Nature Appreciation

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]

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

Stuck behind a desk all week? Time to climb some walls instead! No skills needed, just good vibes. Join us this evening at **RijnBoulder (Arnhem)** for a fun and relaxed bouldering session! Whether you're a seasoned climber or wanna try it for the first time, everyone is welcome. We’ll meet outside at the entrance, warm up a bit, and then hit the walls. Afterward, there’s always the option to grab a drink and chat. * **Where:** [Bouldercentrum RijnBoulder, Olympus 3, 6832 EL Arnhem](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fPR4qg7wdRTJHcYU6). We will be waiting inside, in/near the café. * **Experience needed:** None! (Bring your own climbing shoes if you have them. Rentals are also available.) * **Vibe:** Casual, fun, supportive Let’s climb, laugh, and maybe even impress ourselves a little! For more information on pricing of day passes and gear rentals, [check out this page](https://mountain-network.nl/klimcentra/locaties/bouldercentrum-arnhem/tarieven-rijnboulder-2025/) on the RijnBoulder website. First time? No problem! [Some information here](https://mountain-network.nl/klimcentra/sporter/eerste-keer-boulderen/). Their website is only in Dutch, but Google Translate to the rescue: [prices](https://mountain--network-nl.translate.goog/klimcentra/locaties/bouldercentrum-arnhem/tarieven-rijnboulder-2025/?_x_tr_sl=nl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=nl&_x_tr_pto=wapp) and [instructions](https://mountain--network-nl.translate.goog/klimcentra/sporter/eerste-keer-boulderen/?_x_tr_sl=nl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=nl&_x_tr_pto=wapp). And if you have any questions, just let us know. ⚠️ Disclaimer: Participants are responsible for their own safety.

Kom op 15 januari 2026 gezellig bijpraten onder het genot van een hapje en drankje bij Het Gegeven Paard in Utrecht. Wees welkom! We zullen ruimte reserveren voor hen die graag een hapje mee-eten. Daarom is het wel zo fijn als je kenbaar maakt dat je komt. NB: De kosten voor het eten en drinken zijn voor eigen rekening, met het eerste drankje op kosten van Fronteers. Het Gegeven Paard is vlakbij station Utrecht gelegen. Het café bevindt zich op de begane grond van TivoliVredenburg, is ook toegankelijk met een rolstoel en beschikt over een rolstoeltoegankelijk toilet. Heb je een beperking waarbij wij het voor jou op enige manier ook gemakkelijker kunnen maken om deel uit te maken van deze bijeenkomst, stuur dan gerust van te voren een bericht naar anneke@fronteers.nl . We hebben je er graag bij :)

A meet up for Dutch Hackers in a Dutch bar after work or school. Join us to celebrate the new year and discuss all things hacker related! **IMPORTANT NOTE**: *The location has limited capacity of 120 people. We will be working with a guest list, so if you want to attend: please indicate so on this meetup. If you are not signed up, you will not be able to come in!* *If you signed up, but cannot make it, please remove your attendance since we will be able to let other people in!* **DefCon Holland rules** * Socialize * Be a nice human being * Press, headhunters & sales are not allowed * No sponsors **EVENT INFO** Date: Thursday 15th of January Location: Bar Josefien [Voorstraat 96, 3512 AV Utrecht](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47c66f72d8f62715:0x8771f2262a9ba82d?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111) Take over: 12:00 till 23:00 * **FREE ENTRANCE \* + FREE stickers** "Hacker" is not synonymous with criminal. A hacker is someone who finds a new and different way to do something"

**Building a Document Management System in the age of agentic AI** At this edition of the Almere Tech Meetup we welcome [David Stibbe](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dstibbe/) with a practical talk on building software in a rapidly changing AI landscape. In his talk, Lessons learned from developing a DMS in the age of Agentic AI, David shares the journey of developing the Document Management System at Dare. He reflects on how the system evolved, which technical and architectural choices were made, and what worked well or did not along the way. The talk focuses on real lessons from practice, especially in the context of emerging agentic AI. It offers insights for developers, architects, and tech leads who are building complex systems today and want to understand how AI is influencing both design and development decisions. The program is as follows: * **17.30** Door open, welcome drinks * **18.00**: Word of welcome by [Stijn Sprenkels](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stijnsprenkels/), serving of snacks * **18.15** Talk of David Stibbe * **18.45** Q&A, discussion * **19.00** Drinks and talks * **20:00** End Hope to see you all again soon!

