Roller Coasters

We’re thrilled to invite you to an exciting meetup! We'll have one talk presented by an Elastic employee and one presented by a community member. Bring your questions and come support the community! **Agenda** **5:00 PM** – Doors Open Come in, say hello, grab some food, and settle in for an engaging evening. **5:45 PM** – **"Lessons from evaluating production AI Agents for over a year", presented by** Susan Chang, Principal Data Scientist at Elastic **6:15 PM** – Q&A **6:30 PM** – "**Elasticsearch Journey – Working in Different Industries", presented by** Yasir Zaid, Elastic Certified Engineer **7:00 PM** – Q&A **7:15 PM** – Networking & Event Wrap-Up Stick around to chat, connect, and share insights with fellow attendees. **When:** Thursday, May 14th 5:00 - 7:00 pm **Where:** [Centre for Social Innovation - Spadina](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=43.650017%2C%20-79.397156) 192 Spadina Ave. · Toronto, ON 3rd floor, The Viola Desmond Room **Abstracts** **"Lessons from evaluating production AI Agents for over a year"** This talk covers methods of evaluating AI Agents, with an example of how the speakers built evaluation frameworks for a user-facing AI Agent system which has been in production for over a year. We share tools and frameworks used (as well as tradeoffs and alternatives), and discuss methods such as LLM-as-Judge, rules-based evaluations, ML metrics used, as well as selection tradeoffs. **Bio:** Susan Shu Chang is a Principal Data Scientist at Elastic, where she leads work on production-grade machine learning, including generative AI and agentic workflows. She is also an internationally recognized speaker, O’Reilly author, and keynote presenter at major global technical conferences. **My Elasticsearch Journey – Working in Different Industries** This talk explores Yasir Zaidi’s hands-on experience using Elastic products to deliver strategic solutions across banking, insurance, and telecommunications. Through real-world examples, the session will cover how Elasticsearch and the broader Elastic Stack have been used for search architecture, security, SIEM, and observability, along with some of the newer and more exciting projects now being built with Elastic. The talk will also highlight recent Elasticsearch features and innovations, and how they are opening up new possibilities for modern enterprise use cases. **Bio:** Yasir Zaidi is the Owner of ZD Inc. ([https://zd-inc.net/](https://zd-inc.net/)) and Elasticsearch Experts ([https://elasticsearch.expert/](https://elasticsearch.expert/)), and Co-Founder of 360metrics ([https://www.360metrics.io/](https://www.360metrics.io/)) and Certified Elasticsearch Partner Solution Architect. He has delivered hundreds of Elasticsearch projects for organizations around the world, with experience spanning Observability, SIEM, Enterprise search, Cloud deployments, and AI-powered search solutions, Serverless and much more. His work includes engagements with Ericsson, SAP, Intact Insurance, Videotron, RONA, Geotab and Desjardins Bank, just to name a few. Backed by three master’s degrees and Elastic certifications, Yasir brings deep technical expertise and proven global delivery experience. Linkedin: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasirzaidi/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasirzaidi/) Spots are limited, so don't miss out!

send your 6$ to academynewstar@gmail.com come through Mutual street.There is parking available free at the school.Gym door close to parking. pls dont attend if payment not sent 8 hrs before the game

**This is a ticketed event. Please register at [this link](https://luma.com/n5d2q50u).** ​The Platonic Representation Hypothesis (Huh et al., 2024) proposes that neural networks are converging toward a shared statistical model of objective reality, offering a Platonic explanation for the growing representational similarity observed across models of different architectures, datasets, and modalities. In this talk, Robert Adragna argues that such convergence is computationally intractable in practice. Truly representing reality would require models to recognize the same real-world concept across all its possible appearances — a form of robustness that theoretical and empirical work suggests is infeasible to achieve at scale. He proposes an alternative account: representational convergence reflects shared structural assumptions embedded in training data, not the discovery of objective reality. ​​​**Event Schedule** 6:00 to 6:30 - Food and introductions 6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation and Q&A 7:30 to 9:00 - Open Discussions ​​​​​​If you can't make it in person, feel free to join the live stream starting at 6:30 pm, via [this link](https://www.youtube.com/@Trajectory-Labs/live).

