Non Fiction Book Club

**☃️ Weekly Anime Night - Winter Season ☃️** Your friendly neighbourhood anime club is there to get you through those cold days. We continuing with the season of **Fate/strange Fake!** 📅 **Event Series Details** **Dates: May 10th** **Time: 19:00–21:00** **Location:** Buurtcentrum De Speler, Thorbeckelaan 18, 3551 BR, Utrecht 🎬 **What’s the Plan This Week?** 1. Before we start watching, enjoy chats with other joiners, meet new people and get comfortable to start the show! 2. **Fate/strange Fake - episode 5** 3. Break – Grab a drink, chat, and stretch those legs. 4. **Fate/strange Fake - episode 6** 5. Break – Grab a drink, chat, and stretch those legs. 6. **Fate/strange Fake - episode 7** 7. Closing & Hangout – Let’s talk reactions, highlights, opinions, hot takes, and everything in between! **🎒 What Should You Bring?** Your favorite snacks and drinks (not provided) Your love for anime Friends, or just your awesome self – all are welcome! 🎟️ **Free & Open to All!** This is a non-commercial, community-driven event created by fans, for fans. Whether you’re new to anime or a seasoned otaku, there’s a seat on the couch for you. 🎌 **About Utrecht Anime Club** U.A.C. is an ever-growing group of collaborative and diverse people. Our goal is to bring people together from all across Utrecht (and beyond!), to create cozy and inclusive events in which we share our love of anime. 🔍 **Questions?** Drop them in the event chat – we’re happy to help! Come for the anime, stay for the laughs, finale vibes, and great people. See you there! ✨🎥🍿

## Love is in the air…! After the crazy success of our first event, we're back with more connection games! This time, the games will be much shorter (15-20 mins each) to allow for easier rotation. For those who're new here, Affinitee hosts slow dating events focused on discovering relationships built on compatibility over superficiality! **No more swiping, skip the bad dates!** ### *This is how it works:* 1\. Before you arrive at the meetup\, you fill in a fun 5\-10 minute questionnaire before registration below \(if you haven't already\)\. We explore different aspects of relationship compatibility using this questionnaire\. To make use of the pre-matching facility, we recommend registering on the website as well. You may sign up here https://affinitee.eu/au-event-3 2\. A match will be automatically assigned \(if available\)\, based on your given criteria \(age range\, children\, location etc\.\) as well as the overall compatibility score based on your questionnaire answers\. 3\. At the event\, you will be able to try out a multitude of board/card games that are specifically chosen to explore various aspects of relationship compatibility \(moral values\, decision making etc\.\)\. 4\. After each game\, you can choose to switch partners\, or continue with the same\, based on input from either parties\. 5\. At the end of the event\, IF you did indeed feel a spark with someone at the event \(and it is reciprocated\)\, we help you arrange a date with them\. You do not even have to exchange contacts\! **[!!IMPORTANT!!]** We recommend signing up through our website to guarantee a match as early as possible. But of course, even if no match is assigned to you due to late registration or gender imbalance, a majority of the games are still played as groups! *So nobody gets left out and everyone has a chance to meet and match with other singles.* We believe in conscious, compatibility based matchmaking. Don't waste your time dating the wrong people!

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

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

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

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)

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.

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

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

One final at a time!

Let's meet up for a round of beers and snacks as usual. Starts at 5pm but of course you can join later if you want. If you're new to the place, check for the left corner (with the couches) when you enter. See you soon! ;)

**"Kingfisher in Watercolours"** Join us for a watercolour workshop inspired by the dazzling colours and graceful presence of one of nature’s most striking birds. With an intimate group of just **five participants**, you will receive personal guidance and leave with your own vibrant artwork and a few beautiful memories. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or already experienced, this is a relaxed and welcoming space where we paint, chat, and enjoy the process together. 🗓 **Date:** May 10th, 11 am – 2 pm 💶 **Price:** €75 (€60 with a €15 discount using code “SAVE15”) 🎟 **Early Bird:** Two early bird spots available 📍 **Location:** Barkasstraat 33, Schepenbuurt – Utrecht 🎨 **What to Expect:** * All-inclusive artist-grade watercolour materials * Step-by-step guidance to paint a vibrant kingfisher * A cozy, supportive space for all skill levels * Coffee and tea included * Limited to 5 spots for a personalized experience * Free street parking 📌 **RSVP now to secure your spot:** [https://eventix.shop/jwj79yxy](https://eventix.shop/jwj79yxy) For any questions, email us at **poojavstudio@gmail.com** With the colours of nature and creativity, **Team RangArt** https://www.instagram.com/rangartbypooja/

