Midlife Reinvention For Women

***Are you an adult looking to learn how to swim or improve your basic swimming skills?*** Dive into a fun water workout session designed specifically for adults in ***Utrecht De Kwakel!*** Whether you are a beginner looking to improve your swimming skills or a fitness enthusiast wanting to engage in recreational water sports, this event is perfect for you. Join us for an exciting session filled with swimming lessons, exercises, and social interactions. Meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for fitness, exercise, and water activities. Our experienced instructors will guide and support you, ensuring you have a great time in a safe and friendly environment. Don't miss this opportunity to stay active, meet new people, and have a blast in the water. Sign up now for a refreshing experience and fun times with our Swimming Lessons for Adults group! ***Please RSVP to secure your spot as spaces are limited. We look forward to helping you gain confidence and skills in the water!***

Sharing Stories is an international storytelling event based in Utrecht, which aims to give the stage to anyone who would like to share a personal story with the audience - no prior experience needed! 🌸🌿 In addition to providing a platform for storytellers, Sharing Stories also serves as an event where people can meet and connect with others from different cultures and backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or simply looking to listen and enjoy the stories of others, Sharing Stories is a place where you can wind down, listen, and find new connections! So come join us at de Nijverheid and listen to our six wonderful speakers. If you’re feeling adventurous, we might even bring you on stage!

#This meetup is around a third-party organizer (Focus Filmtheater): you can either purchase your ticket online or right before the session# **Title**: The Love That Remains **Language**: Icelandic **Subtitles**: English **Length**: 109 min **Director**: Hlynur Pálmason **More info**: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/agenda/english-subs-the-love-that-remains/ **Ticket link**: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/tickets/140394/ **Synopsis**: Anna and Magnus are getting a divorce. Nevertheless, they still spend time together regularly for the benefit of their three children, Ída, and the twins, Þorgils and Grímur. Magnus works at sea and is often away from home for long periods of time. Artist Anna creates impressive works of art that do not get the recognition they deserve. In search of meaning, both parents go their separate ways in this new, strange reality. But what happens to the love that remains after a break-up? **How it works**: I will be at Focus around 18:30, where we can meet before the movie starts. You can message me to find us. Screening starts at 19:00. After the movie, we can have a drink together. Hope to see you soon!

Do you want to try out what improv theatre is all about? This is your chance! In this short introduction course you learn the basic techniques and mindset of improvisation, through fun and easy games. You will explore: * playfulness * listening with intent * accept making mistakes, * discover your imagination and creative thinking, * build confidence, * improve your communication skills * and mostly: have fun! **Teacher Burgert Kirsten** **Course details** 13 lessons Including a show. Show date t.b.d. Course location ZIMIHC Wittevrouwen. Wed 21 Jan 2026 19:30-21:30. €305 Show date t.b.d. Improv Utrecht offers 2 funded courses with 20% discount for people with less finances. Send a message to Marieke van Laar. **Tickets: improv-utrecht.weticket.io**

**Welkom bij Coding Wednesday!** Samen duiken we in de creatieve wereld van programmeren. **Wat gaan we maken?** * Het legendarische spel Pong. Dit gaan we maken in de programmeertaal Python. **Heb ik voorkennis nodig?** Het is handig als je al wat programmeerervaring hebt en weet wat for-loops en if-else statements zijn. Zo niet, kijk vooral mee om iets op te steken. Of werk met iemand samen! Uiteraard kan je je voorbereiden met online tutorials zoals [deze](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uQrJ0TkZlc). **Wat heb je nodig?** * Je eigen laptop met WiFi aansluiting * Installeer een **code editor**. Novi studenten kunnen PyCharm gebruiken. Anders is [VSCode](https://code.visualstudio.com/download) een prima editor * Installeer Python op je laptop. Dit kan via hun [website](www.python.org/downloads/) **Is er een minimum aantal aanmeldingen?** Deze Coding Wednesday gaat door als er 5 aanmeldingen zijn of meer. Dus vergeet vooral niet om je aan te melden :) Mocht het niet doorgaan, laten we dit hier weten voor 20 januari 12:00 uur! Details: 📅 Wanneer: Woensdag 21 januari, 14:00 uur (tot uiterlijk 17:00) 📍 Waar: Op locatie! Newtonlaan 247, Utrecht (4e etage)

