Backcountry

💘 **Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) with MongoDB Skill Badge** **Rescheduled due to hazardous winter weather for Toronto.** Fall in love with building smarter AI applications using Retrieval Augmented Generation with MongoDB. In this Valentine-themed session, you will learn how to design RAG applications, use vector search effectively, apply smart chunking strategies, and build an LLM-powered app with LangChain and MongoDB using your own data. 🎓 **Skill Badge** Complete the skill check at the end of the session and earn a Credly Badge to share with your network. **💚 Why Attend** • Learn RAG architecture, chunking strategies, and hands-on implementation • Connect with MongoDB users, engineers, and AI enthusiasts • Free community event with complimentary food **🕠 Agenda** **5:30 PM** Meet & Greet - refreshments **5:45 PM** Talk: [Dev J. Shah](https://www.linkedin.com/in/busycaesar) (SWE @ [TribalScale](https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribalscale)) - RAG with MongoDB: Learn and get a [Credly Skill Badge](https://learn.mongodb.com/courses/rag-with-mongodb) **6:45 PM** Networking and connecting with your peers **7:30 PM** Event ends **⚠️ Important RSVP Notes** • When you arrive, please take the **elevator to the 4th floor, turn left, and follow the signs** • We kindly ask that **you arrive on time** so we can keep the event running smoothly • If you arrive **after 6 PM and the building doors are locked**, please signal the **security guard** at his desk for assistance • You may use a **fully charged laptop or a smartphone** to participate in the session • Please note that this event **will end firmly at 7:30 PM** 💡 Join us for an evening of learning, sharing, and community-building. We look forward to seeing you there! ✅ Thanks to our sponsors **[@MongoDB](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mongodbinc)**, **[@Slalom Consulting](https://www.linkedin.com/company/slalom-consulting),** and **[@Delbridge Solutions](https://www.linkedin.com/company/delbridge-solutions)** 💚 We’d love to hear from the community. **Are you doing something cool with MongoDB you’d like to share?** Message our MUG leaders [@Ian](https://www.linkedin.com/in/iancloves) / [@Leonardo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/leogomesdev) 🌎 Sessions will be presented in English

Ready to sweat it out on the hills? Join us for a HIIT-style hill training hike This hike is part of the **HikeFit Series**, a collection of fitness-focused hikes designed to build strength, endurance, and overall hiking fitness. We’ll challenge you with steep climbs, rugged terrain, and a high-intensity workout. This isn’t a fast-paced hike, but it is **intense**. We’ll tackle multiple **very steep hills** in intervals, with plenty of chances to catch your breath, recover, or skip hills if needed. This hike is designed for intermediate hikers, but it’s **beginner-friendly** since you can skip as many hills as you need. It’s perfect for anyone looking to **get stronger, improve endurance, and boost their hiking fitness** at their own pace. **Weather-Dependent Notice:** The hike is a go, **(light)** rain or shine; However, if there's a risk of excessive mud making the hills too slippery, the hike will be canceled with around 24 hours’ notice. **Distance & Duration:** * **Length of hike:** \~4 km * **Event duration:** \~1.5 hours * **Trail maps:** Random hill at Earl Bales park * **Difficulty level:** L3 (Level 3/Moderate) * Terrain: L4 * Pace: L2 * Distance: L1 **What to Bring:** * **Water:** 1\~2 liters * **Extras:** Hiking pole (Highly recommended) * **Required Gear:** Hiking boots or Trail Runners with good grip, Headlamp, and [Microspikes](https://kahtoola.com/traction/microspikes-footwear-traction/?srsltid=AfmBOoqq-URDFRgNAISoLYH1l1cSLKeXOTSuU6EqUC6VupfLNZAGRg8P) **Costs:** * **Member Event fee:** FREE EVENT **Travel Coordination:** * No Travel Coordination for this Event, Meeting at Starting Point **Event Guidelines:** * **Punctuality,** Please arrive on time so we can start promptly. We won't be able to wait for more than 5min past the start time * **Pack out everything you bring** (including nut shells, fruit peels, etc.) to help keep our trails clean. * **RSVP:** Only those marked as “Going” and have confirmed travel details (if requested) are eligible to attend the event. * If your **plans change** and you are no longer able to attend, please update your RSVP as soon as possible. * **No-shows** without prior communication may result in removal from future events. * **Weather Considerations** The hike is a go (light) **rain or shine**, so please be prepared for the conditions. for example, If it’s expected to rain, waterproof gear (like a jacket or shoes) * **Pets:** please check with the organizer for details before bringing your pet. Looking forward to seeing you on the trail