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

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration technique. Techiniques are involved drawing pictures, patterns, and letters on the surface of lacquerware using lacquer, and then sprinkling and fixing metal powder, such as gold or silver, onto the surface. In our workshop, you have the opportunity to create maki-e designs using traditional Japanese patterns (wagara) or your own original designs. Then your canvas can be a glass cup or a glass picture frame. Join us for this unique Japanese art workshop in Utrecht. * Place: CLAY TO PLATE Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht * Price: three options you can choose from €56 pp(for a glass cup) €60 pp (for a glass picture frame) €76 pp (for a lacquerwares)Limited seats available. **Booking is essential for adequate preparations. If you've enrolled/registered on the Meetup app, we'll contact you through the app message. Kindly communicate with us accordingly, and refrain from showing up without prior contact. We appreciate your understanding** Website:[https://japanworkshopnet.com/ ](https://japanworkshopnet.com/) [MAKI-E workshop info](https://japanworkshopnet.com/maki-e-workshops/) Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Instagram: [@japanworkshop.net_](https://instagram.com/japanworkshop.net_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=) Mobile:0616059840

From the first steps, we enter what is truly my favourite forest in the Netherlands, located on the southern edge of the Veluwe. Unlike most Dutch landscapes, this area has real steep hills, rolling terrain, and a distinctly un-Dutch feeling, even though you are right in the heart of the country. In winter, quiet paths and pale light filtering through tall woodland along the Italian Road make the scenery especially striking. Halfway through the hike, we slow down for a cosy break at Castle Doorwerth. It is the perfect place to warm up with bites and drinks, enjoy the historic surroundings, and take a relaxed pause before continuing our walk. The route also passes the iconic Wodan Oaks. These ancient trees, estimated to be 400 to 600 years old, add a quiet sense of history and continuity to the landscape, which feels particularly powerful in winter when the forest is still, open, and calm. **📍When and where to meet?** We’ll meet at 10:50 at Wolfheze train station. https://maps.app.goo.gl/73ZsY4tHrmhBjF8HA ⏰ We **start walking a few minutes after meeting up** — we don’t wait for latecomers, as the forest calls and daylight is short this time of year. **🚗 Coming by car?** There is plenty and free parking next to the station. https://maps.app.goo.gl/6yR1resGumn1j4jq5 **⏸️ Planned Breaks** After 12 km: Lunch break at Castle Doorwerth https://maps.app.goo.gl/qLe6DfxL8C6mKrmZA **💸 Payment** Please pay as soon as you sign up: To keep things fair for everyone, if we don’t receive your payment within 48 hours, we will need to remove you from the participant list. If there’s a waiting list, this will happen sooner (in less than 48 hours). If that happens, no worries — you’re always welcome to sign up again if there’s space. 🌟 Early Bird Deal! Join now for just €4 — available for 3 days (72h). After that, the price will be €5. The Tikkie link has been removed as the event is now fully booked. If a spot becomes available due to a cancellation and you would like to take it, you can message me directly and I will share the Tikkie link with you. **👟 Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 9 January at 23h59). After this period, the fee becomes non-refundable. * Hike difficulty: Our hikes are moderately challenging. Please only join if you’re confident you can keep up with the group’s pace (5 km/ h)— it’s more fun for everyone when we can walk together without long waits. * If the pace is too challenging: We may kindly suggest you continue at your own pace. We’ll give you clear directions to the nearest bus or train so you can return comfortably. * At your own risk: You participate at your own risk, so please make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for outdoor activities. * Payment note: With Tikkie we only see initials (e.g., J. Doe instead of John Doe). Please include your Meetup name in the payment note so we can match it easily. * Friends joining: If you bring a friend, make sure they also register and pay. * What to bring: Snacks, lunch, and water/ or hot thee/ coffee (depending on the hike distance). * Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group to be the first to hear about future hikes — ask for the QR code during the hike. * T-shirts: Fairwear-certified organic cotton, eco-friendly inks — €25. Sustainable, odor-resistant, and perfect for hiking. Let us know your size and we’ll bring one for you.

