Historic Buildings

I'm excited to host the 17th edition of *Strangers to Friends*! Every event so far has been warm, fun and full of great connections. So we’re doing it again! Curious about our previous events? Check out our photo albums (only visible on the laptop version of Meetup). **What to expect** * A safe, relaxed environment to meet both locals and expats, whether you want to meet new people, experience an international atmosphere or talk about business, it’s all possible. * Start the evening with a few rounds of conversation cards: pair up with someone you don’t know, answer meaningful questions and rotate every 10 minutes. Within just one hour, you’ll get to know several people really well and enjoy meaningful conversations. * Everyone comes on their own, so it’s easy to connect. **Practical details** * Doors open at 20:00, after 30 minutes we start with conversation cards * Venue: Boekencafé Libertas, Klarendalseweg 477-1, Arnhem * 20 min walk from Arnhem Central * 7 min walk from Arnhem Velperpoort * You’ll receive 2 drink tokens for (beer/wine/soft drinks) and snacks all night! * Find us on the right side of the café at the bar, by the window and garden Bring a smile and join us for an evening where friendships grow, business ideas spark and real-life connections happen. Back to basics, away from screens, meeting face-to-face. Warm regards, Julia

Kom gezellig een middagje samen Warhammer of D&D miniaturen schilderen! We gaan schilderen in de winkel Animerch in Almere, vlakbij het Centraal Station Almere-Stad. 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 middag is de perfecte gelegenheid om nieuwe technieken te leren, tips uit te wisselen en in contact te komen met de lokale hobby- en gamingcommunity: Warmere als je Warhammer 40k en Age of Sigmar speelt, of GameMere voor D&D en bordspellen! Neem je eigen miniaturen en materialen mee of gebruik mijn verf en materialen. Als je een miniatuur nodig hebt, kun je er (alleen) die dag een kopen, of gratis eentje kiezen uit de gedoneerde miniatuurtjes. Het is een beperkte selectie, maar prima om mee te beginnen. Leeftijd: 12+ Let op: Deze samenkomst vindt plaats in een winkel tijdens openingstijden. Houd rekening met andere bezoekers en materialen. Eten en drinken zijn niet toegestaan, behalve drankjes die we in de winkel kunnen kopen. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an afternoon of painting Warhammer and D&D miniatures alongside fellow enthusiasts! Hosted at the shop Animerch in Almere, close to Central Station Almere-Stad. 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 event is the perfect opportunity to learn new techniques, share tips, and connect with the local hobby and gaming community: Warmere if you like Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar, or GameMere if you like D&D and boardgames! Bring your own miniatures and materials, or use my paint and materials. If you need a miniature you can buy one (only) that day, or choose one from the donated miniatures for free. This is from a limited selection but good to start practicing with painting. Age: 12+ Take notice: This get-together takes place in a shop during business hours. Mind the other patrons and materials. No food or drinks are allowed except beverages we can buy in the establishment.

Ben jij gefascineerd door de wereld van hacking en cybersecurity? Goed nieuws! Wat ooit een exclusieve serie workshops was voor studenten van NOVI, is nu toegankelijk voor iedereen met een passie voor hacking. 🚀 **Hack Friday** is jouw wekelijkse dosis cybersecurity praktijk. Elke vrijdagochtend duiken we samen in de diepe, duistere wereld van een nieuwe machine of challenge, onder de deskundige begeleiding van een van de cybersecurity experts van NOVI. Het is de perfecte manier om je skills te testen, te verbeteren en iets nieuws te leren in een vriendelijke en ondersteunende omgeving. 🛠️💻 ### Wat heb je nodig? * **Een werkende Kali Linux installatie**: Zorg dat je klaar bent om de uitdaging aan te gaan met je eigen Kali Linux setup. * **Een nieuwsgierige geest**: Heb je zin om te leren en uitgedaagd te worden? Dan pas je perfect in onze Hack Friday! ### Waarom meedoen? * **Leer van de besten**: Onze cybersecurity experts staan klaar om hun kennis te delen en je door de challenges te begeleiden. * **Wekelijkse uitdagingen**: Elke week bieden we een nieuwe machine of challenge aan, zodat je je vaardigheden kunt blijven ontwikkelen. * **Ontmoet gelijkgestemden**: Sluit je aan bij een community van enthousiaste hackers en cybersecurity professionals. ### Details: * **Wanneer**: Elke vrijdagochtend * **Waar**: op locatie in Utrecht * **Voor wie**: Iedereen met een interesse in hacking en cybersecurity, van beginners tot gevorderden. Ben je klaar om je hacking skills naar een hoger niveau te tillen en deel uit te maken van onze groeiende community? Sluit je dan aan bij Hack Friday en daag jezelf elke week uit met nieuwe en spannende cybersecurity avonturen! 🌟🔒 Registreer nu en laat zien wat je in huis hebt! Wij kunnen niet wachten om je te ontmoeten.

