Scaled Agile Framework

ChiPy February **main** Meeting – February 12, 2026 We'll have food and beverages at 6pm, with talks starting at 6:30pm. **Bots, Androids and Academia: A Tail of Fraud Detection** By Hugo Seguin Experience level: Novice What happens when malicious actors try to game an academic research study? Hugo Seguin shares his experience with fraud attempts in his research: what happened, how he and his team responded, and how they decided what to fix and what to change. He also reflects on how the behavioral sciences are handling these kinds of cyber threats, and how technologists and technology companies can help protect research from deceptive actors and raise awareness of common pitfalls in academia. **Further details:** [https://www.chipy.org/meetings/1013/](https://www.chipy.org/meetings/1013/) ***Logistics*** *When:* February 12th, 2026, 6:00 pm *Hosted by:* Slalom Build *Where:* 200 E Randolph St, Suite 3800 Chicago, IL 60601 Please fill your full legal name and email. This information is required to send your invite and to allow building security to verify your name against your photo ID at check-in.

Our February book is American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America Join your fellow readers at our usual in-person location, the upstairs area of the Whole Foods Lincoln Park (stairs located by the self-checkout). Each person will have a few minutes to discuss their impressions of the book before general discussion. [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/American-Nations-History-Regional-Cultures/dp/0143122029) [WorldCat](https://search.worldcat.org/title/810122408) [Libro.fm](https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781596599888-american-nations)

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Ps 33:12, KJV) Please join the Christian Party of America’s monthly Nationwide, public Conference Call to discuss current political issues with like-minded Christians. The conference call is the second Thursday of each month at 8:30 PM est. Lets join in a discussion on what can be done to address the concerns we all share for the status of our country’s civil government and have prayer to close the call. Guest speakers will be present at some of the calls to provide input on political issues. The Christian Party of America (www.christianpartyof america.com) is a new, national third-party of Christian voters, dedicated to proclaiming that Jesus is Lord in the political arena. Our purpose is to bring our country back to being an unabashedly Christian nation, by offering and electing competent candidates who share and promote our vision. Please join us in our goal of uniting believers under the banner of Jesus Christ to bring constitutional freedom to all people of the United States. We believe in the Christian principles set forth in the Bible, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. The Christian Party of America’s nationwide Conference Calls are a great opportunity to connect with other Christian Party supporters as we try to make a difference in this country. So sign on with us for the conference call to discuss issues and contribute your thoughts about what we can be doing politically. Our conference calls are open to the public and are for all of us who are interested in the Christian Party of America. It is an easy-access way to share ideas and learn more about what is going on around the country with the Christian Party of America. Hope you can make it! There is no extra charge to participate other than the usual charges by your phone plan for a long distance call. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)

Our basic in-person production course is designed to cover key concepts and practices for making a digital film project. Topics include a thorough introduction to the professional DV camera, important aspects of lighting, sound, shot composition, camera movement, visual storytelling devices, working as a filmmaking crew, and editing. In-class demonstrations and exercises will allow students to work collaboratively on group projects as a digital cinema team. Instructor: [Will Schneider](https://chicagofilmmakers.org/instructors-1/willschneider) Class Fee: $675 **[REGISTER HERE](https://chicagofilmmakers.org/adult-filmmaking-classes/digital-filmmaking-rdfzx)**

The Evanston Writers Workshop Poetry Group will be meeting on the second Thursday of the month, from 7-9 P.M, at Sketchbook Brewery in Evanston. People may submit 1-2 poems per person for critique via our submission form at the following url: https://form.jotform.com/251125391424147 To find the poems we'll be reviewing for this month's meeting, visit our group website, https://evanstonwritersworkshop.org/ and look for the link to our submissions file drive under "Calendar and Submissions". The submitted poems will be accessible the week of the event.

We meet every Thursday, unless it falls on a holiday. We sing songs found in that week's song-sheet packet. This week we will have a live, in-person meetup with a Zoom option at our hosting venue, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall, 446 Hannah Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois. The song-sheet packets for this meetup are The Book of Love..., Rev 4, and Mardi Gras, Rev 3. It and all the other information details of this week's Zoom/Meetup are here: [https://bit.ly/2XBEyGZ](https://bit.ly/2XBEyGZ) If you're a member, your RSVP is always appreciated.

