Vocal Harmonies

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]

**Context is becoming the missing link that transforms powerful AI models into truly intelligent systems.** In 2026, the next leap in AI comes from understanding *context* \- user intent\, environment\, history\, and goals\. This shift separates generic outputs from meaningful\, real\-world outcomes\. Join this Meetup to explore why context is the foundation of more reliable, human-centered, and transformative AI. We’ll dive into the role of **knowledge graphs** and how they help AI systems make sense of complex information and connect insights the way humans do. **16:30 - Welcome snacks and drinks** #### **17:00 - Talk 1** #### **Why Context Matters in AI – Grounding LLMs** Aniket Mitra will explore how enterprise data captures the *DNA of an organisation*—the what, where, when, who, how, and ultimately the why behind decisions. He will explain why siloed data limits AI-driven decision-making, and how knowledge graphs provide a unified semantic layer that enables trustworthy, AI-powered control towers across the value chain. **Aniket Mitra** – Aniket Mitra is the founder of Computationele Wetenschapsgroep (CW) which is a technology development SME that specialises in designing, building & scaling Knowledge Graphs for enterprise customers across industry verticals like retail, manufacturing & logistics. **17:30 - Talk 2** **Building Trustworthy AI in Regulated Sectors – Moonjelly, Knowledge Graphs, and the Context Layer** Surajeet Bhuinya will share how a dedicated context layer helps AI systems understand how organisations actually work. Using Moonjelly as a practical example, he will show how connecting people, documents, and processes into a living enterprise graph creates context unique to each industry and use case—leading to better decisions, clearer accountability, and real business impact. **Surajeet Bhuinya** – Surajeet Bhuinya is the founder of DataPebbles, a leading Data & AI company in the Netherlands. With 25+ years of IT experience, he operates at the intersection of data, AI, and innovation, building scalable, practical AI systems that deliver measurable business impact. He is also the founder of Moonjelly, a platform that connects people, documents, and processes into a living enterprise graph, enabling teams to understand context, see impact, and act with confidence. **18:00 - Talk 3** **ReviewGraph – Using Knowledge Graphs to Predict Customer Satisfaction and Extract Hidden Insights** Lifeng Han will present ReviewGraph, a graph-based framework that transforms customer reviews into knowledge graphs to predict ratings and uncover hidden insights. He will compare this approach with traditional NLP methods and LLMs, highlighting how knowledge graphs offer strong performance with lower computational cost, greater interpretability, and promising integration with RAG systems. **Lifeng Han** – Researcher, **[4D Picture](https://www.linkedin.com/company/4dpicture/)** Project. Dr. Han has authored 50+ peer-reviewed publications and previously worked at the University of Manchester on Healthcare NLP. His PhD focused on machine translation (ADAPT Centre, DCU, Ireland). **18:30 - 20:00 - Networking, drinks and snack**

Hi✋ At[ Data Tribes ](https://www.datatribes.nl/)we organise Meetups because we truly care about sharing knowledge both inside and outside the organisation. We believe that it is beneficial to us and to the market as a whole to connect, create, learn and grow together! **The agenda** // Doors open 6.00pm // Drinks and Pizza’s 6.30pm // Start presentations 7.00pm // **Longhow Lam Snowflake Intelligence — Enterprise AI Agent** // Start networking 9.00pm // End Meetup 9.30pm Greetings, Data Tribes Inc.

