Social Issues

91st Regular Meeting of Ibaraki Toastmasters Club will be held on from 10.00 to 12.00 (Hybrid). You can join the meeting both online and in person. The meeting will be held based on the way of traditional Toastmasters club meeting. It consists of Table Topic Session, Workshop,Prepared Speech session and Evaluation session in English as follows. 10.00 Call to Order 10.02 Guest Introduction 10.15Table Topic Session 10.30 Intermission 11.00 Prepared Speech Session 11.40 Evaluation Session 11.50 Award Session 12.00 Adjouen The meeting is full of international atmosphere. Members cosist of American, Philippino, and Japanese. The meeting will be held (Hybrid ) . We will give the information of URL to those who register the participation in the event.

***A 3-night / 4-day mindfulness retreat in Azumino, Nagano. Reconnect with yourself, reconnect with each other, and reconnect with nature.*** Join us this **Golden Week** for a slow, grounding reset in the Japanese Alps. For four days we’ll **put our phones away, meditate, hike, soak in onsen, eat incredible home-cooked meals, and spend time in a small, warm community.** The theme of this retreat is **The Art of Forgiveness and Loving-Kindness.** We explore this in two ways: 1\. The practice of opening the heart starts with **forgiveness.** The invitation is to begin to release all the emotional baggage we are holding onto — to let go of trying to change the past — and to make deep contact with what’s happening in the present moment. 2\*\*. Loving-kindness, also known as *metta*\*\* in Buddhism, softens the heart and mind and opens the possibility to build a new relationship to ourselves and each other. To, quite literally, befriend ourselves and enter into a more ‘friendly’ way of being. This has the potential to repattern and deeply shift our baseline inner voice and behavior. We’ll explore these heart-based and compassion practices through **guided meditations, pair practices, and group practices both indoors and outdoors**. There will be plenty of time to go to the onsen, have meaningful conversation, do some light hiking, and enjoy the spacious views of the Japanese alps. **Details:** 👇 * **Dates:** May 1–4, 2026 (3 nights / 4 days) * **Location:** Iramu Karapute, Azumino, Nagano (arrive by 5pm [on this train)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/itqYfenJDFwqvdp47) * **Group size:** Max 12 participants * **Price:** ✅ **What's included** * 3 nights / 4 days at the retreat center * guided meditations + teachings * 3 meals per day * 2 onsen trips transportation to/from Hotaka Station (the nearest station) * optional 1:1 guidance during the retreat **❌ Not included:** The cost of transportation from Tokyo to the retreat center is not included in the price. The easiest way to get to the center is by shinkansen from Tokyo to Hotaka station. This is 7,500 yen one way. Also add-on services (acupuncture, massage, etc. if available) 🌙 **Who this is for** This retreat is for people who want a kinder, more heart-centered way of practicing mindfulness. Maybe you already meditate and want to explore practices like **metta, forgiveness, and compassion**, not just calm or focus. Or maybe you simply want a few days in nature to slow down, soften, and reconnect. It will also be a gentle crash course in heart practices, with space to practice both on and off the cushion. For those interested in going deeper, I’ll also offer guidance on how heart practices like metta and forgiveness can support deeper concentration and the jhanas. 🧘‍♂️ **What we’ll do** Over the four days we’ll blend: * guided meditations * nervous system + presence practices * heart practices * nature walks * two onsen trips * light partner exercises * creative / intuitive practices (movement, reflection, simple expression) There will also be plenty of downtime. This is not a silent retreat, but there will be periods of silence. 🏡 **Accommodation:** The retreat will be at the serene [Iramu Karapute](http://www.iramkarapte358.com/index.html) center in Nagano's wilderness, surrounded by the beauty of the Japanese alps. Food is cooked by the local staff and sourced from their gardens and is one of the highlights. Veggie options available. Max 12 people. 🙂 Picture of rooms [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/14S4j_GMC2J8YFZxSdBksdGM0d7vz48N9/view)**.** 💴 **Price:** **¥88,000.** **[Pay here](https://buy.stripe.com/aFaeVccl5geB0mrdZLafS1q)** by credit card or here by[ ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bq5BFENiVoIQh1ik-dxgyGnjkuiKG4uvIKaS5UgpwBM/edit?usp=drive_web&ouid=106280356530157518704)**[bank transfer](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bq5BFENiVoIQh1ik-dxgyGnjkuiKG4uvIKaS5UgpwBM/edit?usp=drive_web&ouid=106280356530157518704).** Bonus: integration night add-on is ¥17,000 (May 4–5). [Pay here.](https://buy.stripe.com/7sY8wO98TgeBb159JvafS1o) *Cancellation policy:* 100% refund up to 2 days before the retreat 80% refund up to the retreat day. No refunds once the retreat begins. 🌱 **Optional Integration Day** If you want more space to chill, you can stay one extra night: **May 4 → May 5 (checkout at noon): ¥17,000.** This includes meals, guided meditation morning + evening, optional 30-minute private coaching / meditation session with me, and a full free day to walk, journal, rest, return to the onsen, and integrate. That makes the full experience 4 nights / 5 days. **🧥 What to Bring:** * A towel for the shower + onsen * Comfortable clothes; sweat pants, yoga pants, hoodies. * Comfortable shoes for walking/hiking * Water bottle * Notebook * An open heart and open mind :) 📍 **Meeting Point:** [Iramu Karapute](http://iramkarapte358.com/) and location on [Google maps](https://goo.gl/maps/BNabV1G2S4maeJLe9?coh=178573&entry=tt). We will meet at Hotaka station. I recommend [this train.](https://maps.app.goo.gl/itqYfenJDFwqvdp47) The retreat will provide free car transportation from **Hotaka station to the center at 5:00pm Friday,** meeting at Hotaka station. Our dinner is at 6pm and opening ceremony at 7pm. If you plan to arrive earlier or later, you can get a taxi from there to the center. If taking a car directly there, parking nearby is provided free of charge. **📵 Digital detox:** We will take your phone at the start of the retreat and keep it in a safe place until lunch time on Monday. Please make arrangements to be completely offline. Emergency contact is 08051858742 (Misha). Don't worry, we'll get plenty of pictures! 📝 **Questionnaire:** Everyone is required to ***[fill out the questionnaire/ waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ogceqDpuae5rezZwPKtighkLjUpTmTtzvPFIg9mcRQw/edit?usp=sharing)*** before the retreat. 👥 **About Your Guide: Misha Yurchenko** is a Tokyo-based **certified, trauma-informed meditation teacher and somatic coach** with 10+ years of experience. He has spent time on retreat around the world and practiced a range of techniques. After experiencing extreme burnout from his venture-funded startup, he founded **[Tokyo Mindfulness](https://tokyomindfulness.com/) and is dedicated to helping others on their healing journeys.** He takes an integrated and practical approach combining meditation, breathwork, and nervous system healing to help people let go of the ego, release old habit patterns and find inner freedom. He is the author of several books and lives in Nerima with his family.