🎶 **La Cumbipeña – Tango Night** 💃🕺 📅 **Saturday\, January 17 \| 20:00–23:00** **📍 Café Averechts, Utrecht** **🎟 Donation-based** This edition invites us into the world of tango - a dance and music tradition rooted in life lived passionately, strong emotions, non-verbal communication and a bit (or lot?) of 'dramita' 😅. ✨ **Live music** by Pablo Mosteiro: an Argentine artist whose relationship with tango deepened after leaving Argentina, first in the US and now in the Netherlands. He shares both his own compositions and tango classics with great sensitivity and quality. 💫 **Tango basics workshop** guided by Yasmín Unfer, expressive dance teacher. This is not about memorizing steps, but about feeling, connecting, improvising and dancing according to each body’s possibilities. No previous experience needed - and if you have it, you may discover tango from a new angle. 😘 🎤 **Open Mic** later in the night to keep sharing music, folklore, cumbia and whatever wants to emerge. Come dance, listen, connect and celebrate together, the Cumbipeña way 🧉🎶 Everyone is welcome 💛 Lxs esperamos! 🔥

Zaterdag, 17 januari 2026 – 10.00 – 17.00 uur AMSTERDAM Kosten: € 130,–, inclusief btw en lunch Facilitator: [Susanne Hazen](https://susannehazen.com/over/) Assistentie: Iris Pinkepank Taal: Nederlands We gaan deze dag werken met ons voorouderveld. We gaan healing **vragen** EN we gaan op zoek naar en ons verbinden met voorouders die ons kracht kunnen geven en ondersteuning kunnen bieden met de strubbelingen die we op ons levenspad tegenkomen. Aanmelden via: https://susannehazen.com/voorouderrituelen/

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Utrecht.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over coffee. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

We zien dat AI inmiddels door veel mensen en organisaties wordt gebruikt, vooral voor tekst, plannen en ideeën. Tegelijkertijd merken we dat dit gebruik vaak onzeker en oppervlakkig blijft. Mensen experimenteren, maar twijfelen: * Klopt dit wel? * Gebruik ik AI “goed”? * Haal ik er echt voordeel uit, of kost het vooral tijd? De kern van het probleem is niet een gebrek aan tools of kennis, maar een gebrek aan grip, overzicht en vertrouwen in het eigen oordeel bij het werken met AI. **Wat houdt deze workshop in?** We willen een kleinschalige pilot-workshop (halve dag) organiseren waarin we professionals helpen om: * AI anders te leren zien (als denkpartner, niet als antwoordmachine) * Bewuster vragen te stellen en context te geven * AI‑output te beoordelen in plaats van blind te volgen Het is nadrukkelijk geen technische training en geen overzicht van tools. Het is een leerervaring die zich richt op denken, beoordelen en professioneel gebruik. **Voor wie is dit bedoeld?** De Training richt zich op: * Niet-technische managers en professionals * Die veel werken met tekst, plannen en besluitvorming * Die AI al gebruiken (bijv. ChatGPT), maar daar nog te weinig zekerheid en rendement uit halen **Wat maakt deze aanpak anders?** * Interactief en herkenbaar: deelnemers werken met hun eigen praktijk en leren van elkaar * Beperkt en scherp: geen overload, maar drie kerninzichten * Veilig en menselijk: twijfel wordt genormaliseerd, niet weggepoetst Deelnemers weten na afloop wat ze “maandag anders doen” **Pilot** Deze workshop is opgezet als pilot. We verwachten dan ook eerlijke feedback om deze workshop nog gerichter in te kunnen zetten om professionals meer bewust te maken van de mogelijkheden en onmogelijkheden van AI. Deze workshop wordt verzorgd door Edgar Stormbroek en Ziryan Salayi 9:00 9:30 Inloop 9:30 - 12:00 AI in praktijk 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch 13:00 - 14:00 Vervolg AI in praktijk 14:00 - 14:30 Afronding en feedback