Play some beach and meet cool people

Welcome to Open Coffee! Hey friend!
 Open coffee meetup in downtown Toronto Wednesday at 8 AM at Boxcar Social in Waterworks.
 The event will be hosted by myself, Trevor Carlson. You can find out more about me here -> https://www.youtube.com/@trevor-carlson 
I am new in town and looking to start a meetup group to make new friends and meet like minded people.
 Open Coffee was started in Cedar Falls, Iowa and grew to over 500 members. I’m bringing the same concept to Toronto.
 The format is you show up, share what you’re working on or excited about, and we all have a discussion around it and share ideas. Pretty simple but can be very fun and beneficial.
I look forward to talking about adventure travel and writing.
Hope to see you there!

Toptracer Winter Golf League @ The Docks Overview Weekly 9-hole Toptracer Virtual Golf League — runs all winter. Men’s and Women’s divisions. $50 Docks Gift Card to weekly low gross in each division (requires ≥10 entrants; rolls over if not met). $200 monthly Gift Card for ≥25 total entrants (rolls over if not met). All scoring is automatic via Toptracer leaderboard — no manual scorecards. Starting 5 November 2025 17:30 - 9 November 2025 23:59 weekly Wednesday to Sunday Regular Driving range rates apply (rates posted at www.thedocks.com)

Scouting trip on QEW (**Day hike only**, not overnight) - basically we will follow the Ganaraska trail until we hit Sheldon lake. Around 4-5 KM 1 way (1-2 hours). I've done this trail before in the Winter, but it's probably been 10+ years. \- https://www\.alltrails\.com/trail/canada/ontario/sheldon\-lake\-via\-ganaraska\-devil\-s\-lake Meeting point is Devil's Lake Access point - 1115 Devil's Lake Road. Assumes that the weather does get warmer by March and non-SUV /4 wheel vehicles can access the parking lot, which presumably is unmaintained. This also means no registration / parking fees needed. **The weather will still be cold in March.** Anyone interested ensure you have the right gear to stay warm and for hiking and bring your own breakfast / lunch. **You are responsible for your own safety.** Unless things change, I'm planning on taking my 4.5 year old daughter along as a weekend outdoor activity, so beginners are welcome and we will likely go slow. 1 - Mainly hike along the trail and see the conditions for future overnight backpacking trip. 2 - If there is time, explore the different camp sites along the lake to see which would be best for a future trip and for different group sizes.

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hardy-winter-2026)** ***Muskoka, Ontario's 'Cottage Country', is one of Canada's best-loved and most beautiful destinations. During the calm of winter, it is especially tranquil.*** We’ll start the day exploring Hardy Lake on a 10.5 km loop trail. This hike introduces you to Muskoka’s distinct scenery, around gorgeous lakes, the iconic granite outcrops of the Canadian Shield and an environment unmistakably shaped by beaver activity. Along the way, you may just spot some of the beavers, otters and turtles who call Hardy Lake home, offering a true snapshot of Muskoka's wilderness. What to expect: \- Snow\-dusted\, lakeside trails \- Distinct Muskoka scenery \- The iconic Lake Hardy wooden boardwalk \- Rich biodiversity **Depending on snow levels we may be required to use snowshoes or ice spikes. We have a limited quantity available that you can grab at check-out. Ice spikes are free to borrow and snow shoes can be rented for a small fee.** **Highlights** **Iconic Scenery -** You'll take in some of the region's most beautiful views and get up close with the Canadian Shield. **Wildlife Spotting -** If you're lucky, you may spot the beavers and otters that call this region home. **Pristine Frozen Lakes -** Take in the natural frozen beauty of Hardy Lake. **Event cost: $60+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hardy-winter-2026)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Join the Toronto Founders Hub every other Saturday at 3:30pm for our regular meetup at 5 Elements Espresso Bar. Sit down with other entrepreneurs to network and discuss business ideas or strategies. \- Broaden your network \- Get critical feedback \- Socialize in low pressure setting I look forward to seeing you!