Join us this week as a guest to overcome your fear of public speaking and speak with confidence! We hold weekly meetings on Thursday nights to facilitate impromptu speaking, debates, discussions, and prepared speeches to practice our skills and give each other constructive feedback. We are a friendly group of all ages and backgrounds in the GTA, where we help our members and guests in their personal and professional development. We typically meet at the Etobicoke Civic Centre with lots of free visitor parking. You can join us as a guest anytime you want, for as long as you would like, to see what Toastmasters is all about! Come and join us this Thursday to become the best version of you. The theme for this week's meeting is TBD! Join us to practice your improv. speaking skills, debating skills, and to improve your public speaking abilities. If you're interested in attending this meeting, please contact us through our "Contact Us" form on http://goodyeartoastmasters.com/ See you there! ABOUT GOODYEAR TOASTMASTERS \*NOTE\* We are now back in-person at the Etobicoke Civic Centre! Visitor Parking is free. Simply let the Security Person know you're here for a Toastmasters meeting. • Our meetings start at 6:45 PM and lasts for about 2-hours. We suggest you arrive earlier to settle in and network before we begin. • It's free to attend as a guest and you can join us as many times as you would like. For the full access to the Toastmasters Pathways Programme, however, you will need to join as a member and pay a membership fee. • Don't worry about the low attendance numbers on Meetup. Members do not RSVP here. We use the club website instead. Meetup is primarily a place for us to reach out to newcomers such as yourself!

**Explore the scenic Humber River in Toronto with our Kayak, Canoe, and stand-up paddle board 2-hour rentals during the week!** Use the following link to book your spot:[ ](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/)**[https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/)**[ ](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/) The calm meandering Humber River is one of Toronto’s hidden gems! Home to a huge variety of wildlife, including Beaver, Blue Heron, Deer and much more, you’ll feel like you’ve left the city behind! *Events are subject to weather and other factors out of our control. If we must cancel or delay an event we will those booked on the [torontoadventures.ca](http://torontoadventures.ca/) website know as soon as possible.* **Pricing (per 2-hour rental), Payable online through:** [https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/) Single Kayak (seats 1 person) : $40 +taxes Tandem Kayak (seats 2 people) : $70 +taxes Regular Canoe (seats 2 people) : $60 +taxes Large Canoe (seats 3 people) : $70 +taxes Stand-up Paddle Board ( 1 person): $40 +taxes **Included:** * Boat(s), Paddle(s), PFD(s)/ “Life Jacket(s)”, & Coast Guard Safety Kit. * Brief orientation covering paddling safety, Toronto Adventures’ rules, and the Humber River paddling route * Our friendly staff to help you launch your boat(s) and/or boards. * SUP Leash (For Paddle Board Rentals Only) **What to bring?** * Dress for the weather! * Wear closed-toe athletic footwear you don’t mind getting wet & muddy (shoes not required on SUPs). * Sunscreen, sunglasses & hats, are all recommended for sunny days. * A water bottle. * Government Issued Photo ID. **Important Information** Anyone under the age of 18 must have a Parent/Guardian/Adult accompany them all the times on the water. Online Adult Waivers are available through confirmation emails. For minors, waivers will need to be signed in person on location. There must be an Adult to Child ratio of 1:4 in the children are under 12 years of age. From ages 12-18 we require a 1:5 adult to youth ratio. We have lifejackets starting at 30 pounds and are fully adjustable. * Paddlers must be comfortable treading water while wearing a PFD and reaching a shoreline (minimum 20 metres to shore). * Late Fees Returning Boat(s)/Equipment – $20/15 minutes per boat. **[Google Link Directions](https://torontoadventures.ca/directions/#humberriverlocation)** **[Cancellation Policy](https://torontoadventures.ca/faq/#cancellation)** We hope to see you out on the water!

At Eglinton-Yonge Toastmasters, we're more than just a club - we're a community. Please arrive by 6:00 p.m. to socialize. Guests are welcome. There is no fee to visit. We meet at: Northern District Library 40 Orchard View Blvd. Second Floor, RM# 200. Directions to the room can be viewed at the following link: [https://bit.ly/eytm-welcome](https://bit.ly/eytm-welcome) Members of Eglinton-Yonge Toastmasters learn and practice public speaking and leadership skills with a friendly, helpful, and encouraging group of people. As a year-round club, attendance varies depending on the season. A typical meeting involves 25-30 active members and 2-5 guests. Guests are able to: • Meet a great group of people • Participate in Table Topics • Share feedback at the end Members receive: • Learning materials • Monthly Toastmasters magazine • Access to Pathways • Online resources through Toastmasters International • An Easy-speak.org account to track speech progress We look forward to seeing you!

