Environmental Issues

We are back!!! Let's meet again on the 12th March for our European Data Meet Up at Brussels! Our meet up event is the perfect opportunity to stay ahead of the latest technology trends in Data. Join us, grab a beer during our open bar & let's talk! **When**: Thursday 12th March From 19:00 to 22:00 **Where:** Au Bassin (Le Hall!) Quai aux Briques 54 1000 Bruxelles **Agenda:** \- How Carrefour Belgium orchestrates data flows using BigQuery\, Pub/Sub\, Cloud Run Functions and MongoDB Atlas presented by Olivier Orban \- Data Platform Team Lead & Guillaume Hellin \- Data Engineer \- LLMs Talk\. Knowledge Graphs Remember\. An intuitive look at how LLMs and knowledge graphs complement each other to build more reliable AI systems\. presented by Michael Tandecki\, AI Engineer at Collibra \- Team management x AI: the good\, the bad\, and the ugly\, presented by\- Thibault Martin & Olivier Colot\, co\-founders at Diapason AI

**Ready to build a Java project — even if** you've never written a line of Java before? This special edition of our Java Bootcamp series brings together everything we've been building with you, and takes it one step further. Whether you're just starting out or already deep in your Java journey, this evening is packed with practical insight, live demos, and hands-on coding — all in one session. **What's happening on the night:** **🤖 Talk:** Building with AI Agents & MCP Discover how Model Context Protocol (MCP) and AI agents are changing the way developers build software. Learn how to leverage these tools to accelerate your own projects — even when you're still learning the language. **⚡ Live Demo: Zero to Java in 10 Minutes Watch a complete beginner build** a working Java project in under 10 minutes using vibe coding. No prior Java knowledge required — and yes, it's real. **📚 Bootcamp Update:** What We've Covered & Where We're Going A recap of what participants have been building in the Java Bootcamp, what's coming next, and how you can join the journey from beginner to production-grade Java developer. **💻 Mini Project:** Build Your Own Project Get hands-on! We'll set up a mini project so you can experience Java for yourself — in Java, guided by our mentors every step of the way. **Mentors will be on hand throughout the evening to guide you through the vibe coding process, answer questions, and help you get unstuck.** **To join the full Java Bootcamp, register here: [Java Bootcamp Form](https://forms.gle/kw7fgyvwzwxsZPFX7)** The bootcamp is self-paced, built on[ JetBrains Academy](https://academy.jetbrains.com/), and structured across Beginner and Advanced phases. Complete it and earn a certificate recognising your achievement. **Schedule — March 12th, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM (London Time)** **•** Welcome & Networking (6:30 PM - 7:00 PM) • Talk: Building with AI Agents & MCP (7:00 PM - 7:15 PM) • Live Demo: Zero to Java in 10 Minutes (7:15 PM - 7:25 PM) • Bootcamp Update (7:25 PM - 7:40 PM) • Mini Project: Build Your Own (7:40 PM - 8:40 PM) • Closing & Networking (8:40 PM - 9:00 PM) *** **Host:** **🎙️ Speaker Adriana Zencke Zimmermann \| Senior Software Engineer \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dricazenck/) \| [GitHub](https://github.com/dricazenck)** Founder & Director of Women Coding Community and Senior Software Engineer at Centric Software, with 15+ years specialising in backend systems, engineering leadership, and inclusion in tech. **🎙️ Speaker Sonali Goel \| Senior Software Engineer\, Tesco Tech \| [Website](https://sonaligoel.carrd.co/) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonali-goel-tech/)** Women in Tech Award 2025 Winner, with 15+ years in large-scale e-commerce, cloud-native Java, and Agentic AI. A core leader at WCC passionate about mentorship and open source. **🎙️ Speaker Dr\. Ying Liu \| Senior Data Scientist\, Magic AI \| [Website](http://www.yingliu.site/) \| [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/yingliu-data/)** Senior Data Scientist at Magic AI with a Ph.D. in Physics. Ying builds human pose estimation models from RGB and sensor data, specializing in real-time 3D pose estimation and end-to-end ML architectures. Outside work, she builds AI agents and tinkers with robotics. **👩🏽‍💻 About Women Coding Community** Our mission is to empower women in tech through education, mentorship, community, and career support. We run workshops and events, connect members with industry mentors, and champion more inclusive practices across the industry. **[Website](http://womencodingcommunity.com/) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/103490940) \| [Slack](https://bit.ly/women_coding_community)** **👩🏽‍💻 Code of Conduct** All attendees are expected to follow our Code of Conduct: **[womencodingcommunity.com/code-of-conduct](https://womencodingcommunity.com/code-of-conduct)**

