HR and Training

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!

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 \*\*

## 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

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.

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)

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.

One final at a time!

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.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Resource Presentation** **What You Really Need to Know from an HR Professional** **Presented by Donna Giarratana** **Wednesday\, May 27 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a practical and insightful resource presentation designed to help small business owners navigate one of the most critical — and often overlooked — areas of growth: **Human Resources**. *** ## **About the Session** As your business grows, so do the complexities of managing people, processes, and compliance. Many entrepreneurs wait too long to think about HR — and by the time they do, they’re already reacting instead of planning. In this session, **Donna Giarratana** will break down what small business owners *really* need to know about HR — in a way that is clear, actionable, and relevant to your stage of growth. This conversation is designed to help you move from uncertainty to confidence when it comes to building and managing your team. *** ## **What You’ll Learn** * When it’s the right time to hire * How to set your business up for success before bringing on employees * Why HR matters — even for small businesses * Common pitfalls and how to avoid them * The foundational HR knowledge every business owner should have *** ## **Who Should Attend** * Entrepreneurs preparing to hire their first employee * Small business owners currently managing a team * Founders looking to strengthen operations and compliance * Anyone who wants to build a business with a strong, scalable foundation *** ## **Why Attend?** * Gain clarity on one of the most important aspects of business growth * Learn how to avoid costly mistakes before they happen * Ask questions and get real-world insight from an HR professional * Walk away with practical knowledge you can apply immediately *** ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **May 27** for coffee, connection, and a conversation that will help you build your business the right way from the inside out. We look forward to seeing you there.

Please join Robert Brandau, our Founding Director, for coffee, conversation, job search assistance and just the ability to get out of the house and be with others as we look for **QUALITY** Employment. Bring your laptop, (if you need a new one, please let [Career-Confidence.org](http://career-confidence.org/) know.) there will be plenty of time for us to work seperately. Occassionally we have "on the spot" interviews with others at Fairfax Coffee. Often times some of us will go out to lunch or a simple dinner afterwards.

Learn Kali at OSMA in Herndon, VA: a beginner-friendly Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) class that builds coordination, timing, and confidence. 🔥 Experience FMA training through **partner drills**, **movement flow**, and **practical self-defense applications**. In this session you’ll: * Train classic **FMA weapon systems** such as **rattan sticks**, **training knives**, and **empty-hand applications** of Kali and Arnis. * Develop **coordination**, **timing**, **range awareness** and **reflexes** through **practical drills** drawn from Filipino Martial Arts traditions. * Improve your **conditioning**, **speed**, and **agility**: FMA’s weapon-based flow patterns and hand-to-hand transitions push both **mind** and **body**. Join a supportive community of martial arts enthusiasts in [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) \-\- whether you're new to weapons training or experienced\, this class is designed to **challenge** and **reward**. This class is **open to all levels** and emphasizes **safety**, **precision**, and **continuous learning**. Whether you’re looking to explore **Filipino Martial Arts** (FMA) for **[self-defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense)**, **coordination training**, **weapons fluency**, or simply finding a **unique**, **dynamic workout** in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) -- *this is your class*. 👉 Come build real **skills**, boost **conditioning**, and ***train with great people*** \-\- j**oin us today and explore the flow and discipline of [Filipino Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_martial_arts)!** The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, **payable on-site**. We are located in **Suite #130** — let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest.

We will be meeting at Starbucks to learn together. Come with an online class you're already going through or an interest and we will try to connect you with a course where you can learn it. Already have a skill you want to contribute to a Kaggle Datascience competition? We will work on these too! Laptop required :)

**Agenda :** * 4.45 to 5.00 PM ET: Food and Networking * 5.00 to 5.50 PM ET: "Build Intelligent Agents with Work IQ, Foundry IQ, Fabric IQ, and Copilot Studio" Hello Everyone! Please join us for our May 12th edition of the AI-ML MeetUp. **Please note this is an in-person meeting and light refreshments/food will be provided. You will need a government-issued ID to enter the facility.** **Title:** Build Intelligent Agents with Work IQ, Foundry IQ, Fabric IQ, and Copilot Studio **Description:** What if your AI agents truly understood how your business works, had instant access to trusted enterprise data, and could take meaningful action from end to end? In this session, we’ll cover how to build enterprise-ready AI agents that understand business context, use trusted data, and take real action. In this fast-paced session, we’ll bring Work IQ, Foundry IQ, and Fabric IQ together with Copilot Studio through best practices and live demos. Key Takeaways: \*Work IQ: Ground agents in real work, roles, and business processes \*Foundry IQ: Design and orchestrate intelligent agent behavior \*Fabric IQ: Power agents with secure, enterprise-grade data \*Copilot Studio: Bring it all together into an end-to-end intelligent agent **Location:** The meeting will be hosted in the Applied Information Sciences ( AIS ) office in Reston, at 11440 Commerce Park Dr # 600 · Reston, VA. The location is also right off the Silver Line metro's Wiehle-Reston Metro Station. **Parking:** Parking is paid and can be validated at the AIS office reception. We will meet in Room Lake Anne. We hope to see you all there!!!!

If **CMMC** is on your radar (or keeping you up at night), this is the conversation you don’t want to miss! Join us on **Tuesday, May 12, 2026,** at **Honor Brewing Company** at **42604 Trade West Dr, Sterling, VA 20166**! Want a custom name tag to enhance your networking opportunities? Register here and yours will be ready at the door: https://share.hsforms.com/1YxovFyF9RzKCcq9EjAN8-wdwxz1 Join us for an “**Ask the CMMC Experts**” session with **Brian Gallagher and Carter Schoenberg of Koniag Cyber.** These two seasoned leaders have been deep in the trenches of cybersecurity, compliance, and national security! **Brian** brings 20+ years of experience leading cybersecurity services across **highly regulated industries** and a unique perspective as a former **U.S. Secret Service Technical Security Division** professional who has helped secure some of the nation’s most sensitive environments. **Carter** pairs 30+ years spanning cyber investigations, threat intelligence, and cyber law with hands-on CMMC leadership as a **Lead Certified Asessor**. He’s conducted 35+ independent CMMC assessments, supported 30+ Authorizations to Operate for **DHS and DoD**, and helped shape national conversations through work with **NIST, MITRE, and federal agencies.** Bring your questions, your challenges, and your curiosity on **May 12**, for this candid, practical conversation with **Brian Gallagher and Carter Schoenberg**, designed to help you move forward with confidence! **Agenda** 5:30 Social hour and networking begins 6:10 Welcome 6:15 Ask the CMMC Expert - **Brian Gallagher & Carter Schoenberg** 6:50 Q&A 7:00 Open Mic & Networking Continues 7:30 Adjourn