***Registration required at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy -*** [Birding Algonkian - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-algonkian-january/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at the Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun County. This bird walk takes place each month except December. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River, its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands and grassy areas combine to make it Loudoun’s top birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot.

Start at the old train depot. After the run, we'll meet at Mile 20 for a drink! Run starts at 6:45 pm we will head toward Sterling tonight. Run at your own pace out and back. 2 mile runners turn around at Crestview Drive. 3 mile runners turn around at Tamarack Court. 3.5 & 4 - No cross streets in this stretch. You're on your own. :-) 5 mile runners - turn around at Sterling Blvd.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration at [Birding Gilbert’s Corner - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-gilberts-corner-january/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a bird walk at the relatively new [Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/gilberts-corner-regional-park) in Aldie (see map below). With a combination of scrub, brush and meadow, this park is a great birding hotspot in southwestern Loudoun. *Limit 14. **Registration required.*** ***Questions:*** *Contact Joe Coleman at [jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org)*.

Run starts promptly at 9:45 am and follows a 1.5 mile loop around the lake. Do however many loops you like! Run at your own pace. After the run, we'll meet at the Brew House for a beer or coffee and BREAKFAST pretzels! Those cannot be anything but delicious. See you there.

Our local amphibians and reptiles are both susceptible to habitat destruction and pollutants and can often be victims of being misunderstood. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introductory look at our local amphibians and reptiles, what our citizens can do to help protect their habitats, and what related programs are available through Loudoun Wildlife to help monitor populations and increase community awareness of these often overlooked and fragile species. This presentation takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

**⚡ Laugh a little. Meet new people. Leave feeling lighter.** Join us for a relaxed, small-group afternoon designed to break the winter slump and help you meet a great crowd — without awkwardness, heaviness, and something that just feels fun! 🔁 You’ll move through short, easy rounds of fun conversation games that make it simple to talk, connect, and find people you naturally click with. \*\*\* 📍 **Location:** Rented facility in Ashburn (zip 20147). Exact address shared after RSVP. 💵 **Fee:** $12 per person 🕒 **Time:** 2:00–4:00 PM ☕ **Coffee + light snacks on me.** \*\*\* **🔍 What You’ll Experience** • Quick, low-pressure rounds • Light games that get people talking (and **laughing**) • A mix of new faces in every rotation • A warm, friendly space — not surface-level, not heavy \*\*\* **💼 Who It’s For** • Divorced/Separated or midlife professionals starting fresh • Entrepreneurs, builders, and people who value meaningful conversation • Men + women who want a fun, relaxed way to meet others in the same chapter of life \*\*\* 📊 Most attendees are in their 30s–40s–50s — grounded, growth-minded, and ready for something different. 🌐 Explore more: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co/)

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration at [Young Birders Walk at Gilbert’s Corner - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/young-birders-gilberts-corner-jan/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a bird walk exclusively for young birders at [Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/gilberts-corner-regional-park) in Aldie. With a combination of scrub, brush, and meadow, this park is a great birding hotspot in southwestern Loudoun. Bring binoculars if you have them. *Note: This program is exclusively for young birders ages 10-18; a parent/guardian is welcome. **Registration required*** ***Questions:*** *Contact Young Birding Program Coordinator Patrick Lewis at [plewis@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:plewis@loudounwildlife.org).*