## Details **What is Toastmasters?** Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that’s been empowering people to become confident communicators and leaders since 1924. Worldwide, there are more than 266,000 members in over 14,200 clubs in 150 countries. In the Netherlands, there are over **40 clubs** across the country, including those in major cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam. This network of clubs and their learn-by-doing program is sure to help you improve. You can visit Toastmasters clubs as a guest or become a member. **What does a meeting look like?** Some of the members give short, prepared speeches, which other club members later evaluate. A typical meeting also includes short impromptu speeches. In this improvisation part of the meeting, everybody gets a chance to speak, including guests, if they wish. We usually end the evening with a drink at the bar. **How do I become a guest at a meeting?** It’s easy! Simply RSVP for one of our upcoming meetings here on Meetup to let us know you’re coming. If you have any questions, contact us at [utrechttoastmasters@gmail.com.](http://utrechttoastmasters@gmail.com./) If you visit and like us, we can talk about membership! **Additional information** Our cozy venue has a maximum capacity of 30 people - perfect for an engaging. Please be on time to grab a seat and mingle before the speeches begin!

**Join us for Winter Drinks for Expats & Locals!** Shake off the winter blues with warm vibes and even warmer company! ❄️ We’re excited to invite you to Winter Drinks on **Friday 20 February**, **from 20:00 at** **Bloemerbar** **in** **Nijmegen**. This evening is all about meaningful connections, laughter, and cozy conversations in a relaxed and friendly setting. **What to Expect** * A warm and welcoming atmosphere to brighten up the winter season. * Conversations with a diverse group of attendees from all over the world. * A laid-back evening of cultural exchange and new opportunities. **Who Should Join** * **Expats** eager to meet new people and expand their network. * **Locals** looking to connect with an international crowd and share their culture. * **Anyone** ready to enjoy a fun, informal evening with great company. Don’t miss this chance to beat the winter chill with our vibrant community. **RSVP now** and join us for an unforgettable evening at Bloemerbar!

Join us for a fun session of improv theatre in English! A great opportunity to meet new people in Utrecht and learn something new with [Improv Utrecht](https://improvutrecht.nl). Everyone can partcipate, you don't need any experience in theatre nor fluency in English. In this session you will: * Meet fellow international and local players. * Learn the basics of improvisation, a 21st-century skill that is useful in many aspects of life. * Get out of your head. * Enjoy failing. * Play funny and moving theatre games. * Laugh a lot, while surprising yourself and others. Doors open: 19:50-20:00, come in with the others ([SIDE entrance, at the Troelstralaan](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ntLDUqbkDxMHjp7B7)). After 20:01 the door may be closed, but you may find a participant who knows the door code. Workshop: 20:00-22:00 Every Friday except in school holidays Afterwards we have drinks at [O'Leary's](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gL878K1MZf8v5fpm7) pub together ### How to sign up Full details about how to sign up and any other questions you may have can be [found on our website](https://www.improvutrecht.nl/drop-in-workshops/). An RSVP in this Meetup event is not enough! We track attendance by counting the attendants in GrasshopperSignup. If you flag yourself as attending and can no longer make it, please delete your x in the sheet so that someone else can take your spot. If you leave your contact details at the Signup form we will contact you if there is a problem with a drop-in you are scheduled to attend. We also have a WhatsApp group with a variety of members from across Utrecht where we share events and updates. You can find our courses and shows on [our website](https://www.improvutrecht.nl). Participation is pay-what-you-can, but we suggest a donation of €10-20 by cash or Tikkie to help cover costs (location, travel) and show your appreciation for our professional trainers who dedicate their Friday to promoting improv.