Socializing and Networking 🛜🆕 at PLUX on Thursday. Making new friends and drinking 🚰🎈🎉🚿🌊. Everybody Welocme, locals, expats or new 🆕 in town.

On Thursday 12 March, we're kicking off the Fronteers Belgium meetups again! For this first edition we are being hosted by **Craftzing**. 🎉 **Evening** **Program** 🎉 * ​18h00 - 🚪 Doors open & start of networking + food * ​19h00 - 🙋‍♀️ Introduction by Fronteers BE & Craftzing * 19h20 - **Talk 1: Virtual DOM vs ChangeDetection, keeping your view up to date by Iben Van de Veire** * 20h00 - 🍷 ----- Break ----- 🥤 * 20h20 - **Talk 2: Your password has been breached! by Karel De Smet** * 21h00 - 🥤 Drinks and networking till the end of the event 👩‍🏫 **TALK & SPEAKER INFO** 👨‍🏫 **Talk 1: Virtual DOM vs ChangeDetection, keeping your view up to date** Have you ever wondered how your application knows which parts of your view need to be updated? What a Virtual DOM actually is; and what Angular developers really mean when they're talking about ChangeDetection? Together we'll dive into this unseen layer of your favorite framework and untangle the mystery behind how, why and when parts of your application are being updated! **About Iben** Iben Van de Veire has been an Angular developer for almost as long as he has had a curly moustache; and loves to combine his passion for web development with his never ending love for talking. By day he's a senior frontend developer at Craftzing, by night an avid zoo fan and YouTuber. And somewhere in between, in the twilight hours, he spends his time tinkering with open-source development! **Talk 2: Your password has been breached!** Did you know the data of over 17 billion (!) breached accounts is just floating around the internet? Here's the catch: that's actually a good thing! We'll find out why while navigating concepts such as cryptographic hashing, k-anonimity and padding. You'll come out wiser on the other side! **About Karel** Karel is a lecturer in web development at Arteveldehogeschool. He loves both Angular and React, so don't ask him to pick one! \*\*\* Fronteers BE is a subgroup of Fronteers, the Dutch community for front-end professionals. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment. If you have witnessed, or experienced any unacceptal behavior or remarks at one of our events, please reach out to someone in our team of event hosts/organisers. **Our host** [Craftzing](https://www.craftzing.com/) is a transformation partner focused on shaping and building digital products and services that change how organizations work. We operate in Belgium, in environments where scale, complexity, and responsibility are part of everyday reality. We work end-to-end. From strategy and design to engineering, operations, and long-term ownership. Always with people at the center, both the users of what we build and the teams who build it. Not as separate tracks, but as integrated solutions that keep working in production. For people starting here, that means working with context and impact. You understand what you’re building, who it’s for, and why quality matters. At Craftzing, roles come with ownership from the start. Today is a first look at how we work. And what it means to be part of teams that don’t just design digital solutions, but carry them forward. **Location** Craftzing - Ghent office [Dok-Noord 5, 9000 Ghent](https://www.craftzing.com/who-we-are/offices#ghent:~:text=Ghent-,office,-Dok%2DNoord%205)

Would you like to be less overwhelmed by what’s going on around you? To learn a lifestyle practice that will help you feel more grounded, more in control? Mindfulness is a pathway to clarity, relaxation, self-guidance and happiness. It offers a map and instructions on how to navigate through life, with some universal truths, suggestions and practices. Join me and learn how to become more aware of how you are and use your body as a guiding radar for your wellbeing. This four hours workshop has been designed for beginners and as a refresher for more experienced meditators. You will have the opportunity to experience different mindfulness meditations and discover its benefits for your daily life. The fee for this workhop is donation based but it requires a registration in order to reserve a place. **registration**: gfitterer@googlemail.com * **Location :** The venue is at CHS Community Help Service, Nachtvlinderslaan 26, in 1000 Brussels * Please register soon, as there are only 8 seats available.

