Ex-Chicagoans

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** Elizabeth Simcoe named the area now known as Mimico for the thousands of pigeons that blackened the sky at the western end of the settlement. Mimico was originally located at the confluence of Mimico Creek and Dundas Street. William Gamble, opened a sawmill and built a settlement for the workers nearby. Etobicoke's first church, Christ Church was opened on Church Street which became Royal York Road. Mimico is a walkable neighbourhood and a great place to stroll and discover our amazing history. The Lakeshore Hospital was built in 1888 as the Mimico Asylum, its doors opened on January 21, 1889. The original idea for the hospital was a series of cottages designed by Doctor Joseph Workman who wanted a resort type feel to the hospital. The architect was Kivas Tully, who worked with gardener Samuel Matheson. Most of the buildings were built by the patients themselves, and helped with laundry duties, and tended to the vast gardens. But a different story emerged that most Canadians had no idea about. And that was the story of Camp M - Mimico. In 1887, the Victoria Industrial School for Boys opened on old Horner Avenue in Mimico, just blocks from the site of the new Mimico Hospital for the Insane (Humber College.) The school, which was a juvenile reformatory, hoped to break the bad boys through moral and academic education and old fashioned hard work. I hope there was a positive outcome. In 1927, the school changed its name to the Mimico Reform School. But it was the war years 1939-1945 that really surprised me as a Torontonian. It was known as Camp M or Internment Camp 22, the largest camp for POWs in the centre of a large Canadian city. Most camps were constructed in rural areas, and the camp provided space for more than 520 German nationals. The history of this camp is fascinating and had links to the Toronto Central Prison on Strachan Avenue and the Mimico Hospital directly to the south on lakeshore where we begin this tour. This walking tour is for all levels and walkers. The tour begins at the New Toronto Public Library Branch at 110 Eleventh Street just south of Lakeshore. We end this tour at Kipling and Horner Avenue, just a few blocks to the north of the old hospital! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

**🎤 Friday Night Karaoke Meetup – Hot Dogs & Harmonies! 🌭🎶** Ready to kick off your weekend with music, laughs, and maybe a surprise showstopper performance? Join us for a fun and low-pressure **Karaoke Night Meetup** on **Friday, May 22!** **📍 Event Details** Karaoke starts at **8:00 PM** Nick will be there a bit earlier to grab a spot and welcome everyone **🎟️ Event Link:** [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/free-event-hot-dogs-harmonies-tickets-1985944730148?](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/free-event-hot-dogs-harmonies-tickets-1985944730148?aff=ebemoffollowpublishemail&ref=eemail&utm_campaign=following_published_event&utm_content=follow_notification&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite) **🎶 What to Expect:** * A relaxed, welcoming vibe—no pressure to sing unless you want to * Great performances (from polished to gloriously off-key) * A fun crowd that appreciates both talent and enthusiasm * Hot dogs and good times included Whether you’re ready to belt out your favorite anthem or just want to enjoy the show, this is a perfect casual night out. **👍 Good to Know:** * Feel free to **just show up**, even if your schedule is up in the air * Come solo or bring a friend—everyone’s welcome Grab the mic… or grab a seat and cheer others on. Either way, it’s going to be a great night 🎤

An early winter walk in the many hidden Laneways of Kensington and Chinatown, where there is an amazing collection of old laneway houses, graffiti, and other oddities. The walk is slightly longer than what's linked below. After the walk is over, you can continue with me to Queen West for some graffiti. Meet at 10 am and leave 10 min later. Follow the map to find us. Maybe we will get lucky with snow. The date has been moved to next Saturday as the low temps won't make this walk pleasant. Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3176492?units=km

This is the second walk in a new series of small meetups in Toronto — feel free to join, whether this is your first time or you came to the previous one. **If you are on a Waitlist** Please feel free to still join. I have a free meet-up account, which limits me to 10 people sign up. **Meeting Plan** We’ll meet just outside the main entrance of Rosedale Subway Station at street level (I’ll be standing near the exit and easy to spot), and walk & chat through Rosedale onto the ravine trails toward Evergreen Brick Works, finishing with a coffee or a stroll through the farmer's market (happens every Saturday at Brick Works until 1pm). Having done the first event, I might bring a very light structure or conversation prompts for our walk & chat part. The main idea behind these mini-series of walks is to be outdoors, be active, meet new people, and start your weekend on a positive note. **At Brick Works** Once we get to the Brick Works, some people might want to sit down together for a coffee, while others want to stroll around the farmer's market and get some food, and some want to do their own thing. This is very flexible. You might want to bring your own tea/coffee/drink as there are plenty of spaces to sit, sip and enjoy the day. The farmer's market is very nice, but the queues were quite long, and the options are somewhat limited. I might bring my own tea in a thermos this time. **Timing** • Meet: 11:00–11:10am at Rosedale Station (we will start walking at 11.10am) • Walk: \~40 minutes at an easy pace • Coffee or farmer's market: around midday at Brick Works If it rains heavily, I might have to cancel the walk. We can bring umbrellas if it sprinkles lightly and still enjoy the outdoors. If it rains heavily, I will update the invite in the morning of the event. I’ll be there to welcome everyone. Looking forward to meeting you.

