Green Home

For our next hike we'll be following a beautiful 9.5km route starting at Soest-Zuid train station and ending at Amersfoort Central Station. On the way we'll pass by the Soesterduinen dunes and the Birkhoven forest. Will you join? Utrecht Hiking Community aims to organise one hike per month in the Utrecht Region. Anyone is welcome to join, no matter whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, a local or an expat, a professional or a student, as long as you bring a good mood. We are not about fast hiking, but about social hiking: being active, exploring places, meeting like-minded people and just generally having a fun walk. We'll be starting from Soest-Zuid train station at 10.30AM. This time we won't be following a circular route, which means we won't end at our starting point, but we'll end at Amersfoort Central Station instead. Those who want to return to Soest-Zuid station afterwards to get back to their car, can take bus 70 from Amersfoort, which is going every 15 minutes. Please try to arrive to Soest-Zuid on time. We'll start our hike at 10.30AM and won't let the whole group wait for you in case you're arriving later. Only in case the train scheduled to arrive at 10.24AM has some delay, we'll wait for that train to arrive. If you're arriving after we have departed, you can send a message on WhatsApp to +31621177691, so we can share our location with you and you can try to catch up with us. Soest-Zuid station has a toilet, but please don't count on it to work. When checking the route, it was closed. On the way there are no public toilets, so please use a restroom before you arrive. The route is going over both paved and unpaved roads and we'll even be walking through the sand of the Soesterduinen dunes for a bit (not for long, as it's harder to walk through the sand than on the paths). Please wear good shoes, bring something to drink for on the way and use SPF if it'll be a sunny day Dogs are allowed on the route, but need to be kept on a leash on parts of the route. After the walk, those who want can join for lunch/drinks in the center of Amersfoort. This is not directly next to Amersfoort Central Station, but at a distance of another 15-20 minutes of walking. Since we do make some costs while organising our hikes (MeetUp subscription, travel expenses), a small donation would be very much appreciated. You can do so by following this link: https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=s9tT34cUyD97YuSHhIYbTIqN4LfxLAn9 If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. See you on Saturday 9th of May at Soest-Zuid train station!

## Connect & Grow onder begeleiding van Pauline van Aken, auteur, spreker en trainer... ## Voel je dat je hoofd vaak te “vol” zit en heb je behoefte aan meer rust én echte gevoelsmensen om je heen in de natuur? ## Tijdens deze 1e Connect & Grow sessie, stap je even uit de drukte van alledag en kom je samen met een groep bewuste en gelijkgestemden. Een laagdrempelige, ontspannen meeting waarbij je kunt 'zijn' en we ook, als het weer het toelaat, een mooie wandeling maken. We ont-moeten, verbinden en doen tussentijdse korte, praktische oefeningen, waarbij je voelt dat je hoofd even met 'vakantie' is. De meeting vindt plaats in de natuur bij de Hoorneboegse Heide. Specifieke meetingpoint: Brasserie Zonnestraal op de parkeerplaats rechts van de zij ingang. Bij minder goed weer verzamelen we binnen in de Brasserie Zonnestraal. Wil je hierbij zijn, stuur dan een mailtje met je naam en mobiele nummer + de datum (zaterdag 9 mei) naar: info@paulinevanaken.nl Check ook even de site: Paulinevanaken.nl zodat je weet hoe ik eruit zie en wellicht kan ik je alvast inspireren met wat ik deel in verschillende podcasts en blogs. De kosten: €27,00 p.p. inclusief 't boek: VOEL, *terug in contact met jezelf,* exclusief drankjes en versnaperingen die bij de Brasserie mogelijk zijn om te bestellen. Ik kijk ernaar uit je te ontmoeten. Lieve groet, Pauline

This circular walk begins at Nijmegen Heyendaal train station and takes us through some of the leafiest parts of south and east Nijmegen. We’ll take in a tranquil botanical garden, walk through some lovely parks and forests and go uphill to Kops Plateau where we can get a great view of the Ooij polder (where we went on the previous walk). We can stop around half way for food/drinks at the Tantje Koosje. The walk features some good quality paths but there also patches through forests etc with uneven ground, so it is recommended to wear sturdy walking shoes. As always, remember to bring water and maybe some snacks. Trains go from Nijmegen Centraal to Heyendaal every 30 minutes leaving at 8 and 38 minutes past the hour. Journey time is 4 minutes. Buses 9, 10 and 15 also stop at the station. \*\* Please keep your RSVP up to date - walks tend to get full so if your plans change please change your RSVP to No and give someone else the chance to join \*\*