Local 🤝 long-stay international professionals new to Amsterdam. In-person, interest-based, content-heavy, one-off, small group. This evening is not about drinking, flirting, awkward talks, or leaving unfulfilled. **I’m a Dutch local with first-hand experience of Amsterdam’s social and cultural life since I was little.** From clubs and theaters to restaurants, dancing, parks, neighborhoods, media, subscriptions, subcultures, trends, and more. My insider knowledge and enthusiasm are especially valuable for **international professionals who are new to the city and looking to settle in for the long term.** A bit about me: I’m Emma (F, 34), a professional, having worked at an international corporate and earned a double master’s degree. I’ve also lived abroad across six continents. The aim of this evening is simple: I want to **share as much as possible about Amsterdam with you and point out places, events, and more that match your interests.** My hope is that this increases your chances of meeting like-minded people, including locals, and feel more at home. I consider the evening a success if you leave with more energy than when you arrived! I firmly believe that **no one should feel lonely in a city that has so much to offer**, and Dutch locals can play a big role in making international newcomers feel at home. I’ve booked a **table for 6, starting at 20:30** in one of my favorite bars. Looking forward to seeing you there and enjoy the Friday evening! Get off that couch! **Please** **send me a DM to confirm** **your attendance** in addition to your RSVP to prevent no-shows.