**Cinema Galeries : La Plaga** 12/03 @ 19h00 [...] The film is a combination of fiction and reality, which deals with the impact of the economic crisis. ‘La Plaga’ tells the story of five different characters living in the suburban area of Barcelona that are all hit by the consequences of the economic crisis. For more than four years Ballús worked together with these characters with the aim of showing their fight for survival in times of economic depression. For that reason, she has painted a portrait of the lives of five people living on the outskirts of a city, fields, streets or industrial parks. The movie tells the story of five apparently independent people, who end up connected to each other. Iurie, a Moldavian wrestler, works for the farmer Raül, who has big crop failures because of a plague of insects. The third is his neighbour Maria, who has to move to a retirement home, because of health problems. There she gets to know the Filipino elderly care nurse Rosemarie, who walks a cart-track every day to come to work where she always passes Maribel on a beach chair. Maribel tries to earn her living as a prostitute so she and her unemployed son can get by. Ballús explains that the film is based on true life stories, real emotions, situations and genuine characters. However nevertheless the director points out that “La Plaga is more of a composition than truth. The word documentary has high brow connotations, but it means not being manipulated or constructed. But for me everything in a film is constructed and manipulated, so it is more a film than a documentary.” Ballús’ movie wants to reflect the current critical situation in Catalonia, Spain and Europe. “We are all living in a situation of uncertainty about the future, a feeling of being lost in the system and excluded by politicians.” The film shows the difficult and unfortunate situation of five different people, but despite life’s hardships how they can handle their daily life and this is a big strength. That’s why Ballús wanted to present her story in this film, because these characters are real heroes of everyday life. [...] [Cinema Galeries](https://galeries.be/fr/lheure-dhiver-2026-la-plaga/) [Karina Reinhard, for the Agència Catalana de Notícies](https://www.catalannews.com/culture/item/catalan-film-director-neus-ballus-presents-la-plaga-at-the-berlin-international-film-festival) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**

Shake off the workday and train with a welcoming crew of internationals and Brussels professionals. This is a **co-hosted session with F45 Brussels**—fast, fun, and coached circuit training that fits perfectly after work. **Why join?** * **Community vibe:** Friendly, social, in English. * **All levels welcome:** Coaches demo every move with **easier/harder options**. * **Time-smart:** 45 minutes, full-body, high energy, great music. * **Accountability:** Come with the group, leave with endorphins. **What we’ll do** 1. Quick intro & warm-up 2. **F45 functional circuits** (intervals that mix strength + cardio) 3. Team finisher & cool down 4. Optional post workout social drink/rooftop bowling nearby (meet new people, not just new burpees 😉) **Good to know** * **When:** Thursday, **6:30 PM start** (arrive 6:15 to check in) * **Where:** **F45 Brussels** (Brussels Central Station) Galeries Ravenstein * **Bring:** Clean trainers, towel, water bottle * **Fitness level:** Beginner to advanced (scalable stations) * **Capacity:** Limited spots — **RSVP required** * **Price:** Free weekly tryout **Who this is for** * New in Brussels and want a **friendly fitness + social** routine * Busy professional looking for a **structured, coached** workout * Sunday Vacations regulars who want to stay fit for hikes & trips **About F45** F45 = **Functional 45-minute training**: coach-led, station-based, results-driven. Expect variety, technique tips, and a positive team atmosphere. See you on the floor at 6:30! 💪🏽✨ By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

We will be walking through the forest for a little over 1 1/2 hours, silently, just noticing the world around us and inside us. The idea is to experience the magic of a different type of walking, The invitation is to slow down and notice what is going on inside you and around you. Very often people experience a closer connection with nature and with self, with sometimes surprising insights. *Please make sure you are fit enough to go the 4.5 km distance. We will be walking slowly, but we will not take any breaks.* We will be meeting at the Hermann Debroux Metro at **14h**. (Exit straight ahead after leaving the platform--on the Loxam side). If you RSVP as coming, please be on time. We will be starting our walk from there 5 min. after the hour sharp. There is the renovated Maison de Prieur at the exit of the forest where we could gather for a drink or a meal after our walk, depending on what you feel like. Looking forward to an inward adventure? Come and join us on **Saturday, March 14, at 14h** My phone number is 0472 92 11 76, in case you need to communicate with me.