### Better scenes and short form games Take your improv skills to the next level! In this 12-week course, you’ll expand your improvisation toolbox with a variety of scene-based and short-form games that go deeper into storytelling, character work, and emotional truth. This course is designed for improvisers who already have stage experience and are ready to explore more nuanced and theatrical aspects of improv. Over the course, you’ll learn how to perform a show of improvised games and scenes using a mix of formats, including open scenes without clear structure. You'll develop stronger acting skills to make your scenes more grounded, believable, and engaging for an audience. * Playing short-form games with more depth, intention, and character * Creating believable, emotionally truthful characters * Greater depth of relationships * Understanding story structure to support longer and more layered scenes * Performing open scenes with no fixed structure * Working with the audience: asking for suggestions, presenting your game or format clearly * Building commitment and presence on stage * Preparing for a public performance as a group * more feedback from the trainer Are you ready to go beyond the laughs and bring real stories to life through improv? Then this is your next step! **For whom:** This course is for intermediate players – ideally you’ve completed at least two improv courses and have performed in at least one show. You’re comfortable on stage and ready to challenge yourself with deeper scene work. **Course details:** The intermediate course by Emma, the groupis called "Time Well wasted" This is a very socially active group. There will probably be another Intermediate course with teacher Rutger Pull. 1. Wednesdays 21 Jan - 15 April 2026 lessons 18:45-20:30. Location Buurtcentrum De Oase (free parking and next to train station Zuilen. Teacher Emma Holmes. Show in April 13 lessons including a show €295 incl BTW T**eacher Emma Holmes** Emma Holmes is specialised in Improv, Stand-up Comedy and Storytelling. Emma has a sharp eye for how you can become a pleasant co-player for the other players. You will learn how you don’t have to act funny, but let the fun evolve from the story (finding the game). You will learn to be silly, out of your comfort zone without fear of failing, Presentation skills, active listening skills. And much more. € 295 inc 21% VAT for 13 lessons including a show ### ### About the tickets Improv Utrecht offers 1 or 2 funded courses with 20% discount for people with less finances. Send a message to Marieke van Laar. **Tickets: improv-utrecht.weticket.io** info: www.improvutrecht.nl/improvutrecht

Join in for a some drinks (and food, if you want) after work at **The 5th \| Utrecht**. Bring your own project and payment for drinks. As evenings tend to be a bit busier, we'll reserve a table. This means: **Only sign up if you are sure you will come!** And if there's no space left on the event, please don't join spontaneously. \-\-\-\-\- As always, we talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a drink after a long day in good company. Whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique, we're looking forward to seeing you!

**Real Estate** is a new series dedicated to exploring villas, estates, and remarkable buildings across the Netherlands — places that are often overlooked, not because they lack beauty or significance, but because they still exist quietly within the fabric of everyday life. The first event of the series takes us to **Kasteel Groeneveld**, an elegant 18th-century country estate in Baarn with a distinctly international character. Built as a buitenplaats for the ruling elite, Groeneveld offers a rare opportunity to explore how architecture, landscape, art, and daily life were once woven together. During our visit, we will explore both the **castle itself** and its vast **130-hectare estate**, discovering how regents lived, how the gardens and kitchen plots functioned, and how nature and culture were carefully shaped to coexist. The park is full of quiet details and unexpected corners that reveal a different perspective on Dutch history and landscape design. This is not a rushed visit or a checklist of highlights, but a slow exploration of a place designed to be experienced through movement, space, and time. ### Practical information * **Meeting point:** 13:00 at bus stop *Drakenburgerweg*, Baarn * We will walk together from there to the estate and begin the exploration * Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the size of the park ### After the visit After exploring the estate, we will stop at **Grand Café Groeneveld**, located on the grounds of the castle. The café offers a small but interesting selection of beers from local microbreweries such as **Swarte Os** and **Gooische**, providing a relaxed moment to reflect and exchange impressions after the walk. **Real Estate** is about discovering places that quietly shape the cultural landscape of the Netherlands — buildings and estates that tell stories not through spectacle, but through presence.

## Brick the shapes of the New Year! As we step into a new year, we’re welcomed by a fresh landscape of opportunities, ambitions, and challenges waiting to be shaped. It’s the perfect moment to refocus, redefine our goals and re-energize the way we work together. Starting 2026, we’re using **LEGO® SERIOUS GOALS®** @ the **Scrum Facilitators** to help us transform ideas into tangible results. LEGO enables us to visualize our thoughts, explore possibilities with our hands and build shared understanding within yourself. By turning abstract goals into something physical, we create clarity, alignment, and space for creativity. **What can you expect from the event?** * Craft your concrete goal for 2026 * Powerful coaching of yourself done by you and by others * Help keeping yourself accountable of your goals * Metaphors & visualizations * Curiosity & reflection * Lots of fun :-) **Evening Plan:** 17:30 - 17:45 Walk In, Network 17:30 - 18:30 Intro and getting into it 18:30 - 19:00 FOOD 19:00 - 19:50 Goal Building 19:50 - 20:40 Note to Yourself, Make goals concrete 20:40 - 21:00 Walk Out, Network 21:00 Please go home you lovely people :)