Grab the mic and bring your crew. Karaoke Fridays at Ace of Spades Lounge is the spot to sing, dance, and let loose in the heart of Little Italy. Huge song catalogue, great sound system, full bar, and a crowd that’s there to have fun. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping up for the first time, you’ll feel right at home. Cocktails, beer, wine, and snacks available all night. When: Every Friday, 8pm Where: Ace of Spades Lounge, 536 Manning Ave., Toronto Cost: Free entry Come solo, bring friends, make new ones. See you on the mic.

TIX (going fast!): Fantoma4.eventbrite.ca/ Catch FANTOMA & FRIENDS 4, Saturday May 23rd 8pm @ Assembly Theatre! See ex-Impatient Theatre Co. comedy headliners "Fantoma" (STEVE HOBBS, TED HALLETT, WAYNE MOLINSKI) as their organic character-"ghosting" improv style is accompanied by some of the best names in Toronto's improv, stand-up, and character-comedy scene! Openers include... THE ALL-STAR IMPROV JAM: NAOMI SNIECKUS (Second City Toronto Alum, CBC's Mr.D) ANAND RAJARAM (Second City Toronto Alum, Canadian Comedy Award Winner) JOHN RICHARDSON (That's How I Remember It, Jibber Jabbar) DANA FRADKIN (Bell Fibe's The Supers the Stoners & the Big Bad, Magic & Shenanigans Festival - Waterloo) KEVIN WILLIAMS (Dharma, Backroom Comedy's Monday Night Improv) Also FEATURED STAND-UP COMIC: SEBASTIAN FAZIO (Just For Laughs Toronto, Sorry Comedy Festival - London) Plus FEATURED CLOWN/CHARACTER COMEDY: EMILY JEFFERS (Edinburgh Fringe, Second City Spotlight) ...plus giveaways, audience interaction, and more! The Assembly Theatre - 1479 Queen St W Tickets are 20 online through Eventbrite in advance, 25 at the door, limited promos discounts are available! Fantoma4.eventbrite.ca/ Don't wait, see you at F&F4!

Hey Toronto! This is your weekly escape into global cultures. [[Click this WhatsApp Groupchat Link to join]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CwbMLIBsSY8DSwDzSPm3nZ) Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people in their 20s and 30s gather for a mix of language practice, travel stories, and community. Whether you’re new in town or born here, this is where world citizens connect. No judgment, no pressure — just pure, human interaction.

🏛️🚶 **DOORS OPEN TORONTO: HIDDEN BUILDINGS & CITY STORIES WALK** 🚶🏛️ Historic Spaces, Community Landmarks & A City Revealed Some buildings you walk past every day without thinking twice… until the doors open. Join us for a second day of Doors Open Toronto, where we’ll explore a mix of historic, cultural, and community spaces across the city — each with its own story, purpose, and evolution. This walk is about contrast. Old and new. Exclusive and inclusive. Grand and everyday. And how all of it shapes the city we live in. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social, story-driven walk — with moments to pause, look, and see familiar places differently. 👉 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll move through a curated route of Doors Open, stopping at a variety of buildings and institutions that reflect Toronto’s layered history and community life. Some of the locations we may visit include: * **Fire Station 315** – Opened in 1889, this historic fire hall is built of brick with stone detailing, reflecting early 20th-century civic architecture. * **The El Mocambo** – Opened in 1948, this iconic music venue is housed in a brick building with a classic mid-century commercial façade. * **Daniels Building (University of Toronto)** – Opened in 1875 (as Knox College), this Gothic Revival building is constructed of sandstone with intricate masonry detailing. * **U of T Bookstore (Koffler Student Centre)** – Opened in 1958, this modernist structure is built primarily of concrete and glass. * **Polish Combatants' Association Branch 20** – Opened in 1950, this community hall is a modest brick structure reflecting post-war institutional design. * **St. George’s Hall (Arts & Letters Club)** – Opened in 1891, this heritage building is constructed of brick and stone in a Victorian style. * **St. George Greek Orthodox Church** – Opened in 1897, this church is built of brick with classical detailing and later Byzantine-inspired elements. * **Street Health** – Established in 1986, the facility operates out of a practical brick building adapted for community healthcare use. * **Street Haven** – Founded in 1965, this women’s shelter is housed in a converted brick residential building typical of the area. * **Jarvis Street Baptist Church** – Opened in 1875, this Gothic Revival church is built of brick with stone accents. * **The 519** –This building actually dates back to 1858 — long before it became The 519 we know today — and started as a Georgian-style home before evolving into a community space. * **Foy-Smith House** – Built in 1891, this historic home is constructed of brick in the Queen Anne Revival style. * **St. Paul’s Bloor Street** – Opened in 1889, this Romanesque Revival church is built of stone with a commanding tower and detailed masonry. Some locations we’ll enter, others we’ll experience from the outside depending on timing and lineups. ⚠️ Please note: wait times are part of Doors Open. We’ll move as a group and make decisions along the way. \*\*\* 🏛️ What Is Doors Open Toronto? Doors Open Toronto is a free annual event where the city opens up buildings that are normally closed to the public — from historic homes and cultural institutions to places you’d never usually think to step inside. It’s one of the best ways to explore Toronto beyond the surface. \*\*\* 🌆 Vibe & Expectations This is a longer, more exploratory walk with: ✔️ Multiple stops ✔️ Some waiting in lines ✔️ A mix of indoor and outdoor spaces ✔️ Members can leave any time the like It’s not about rushing — it’s about discovering. Also — this is NOT a formal historical tour. I’ll share context and stories as we go, but the focus is on the experience and being social. \*\*\* 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: **Fire Station 315** 🫎 I’ll be outside and I will be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: (Insert time) I will only wait 5 minutes. Anyone arriving late can meet us along the route. We won’t be saving spots in line — it’s important we respect the people around us. \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **[[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com)]([mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](http://mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com/))** Doors Open is free to attend. This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes Patience for lines ⏳ Weather-appropriate clothing Optional: snacks or money for food along the way \*\*\* 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com)]([mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](http://mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com/)) Come for the buildings. Stay for the stories. Leave seeing the city not just as it looks — but as it’s evolved. 🏛️✨