Kom gezellig een middag samen Warhammer of D&D miniaturen schilderen! We gaan schilderen in de Nieuwe Bibliotheek Almere in Almere-Stad: vandaag in de Jongerenafdeling. Wij (de lokale Warhammer club Warmere) zorgen voor alle benodigde materialen zodat je je creativiteit de vrije loop kunt laten. Of je nu een ervaren schilder bent of een beginner, deze meetup is de perfecte gelegenheid om nieuwe technieken te leren, tips uit te wisselen en in contact te komen met de lokale hobby- en gaming communities: Warmere als je Warhammer 40k of Age of Sigmar speelt, of GameMere voor D&D of bordspellen! Neem je eigen materialen mee of gebruik mijn verf en materialen. Als je een miniatuurtje nodig hebt, kun je er die dag een kopen of je kan er gratis eentje kiezen uit de gedoneerde miniatuurtjes, met dank aan clubgenoten van Warmere en www.restorehammer.eu ! Leeftijd: 12+ Let op: Deze meetup vindt plaats in een bibliotheek tijdens openingstijden. Houd rekening met andere bezoekers en materialen. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an afternoon of painting Warhammer or D&D miniatures alongside fellow enthusiasts! Hosted at de Nieuwe Bibliotheek Almere in Almere-Stad: today in de Jongerenafdeling. We (the local Warhammer club Warmere) will provide all necessary materials for you to unleash your creativity. Whether you are a seasoned painter or a beginner, this meetup is the perfect opportunity to learn new techniques, share tips, and connect with the local hobby and gaming communities: Warmere if you like Warhammer 40k or Age of Sigmar, or GameMere if you like D&D or boardgames! Bring your own materials, or use my paint and materials. If you need a miniature you can buy one, or choose one for free from the donated miniatures, thanks to members of Warmere and www.restorehammer.eu ! Age: 12+ Take notice: This meetup takes place in a library during business hours. Mind the other patrons and materials.

🌿🥾 Hello Hikers! Ready for a peaceful, classically Dutch escape? We’re hiking the **NS-Wandeling Gein en Vecht**, a stunning 14 km point-to-point trail from Abcoude → Weesp. This path follows the winding Gein river and feels like stepping directly into a 17th-century landscape painting. 🎨✨ Expect calm waters, historic windmills, and traditional houseboats as we wander through the lush meadows of the Dutch countryside. We’ll finish in the charming fortified town of Weesp, perfect for a celebratory post-hike drink! 📍 Start: Abcoude Station ⏰ When: Saturday\, 9 May \| Hike starts 10:45 AM \(please arrive 10–15 min early to gear up\!\) We’ll wait 15 minutes for everyone (11:00 AM) and then share our live location in the WhatsApp group for anyone joining late. 🥾 Distance: 14 km 👀 What to Expect • The winding River Gein, one of the most photographed rivers in the NL • Iconic Dutch windmills and historic pumping stations • Fort Nigtevecht, part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam (UNESCO site) • Wide-open meadow views and charming river-side houseboats • Finish in the scenic town of Weesp, famous for its canals and breweries • Plenty of "Golden Age" photo opportunities along the water Getting there: • Train to Abcoude Station (easy connection from Amsterdam/Utrecht) • The hike ends at Weesp Station, where you can take a direct train back 🎒 What to Bring • Comfortable hiking shoes • Plenty of water • Snacks and a light lunch • A windbreaker or waterproof jacket (it can get breezy by the water!) ⚠️ **Disclaimers** * Everyone is responsible for their own safety * The organizer is not responsible for personal injuries, transportation issues, health problems, loss, or damage * Hike at your own pace; the trail can be slippery after rain – wear proper footwear 📲 WhatsApp group for updates & coordination: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CX8pZUrRBqgDtX6BZGqOJH?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CX8pZUrRBqgDtX6BZGqOJH?mode=gi_t) 🔗 Join our WhatsApp group for future events: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMIoNQ1ovkO4sYEkWPZP92?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMIoNQ1ovkO4sYEkWPZP92?mode=gi_t) 📸 Instagram to share photos: [https://www.instagram.com/arezoo_hike?utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/arezoo_hike?utm_source=qr) Let’s hike, soak in the tranquility of the river, and toast to a great day in Weesp! 🐄🚲✨