**ArnhemJUG** We are excited to announce the first meetup of 2026. We are welcomed by OpenValue Arnhem for the January meetup! **Agenda** * 17:00 CET walk-in * 17:30 – 18:30 Food and drinks * 18:30 – 19:30 talk: **Bigger Unit Tests are Better - why small unit test classes will slow you down** by **Peter Schuler** * 19:30 – 19:45 break * 19:45 – 20:45 talk: **Creating effective and objective architectural decision records** by **Piet van Dongen** * 20:45 – 21:30 drinks **Bigger Unit Tests are Better - why small unit test classes will slow you down** Do you take care that every class in your system has a separate unit test class? Are you a proud Test-First advocate? A code coverage evangelist? Are you the Sonar police in your team? Do you take pride in knowing all the quirks of your mocking framework? Then this session might be a cold shower for you. You will see how the general approach to unit testing might harm your flexibility. But a few simple changes in your approach will make your life better, your coding faster, your refactoring easier and your understanding of the business requirements stronger. In this presentation, you will learn new strategies that will help you make your unit tests bigger. First, guided by clear code examples, we will look at why having many small test classes may harm you. Secondly, you will understand why making the tests bigger is such an important improvement. And lastly, you will learn techniques and tricks that will help make your unit tests bigger. **About Peter Schuler** Peter is a lifelong Java developer with a passion for TDD and code quality. Lately he has become a Java community lead for the Rabobank as a side hustle. In his off time, he likes to work in the garden or goes for a short run. **Creating effective and objective architectural decision records** Documenting decisions is like eating your veggies as a kid: they keep telling you it’s good for you, but you just hate doing it. Architectural Decision Records (ADRs) to the rescue! ADRs are perfect for just-in-time, just-enough documentation for engineering teams and organizations. During this session, you will learn how to make architectural decisions effectively and objectively by: * Learning the structure of a good ADR (no more walls of text that nobody reads anyway!) * Practicing how to turn subjective choices into objective ones (no more pros and cons lists and tribal conflicts!) * Creating editable diagrams, fast (no more spending hours wrestling tools that your collaborators don’t know how to use!) * Collaborating quickly with technical and non-technical stakeholders (no more hours of Tower of Babel meetings!) * Reporting the decision using effective language and fit-for-audience diagrams (no more writing reports that end up unread in drawers!) Do you want to learn how to facilitate good decision making without spending weeks looking for consent? Then join this session and you will walk away a better software architecture decision facilitator. **About Piet van Dongen** Piet van Dongen is a senior software architect and engineering consultant at OpenValue, helping organizations solve complex technology challenges through effective software practices. With expertise spanning architecture, engineering, and education, he delivers practical solutions focused on resilient architectures and short development cycles. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure and strategic use of humor, Piet has guided clients through large-scale transformations, trained architects and engineers, and built an extensive professional network across the European tech community as organizer of the Dutch iSAQB Software Architecture Community and former leader of the Dutch AWS User Group. A regular speaker at international conferences including AWS re:Invent, DevOpsDays, Codemotion, and Devoxx, Piet shares insights on effective software architecture practices, cloud migrations, and resilience engineering, with a blend of technical depth and engaging humor. His pragmatic approach combines technical expertise with business acumen, enabling teams to successfully adopt modern software architecture and engineering practices and DevOps methodologies. Whether consulting, speaking, or training, Piet partners with organizations to deliver tangible value and navigate their software delivery journeys with confidence.

Donderdag **29 januari 2026** is het weer tijd voor onze **Techday**: hét vaste moment waarop we kennis delen, elkaar inspireren en nieuwe ideeën direct in de praktijk brengen. Deze Techday is niet alleen voor developers, maar juist ook voor collega’s uit HR, Sales, Marketing, Operations en andere disciplines. Deze editie pakken we het aan als een **conferentie in het klein**. Drie sprekers, drie verhalen, één middag – *drie verhalen voor de prijs van één*. **Wat kun je verwachten?** • **Idzard** neemt je mee in **Product Goals** Waarom zijn ze zo belangrijk? En waarom zou elke product professional ze moeten kennen (en gebruiken)? • **Dave** laat je ervaren wat **Storytelling** doet Waarom onthouden we verhalen beter dan feiten? En hoe kun je storytelling inzetten in je dagelijkse werk? • **Jeroen** duikt in **Prototyping met AI** Hoe gebruik je AI om sneller ideeën te verkennen, testen en aanscherpen?Alle talks zijn **interactief**: geen achteroverleunen, maar meedoen. Je wordt uitgedaagd om de ideeën **direct toe te passen**, zodat je na afloop niet alleen geïnspireerd bent, maar ook echt iets nieuws kunt.Neem mee: goede zin en je laptop voor het maken van een prototype. **Wanneer:** Donderdag 29 januari 2026 **Wat:** Techday RE – conferentie-editie “Verhalen en beelden” **Voor wie:** Iedereen (!) die nieuwsgierig is en wil leren **Agenda** 14:45 - 15:00 - Inloop 15:00 - 15:45 - Product Goals 15:55 - 16:30 - Storytelling 16:35 - 18:00 - Prototyping met AI 18:00 - 19:00 - Eten We zien je graag op de Techday!