*Before and After, an instant drama* **Fridays/Saturdays, 7:30 PM, January 30-February 21** Life is defined in moments. *Before and After* explores the story leading to a life-changing event and the impact of that instant on all that is to follow. Are we truly changed by the big moments in our lives, or are we only revealed? No two performances are ever the same, but every show is an instant drama created before your eyes. Theatre Momentum is the **only** theatre in Chicago dedicated to dramatic improvisation. Join us for a night of grounded instant theatre. Fridays/Saturdays, 7:30 PM (doors open at 7 PM) January 30-February 21 All tickets $5! Studio Momentum, 1541 W Belmont Ave ### **Get your tickets!** **[https://www.theatremomentum.com/shows](https://www.theatremomentum.com/shows)**

Join Golden Glove Champ and Pro Judge Andrew for a fun and informative group boxing class at a real MMA gym. It takes a couple minutes to prep, so try to arrive no later than 8:45am sign-in! $20 for meetup members ($30 normally)

**Valentine’s Sound Bath** Doors open at **7:30 PM** We’ll begin at **8:00 PM** with a light, playful connection ritual, followed by an **hour-long immersive sound bath** you can melt into. Skip the clichés and do Valentine’s Day differently. Come after dinner, get cozy, and sink into an experience designed for closeness, ease, and shared presence. Whether you arrive with a partner, partners, friends, or solo, this night is about slowing down, feeling good, and enjoying the moment. No fixing. No forcing intimacy. Just warmth, sound, and space to land. **Pricing:** **$45 per person** *Sliding scale available - [reach out](https://www.guideandseekchicago.com/contact) if cost is a barrier.* Bring **yoga mats, pillows, and blankets**\- the cozier\, the better\. **Space is limited**, so RSVP early. An evening for slowing down and being close, however that looks for you. .. Please **Dial #307** on the intercom when you arrive. Session will happen in suite 309

💗 Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day starting with a yummy breakfast. Yay! 💗 LOCATION Portage Park Breakfast Place 5040 W Montrose Ave, Chicago **meeting 915 for 930 seating** **It's cash only as we will have separate checks.** Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XnGCasE2Vr7BoBYE7?g_st=ic Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays and getting people together to celebrate is the best. Come celebrate with us. After breakfast if anyone wants to continue with more spontaneous fun I’m a yes. Let’s bring ideas to breakfast. 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day. We look forward to celebrating with you. 💗

⛪✨ **Heaven in Brick & Gold: Inside St. Barbara Catholic Church** 🕯️🏛️ 🌿 *A Polish Cathedral Masterpiece:* *An Inspiring Morning Inside One of Chicago’s Grandest Historic Churches* ✨ Join us for a special guided visit to **St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church**, a spectacular and deeply historic Catholic landmark on Chicago’s South Side. Known for its monumental scale, ornate interior, and strong ties to the city’s Polish immigrant community, St. Barbara offers an unforgettable look at faith, artistry, and neighborhood history. This is a **stationary guided church visit — no walking tour** — allowing us to slow down and truly appreciate the church’s architecture, artwork, symbolism, and history in a peaceful and reflective setting. Expect soaring ceilings, dramatic altars, rich stained glass, devotional shrines, and stories that connect Catholic tradition with Chicago’s industrial and immigrant past. ✨ *** 🕰️ **Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost** 📅 **Saturday, February 14, 2026** ⏰ **10:00 AM – 12:00 PM** 📍 **St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church** 2859 S. Throop St., Chicago ⏱️ Visit length: \~90 minutes 💰 **$15 per person** 💵 Cash strongly preferred (Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted as I submit one group donation) ⚠️ All attendees must check in with me at the start and submit payment directly to me so I can provide **one group donation** to the church. 📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful of the sacred space and follow any guidance from our hosts. 🎤 **Private guided experience arranged for our group.** *** 🌟 **What We’ll Experience** ⛪ A breathtaking historic sanctuary 🎨 Elaborate religious art, murals, and stained glass 🕯️ Side altars, candles, and devotional elements 📜 The story of the parish and Chicago’s Polish Catholic community 🏛️ Architectural details of the Polish Cathedral–style tradition This visit takes place entirely **inside the church and immediate grounds**. *** 📖 **About St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church** Founded in **1910**, **St. Barbara Parish** was established to serve Polish immigrants who settled near Chicago’s booming industrial corridor of rail yards, factories, and stockyards. Named for **St. Barbara**, patron saint of miners and workers in dangerous trades, the parish became a spiritual refuge for laboring families seeking faith, stability, and community. The current church building, completed in the **1910s**, is a stunning example of the **Polish Cathedral style** — a uniquely American expression of Catholic architecture characterized by monumental scale, classical influences, lavish ornamentation, and an emphasis on beauty as an act of devotion. Inside, the church is richly adorned with: * Grand altars * Painted ceilings and murals * Sculptural details * Stained glass honoring saints, sacraments, and Polish religious heritage Every element was designed to inspire awe, reinforce Catholic teaching, and reflect the pride and sacrifice of the immigrant community that built it. For generations, St. Barbara served as a cultural, spiritual, and social anchor — hosting baptisms, weddings, funerals, festivals, and daily worship that shaped neighborhood life. As demographics evolved, the parish continued to adapt while preserving its extraordinary artistic and architectural legacy. Today, St. Barbara remains an active parish and a treasured landmark — one of Chicago’s most impressive examples of early 20th-century Catholic church design. *** 🍽️ **Optional Coffee or Lunch After the Visit** Those interested are welcome to join me afterward for coffee or lunch at a nearby neighborhood spot. 🍽️ Options will be shared closer to the date. ⚠️ Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks. *** 👟 **What to Bring** • Camera • Respectful attire • $15 tour fee (exact change appreciated) *** 🚇 **Getting There** Public transportation is easy and encouraged. Use Google Maps or CTA Trip Planner: [https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/](https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/) *** 🚗 **Parking** • Street parking available nearby (check posted signs) • Metered parking on nearby main streets • Residential side streets often available • Area can be busy — arriving early is recommended • SpotHero or ParkWhiz may be helpful *** 📝 **RSVP & No-Show Policy** ✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated ✔️ Cancel promptly if plans change ❌ Repeated no-shows may affect future event participation *** ✨⛪ Join us for a meaningful Valentine’s weekend experience exploring Catholic faith, immigrant history, and sacred art — all inside one of Chicago’s most awe-inspiring neighborhood churches. ✨