**📅 DATE:** Friday, May 1st, 2026 **⏰ TIME:** 7PM–9PM (Check-in from 7PM–8:30PM) **📍 WHERE:** DraftKings Sports & Social – 840 N. High St., Columbus, OH **🎟️ Check in:** at the host stand when you arrive say, **"DK Meetup Social"** 🍻 Join us for a fun, social night out! Meet new people, grab a drink, and kick back in a high-energy atmosphere right in the heart of Columbus 🎉 🎯 **What to Expect:** 🎶 DJ starting at 9PM 🏓 “Water” Pong + games 📺 Huge 37ft TV wall for all the live sports action 🥂 **Drink & Food Specials (7PM–9PM):** $3 Domestic Drafts – Miller Lite & Coors Light $3 Well Liquor Cocktails $4 Select Call Liquor – Tito’s, Bacardi, Tanqueray, Dulce Vida Blanco, Jameson & Jack Daniel’s $4 Topo Chico Seltzers $5 White Tea & Green Tea Shots $3 OFF Appetizers (excluding traditional bone-in wings) **📌 Quick Details:** 🔞 21+ only 🚗 Parking available at Hubbard Garage (behind venue) Pull up, bring your crew (or come solo), and get ready for a great night out 🥂

**Let’s catch up and take an afternoon break.** **Grab a coffee or snack and let’s chit chat! Gayle and I will bring adult coloring books and/or a simple craft if you’d like to unwind and relax.😊**

[The Kind Exchange](https://www.facebook.com/events/3087825058070662/) A gathering to share, swap, and connect with like-minded people who care about plant-based living, sustainability, and mindful choices. This is more than a swap — it’s a space to circulate what we already have and meet others in the community. Bring any of the following to share: * **Vegan-related books** (cookbooks, sustainability, mindful living, etc.) * **Plants or cuttings** (optional) Swap for something new-to-you from others. *The more you bring, the more there is to exchange!* Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly- [https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073](https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVGxJeFRub0FQNmhUcmF3VnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4u9YhVWcSkITKfEn_NajeEUIyxFrXbcaG0HjFHoQn-MCxKlhGlUpFAnsMIzw_aem_vo9QISntFpTtGskmWaVEkQ) Unclaimed books/plants at the end of the event will be donated.

