialiseerd in cybersecurity. Tijdens deze techday worden theorie, praktijk en nabespreking gecombineerd met directe toepasbaarheid in jullie dagelijkse werkzaamheden. Tijdens de Techday duiken we hands-on in veelvoorkomende kwetsbaarheden en misconfiguraties binnen moderne softwareontwikkeling. Theorie, demo’s en realistische scenario’s wisselen elkaar af. Met de interactieve CTF‑opdrachten leer je niet alleen hoe deze problemen ontstaan en misbruikt worden, maar vooral hoe je ze direct kunt toepassen en voorkomen in je dagelijkse werk. **Wanneer:** Donderdag 26 februari 2026 **Wat:** Cybersecurity in de Praktijk: Hands-on met Onyx **Voor wie:** Iedereen die nieuwsgierig is en wil leren **Agenda** 14:45 - 15:00 - Inloop 15:00 - 18:00 - Opening en introductie Praktijkvoorbeelden: Wat zijn wij in het echt tegengekomen Security misconfiguration: Gezamelijke spot-de-fout met code-snippets CTF opdrachten 18:00 - 19:00 - Eten en napraten We zien je graag op de Techday!

**ArnhemJUG** We are excited to announce the second meetup of 2026. OpenValue Arnhem is once again hosting us for the February meetup! **Agenda** * 17:00 CET walk-in * 17:30 – 18:30 Food and drinks * 18:30 – 19:30 talk: **Catching the 137-Killer: A Java Memory Forensics Investigation** by **Martijn Dashorst** * 19:30 – 19:45 break * 19:45 – 20:45 talk: **Building AI Agent Platforms: Architecture, Communication, and Standards** by **Pascal Wilbrink** * 20:45 – 21:30 drinks **Catching the 137-Killer: A Java Memory Forensics Investigation** Your Java application is running smoothly, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking just around the corner. Then—without warning—it vanishes without a trace. Upon investigation, you discover the virtual remains of countless slain JVMs, each marked with the same cryptic number: 137. A serial killer is on the loose in your cluster. This true crime investigation will walk you through the differences between JVM memory areas, the mechanics of container OOMKills, analysing Grafana dashboards for memory and thread anomalies, interpreting heap dumps, and utilising JVM Native Memory Tracking (NMT) to uncover hidden native memory consumption. You’ll master practical forensic techniques and proven prevention strategies—from memory tuning tactics and balancing heap vs. non-heap allocations to leveraging large language models (LLMs) for advanced forensic analysis. These skills will help ensure your applications stay alive—even when something’s out to get them. Just like in a real murder mystery, we may not know whodunnit... but with Martijn Dashorst leading the investigation, you're sure to get closer to the truth. **About Martijn Dashorst** My Java experience is finally old enough to drive, vote and drink a beer (not all at once). One of the remaining Eclipse users, loves Java, relationship with Maven is complicated. Martijn Dashorst has worked since 2004 at Topicus and has used Java since 2002. Loves server-side Java. You might know him from Apache Wicket—he's dabbled somewhat in that framework. Loves his family and cats, finds Douglas Adams' description of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation's technology very apt to the current technology landscape. **Building AI Agent Platforms: Architecture, Communication, and Standards** AI systems evolve from standalone models into connected, agent-based ecosystems, new architectural patterns, protocols, and standards are emerging. Concepts such as AGUI, A2A, A2UI, and MCP-based applications are changing how intelligent systems are designed and integrated. This presentation explains how these approaches affect system structure, responsibilities, and interoperability. Using architectural diagrams, it shows how AI agent applications communicate and collaborate through standardized interfaces, and provides guidance on building scalable and maintainable AI platforms. **About Pascal Wilbrink** Pascal is a senior software engineer at OpenValue with over a decade of experience and a strong interest in applied AI and intelligent automation. He enjoys exploring how technology can make developers’ lives easier and software more resilient. When he’s not experimenting with new ideas or building open-source tools, Pascal likes to learn by doing and turning complex problems into practical solutions.

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

Attend a free seminar on how to have successful and lasting relationships. At this seminar you will learn: How to spot and handle negative and toxic relationships. How to get through the "rough patches" in a relationship. How to choose the right people to work with. The three things that make or break any relationship. How to make a good relationship great. All are welcome. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. Hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.