(Dutch text below) **Bitcoin Eat & Meet with one of the founders of Bitcoin Jungle in Costa Rica - Thursday, January 29** **Time:** Starting at 17:30 **Location:** Foodhall Arnhem, Rijnkade 49 Hans Beunk is one of the founders of [Bitcoin Jungle in Costa Rica](https://www.bitcoinjungle.app/). In this circular bitcoin economy, you can pay with bitcoin at more than 100 locations. Listen to Hans's fascinating experiences, discover the similarities and differences with Arnhem Bitcoinstad, and ask your questions! All of this while enjoying a delicious lunch in the Foodhall. **Warning:** Do not use the QR codes on the tables at the Foodhall, as they do not include a bitcoin payment option. Please go to the bar and food stands to order your food/drinks and pay on the spot with your lightning wallet. About half of the food stands accept bitcoin, which you can recognize by the bitcoin sticker. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- (In Dutch:) **Bitcoin Eat & Meet met één van de oprichters van Bitcoin Jungle in Costa Rica - Donderdag 29 januari** **Tijd:** Vanaf 17:30 **Locatie:** Foodhall Arnhem, Rijnkade 49 Hans Beunk is één van de oprichters van Bitcoin Jungle in Costa Rica. In deze circulaire bitcoin-economie kun je op meer dan 100 locaties met bitcoin betalen. Luister naar de boeiende ervaringen van Hans, ontdek de overeenkomsten en verschillen met Arnhem Bitcoinstad, en stel je vragen! Dit alles onder het genot van een lekkere lunch in de Foodhall. **Waarschuwing:** Maak *geen* gebruik van de QR-codes op de tafels bij de Foodhall, omdat daar geen bitcoin betaaloptie bij zit. Loop even naar de bar en foodstands om je eten/drinken te bestellen en betaal ter plekke met je lightning wallet. Ongeveer de helft van de foodstands accepteert bitcoin, je kunt dit herkennen aan de bitcoin sticker.

Join us for our first event of 2026! **DESIGN REIMAGINED UTRECHT** returns for an exciting evening dedicated to the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence, design, and technical collaboration. Hosted by the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, this session is a must-attend for UX professionals, developers, and product leads looking to navigate the next wave of digital innovation. * **Date:** Thursday, 29 January 2026 * **Time:** 18:00 to 21:00 * **Location:** Hogeschool Utrecht, Padualaan 99, Room 0.011, 3584 CH Utrecht **The Sessions** Prepare for two impactful sessions that explore how AI is reshaping our creative workflows and the technical bridges that connect us: **"Designing AI beyond the Interface"** **[Niomi Consten](https://www.linkedin.com/in/niomiconsten/)** \- Associate Experience Design Director at Monks **"The bridge between designers, developers and AI"** **[Hernani Fernandes](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hernani-fernandes/)** \- Senior UX/UI and Software Developer at Xebia Come and network with fellow design and tech enthusiasts to gain actionable insights from industry leaders at Monks and Xebia as we kick off a new year of innovation!