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]

We invite you to an engaging evening of wine, cheese and lively conversation around NYT Editor's Choice ***All The Worst Humans: How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons, and Politicians,*** a bridge-burning, riotous memoir by Phil Elwood, a top PR operative in Washington who exposes the secrets of the $129-billion industry that controls so much of what we see and hear in the media—from a man who used to pull the strings, and who is now pulling back the curtain. **From Goodreads:** After nearly two decades in the Washington PR business, Elwood wants to come clean, by exposing the dark underbelly of the very industry that’s made him so successful. The first step is revealing exactly what he’s been up to for the past twenty years—and it isn’t pretty. Elwood has worked for a murderer’s row of questionable clients, including Gaddafi, Assad, and the government of Qatar. In *All the Worst Humans*, Elwood unveils how the PR business works, and how the truth gets made, spun, and sold to the public—not shying away from the gritty details of his unlikely career. This is a piercing look into the corridors of money, power, politics, and control, all told in Elwood’s disarmingly funny and entertaining voice. He recounts a four-day Las Vegas bacchanal with a dictator’s son, plotting communications strategies against a terrorist organization in Western Africa, and helping to land a Middle Eastern dictator’s wife a glowing profile in Vogue on the same time the Arab Spring broke out. And he reveals all his slippery tricks for seducing journalists in order to create chaos and ultimately cover for politicians, dictators, and spies—the industry-secret tactics that led to his rise as a political PR pro. Along the way, Phil walks the halls of the Capitol, rides in armored cars through Abuja, and watches his client lose his annual income at the roulette table. But as he moved up the ranks, he felt worse and worse about the sleaziness of it all—until Elwood receives a shocking wake-up call from the FBI. This risky game nearly cost Elwood his life and his freedom. Seeing the light, Elwood decides to change his ways, and his clients, and to tell the full truth about who is the worst human. As always, please feel free to join even if you have not finished the book - no stress :-) All attendees are asked to please bring one of the following: 1. A bottle of wine 2. Cheese and Crackers 3. An alternate beverage or nosh of your choice Host will provide glasses, wine opener, plates & napkins. To enhance the opportunity for great conversation, we would like to keep the group small. Please feel free to sign-up to meet us along with up to 2 friends. 📚 Exciting Updates for 2026 Book Club! 📚 Starting in January 2026, we’ll be implementing a new system for book recommendations that will make our reading selections even more collaborative and engaging! **Book Recommendations:** From January through October, members can submit book recommendations at each meeting, via email, text or Meetup DM. All suggestions will be added to a shared Google Sheet, which will include links to Goodreads and other pertinent information for each book. [LINK to 2027 BOOK LIST](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18AC_FH9bGGxyH6v7Rw36EvPtKtVl5e_N/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102804280893316002961&rtpof=true&sd=true) **Voting for 2027 Reads:** Our voting for next year’s book selections will take place during the November 2026 meeting. Members in attendance will have the opportunity to cast 12 votes for their favorite picks. If you’re unable to attend the November meeting, you can still participate! Simply submit 6 votes via email, text, or DM through Meetup before the start of the November meeting. **Announcement of Selections:** The chosen books for 2027 will be revealed at the end of the November meeting. We’re excited about this new process and can’t wait to see the amazing book recommendations you all have! 📖✨ PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMMITTED TO ATTEND WHEN YOU RSVP FOR THIS EVENT. We ask that ALL folks honor their RSVP. If you are unable to attend after sending in a YES, please update your status so that others may join us. In the event you do not communicate and are a no-show, your ability to RSVP for future events will be restricted. Thank you in advance for your understanding. If you are unable to join us in June, we hope you'll remain interested and join us for an evening in the future. Looking forward to wine & cheese with you soon - happy reading!

Our June book will be The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Book summary: A struggling writer steals a dead student's brilliant idea and watches his success unravel into paranoia and danger. Fairfax County Public Library meeting rooms can only be reserved up to 60 days in advance, so we don't have a location or an exact time for this meeting yet. Update to come when a room is booked.