Together with a few other artists and with Stichting Loods: a thrift shop supporting social reintegration we organise a cosy neighbourhood event (north from the Verkadefabriek area). Come by, have a cup of coffee and see what's there to explore! This event is also a part of Landelijk Atelierweekend (9&10 mei edition) a national open artist studio initiative: https://www.landelijkatelierweekend.nl/deelnemers For the first time I open the door of my art atelier to the public. I am so excited to share my art with you; no photos can beat the physical experience. Mirror yourself in art, explore events for creative rest and if you like it there: perhaps I will see you in my studio more often:) At this point of my artistic journey, I channeled my energy into a few series of physical works: paintings, mixed-media visual art and linocut prints. I am still in the moment of formulating my visual language, building the body of work, some may call it "a search for style" although it doesn't bring justice to the depth of that experience. As a starting artist, I search for pure, honest and uncompromising expression. I create from a place of vulnerability, meeting and accepting my Self in the process. Even though it is a process (and by definition it can never reach the ideal of perfection), it is so gratifying to see traces of that expression, an underlying pattern starting to permeate my work already. Art is a mirror. If an artwork speaks to you, it means you can find a piece of yourself in it. It is my greatest dream to create works that have the power to whisper to people in mysterious ways, helping them connect to their own feelings and touch their perception, creating experience. I have been walking this path blindly, without a plan or a solid foundation, taking risks and exposing my nervous system to a lot of change over the past few years. Following my intuition was the only way to save my Self. It did not feel much like a choice: I had to do it. The moments of doubt slowly abandon my body and mind, as my creative expression gets stronger. What I have made so far are the very first conscious steps of that journey as an artist. Bringing in structure, boundaries, work, showing up. Convincing myself that this is important and worth fighting for. Under my skin I finally feel that what I am about to create will not fade without an echo. There is so much passion and fire behind my actions: sparking from under my gentle nature. My abstract paintings are exactly about that: the series Elements explores how Fire, Air and Water search for balance. FYI I am not an established artist showing works in prestigious galleries and museums (yet). I am girl who went through a lot of effort to find her way back to herself, almost building a new identity from a thousand of scattered pieces. If that feels like an inspiration to you at this moment of your life: there is a chance my art will resonate. This is your invitation to my world; and to your own. To grow further and learn more about my own work, I need you: the viewer. You are my mirror. That is why I would love to have you there on the 9th of May. Come with your unique perception, curiosity and honesty: so that together we can learn from each other. Free entry. Spots unlimited.

* We **start at 11:15** at Raadhuisplein 1, 3951 XT Maarn https://maps.app.goo.gl/WogeofsFNuDyBgrN9 * Length: \~16.6 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by Train:** * To train station: Maarn https://maps.app.goo.gl/UkHaTRXZZW9zG3dn9 **Getting there by Car:** * Parking in the streets close to: Raadhuisplein 1, 3951 XT Maarn https://maps.app.goo.gl/WogeofsFNuDyBgrN9 **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=cqlYWv_MTpSjp2VkROXWhA * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

**Zondag 10 mei presenteert OPA een boekpresentatie voor Dingen doen denken, het nieuwe boek van auteur Jeroen van den Eijnde en ontwerper Jannie Guo.** Dingen doen denken bevat teksten die Van den Eijnde schreef tussen 1994 en 2025, van persoonlijke observaties tot bijdragen aan vak en publieksboeken over design en ontwerpend onderzoek. Kunstenaar en ontwerper Jannie Guo heeft het boek vormgegeven. Beiden verzorgen een presentatie met aandacht voor de teksten van Jeroen en het ontwerp van Jannie. Walter Jansen van Het Colofon gaat met hen in gesprek. Graag aanmelden via info@hetcolofon.nl met de vermelding van het aantal personen.

Hi everyone! With good weather present, let’s get together for a picnic-themed meetup! In the spirit of BYO things, feel free to join with food, drinks, blankets to lie down on, games, or just good vibes. If the weather allows and people are up for it, there’s always the possibility of follow-up drinks later that day. Exact Location to meet: Dropped pin https://maps.app.goo.gl/6SbDVFQJdP1WWVdG8 More tips on how to find the group will follow in the comments on the day of the meetup. Hope to see you there! :) In case of bad (NL) weather, the Picnic might be moved to another day.