**Online 1-hour women’s circle** ✨ Offered on a donation basis, give what feels right for you. This is a gentle online gathering for women to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and share space with others in a supportive and non-judgmental way. On Sunday evening, we come together to soften the transition into a new week, creating a moment to pause, reflect, and be present. During this 1-hour session, we will move through: * a guided meditation to arrive and settle into the body * a journaling practice to connect with what is alive within you * a sharing circle, where you are welcome to speak or simply listen No previous experience with meditation, journaling, or sharing circles is needed. You are welcome exactly as you are. This is a space where every question, every feeling, and every story is met with care — a space to be witnessed, and to witness other women, with openness, respect, and presence. You can join from the comfort of your home and participate in the way that feels right for you. 🕊 Please have a notebook and pen nearby, and find a quiet, comfortable space where you can be undisturbed for the hour. ✨ Reminder: This event runs on a **donation basis**, so please give what feels right for you.

We’re heading into the south eastern Veluwe for a stunning scenic route that stays wonderfully quiet and almost deserted for a big part of the way, before building up to a truly spectacular grand finale! After around 6 km we reach the mysterious “Altar of the Loenermark” (Altaar van de Loenermark). I have no idea what it is, so we’ll discover it together. From there we continue through the beautiful heather and forest landscapes of Loenermark, one of those places where the Veluwe feels wide, wild, and open. Next we pass one of the quirkiest monuments in the Netherlands: the Ijkbasis Loenermark 1957–2007, a tribute to the calibration of measurement instruments from the past. The calibration itself might not sound exciting, but the location absolutely is, right in the middle of wide open heather, with big skies and that endless Veluwe feeling. It also marks about 11 km into the hike, a perfect spot to take our lunch break. After lunch we walk straight through the iconic National Park Veluwezoom, famous for its rolling grasslands and its fluffy semi wild cows. To finish in style, we end at Paviljoen De Posbank for a well earned snack or drink with a view over what many call the most spectacular heather of the Netherlands, complete with rolling hills. From there we head down towards Rheden, where you can easily catch the train or bus home. This is not a loop hike! **📍When and where to meet?** We’ll meet at 10h at busstop Loenen, Leeuwenbergweg. https://maps.app.goo.gl/LC3nNJQo57B5NnSy8 We are leaving a bit earlier otherwise we will find Paviljoen Posbank closed, which would be very sad. ⏰ 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?** This is not a loop hike. If you park in Loenen, you’ll need to make your own way back from Rheden afterwards. **⏸️ Planned Breaks** After **11 km**: Lunch break at **Ijkbasis Loenermark** (bring your packed lunch, this spot is truly in the middle of nowhere) **20 min** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/S5vAEpadAJs93ZrC7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/S5vAEpadAJs93ZrC7) After **19 km**: Snack or drink at **Paviljoen De Posbank** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/wowuqj3sRY5hcid37](https://maps.app.goo.gl/wowuqj3sRY5hcid37) **💸 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. https://tikkie.me/pay/59muhp2djpv45gc6hgh6 **👟 Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 23 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.

OPA programmeert in 2026 rond een positieve toekomst waarin mens, natuur en techniek elkaar versterken: DARE. Voor OPA staat DARE voor Solar Punk, de hoopvolle tegenhanger van cyberpunk: een praktische ontwerpvisie die aansluit bij wie we zijn als platform dat ontmoeting, inspiratie en samenwerking organiseert. Tijdens de Arnhemse Uitnacht 2026 trappen we ons nieuwe jaarprogramma af met een nieuwe editie van **Bring Your Own Beamer** in de **Eusebiuskerk.** Dit jaar delen wij de Eusebius met Mode Partners 025. Naast toffe videokunst, gebeurt er dus ook van alles op gebied van mode. De afgelopen edities van BYOB trokken ruim 3000 bezoekers.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Utrecht.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over coffee. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

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.