After several walks and activities together, it felt like a good idea to simply **meet and spend some relaxed time together**. So this is a very simple gathering: we meet on the **terrace of the Maison du Prieur at Rouge-Cloître**, have a drink, talk, and get to know each other. No formal activity, no structure — just a moment to connect with other members of the **Happy Body community**. If the weather is nice, Rouge-Cloître is one of the most beautiful natural spots in Brussels, with forests, ponds and quiet paths. Feel free to come for **10 minutes or stay longer**.

Making new friends in a new city doesn’t need to be a struggle at all.

This is an open Circle for anyone and open to constellate on any subject. It's a good way to get started if you've been wanting to see what Constellations is all about. We will start with some bodywork exercises and then there will be time for three Constellations on any topic. ​A Constellation is a means for accessing the timeless map you hold within, linking the past to the present and the present to the future. It's a tool to find the origin of the problems we face today such as repeated patterns, blockages, relationship difficulties or health concerns, to name a few, and has the power to reveal hidden dynamics not visible to the normal eye. Then a healing exchange takes place and steps are taken to free you from the past and put you on a road to freedom, understanding and authenticity for your future. ​There are two ways to participate, either as a participant or Space Holder in the Circle or to bring a topic to constellate as an Issue Holder, which is limited to three places. Although one person will bring a subject to constellate, everyone participates. A Constellation is a Healing Circle for all who attend. Price for Space Holders: 50 Euros (12 spots) Price for Issue Holders: 165 Euros (3 spots) ​Date: Saturday, March 14th ​Time: 3:00 to 7:00 pm Location: Shanti Home: Rue Darwin 8, Brussels 1190 (Forest) ​\*There are three spots available for Constellations. Contact me if you'd like to reserve one of these spots. \*Spots are limited for both roles to ensure enough space in the room, although the room is very spacious. *Modified price for students or if you are unemployed. Write me if this is your case.​*Payment must be made beforehand. You can register either to the following account or pay by credit card or PayPal by following the link to the website. Register here: https://www.gettotheorigin.com/brussels-events For bank transfer instead, email Meghan for details. ​Contact: Meghan +32 468 455 273 meghan@gettotheorigin.com www.gettotheorigin.com

Let's read and discuss non-fiction together. In **March** we will be discussing "Your Inner Fish: a Journey into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body" by Neil Shubin. For more information about the book check out goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1662160.Your_Inner_Fish How it works: - 10-15min Introduction round - 1 - 1,5h Free discussion around the book - 10min selection of the next book. (We will vote between three possible books. I bring two suggestions and we select a third one from the group. So if there is a book you like to discuss feel free to put it forward.) Don't worry if you cannot finish it in time. Just join us for a coffee or tea and a good conversation. :) Happy reading!

This is it—the ultimate window to see the Northern Lights at their strongest in our lifetime. The Sun is reaching the peak of its 11-year cycle, and 2026 will be the final year of maximum activity before the auroras fade in intensity for a decade. We’re heading to Iceland during the new moon and spring equinox (March 17–23, 2026)—a cosmic alignment that gives us the highest possible chance of seeing the skies explode with color. 🌌 What’s included 6 days/5 nights around Reykjavík & the South Coast 2–3 guided aurora-chasing nights (weather permitting) Visits to waterfalls, glaciers, black-sand beaches & the Golden Circle Time to relax in Iceland’s hot springs and enjoy its culture 💡 Why this trip matters Miss this moment and you may need to wait until the late 2030s for conditions this good again. 🌍 For who? Travelers who love nature, adventure, and international company. Expect a mix of hikes, sightseeing, and cozy evenings under the stars. ⚠️ Limited spots—reserve early to secure your chance at witnessing the Northern Lights at their peak.