Join us for a relaxed and friendly matcha tasting meetup. I’ll bring matcha for everyone to try, and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks, including alcohol if you like. This is a casual event for meeting new people, enjoying Japanese tea culture, and spending a cozy afternoon together. Beginners are very welcome. Free to join.

Tickets may be purchased here: https://hipsy.nl/event/202332-authentic-dating-45-tot-65-jaar After the huge success and sold-out editions our last Authentic Dating events, we're back with a new edition! And this time a 45+ event <3! What to expect We offer playful ways of interacting, partly with a soft, sensory approach and partly through meditative presence. You’ll skip the superficial small talk and learn how to connect in an open, honest, and playful way. During this event, we combine dating with light, conscious touch and body-based exercises. You’ll learn to better feel and communicate your desires and boundaries, while discovering whether there’s a genuine connection. Throughout the afternoon, you’ll move through a series of carefully guided encounters. These experiences help you show up as your true self, communicate openly, and explore different forms of connection. During this gathering, we use accessible, playful, and partly body-oriented exercises to create connection — with yourself and with others. We alternate between working with the whole group and in smaller groups, allowing space for both depth and lightness. We will also offer dating opportunities with 1 on 1 exercises. By the end of the day, you’ll go home feeling connected, inspired, and equipped with practical tools you can apply in your everyday (dating) life. Afterwards, participants will have gotten to know each other in an open, playful, and authentic way, with meaningful — and possibly romantic — connections emerging. Practicalities Date: Sunday, May 10th, 2026 Time: doors open at 12:45, start 13:00 (we start on time; doors close shortly after) Participants: max. 26 Age: 45–65 years Dress code: festive and authentic — dress as you would for a fun date or special occasion. Health: if you’re not feeling well, please stay home out of care for yourself and others. Inclusivity: everyone is welcome, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Good to know - The afternoon is guided in a safe and respectful setting - You always choose who you want to do exercises with - You can set your boundaries at any time - We facilitate the experience but do not actively matchmake - The main language is Dutch, but you’re welcome to speak English during exercises if preferred - Snacks and drinks are provided (vegan-friendly)

Come and join us for an evening of Buddhist meditation with like-minded people. The doors open at 7:00 PM, and meditation begins promptly at 7:15 PM. The meditation will last between 30 to 40 minutes, followed by tea and biscuits for anyone who would like to stay and chat. On some evenings, there will also be a short Dharma talk to provide some Buddhist context. The meditation space is down at the canal. To get there, you can take the stairs down. The meditation is offered on a donation basis. See our [website](https://utrechtbuddhistcentre.nl/) for more information.

**We have limited space at the café, so if you've RSVPd and can't make it, please cancel as early as possible so another person can join!** Join in for a morning of crafting & chatting over a drink. Just bring your own project and payment for drinks. Meet fellow crafting enthusiasts, whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique! We talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning in good company. We now also have a WhatsApp group, where we want to organise get-togethers and other events. Ask one of the organisers at the next Meetup you join for more information and access.

Community Backyards Workshop Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) * Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 * Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM * Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! **AND TODAY IS OUR THIRTEENTH ANNIVERSARY!!!** So be ready for a celebration of everything that's made Improv Meetup wonderful: you, the amazing performers! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Open to public: Friday, 5/15/26: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 5/16/26: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by OSU The 2026 Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser Location: Lawn area south of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center 2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 Spring Plant Sale Spring into greenery at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens! Join us for our annual Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser and dive into a lush world of botanical delights. With over 16,000 fresh, exotic, and time-tested edible and ornamental plants, there's something for every green thumb! Experience the thrill of our tree and shrub auctions, where you can bid on unique specimens to enhance your garden sanctuary. Step into our Learning Lab, where engaging educational demonstrations on various garden topics will unfold throughout the three-day sale, enriching your knowledge and inspiring your green endeavors. Take part in an exciting, live auction offered each day, as well as a silent auction on Thursday and Friday. Explore vendor booths brimming with gardening essentials and delightful treasures. And while you shop 'til you drop, indulge in delectable treats from a delicious, local food truck. Proceeds from this event go directly to The Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum, student organizations, and local businesses alike. Come one, come all! Let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together. Credit/debit cards only.