Get ready to laugh till you cry with top international comedians at Tierney's Irish Bar - it's going to be a night to remember! Tix available via link below: https://fienta.com/nl/international-stand-up-comedy-at-tierney-s-nijmegen-in-english Fancy some Thursday night laughs? Then come on over to Tierney’s Irish Bar & Restaurant for some top headline acts from the UK and European comedy circuits! See some top headline acts from the UK and European comedy circuits who you won’t normally see in NL. With well-seasoned MCs, strong support acts and emerging talent, this show has it all! We even have a good selection of cheap beers, fun people and a real community vibe. Our headliner in January is Jessie Nixon (UK). A fast-rising Bristolian comedian with a magnetic stage presence, razor-sharp writing, and a brilliantly offbeat charm. Her five-star, award-winning 2025 Edinburgh Fringe show cemented her status as one of the most exciting new voices in UK comedy. “Make no mistake, Nixon is destined for greatness” The Evening Standard ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Undeniably funny” Chortle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Genuinely outstanding” Broadway Baby Fresh from a five-star, award-winning run at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, she’s been nominated for Ish Comedy Awards Best Newcomer and the Chortle Comedians’ Comedian Award. Jessie’s past accolades include winning the chortle hotshots 2025, Funny Women Stage Awards (3rd runner up) BBC New Comedian of the Year Regional Finalist, and Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year She plays top clubs across the UK and has supported Fern Brady, Lou Sanders, Helen Bauer and Kate Butch on tour. Plus awesome support acts! Seats will be reserved based on RSVPs. Please let Sharon know at the door if you are with Meetup and want to be introduced to any other Meetup attendees at the show! An hilarious monthly show featuring some top names, a great night out with friends, a date, you work crew or just come alone and meet other comedy fans.

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS] Travel / Parking info: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS]

## 🎨**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!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

During this open day, you’ll learn all about the many exciting aspects of a coaching training program and find out if this career path is the right fit for you. **Special thanks to our friends at the Academy for Coaching and Counselling (ACC) for hosting this event.** **ACC in a Nutshell** * **30 Years of Experience:** Since 1996, the ACC has trained thousands of successful coaches and counsellors. Most of them still hold a thriving practice, work as a teacher in the profession or have excelled in their professional careers. * **Comprehensive Training:** Develop your coaching and counselling skills from foundational techniques to advanced specializations with the ACC’s flexible two-year English training program, tailored to support your unique learning path. * **National and International Recognition:** Exemplary recognition for its institute and educational programs. * **Flexible Learning Options:** The ACC training programs take place in various cities in the Netherlands or in a live online setting, accessible worldwide. **Join the open day in Utrecht** Would you like to discover whether a coaching or counselling training program suits you? Or are you already a coach and would like to level up your skills? **If so, join the ACC-team at the open day on Saturday the 24th of January 2026 in Utrecht. The event will take place from 1.00 pm until 4.30 pm. Participation is free of charge.** **Location:** Marekerk Zandweg 126 3454 JZ Utrecht **During this open day you will:** * Receive information about how to become a coach or counsellor in The Netherlands. * Discover the ACC’s training programs and what can be achieved with them. * Meet teachers, staff, and former students. * Get informed about the ACC’s accreditations and recognitions. * View course materials. * Receive advice on which training program suits you best. **Register** [FREE](https://tinyurl.com/Acc-openday-Jan24th) **About ACC** The Academy for Coaching and Counselling (ACC) has offered training programs in the field of coaching and counselling since 1996. We stand for a personal approach with a focus on our students’ unique life paths. At the ACC, we attach great importance to quality. This is also reflected by our various accreditations, certifications and quality marks. We offer training programs in which people discover and develop their own talents, and learn to guide others in their process. In Year 1, you’ll learn the fundamentals of coaching and counselling. After completing this first year, you can deepen your skills and choose to specialize further – for example, by continuing with Year 2 or enrolling in our Addiction and Recovery specialization. Both Year 1 and Year 2 programs are available either in-person (classroom) or Live Online (via Zoom). The online program gives you the possibility to be guided by a teacher and practice with your fellow students onscreen from anywhere in the world.

⚠️🦖 **IMPORTANT**: You need to be a registered attendee to get access to Bitbash. **Get your free ticket at**: https://www.bitbash.nl/tickets Dutch Azure Meetup is partnering with Info Support to bring you **Bitbash**; an exciting FREE conference that will cover the latest Microsoft technologies and innovations. Whether you're interested in .NET, Azure, Data platforms or AI, Bitbash will let you take your skills to the next level! Inspiring community speakers will present you with insightful sessions, real-world experience, and compelling demonstrations. Check the full agenda at https://www.bitbash.nl/agenda! Bitbash is an in-person event that's held on Saturday January 24 at Info Support in Veenendaal. Additional pre-conference workshops are organized on Friday January 23. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and network with like-minded professionals. See you at the event!

The I AM Worthy of Credit™ Sunday Brunch is an intimate, in-person gathering designed for women who are ready to restore confidence around money, credit, and homeownership—without shame, pressure, or comparison. This experience was created for women who know there is more available to them, but need a safe, affirming space to reconnect with their worth and clarify their next steps.

Join Soft Life Society for a cozy and intentional Cultural Potluck Night centered on community, connection, and culture. This is a potluck-style gathering where each guest is invited to bring a dish that represents their culture, heritage, or a family tradition. We will be tasting and sharing each other’s cultural foods while connecting through conversation, laughter, and soft living. The evening will also include fun games and a prize for the winner. Drinks will be available, but guests are welcome to bring their own favorite beverage if they prefer. This is a relaxed, welcoming space to slow down and enjoy a beautiful evening together. Limited spots available. RSVP required.

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.