Join us for a Friday night improv drop-in workshop in English, taught by Ramona Harrison. Come play, connect, and enjoy a fun and supportive evening of improv theatre with Improv Utrecht. This workshop is open to everyone. You do not need any acting experience and you do not need to be fluent in English. Most of us are not. Every week there are several people joining for the very first time, alongside regulars who keep coming back. Expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where the focus is on play, listening, and discovering what happens when you create something together in the moment. What to expect A fun improv theatre workshop in English Clear and accessible exercises suitable for all levels Plenty of laughter and surprising moments A mixed group of first timers and returning players Usually there are around 12 to 22 participants in total. Practical information Doors open between 19:50 and 20:00. Please come in together with the group. The entrance is on the side of the building, via Troelstralaan. Workshop time is from 20:00 to 22:00. Full details are available at [https://bit.ly/iudropin](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fiudropin%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4korE1f-ihbxzlvU7CDNgvHQ-yG5IKRMQvmqJalcOEBBgl3RPil6CzkdyIOw_aem_KusWZKjOEN8aS6fJoGMLzg&h=AT2VgCnZs5EKD8cvTC_RX91PPg6ufo_xSoJrdzo91YXrt9zzv82s61mRBS30AsNZFKvuZMkqiNBt_U7fvqry4Js3o1gp5JfKkP7CSb5eaVLLtZE-BOZ2KtA4tzt3MBfiLPrGy7PCMlfywzhmyQg&__tn__=q&c[0]=AT12ZqE3c_M2jqZJHFRHJAetgqZsZBSl5Zfz8BMHHMc5SeT4IyK3rxgnl3bECu2Abnvq6acCEB9RP-rDz4j__fSHYNjz86asq0kq_TrQxtchEhUCMgXIw8MKeA9UBQbxqUdmquRPJcqNbczYjx2VZQDJDPr_4I2NtcU). After the workshop, many people head to the Irish pub O’Leary’s nearby to have a drink and chat, whether alcoholic or not. How to sign up Please mark yourself as attending via [https://bit.ly/iudropin](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fiudropin%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5Juhg-LlTX_Pv-oCLa9l6mz3-sjR058yQjL5dmkyHt5ZMRF_ZYq4P8jMLkZw_aem_iV1swMbNG534_Gd9v33nkA&h=AT2VgCnZs5EKD8cvTC_RX91PPg6ufo_xSoJrdzo91YXrt9zzv82s61mRBS30AsNZFKvuZMkqiNBt_U7fvqry4Js3o1gp5JfKkP7CSb5eaVLLtZE-BOZ2KtA4tzt3MBfiLPrGy7PCMlfywzhmyQg&__tn__=q&c[0]=AT12ZqE3c_M2jqZJHFRHJAetgqZsZBSl5Zfz8BMHHMc5SeT4IyK3rxgnl3bECu2Abnvq6acCEB9RP-rDz4j__fSHYNjz86asq0kq_TrQxtchEhUCMgXIw8MKeA9UBQbxqUdmquRPJcqNbczYjx2VZQDJDPr_4I2NtcU). If you can no longer attend, remember to remove your signup so someone else can take your place. Please send your contact details to Marieke at info@theatersportworkshops.nl so we can reach you if there are any changes. Price Suggested donation €10 to €20, payable in cash or via Tikkie. If you are not able to pay much, you are still very welcome. Pay what you can or what you felt the workshop was worth. Contributions help cover the room and the professional teachers. Curious to learn more You can find information about all Improv Utrecht courses and events at [https://www.improvutrecht.nl](https://www.improvutrecht.nl/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7b4VfXuRg-30CEtux6D5Va2cgPVFVxQpJmihr-gQuY6qjBE8HsqS0YioUA3A_aem_zmLVMLIb2CmlqbjiD9XaNA) and [https://improv-utrecht.weticket.com](https://improv-utrecht.weticket.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6ek4xArOwHxw7gGQ33mNuxW-3IO8-sbU2PciEATqoCYv-CEZTCv0YOreOxrQ_aem_hF6lTvheMNzHhbec08r-JA) Follow Improv Utrecht Meetup [https://www.meetup.com/utrecht-improv-theater](https://www.meetup.com/utrecht-improv-theater?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5i2cvWeBl4kMJ62gIX2StRTgED-JNSG7vyCNGqXkarNeku78KAmQZj92GMYA_aem_JGdAolousVglw6z35QhgvQ) Instagram @improvutrecht Facebook ImprovUtrecht