Singles Dance Party + 40 crowd **Saturday May 23rd** 7.30pm -12.30 **The Grand Luxe Ballroom** **3125 Bayview Ave** Join us for a fabulous a Saturday night of Dancing & Romancing . We have a great DJ playing all your favorite tunes from the 70’s to the present. It’s your opportunity to mix, mingle, enjoy a few dances and meet some new friends. You can dance the night away on their big dance floor. Please, no running shoes or jeans. The cost is only $20.00. 416- 236- 8222 Free Parking. Hope to see you then! Peter and Diane Singles Dance Party + 40 Crowd

**Meeting Spot - Near Toronto Sign. We will wait for 10 mins and start walking at 9:55am.** Doors Open Toronto is a chance to explore Toronto behind the scenes. Due to long lineups and crowds we will try to get there early to minimize wait-times. If you arrive late, you can call/msg me and will share our location. Enjoy a combination of walking tours, open studio programs, and conversations with prominent architects exploring the unique Canadian relationship to space, place and urbanity. Doors Open Toronto is a can’t-miss event for anyone interested in learning about Toronto’s public and private spaces. **Locations we hope to visit** City Hall TD Centre Billy Bishop Airport Old City Hall Optional- Only if there is time after Spin Master HQ 401 Richmond Terroni St Lawrence Market Red Path Sugar (optional) See website for more details https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/ **Free / Event Fee** Free if you RSVP before May18 $2 if you RSVP on/after May19

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **This tour has been revised and updated to reflect new scholarship on the history of the area.** John Lea Sr. was born in Lancashire England, and immigrated to York, in 1819, via Philadelphia. Mary Hutchison, his wife, and John had their first child on May 28, 1814 and named him William. Lot 13 in the third concession was purchased from Alexander McDonnell on January 23, 1820 and the new family, John Lea Sr, William, John Jr. and Mary settled the land. William Lea bought land to the south and began constructing a large, octagonal brick house, which he named Leaside. The house was completed in 1854. John Lea Sr. died soon after. The property became the possession of William's eldest son Joseph in 1893, and he lived in the house until 1903. In 1913 it was abandoned and demolished by Canadian Northern Railway. The company set fire to the historic landmark in order to clear the land for the townsite. A shame indeed! It seems that we have a **history** of eliminating our history piece by piece! Leaside was also, in addition to Liberty Village to the west, part of the great armament industry that contributed to the victory in world War 2. Leaside is one of Toronto's most historic neighbourhoods, with plenty to discover and explore. Make the most of winter and let's walk and learn about an area of Toronto that is not well known, and certainly not on the history walking tours agenda for most companies. This walking tour is for all levels and walkers. The tour begins and ends at the Leaside Branch of the Toronto Public Library at 165 McRae Drive, north of Millwood Road. We will return to this location after our walk! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

How do we recover from having had a toxic or narcissistic ex? How do we move on from the past, especially something as traumatic as a divorce or breakup? How do we avoid anxiety and depression? How do we have more self esteem? In this meeting, you will learn the mental health secrets to help you quickly get over the past and heal your mind. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable brunch at 17 Arrows Kitchen and Bar! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy good food, and ease into the weekend with great conversation. Whether you’re new to the group or it’s your first event, you’ll feel right at home.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan