Critical Thinking

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

Hi all! 🙂 On Wednesdays we welcome you to practice languages! If you want to practice a specific (uncommon) language, please send us a message so we can find some conversation partners for you on our mailing list! We hope to see you in Café Marktzicht! In the last year we had tables for the following languages: * Dutch * English * French * Italian * Spanish * Turkish\* * German\* * Portuguese\* * Danish\* * Norwegian\* * Russian\* * Arabic\* * Chinese\*\* * Japanese\*\* * Indonesian\*\* * * Most likely, but not every week present. \*\* - Rather rare ;-) If your language is not in this list, please let us know! We have a large database of Language Cafe visitors speaking 56 different languages! We might be able to connect you with a person that does speak the language you want to practice. In case you are not in our database yet, please use this form: http://goo.gl/forms/oSCn9Dn8m8

We are excited to announce our next Utrecht JUG meetup, featuring talks by Michel Schudel and Ana-Maria Mihalceanu. In the first session, we’ll dive into the art of building **maintainable Spring Boot applications** using the principles of Clean Architecture. You’ll learn how to structure your code so that your domain logic stays clean, testable, and protected from framework and infrastructure concerns — with practical examples you can apply right away. After the break, we’ll shift focus to **JVM performance**. We’ll explore how recent and upcoming Java versions (Java 25 and 26) help tackle slow startup times and long time-to-peak performance, especially in microservices and Kubernetes environments. You’ll gain actionable insights to make your Java services faster, more predictable, and production-ready. Join us for an evening full of practical knowledge, real-world lessons, and great conversations with fellow Java developers! The meetup will be hosted by **Sopra Steria**, Ringwade 1, Nieuwegein Please join us and RSVP! Because of the limited number of seats, please keep your RSVP up-to-date, so we can welcome someone else of you can't make it. Timeschedule: 17:30 Doors open 18:00 Food & Drinks 19:00 Building maintainable Spring Boot apps with Clean Architecture by Michel Schudel 20:00 Break 20:15 Towards Better JVM Performance by Ana-Maria Mihalceanu 21:15 Drinks **Giveaway** 1 JetBrains licence **Talks** **Building maintainable Spring Boot apps with Clean Architecture** Clean Architecture is about separating concerns within your application to keep it maintainable, scalable, and testable. Some call it onion architecture, others call it hexagonal, but in the end they all aim for the same goal: protecting your domain logic from the messy outside world. But how does this work in practice? In this session, we'll build a Spring Boot application together using the principles of Clean Architecture. We'll use the Spring Boot Test framework for clean integration tests and ArchUnit to ensure our squeaky-clean application stays that way by enforcing architectural boundaries. After this session you've learned what Clean Architecture is, and how you can leverage your own applications with it. **Towards Better JVM Performance** Many Java services struggle with slow startup and long time-to-peak performance, painful aspects for microservices and Kubernetes workloads that demand fast scale-up and tight service level objectives. Join this session to learn how to use new optimizations in Java 25 and 26 to accelerate startup and time to peak performance, including Ahead-of-Time object caching with any GC. You’ll leave with actionable steps to make your Java applications start faster, reach peak performance sooner, and stay predictable in production. **Speakers** **Michel Schudel** Michel Schudel has been a passionate Java developer since 1998. Since then, he has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in Java land. He loves to share his adventures in Java land so others can learn from his experience (and, more importantly, his mistakes!). **Ana-Maria Mihalceanu** Ana is a Java Champion Alumni, Senior Developer Advocate for the Java Platform Group at Oracle, with an extensive background in Java and cloud development, while contributing to Java community growth and events. Her exposure to varied technical challenges involving Java-based frameworks has endowed her with deep insights into the evolution of the JDK tools, practical use, and advanced features.

*(🇬🇧 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)

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.

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS] Travel / Parking info: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS]

**(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)

“Where big ideas meet open minds — join us!” “Speak your mind, challenge perspectives, make friends.” “From ancient philosophy to AI — your thoughts matter!” “Curious minds unite for a freestyle philosophy jam!" “A safe space to think out loud and explore deeply.” “Old wisdom meets new ideas — let’s jam!” “Question everything. Discuss anything. Connect with everyone.” “Bringing thinkers together to inspire and grow.” “Your ideas, your voice — let’s jam freely!” “Dive deep, laugh loud, and think bigger together.” Welcome to **Generation Thinkers — Philosophy Jam: Speak Your Mind!** This is more than just an event — it’s a movement. A place where old wisdom meets future visions, where deep questions lead to unexpected friendships, and where every voice truly matters. Bring your curiosity, your stories, and your boldest thoughts. Let’s explore everything from timeless philosophical debates to modern challenges in AI, love, freedom, and beyond — all in a relaxed, freestyle atmosphere. 👥 **Who’s it for?** Anyone craving meaningful conversations and genuine human connection. No preparation, no pressure — just your open mind and willingness to share. 🌟 **Why join?** * Make real connections beyond small talk * Get inspired and inspire others * Grow your perspectives and confidence * Be part of a friendly, international community 🔥 **Join us to think, laugh, challenge, and grow — together. Reserve your spot and let’s make this an unforgettable night!** **Event Joining Rules:** • Aim to arrive on time (ideally 5–10 minutes early). • If you’re running late, please notify me as the host. • Newcomers will be given some flexibility in their first sessions.

**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.

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!

**🟢🟢 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! 🎨👩🏼‍🎨👨🏼‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨🧑🏼‍🎨🎈**

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

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do 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 noon on Sundays. 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: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. 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. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do 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 10AM on Saturday 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: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. 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! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.