Build with AI 2026: Agentic Hackathon 📢 Important Participation Rule ⚠️ Hybrid Speakers, In-Person Builders: While our expert speakers may join both online and in-person, this hackathon is an In-Person Only experience for participants. To form a team, build your agent, and qualify for the final prizes, you must be physically present at the venue in Ahlen. Let's build the future together, face-to-face! 🤝 About Build with AI Hackathon Build with AI 2026 is here! This is a community-led, hands-on hackathon where developers of all levels acquire and apply skills to prototype, build, and deploy applications using the latest Google AI technologies: Gemini 3, Vertex AI, AI Studio, and Antigravity. Our hackathon is a two-week intensive sprint focused on AI Agents and the ADK (Agent Development Kit). Participants are actively engaged in rapid problem-solving, moving from initial ideation to a functional, tangible prototype. Goal: Transform an idea into a working solution using Google’s AI ecosystem to solve real-world challenges. Hackathon Schedule & Format The event is structured into two Saturday sessions to allow for deep building and technical excellence: Part 1: Ignition & Agent Construction (First Saturday) Introductory Session: Direct deep dive into Gemini 3 and the Antigravity IDE. Tools Exploration: Hands-on setup of the ADK (Agent Development Kit). Team Building: Finalizing teams and brainstorming agentic workflows. Building Phase: Immediate start on prototypes with direct support from mentors. Mid-Week: Development Sprint Continuous building and remote collaboration. Access to Google Cloud resources and community technical channels. Part 2: Final Sprint & Pitch Day (Second Saturday) Project Finishing: Final technical polish, debugging, and deployment. Live Presentations: Teams showcase their functional agents and "Skills" to the community. Judging & Awards: Evaluation by industry experts followed by the Gift Giving ceremony and exclusive Google AI swag. Participant Resources Cloud Resources: Claim your Cloud OnRamp credits to use Google Cloud Platform at no cost during the event. Official Recognition: All participants receive the Build with AI 2026 Attendee Badge on their Google Developer Program profile. Expert Guidance: Work directly with trainers and experts to master agent creation. Part 1 : Build with AI 2026: Agentic Hackathon Part 2 : Build with AI 2026: Agentic Hackathon 🎁 Exclusive Rewards To celebrate your progress, we have special Google AI Swag for the top performers: 👕 Limited Edition T-shirt 🎒 Premium Bag Prizes will be awarded during the Final Ceremony in Part 2! #BuildWithAI This is a hybrid event. Join the event virtually at https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-ahlen-presents-build-with-ai-2026-agentic-hackathon-part-1-2026-02-21/ or in person at Initiative Bürgerzentrum Schuhfabrik e.V. - 7 Königstraße Ahlen, 59227 *** Agenda 3:00 PM: 👋 Check-in & Welcome Registration and informal greeting of participants. 3:30 PM: 🎤 Keynote: The Era of Agents Intro to Gemini 3, Vertex AI, and the vision of Antigravity. 4:00 PM: 🛠️ Tech Deep Dive: ADK Presentation on the Agent Development Kit and AI Studio workflows. 4:30 PM: 💻 Workshop: Hands-on Setup Live coding: Setting up the environment and deploying a basic "Hello World" agent. 5:30 PM: 💡Idea Pitching Open mic: Anyone with an idea shares it in 60 seconds to attract teammates. 6:00 PM: 🤝 Team Formation Creating teams, assigning roles, and initial brainstorming of the agentic workflow. 6:15 PM: 🍕 Networking & Kick-off Teams start their project outlines. Mentors provide feedback on feasibility. *** Hosted By Chidera Onuma, Hassan Adams, GDG Organizer passionate about building inclusive developer communities and helping people grow through technology. Data analyst with a focus on business analysis and business intelligence. Background in mobile development, mathematics, statistics, and computer science, with a strong interest in startups and real-world problem solving. Startup founder and current Business Informatics student at Fachhochschule Südwestfalen. I enjoy connecting people, sharing knowledge, and supporting developers at every stage of their journey. Suzan Aydın, Subsidies Management (Working Student) Background in information security, AI governance, and technology risk, with a strong interest in how AI systems are built, deployed, and governed in practice. Passionate about responsible AI, secure-by-design systems, and bridging the gap between engineering, regulation, and real-world use cases. Denys Doroshev, GDG Organizer I'm a Product Manager and Organizer for Google Developers Group (GDG) Ahlen, where I work to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth within the developer community. In my professional career, I serve as a Senior Regional Sales Manager at Metal Work Pneumatic, focusing on B2B sales in industries like metallurgy, machine building, and agriculture across Ukraine. I also work as a Technical Director at Bray International, Inc., where I specialize in system integration and providing engineering solutions for large enterprises. With over a decade of experience in technical management and sales, I am passionate about connecting people, ideas, and businesses to drive impactful change in the tech and industrial sectors. Adewumi Saheed Adewale, GDG Organizer Anna Muzykina, GDG Organizer Passionate Flutter Developer & AI Engineer \| Google Developers Group Ahlen Organizer \| Flutter Ahlen Organizer \| Women Techmakers Ambassador \| Quantum Computing & ML Explorer \| Mentor at Groundbreaker \| Community Builder Passionate about empowering women in tech through community building, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. I’m a skilled Flutter developer with a strong foundation in Dart, Firebase, and AI ecosystems, and I’m proficient in cross-platform development using frameworks like Flutter and React. Currently, I’m exploring the potential of AI and ML, with a focus on Vertex AI and Gemini, to bring innovative solutions to mobile app development. Known for my ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and consistently deliver high-quality results, I thrive in collaborative environments and approach each challenge with a growth-oriented mindset. Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-ahlen-presents-build-with-ai-2026-agentic-hackathon-part-1-2026-02-21/.