Managing AWS at scale means balancing performance, cost, and business objectives—but are you making decisions based on assumptions or evidence? Join Bob Dussault from Sycomp to discover why observability isn't just monitoring; it's the architectural foundation that enables excellence across all six pillars of the AWS Well-Architected Framework. Learn how Sycomp's Intelligent Cloud+, Intelligent Observability+, and Managed FinOps services help organizations build observable, cost-efficient infrastructure that delivers measurable business value

## Details **Topic:** *In Person Event -* Agile Meet-up Chicago **Description:** Lucid Software and the Agile Professional Learning Network are excited to host an Agile Meet-Up in Chicago—and you’re invited! Whether you’re a long-time Agilist or just starting your journey, join us for an evening of meaningful conversation, connection, and great drinks. Thursday, March 12, 6:00-8:30pm CDT Agenda: 6:00 - 6:30 Open Networking 6:30 - 8:30 Lean Coffee **Register:** Seating is limited. To guarantee a spot you MUST register at the following link (it's free!) [Agile Meet-up with Lucid Software + APLN Tickets, Thu, Mar 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/agile-meet-up-with-lucid-software-apln-tickets-1982304834121?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Location:** Crust Brewery 5500 Park Place Rosemont, IL 60018 **Facilitator:** Jessica Guistolise CPCC *This event is worth 3 SEU's for Scrum Alliance certificate renewals!*