## 🎤 Wednesday Night Karaoke Social @ PBR Cowboy Bar Columbus **Ready to break up your week with something actually fun?** This isn’t just karaoke—it’s a full-on social night where you can meet new people, grab a drink, and jump into the energy (on the mic or off). No pressure, no awkward vibes—just good music, a fun crowd, and a reason to get out on a Wednesday. ### 📅 Event Details **When:** Wednesday Nights **Time:** 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM **Where:** PBR Cowboy Bar + Smokehouse – Easton **Check-in:** Say *“PBR Meetup”* at the host stand to grab your wristband + unlock drink specials ### 🎶 What to Expect * 🎤 Karaoke kicks off at 7PM (whether you sing or just hype the crowd) * A lively, social group — perfect if you’re coming solo or bringing friends * A fun mix of music, drinks, and easy conversation * A low-pressure environment where everyone’s just there to have a good time *Pro tip: the later it gets, the more fun it gets 😏* ### 🍻 Meetup Perks (7PM–9PM) * $3 Domestic Draft – Miller Lite & Coors Light * $3 Well Liquor Cocktails * $4 Vizzy Seltzers * $5 Select Call Liquor – Tito’s, Bacardi, Tanqueray, Cazadores Reposado & Jack Daniels * $5 Select Shots – White Tea Shots & Fireball ### 👋 Good to Know * Come solo or roll in with friends — either way, you won’t feel out of place * 21+ after 9PM * Karaoke is optional… but once the crowd gets going, you might change your mind If you’ve been saying you need to get out more during the week—this is your sign. 🎶🍻

**Join us for a relaxing and fun outdoor celebration for Krishna’s birthday! 🌿☀️** **We’ll start with 1 hour of yoga to stretch, unwind, and connect, followed by a picnic + frisbee to keep the good vibes going.** **Bring your own yoga mat or blanket, and feel free to bring something to share like hummus, fruit, or your favorite snack. 🥙🍓** **Come enjoy fresh air, movement, and great company at the Scioto Mile.** **All levels welcome ✨** **📍Bicentennial Park (next to water fountain)** **233 Civic Center Dr** **Columbus, OH 43215** **Donations for our wonderful yoga instructor, Victoria Lawler, are greatly appreciated. A link is provided below, and she’ll also share her Venmo in person. 🧘🏻‍♀️💗** [Victoria Lawler’s Venmo](https://account.venmo.com/u/lynneleviathan)

📍 **Where:** PBR Cowboy Bar + Smokehouse in Easton 📆 **When:** Thursday, April 30th ⏰ **Time:** 7PM–9PM 🕖 Check-in: 7PM–8:30PM at the host stand Say **“PBR Meetup”** at the host stand to get your wristband for drink specials from 7PM–9PM 🍻 **Drink Specials (7PM–9PM)** $3 Domestic Drafts – Miller Lite & Coors Light $3 Well Liquor Cocktails $4 Vizzy Seltzers $5 Select Call Liquor – Tito’s, Bacardi, Bombay, Dulce Vida Blanco & Jack Daniels $5 Select Shots – White Tea & Fireball 🤠 **What’s Going On** 🎸 Live Music: 6:30PM–8:30PM 🐂 Bull Riding: 8:30PM–Close 💃 Line Dancing (w/Instructor): 9PM–10PM 🎧 DJ & Dance Floor: 9PM–Close 📍 **Location** 3950 Gramercy St., Columbus, OH 43219 🅿️ **Parking** Free parking in the lot across the street or Easton West Garage ✔️ **Good to Know** 21+ event Check in starts at 7pm and ends at 8:30PM to access specials Tell the host you’re with the "PBR Meetup" group when you arrive Grab a drink, meet some new people, and kick off your weekend the right way 🍻🤠