We’re heading into the heart of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug for a beautiful loop hike starting and ending at station Driebergen Zeist. From the station we quickly enter the wide open heather fields of Groote Heidestein, with heather fields, sandy paths, and a wonderfull spacious feeling. We follow these open landscapes all the way to the forests surrounding the Pyramid of Austerlitz. After about 10 kilometers we take a well deserved break at the pyramid. You can grab a snack or drink there, or enjoy your own packed lunch. This is the area where the famous wolf Bram once roamed and made the news. The situation has since settled, so the coast is clear again, but it adds a touch of wild history to the landscape. From here we loop back towards Driebergen Zeist through landgoed Heidestein. This section is full of surprises, including narrow passages and small tunnels that make the walk feel playful and slightly adventurous. We finish back at station Driebergen Zeist, completing a varied and scenic hike through one of the most beautiful parts of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. **📍When and where to meet?** We’ll meet at 10h30 under the tracks of train station Driebergen Zeist. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JdRccArNqxzvFb6U8 ⏰ 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?** You can park here but please also do your own research: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WSMa4XaaP7U5awwf8 **⏸️ Planned Breaks** After 10 km: Lunch break at Pyramid of Austerlitz (bring snacks!) After 15 km: Break at cafe for drinks and snacks **💸 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 event is full, so the payment link has been removed. **👟 Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 13 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. * 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.

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

Join us for a beautiful hike on the Amerongse Berg * We **start at 12:00:** P+R Veenendaal West Dichterslaan, 3906 EN Veenendaal https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVjPTE2c6HsmLqQi6 * Length: \~16 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: Veenendaal West https://maps.app.goo.gl/H7LyWsb8KRdenzWT6 **Getting there by Car:** * Free car parking at P+R Veenendaal West Dichterslaan, 3906 EN Veenendaal https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVjPTE2c6HsmLqQi6 **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=vezo1ouZS0yORJXINF58jA * 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.

**RSVP's at MeetUp.com are limited to a total of 10 and will be ignored. If you would like us to wait for you when we walk, please register for this photowalk at our Clubhouse:** **[https://www.heylo.com/events/94898f98-af8d-4b65-b31d-922abfe6568e/-OkK0Y01aPSczd7oO6jf](https://www.heylo.com/events/94898f98-af8d-4b65-b31d-922abfe6568e/-OkK0Y01aPSczd7oO6jf)** *\* The event is listed at MeetUp for promotion only.* *\* The number of attendees listed here is not the actual number.* \~ Let's try out **Forced Perspective** Photography. Simple idea, but it takes a bit of preparation: • Bring a small object or toy, like a miniature dinosaur, toy car, playmobil or lego character for example. Any object is allowed. • During the walk, find a location where you can place your object against any background to create your forced perspective. • A tripod may be needed as you may want to use a very small aperature and longer shutter times. For inspiration, google 'Forced Perspective Photography', or check the following websites: [https://digital-photography-school.com/forced-perspective/](https://digital-photography-school.com/forced-perspective/) [https://toyphotographers.com/2022/04/26/forced-perspective-toy-photography/](https://toyphotographers.com/2022/04/26/forced-perspective-toy-photography/) [https://fixthephoto.com/forced-perspective-photography-ideas.html](https://fixthephoto.com/forced-perspective-photography-ideas.html) We will meet at Domplein, near the Sun (big orb) in front of the Academiegebouw of Universiteit Utrecht, where we can start and walk to other locations in the Utrecht City center. No scheduled route, wherever the wind takes us... After the walk we could stop for a drink at Mariaplaats (optional, not included and at your own expense), share our results and talk photography. ***Let's meetup and have fun!*** *Please note:* * ***The photowalk starts at the posted time.*** Try to be there early, but if you are running late... just find us. The link to live location of the group (via Google Maps) will be shared in the Event Chat in our Clubhouse at [https://heylo.group/utrechtphotography](https://heylo.group/utrechtphotography). * ***If you register for this photowalk and you can not make it, please update your RSVP!*** * The photowalk could be cancelled or postponed in case of really bad weather. * The end time is an estimate only; the length of the actual walk could be different from posted. * Check before you go if all your equipment is working properly; lens cleaned, batteries charged, memory cards empty. * ***Come prepared:*** wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a snack, check the weather forecast - and don't forget your camera * The organisation is not responsible for any personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property during the photowalk. Participants are advised to have appropriate (travel/liability) insurance. * During the walk, pay attention to your surroundings, traffic, curbs and people. * ***Be respectful of residents, their property and privacy.*** *And finally:* * Any type of camera is welcome. * If taking pictures or making photos gives you joy, you are more than welcome!

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Good Cafe](https://goodcafeeaston.com/)!