Move. Sweat. Smile. Repeat. This is a fun, high-energy Zumba class designed for real people — not performers, not fitness models, just humans who want to move, feel good, and leave happier than they arrived. Expect: Easy-to-follow Zumba routines Great music (Latin + global vibes) A welcoming, judgment-free space A workout that feels like a party (but still burns calories 😉) No dance experience needed. No pressure to “get it right.” Just show up and move. Followed by yoga for 45 mins. Sweat first, snacks after. If you’re free, we may head to a nearby spot to eat together. Class fee: $5 (helps cover space and music). Email money transfer to: monasalahuddin@hotmail.com

Ticket Link: [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sandra-battaglini-at-backroom-comedy-club-one-night-only-tickets-1982294863298?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sandra-battaglini-at-backroom-comedy-club-one-night-only-tickets-1982294863298?aff=oddtdtcreator) ## Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt with Sandra Battaglini at Backroom Comedy Club - it's going to be a night to remember! ## Get ready for a night of laughter! Hey there comedy fans! Don't miss out on **Sandra Battaglini** performing live at **Backroom Comedy Club** for **One Night ONLY**! Join us on **March 6, 2026 at 8:00 PM (Eastern Time)** for an evening filled with hilarious jokes and unforgettable moments. Grab your friends, grab a drink, and get ready to laugh the night away with Sandra Battaglini! We can't wait to see you there!

Ticket Link: [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/comedy-dojo-a-4-week-stand-up-comedy-program-live-feedback-showcase-tickets-1980656124787?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/comedy-dojo-a-4-week-stand-up-comedy-program-live-feedback-showcase-tickets-1980656124787?aff=oddtdtcreator) A 4-week stand-up comedy program with real feedback, guaranteed stage time, and a public showcase inside a working comedy club. **WHAT IS COMEDY DOJO?** Comedy Dojo is a 4-week stand-up comedy program designed for new comedians (0–2 years) and beginners who want real reps, real feedback, and real stage time, not vague motivation. This is not a lecture. This is not therapy. This is work. You’ll write, test, and refine a 3–5 minute stand-up set with live feedback from club owners, producers, and working comedians, then perform it in a public showcase at Backroom Comedy Club. **WHAT YOU GET** ✔ Weekly Sunday Workshops (6:00–7:45 PM) Hands-on sessions focused on: * Joke structure & fundamentals * Writing efficiently * Reading a room * Curation your own audience * Understanding how comedy rooms actually operates ✔ Live Feedback; Not Notes You’ll receive direct, honest feedback from: * Club owners * Producers * Professional, working comedians ✔ Guaranteed Stage Time Participants receive guaranteed access to open mics every Wednesday & Friday during the program (optional but strongly encouraged). ✔ Public Showcase / Initiation Ceremony All participants perform in a public showcase the following month; where everything comes together. ✔ Access to the Backroom Ecosystem Graduates gain pathways into the Backroom ecosystem (stage time, barking, show running, bar support, and more). No promises. Just access—and what you do with it. **WHO THIS IS FOR** * Brand new comedians * Comedians with 0–2 years experience * People who feel “stuck” and want structure * Anyone serious about learning stand-up properly No experience required. **WHO THIS IS NOT FOR** * People looking for a “safe space” * People who want praise instead of feedback * People unwilling to get on stage * People treating comedy casually This program is respectful, professional, and honest. **DATES** 🗓 Choose your cohort at checkout: * February 1 – February 22 * March 1 – March 22 * April 5 – April 26 🕕 Sundays: 6:00–7:45 PM (Wednesday & Friday mics run separately) **PRICING** 🎫 $300 Full Pay 🎟 Payment Plan: $150 deposit + 2 × $100 payments ($350 total) Capacity: 14 participants per cohort No refunds. Transfers to a future cohort may be considered. **LED BY** Brandon Sobel & Ariel Kagan Club owners, producers, and working comedians at Backroom Comedy Club. Comics who’ve come through this room now signed at Yuk Yuk’s, Absolute Comedy, The Corner, and beyond, including a Kill Tony Golden Ticket winner. **FINAL NOTE** Comedy Dojo is not about becoming famous. It’s about learning how stand-up actually works, from the inside of a working club. If you’re ready to put in the reps, welcome.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

We will show a variety of methods for building agents that run in Microsoft Foundry. This covers the different types of agents: Prompt, Multi, and Hosted, as well as the development lifecycle using evals and traces.