It is no secret that throughout the history of the (western) world, the individual has played more and more of a central role. When it comes to morality for example, we rarely talk about virtue, duty or the cosmic order, but mostly about pleasure, pain, human rights, … things that pertain to individual persons. During this meetup we'll discuss what came along for the ride: an idolization of authenticity. Why is “Be yourself” such an attractive slogan and what does it mean? Is being authentic always better or can it be dangerous? Are populists and extremists not the most authentic politicians? If we then consider the rise of synthetic materials, plastic surgery, virtual reality and artificial intelligence, is authenticity doomed? Is the popularity of "Reality TV" and online influencers not a sign that authenticity can be gamed? What is the difference between something/someone seeming authentic and actually being authentic? Or was authenticity an illusion all along? What (in)forms this self we need to be true to? How can we trust our own interpretation of ourselves? Come and join this philosophical conversation as you are - and try to arrive on time so you can get a drink before we start :) Cover photo: Echo and Narcissus by John William Waterhouse

Free at Bexley Library Adventures in Ecological Horticulture with Rebecca McMackin Wednesday, March 18 1:00pm - 2:30pm Gone are the days when a garden could be ornamental alone. We now recognize the impact that our land care practices have on the ecosystems around us, and can see the importance of encouraging biodiversity. Thankfully, we do not need to sacrifice beauty when we invite butterflies and songbirds into our gardens. Rebecca McMackin has cultivated gorgeous landscapes in the toughest environments possible: urban parks, school playgrounds, and the sidewalks of New York City. She will take lessons from her work at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and decades of research to share how those of us who are fortunate enough to care for land, can do it beautifully and ecologically. Rebecca McMackin is an ecologically obsessed horticulturist and garden designer. She writes, lectures, and teaches on ecological landscape management and pollination ecology, as well as designs the rare public garden. She is currently Lead Horticulturist for the American Horticultural Society, an Associate with the Harvard Divinity School’s Thinking with Plants and Fungi Initiative, and Consulting Arboretum Curator for Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY. Rebecca spent a decade as Director of Horticulture of Brooklyn Bridge Park, where she managed 85 acres of diverse parkland organically. Their research into cultivating urban biodiversity and ethical management strategies has influenced thousands of people and entire urban parks systems to adopt similar approaches. She has been published by and featured in the New York Times, Gardens Illustrated, on NPR and PBS. Her garden for the Brooklyn Museum recently won the PPA’s Award of Excellence and her TED Talk has been viewed over a million times. She holds M.Sc. from Columbia University and University of Victoria in landscape design and biology and recently completed the Loeb Fellowship at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. This program is presented in partnership with Rooted in Bexley and generously funded by the Bexley Community Foundation and Bexley Community Author Series Fund.

This is not an event, but an announcement that we are accepting new members. If you'd like to pursue joining our group, please write us at columbusmensgroup@gmail.com with a few paragraphs about yourself, what you'd like to experience in the group, and the contribution that you'd like to make. Thank you!

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

By popular demand, we're reserving a special meeting to watch the Oscars at Studio 35...

Join us for the Spring edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/895148649812928), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating vegan eats, handmade goods, and the beauty of the season. Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this new chapter reflects what the event has always been — a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 local vendors offering seasonal vegan eats, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products. Come support local makers, share good food, and celebrate the beginning of a new season with us. Admission is Free.

This 1967 film is widely regarded as one of the best American movies ever made. Now remembered almost as much for its Simon and Garfunkel music as its deadpan comedy and being the role that established Dustin Hoffman as the hottest actor in Hollywood. It became a cultural icon for capturing the spirit of 60s angst of a young man on the make, while garnering a batch of Oscar nominations. After watching the movie on your own, join us to relive (or experience!) those feelings at our discussion.

Hosted by Wild Ones Columbus How to Install a Bog Garden, with David Marsolo Saturday, March 14th, 2026 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Eastern Time) Innis House (Inniswoods Metro Park) , 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking A bog can serve the same functions as a traditional rain garden but has the advantages of being low maintenance, climate resilient and attractive for a much longer part of the year. David Marsolo is a long time Wild Ones member. He has been maintaining artificial bogs at his suburban Westerville home for about 20 years. He will describe how to install a bog and fill it with many interesting native plants including pollinator and host plants https://columbus.wildones.org/calendar-of-events-and-programs/?wo_event_id=11160