#### Turning Rentals Into Income: How Investors Pay Off Properties Faster #### **Featuring Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** #### A lot of people get into real estate because they want freedom. Then they buy a rental…and realize most of the rent goes straight to the bank. They technically own property, but the mortgage controls the income. And waiting 30 years for properties to be paid off doesn’t feel realistic. This meetup is about understanding a different way to think about rental properties… one that focuses on paying them off sooner so the income is actually usable. **Featured Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** We’re excited to welcome John Blackburn as our guest speaker for this event. John has been actively investing in real estate since 2006 and has: * Been involved in **5,000+ real estate transactions** * Helped investors **acquire over $150 million in rental property** * **Raised more than $100 million** in private capital John didn’t start with family money or shortcuts. He built his portfolio by focusing on clear systems, real numbers, and long-term strategy. For this meetup, John will walk through how investors shift their focus from simply owning rentals to building properties that eventually pay them…without a mortgage attached. **What You’ll Learn** John will break down, in simple terms: * Why most rental properties don’t produce much usable income early on * Why buying more rentals isn’t always the answer * How investors structure their properties to pay off mortgages in a fraction of the time * How properties can work together to eliminate debt faster * What changes once rentals become free and clear This approach is often referred to as an accelerated paydown strategy — using rental income intentionally to reduce debt sooner, rather than waiting decades for mortgages to run their course. John will also share a simple calculator you can use to see how this works with real numbers and realistic scenarios. **The Core Idea** When a rental has a mortgage, the rent has one job: **pay the bank.** When a rental is paid off, the rent has a different job: **pay you.** Most people only see one timeline…30 years. This session shows how investors shorten that timeline and gradually increase their income as properties become free and clear. **Who This Event Is For** This event is for people who want more than just “owning rentals” on paper. * Rental owners who are tired of most of the rent going to the bank and want a clearer path to real, usable income * New investors who want to understand how rental properties actually build wealth over time before jumping in * People with capital who want to invest in real estate with intention and a long-term plan * Anyone serious about freedom and curious how rental properties transition from debt-heavy assets into income-producing ones **Event Details** **Location:** Ohio Brewing Company - 421 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 **Date & Time:** January 25th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** If you’ve ever wondered how rental properties actually turn into freedom —this is the room to be in.

Coffee and conversation at [Stauf's Coffee Roasters](https://www.staufs.com/) in German Village. Street parking is free on Sundays.

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

This is an in-person meeting. Did you know that unwanted emotions like loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, anger, fear, anxiety, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not chemical imbalance in your brain due to some nebulous chemical reactions by chance. Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. For instance, let's say you are already carrying a huge load on your back, then you cannot take on much more, but, let's say something else happens to you, such as the difficulties from the Pandemic, then the resultant combined weight on you can take you over the edge, kind of like the straw that break the camel's back. When this happens, people's attention usually goes to the straw that was added, but actually the majority of the weight had come from the huge load that were already there, holding a person down and causing a person issues. So how do you remove the huge load that was already there? How do you lighten them up? Is it possible to get rid of them? That is what this meeting will be all about. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