Have you ever biked downtown from Willowdale? This Community Ride is **HOSTED by COUNCILLOR LILY CHENG** with partners North York Cycles, Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition, Cycle Toronto, and BikeShare. NEW: Cycle Toronto will be supporting the ride with bike safety checks at the start and throughout the ride, and will offer refreshments at the Rec Hub at Evergreen Brickworks. Join us for a fun and scenic ride from Willowdale to Biidaasige Park through city trails and parks. **9AM meet at Avondale Park**. Ride to E.T. Seton Park & continue down the Lower Don Valley Bike Trail. Midway Stop: Grab your lunch at Brickworks or shop the Farmer's Market Finish: Biidaasige Park. For those from Willowdale, they will be using TTC to return north. ***PLEASE NOTE***: On Councillor Cheng's website, there is a [RSVP](https://www.lilycheng.ca/event-details-registration/willowdale-community-bike-ride-2026) and a *Waiver for each rider to sign*. Don't forget to check your air, brakes, chain, plus bring a refillable water bottle, and sunscreen. Let's ride together with our friends from Willowdale to explore and build community on two wheels. Brompton Community Rules: 1. Be kind. Welcome and encourage other riders. Insults, shaming, and hate will be removed, and offenders will be banned. 2. Your safety is your responsibility. Helmets are required. Lights are required if riding in darkness. It is each rider’s responsibility to ensure their bike is clean, well-maintained, and fully functional. 3. All bikes are welcome. Occasional Brompton-only events will be clearly labeled. Contact your local Brompton dealer if you'd like to borrow a Brompton for an event (participation may vary). 4. If your plans change, please update your RSVP. BY ATTENDING this event you ACKNOWLEDGE and ACCEPT the following: 1. I ACKNOWLEDGE, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of bicycling activities and that I am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I further acknowledge that the ride-out will be conducted over public pavements and facilities open to the public, and upon which the hazards of traveling are to be expected. I further agree and warrant that if, at any time, I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation. 2. I FULLY UNDERSTAND that (a) BICYCLING ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS AND DEATH ("Risks"); (b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the ride-out, the conditions in which the ride-out takes place, or the negligence of others; (c) there may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I FULLY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES, COSTS, AND DAMAGES I may incur as a result of my participation; (d) I acknowledge that Brompton Bicycle, event organizers, ride leaders, and volunteers will not be liable for any accidents or damages through this ride-out. 3. PHOTO RELEASE: I CONSENT to my voice, name, and/or likeness being used, without compensation, in any and all media, whether now known or hereafter devised, for eternity, and release Brompton Bicycle, its successors, assigns and licensees from any liability whatsoever of any nature. DO NOT REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING.

One of our favourite locations for our first trip of 2026, McCrae Lake is in in the south, and will have warmer weather than the more northern lakes. This is an easy trip, good for novice paddlers, to test your new kit, or get back into shape. McCrae Lake is a large lake divided into several bays, on crown land, close to Toronto. The water quality is excellent, and there is good fishing. The backcountry campsites are large, quiet, have a steel grill and thunder box, and are free. More information on McCrae Lake: [https://www.ontario.ca/page/mccrae-lake-conservation-reserve-management-statement](https://www.ontario.ca/page/mccrae-lake-conservation-reserve-management-statement) The water may be warm enough to swim, and the bugs will not be out yet. Fun activities include hiking on wilderness trails, paddling up and down rapids, swimming with rattle snakes, diving off of cliffs into the lake, and dragging out the bodies of people who tried to do all of those things. Watch for the Five-Lined Skink. Or, you can relax in a hammock. McCrae Lake is very popular. We may have to wait for room in the parking lot, and empty campsites. **If anyone in our group can go into McCrae Lake on Thursday or Friday to secure a campsite, it would be appreciated.** Arrive early Sat. AM. to get a parking spot or after 3:00 PM when day hikers go home. We are not required to go home on Monday night. You can continue to camp for as long as you wish. Carpooling is recommended to reduce the number of parking spaces required. Most areas of the lake have cell service sufficient for text messages and data. One portage, 150 metres, well used trail, over a high granite ridge. Paddle distance: 5 km. Canoe rentals should be available if you reserve one in advance: Swift Canoe Georgian Bay [https://swiftoutside.com/georgian-bay/](https://swiftoutside.com/georgian-bay/) Wawautosa Marina [https://www.wawautosa.ca/](https://www.wawautosa.ca/) Driving Distance: From Hwy 7 and Hwy 400, Vaughan Metropolitan Center: 142 km., 1 hour 30 mins. **ACTUAL LOCATION:** **McCrae Lake Parking Lot Muskoka District Municipality, ON** **44.92206400775243, -79.7772977860336** **Please fill in the Spread Sheet below:** https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1V1iupkEzye3zj5O8Sagri1FZyVLGOeM1EDy4ZkgcABo/edit?usp=sharing