**Caller: Dan Kappus** **Band: Trillium** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

For January, we’re reading Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy. For fans of Flight Behavior and Station Eleven, a novel set on the brink of catastrophe, as a young woman chases the world's last birds--and her own final chance for redemption. Franny Stone has always been a wanderer. By following the ocean's tides and the birds that soar above, she can forget the losses that have haunted her life. But when the wild she loves begins to disappear, Franny can no longer wander without a destination. She arrives in remote Greenland with one purpose: to find the world's last flock of Arctic terns and track their final migration. She convinces Ennis Malone, captain of the Saghani, to take her onboard, winning over his eccentric crew with promises that the birds will lead them to fish. As the Saghani fights its way south, Franny's dark history begins to unspool. Battered by night terrors, accumulating a pile of unsent letters, and obsessed with pursuing the terns at any cost, Franny is full of secrets. When her quest threatens the safety of the entire crew, Franny must ask herself what she is really running toward--and running from. Propelled by a narrator as fierce and fragile as the terns she is following, Charlotte McConaghy's Migrations is both an ode to our threatened world and a breathtaking page-turner about the lengths we will go for the people we love.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!

**[note: ‘registering’ here doesn’t get you a seat; go to [THIS LINK](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=Columbus-In-Person-Chapter-Meeting-Build-Your-Network-Get-Mentored-Night-14-2-3-2026) to download your guest pass or just let us know you’re coming]** At our in-person Columbus Chapter meetings, we love to get you next to local investors who aren’t just experienced but also supportive, collaborative, and ready to answer your questions. At February’s meeting, the whole 3 hours is about getting you face-to-face with our experienced local members for some local advice and mentoring. Here’s the whole agenda: 5:00 Free light dinner and networking tables, meet the vendors 6:00-6:15 Buy-Sell-Trade (Members) Guest Orientation (Non-Members) 6:15-8:00 p.m. **Build Relationships + Get Mentored Night!** We bet you’re figured out that the best way to profitably navigate a rapidly-changing market it to get with real people who already know how to find the deals, get them financed, get them fixed, and most importantly, get them sold or rented fast and profitably. That’s why we’re devoting a whole meeting to giving you the chance to build some real relationships with those experienced, supportive colleagues, ask them your ‘big picture’ questions, or even bring a deal that you’re working on to have them give their opinion. You’ll have the chance to sit with these mentors in small groups and make connections you want…we’ve got members who can answer questions on anything from getting financing to rehab to tenant issues, asset protection, wholesaling, shared housing, and more! If you’ve been intimidated by the success and knowledge of these folks (or just didn’t know who to go to for what questions), this is your chance to pick their brains in an easy, structured atmosphere where THAT’S WHY THEY’RE THERE! (If you’re more experienced yourself, how about showing up to BE a mentor for the night? After all, someone helped you when you got started…pass it on!) Members and first-time guests attend free; repeat guests are $35 (and for real, it’s cheaper to just join [HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/MembershipInfo.aspx) and get ALL the benefits of membership, including a free website for your business and 20 other educational and networking meetings every month than it is to keep paying that guest fee). Register below to reserve your seat! Members and first-time guests attend free; repeat guests are $35; Register at **[THIS LINK](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=Columbus-In-Person-Chapter-Meeting-Build-Your-Network-Get-Mentored-Night-14-2-3-2026)** to reserve your seat!

Join us Saturday, 1/31 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for an evening at The Cozy at Portia’s Café. Come learn about this local, grassroots animal rights organization and our current campaigns. Whether you want to do more for animals or simply meet other activists and vegans, this is the place for you. Bring your friends — all animal lovers are welcome. Enjoy games, socializing, and meaningful connections with fellow vegans and animal advocates. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Feel free to purchase food from Portia’s if you’d like — it’s completely optional. Location: Portia’s Café 3083 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43202 The Cozy is located right next door.