Join the **Elastic Chicago User Group** on **Thursday, February 26th** for a meetup. Terry Dupureur (Elastic) and Saurin Patel (Data Scientist) will present, followed by networking, refreshments, and pizza. *Thank you to [Improving](https://www.improving.com/locations/chicago/) for hosting our meetup. Improving is* *a modern* *digital services consulting firm focused on solving business problems with innovative technical solutions.* **RSVP Instructions:** Please provide your email when you register for this event. **Please bring an ID to the event for check-in.** 📅 **Date and Time:** Thursday, February 26th from 5:30-8:00 pm 📍 **Location:** Improving - 222 S Riverside Plaza 15th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606 **🚗 Parking:** * [SpotHero](https://spothero.com/search?kind=address&latitude=41.87850760000001&longitude=-87.63932179999999&search_string=222+South+Riverside+Plaza+15th+floor%2C+Chicago%2C+IL+60606%2C+USA&ends=2025-11-05T20%3A00&starts=2025-11-05T17%3A00&view=dl) is a great option to resvere parking in advance * Improving recommends the following parking garages: 229 S. Desplaines St (which is also the 625 W. Adams building), 500 West Monroe, and the outdoor lot at 718 W Monroe. 📝**Agenda:** * 5:30 PM – Doors open, grab a seat, and enjoy some pizza! * 6:00 PM – Welcome & Introduction by Improving * 6:05 PM – Building AI-Powered Search & RAG Systems with Elastic: From Logs to LLMs - Saurin Patel (Data Scientist) * 6:30 PM – Lightning talk & demo on Elastic Workflow Terry Dupureur (Elastic) * 7:00 - 7:30 PM – Networking & refreshments **Arrival Instructions:** * **Please bring an ID for check-in** * Upon arrival at 222 Riverside, check in at the **Improving table** * Take the elevator to the 15th floor - the meetup will be in the common area through the doors. 💭**Talk Abstracts:** **Building AI-Powered Search & RAG Systems with Elastic: From Logs to LLMs -** Saurin Patel (Data Scientist) *Modern AI systems are only as good as the data they can retrieve. In this talk, I’ll walk through how I’ve used Elastic as the backbone for AI-powered search and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems — combining logs, documents, and real-time signals with LLMs. We’ll cover practical indexing strategies, vector + hybrid search, relevance tuning, and lessons learned from deploying Elastic-backed AI systems in production.*

Based on Tracy Nicholas' new book *Mind Over Magick,* this class will be a discussion to understand some of the scientific and psychological underpinnings of magick in order for people to strengthen their personal magickal practices. Some of the key concepts will be: * What IS magick? * How do we experience magick regularly in our day to day lives already? * What are the provable scientific principles behind some of our most common magickal practices such as cord cutting and space clearing? * How can practitioners tie these mundane principles to a more effective magickal practice through ongoing, focused exercises? * Releasing imposter syndrome through a greater understanding of how magick actually works * Breaking down the imagined barriers between magick and the mundane. It is an introduction to the book and will explore what magick is, some aspects of magick we can prove today and science and psychology based strategies for strengthening your own magickal practice. This will be a FREE class and will have time for a Q & A and a meet and green with the author alongside the discussion!

**Main Presentation:** In today’s data-driven world, organizations must handle vast and varied data sources while delivering timely insights. This session explores how to design and implement scalable, resilient data pipelines on AWS—from raw data ingestion to delivering business-ready insights. We’ll walk through real-world architecture patterns using AWS-native services such as Kinesis, Glue, EMR, Athena, and Redshift, with a focus on modular design, data governance, cost optimization, and performance. Attendees will learn how to handle both batch and streaming ingestion, orchestrate complex workflows, and manage data across different lifecycle stages (raw, refined, curated) using scalable storage solutions like Amazon S3. We'll also dive into transformation strategies using PySpark and SQL, techniques for metadata management and schema evolution, and tools for observability and access control. Whether you're building your first pipeline or optimizing existing systems, this talk will equip you with practical strategies, architecture blueprints, and lessons learned from real-world implementations. By the end of the session, you’ll understand how to create data pipelines that are robust, cost-effective, and ready to scale—empowering your teams to move faster from data to decisions in the AWS ecosystem. **Lightning Talks:** J Coleman presents "LabCOAT Begins" Alan Gutnov presents "On-Demand MCP Servers and Gateways"

Join other developers for a casual evening of chatting and shop-talking. There is no formal agenda, so feel welcome to drop in and say hi or stick around and make a few new pals over drinks and snacks.

The **Chicago Microsoft Power Platform User Group** invites makers and pro‑devs alike to join us for a special community watch event celebrating the upcoming **Visual Studio Code** documentary — a newly revealed behind‑the‑scenes look at how Microsoft engineered VS Code using its own “dogfooding” development approach and internal culture. As VS Code continues to power the pro‑code foundation behind core Power Platform scenarios — including extensibility for Power Pages, advanced ALM/SDLC pipelines, and solution‑first development — this documentary offers a timely and inspiring glimpse into the tooling shaping the future of our ecosystem. To make the experience even better, **we’ll have complimentary food and exclusive swag for all live, in‑person attendees**, so come enjoy the film, connect with fellow community members, and be part of the Chicago‑area celebration of one of the most influential tools in modern development." **Agenda - Wednesday, February 25th** 5:30 pm Central - Welcome and Intros 5:45 pm Key news and announcements 6:00 pm - **Visual Studio Code documentary** 6:45 pm- Ask us anything - We will try to answer :) Hope you join us! Craig & Ralph