**Summary** For this event, we will do the [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at [The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/), a ten-thousand acre conservation center in Muskingum County. It is the largest such center in North America and one of the largest in the entire world. During this tour, we'll visit The Wilds' rhino herd in their state-of-the-art heated barns and learn how The Wilds' animal management team takes care of one of the largest herds of rhinos outside of Africa and Asia. **The date and time of this tour** We will be doing the 1:00 p.m. [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) on Saturday, February 28. The tour is scheduled to last 90 minutes. **What you need to do to attend** Signing up here on Meetup will not get you into The Wilds for the tour. You must go out to The Wilds' [website](https://www.thewilds.org/) and [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour). Please [purchase your ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour), then sign up here on Meetup so I know how many to expect. **Attendance cap** There are only eight total slots/tickets available for this tour. As I obviously have already bought one of the tickets, that leaves seven spaces for everyone else. If you are interested in this event, I urge you to [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at The Wilds' website as soon as possible. Since their website is obviously public, nothing prevents other people having nothing to do with *GOhio!* from buying their own tickets, thereby potentially taking an available slot away from you. **Additional notes on attendance** I have now run several events at The Wilds. While the location of The Wilds and the pricing of the tickets generally leads to small turnouts, the people who have gone have all enjoyed it and were glad they went. If you've never been to The Wilds and you like zoos or animals at all, you are likely to find any tour at The Wilds to be a rewarding experience. **Tickets and pricing** [Tickets](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) for this tour are $95, or $76 if you're a Wilds' member. I've posted screen shots, below, to help you be sure you're buying tickets for the correct event. Wilds' memberships pay for themselves if you go to The Wilds at least twice a year, and [Columbus Zoo members](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) get a discount on memberships to The Wilds. I will always run at least two events a year at The Wilds. Tickets for all Wilds' tours must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of the actual tour. **Cancellations and refunds** Per The Wilds' [Cancellation Policy](https://www.thewilds.org/policies): *In order to be eligible for refund and accrue no rescheduling fees, cancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance of reservation. Cancellations made within 14 days of reservation will not receive a refund.* You may [contact The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/contact) at (740) 638-5030 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or you can email them at information@thewilds.org. **Waiver of liability** After you purchase your ticket, you will likely be asked to fill out a waiver of liability. This is a very short document and should take you no more than two minutes to complete. **Where we'll meet** We will meet at The Wilds, whose actual address is [14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732](https://www.google.com/maps/place/14000+International+Rd,+Cumberland,+OH+43732/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837dae07a595557:0xa1ceca93325a8bd1?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Please try to be there by 12:30 p.m. For most Wilds' tours, a shuttle bus will take you to the actual spot of the tour. So think of this as though you're going to the airport to catch a flight. It helps to be on time. The Wilds generally asks that people arrive at least thirty minutes because the scheduled start time of their tour. **GPS / Getting to The Wilds** The Wilds is in a very rural area, but I've never had a problem getting there with my GPS (I have Verizon). I've also uploaded a JPG map, below, of Muskingum County. Sometimes, though, it's hard to get a signal when you're at The Wilds and getting ready to leave. So you might want to consider downloading an offline map in Google Maps. Your cell phone should pick up a signal, however, within a few minutes after you leave. The Wilds' Visitor Center does have free Wi-Fi. **Carpooling?** If you want to carpool, I recommend discussing this in the comments, below, to this event. While I don't myself carpool, I will do what I can to help you arrange something if I can. **The weather** Dress for the weather. Just because the barn is heated doesn't mean it will be warm. And wear closed-toed shoes. Wilds' tours typically run no matter what the weather is. **After the tour** Once we're done with the rhinos, we'll head over to the very highly rated [Y-Bridge Brewing Company](https://ybridgebrewing.com/). The brewery is about thirty minutes from The Wilds, and it will be on the way back to Columbus for most, if not all, of us. The brewery's actual address is [1417 Linden Ave Ste D, Zanesville, OH 43701](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1417+Linden+Ave+d,+Zanesville,+OH+43701/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837edd6cc50824f:0xe3a0af1ccb2aefbf?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Y-Bridge Brewing does not serve food; however, they have several [food options](https://ybridgebrewing.com/food-options). I encourage you to check these out ahead of time on their website for yourself. However, here are a few of them: *Within walking distance -- 120 feet away* * [Angry Bull Saloon](https://www.facebook.com/AngryBullSaloonZanesville/) (pizza & subs) * The Corner Pub Sports Bar and Grill (classic bar food) *Delivery options -- [Door Dash](https://www.doordash.com/)* * [4 Star Pizza](https://fourstarpizza.com/), (740) 452-9300 * [Donatos](https://www.donatos.com/), (740) 452-7900 * [Pizza Cottage](https://www.pizza-cottage.com/), (740) 455-6000 * [Dominos](https://www.dominos.com/), (740) 455-3126 * [Papa John's](https://www.papajohns.com/), (740) 450-4100 If you live in the area or can't make The Wilds but still want to meet us at the brewery, that's fine too.