**🏐 Drop-In Volleyball at the Miles Nadal JCC** Come bump, set, and spike your way into a great game — right in the heart of the Annex! Join us for **friendly, casual volleyball** at the Miles Nadal JCC, just steps from Spadina Station. With two full courts available, this is a great opportunity to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy some light competition in a welcoming environment. \*\*\* **🏐 Event Details:** 📍 **Location:** 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through the Spadina doors) 🛑 **Check-In:** Stop by security and check in at the front desk when you arrive \*\*\* **🏐 Registration & Payment (Required in Advance):** RSVP on Meetup **does not reserve your spot**. To participate in Drop-In Play, you must register and pay in advance through our system. 👉 **[Register here](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=yn6XJ5L)** 📞 **Or register by phone:** 416-924-6211 🔢 **Space is limited** and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once full, no additional participants can be accommodated. \*\*\* **🏐 Other Info:** • Volleyballs are available for loan at the front desk with a $20 cash deposit and valid ID • This session is intended for **intermediate players and above** — participants should have a solid understanding of volleyball rules, scoring, and gameplay, and maintain proper court positioning in both serve, receive and transition play • Games are self-organized with regular rotation to ensure everyone gets time on the court • Friendly, inclusive atmosphere \*\*\* Come ready to play, connect, and have fun — we can’t wait to see you on the court!

Riding from Humber Bridge to the end of Hamilton Beach Trail. This will be a slower ride with a top speed 25 km/hr. Fast riders are welcome to ride ahead. Total distance should be around 55-60 km. Road, gravel or Hybrid bike recommended. Start Humber Bridge Ride along Lakeshore (mostly) to Oakville Stop for breakfast at Aroma or equivalent Continue along Lakeshore to Burlington & cross the lift bridge, meet at the washrooms Ride to the end of Hamilton Beach Trail where we officially end. Options to get back: GO train from Burlington Station Ride back Have a loved one pick you and your bike up. :) Possibility of having lunch too depending on timing! 1. You must wear a helmet. 1. make sure your bike is tuned up and carry a spare tube! 1. Bring $$ for the train back. 1. We are going to have FUN! 1. If you’ve never done a full Niagara ride, talk to myself or some of the other riders and we’ll give you tips! Full 160 km (100 mi) Niagara rides to start in June/July.

Do you sometimes feel like you do well in life then something happens and you slide back, never quite getting ahead. At this Meetup you'll find out how to identify what actually causes the lows, the highs and everything in between. More importantly you’ll get the secret of how to gain control over your life so the highs are higher and the lows go away. Wouldn’t it be nice to stop the wild roller coaster ride for good? Or at least make it a fun roller coaster ride, with more ups and downs. There is a hidden factor that will be going over and you’re going to be quite surprised what it is and how much it affects your life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is hosted at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Short North Street Skates return Saturday, April 4 and we’re excited to get back rolling together. These weekly rollouts are a chance to move through the city as a group, build community, and create more visibility for skating and small-wheeled movement in Columbus. Details: Meet: 1160 N High St 9:30 AM meet 10:00 AM rollout All wheels welcome We’ll be skating through the Short North and surrounding areas at a steady, social pace. Routes will use a mix of streets and bike lanes, so comfort navigating the city is helpful, but you don’t need to be an expert. If you’ve been meaning to come out, this is a great place to start. Come solo or bring a friend!

We'll get in around 4 miles at Three Creeks Metro Parks, primarily natural trails. 17-18 minute miles, no one left behind, and faster walkers are free to lead out. Optional lunch after! If you're joining for hiking all the metro parks, this is the sixth one!