Detective Stories

***Tickets must be purchased in advance!*** 🔗: [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toronto-ai-blockchain-tech-finance-networking-event-tickets-1986662562203?aff=ebdsoporgprofile](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toronto-ai-blockchain-tech-finance-networking-event-tickets-1986662562203?aff=ebdsoporgprofile) Come join us at the Toronto AI, Blockchain, Tech & Finance Networking Event to connect with like-minded professionals in the industry! **Welcome to the Toronto AI, Blochain, Tech & Finance Networking Event!** Welcome to the Toronto AI, Blockchain, Tech & Finance Networking Event! Join us for an exciting evening of dynamic networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration in the heart of Toronto. This in-person event will take place at IDK Social Bar, a modern venue designed to spark connections and conversations among forward-thinking professionals. Whether you're passionate about artificial intelligence, blockchain, finance, or cutting-edge technology, this event is your gateway to building meaningful connections, exploring new opportunities, and engaging with Toronto’s most ambitious innovators. \#\#\# 🌐 Event Highlights * Networking Opportunities: Connect with AI experts, blockchain innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of tech and finance. * Collaboration & Partnerships: Discover synergies and potential ventures across industries at the intersection of AI, blockchain, and fintech. * Future Trends: Stay ahead by exploring the latest breakthroughs in AI applications, blockchain adoption, and financial technologies driving global transformation. \#\#\# 👥 Who Should Attend? * Professionals: Build valuable connections in AI, blockchain, finance, and technology. * Entrepreneurs & CEOs: Exchange insights with other founders and business leaders. * Investors & VCs: Discover innovative startups and promising ventures. * Developers & Engineers: Meet peers working on AI-driven and blockchain-powered projects. * Job Seekers & Recent Graduates: Explore career opportunities in high-growth industries. * Startups & Project Managers: Recruit talent, find partners, and showcase your innovations. * Media & Influencers: Connect with industry thought leaders and innovators. \#\#\# 📅 Date & Location When: Wed\, April 22th\, 2025 \| 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Where: Cassius On King ### *✨ The Stellar Socials Experience* At Stellar Socials by Limitless, we specialize in curating premium networking events that bring together professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders across North America. Our mission is to inspire collaboration, innovation, and growth by facilitating authentic connections in stylish, high-energy environments. Expect a relaxed yet purposeful evening where organic conversations flow. Whether attending solo or with colleagues, you’ll leave with new contacts, fresh insights, and opportunities for collaboration. \#\#\# 📲 Join Our Community * Instagram: [@stellarsocialsbylimitless](http://%5Bhttps://www.instagram.com/stellarsocialsbylimitless/%5D(https://www.instagram.com/stellarsocialsbylimitless/) "\[https://www.instagram.com/stellarsocialsbylimitless/\](https://www.instagram.com/stellarsocialsbylimitless/)") * Facebook: Stellar Socials by Limitless * TikTok: @stellar.socials

**NO PHILOSOPHY EXPERTISE REQUIRED!** **🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 19:30-19:45 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the official start. * 19:45-19:55 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 19:55-21:15 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 21:15-21:30 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 21:30 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy is operated entirely on voluntary donations! If we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Donations are 100% voluntary, but they help us to bring the gift of deep conversation to people around the world. If you'd like to support, you can [donate here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-practical-philosophy)! (Practical Philosophy is a registered Canadian charity) **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** **🗣** “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * **Do I need to study or read anything to attend?** No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what you think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it. * **Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?** The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * **Is it mostly men that attend?** Surprisingly, no! Although often, philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * **Can I come alone?** Of course you can, we encourage it :) * **Can I be late?** Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * **Where do you meet?** The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY CLUB - Philosophy, everywhere. ✨** We started in Practical Philosophy back in 2021 and there are now 50+ chapters in over 25 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ **\*\*\*** **Join our [Toronto Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t) 👈** **Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈** **Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈**

## Details \*\*This is a paid event, please register via our Luma Page. You need to have a ticket in order to attend this event: https://luma.com/sales-toronto-apr-22-2026 ## **Fueling the Next Wave of Revenue Leaders in Toronto!** ​Sales Toronto is back, and this edition is for the entire revenue team. ​Whether you're leading sales, marketing, or customer success, this one's for you. We're bringing together a CRO, a CMO, a Sales Leader, and a CS Leader to talk about what it really takes to build a high-performing RevOps machine, one where every part of your GTM team moves in the same direction. ​Each speaker takes the stage for a focused 5-minute talk. Expect real stories on why misaligned teams leave money on the table, how shared data changes the way you coach and forecast, and what it actually looks like when marketing, sales, and CS finally click. And this time, we're doing it in a brand new venue, same amazing TechTO community, fresh new energy. ​Great people, real conversations, and connections that move the needle.

PLEASE CONTACT Jason at 905-308-4100 FOR DETAILS.

Our next Vaughan Investors Club event is coming up — and this one is focused on a strategy more investors are starting to pay attention to: mid-term rentals and how they’re quietly outperforming traditional models. 📅 Wednesday, April 22, 2026 🕡 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 28 Roytec Rd., Unit 201, Vaughan, ON L4L 8E4 🎟️ **FREE Event — yes, completely free. Register on Eventbrite** **[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986094954473](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986094954473 "https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986094954473")** We’re excited to welcome **Sarah Larbi** as our main speaker. Sarah is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and host of the *Where Should I Invest?* podcast. Since 2013, she’s built a portfolio focused on creating freedom through smart investing—and now specializes in mid-term rental strategies through her company, Mid Term Rental Properties. Topics We’ll Cover: • What Mid-Term Rentals Are — and Why They’re Growing Fast • Who’s Actually Renting These Properties • How This Strategy Can Improve Cash Flow • What Makes a Property a Strong Fit • Common Mistakes Investors Should Avoid Whether you’re looking for more stable income, exploring new strategies, or just trying to stay ahead of where the market is going—this session will open your eyes to what’s possible. This is more than a talk — it’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow alongside serious investors. Seats are limited. Register on Eventbrite to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there! **[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986094954473](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986094954473 "https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986094954473")**

**[SICILY SLOWCATION!](https://globe-drifters.com/trip/sicily-slowcation/)** **• Dates:** April 22 - May 1, 2026 *(10 days / 9 nights)* **• Cost:** $5400 *(per person, excluding flights)* ***\*NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!*** **• Trip details:** [https://globe-drifters.com/trip/sicily-slowcation/ ](https://globe-drifters.com/trip/sicily-slowcation/) Email info@globe-drifters.com if you have questions! ***Explore Sicily, one of Italy’s best-kept secrets on our laid-back slowcation…*** Stay in Syracuse and Palermo, two beautiful Sicilian cities where you’ll take in the region’s unparalleled beauty, rich history, and unique traditions. And true to our slowcation style, we’ll take things slow so you can have time to really *experience* the vibrant streets, expansive piazzas, exquisite architecture, and bustling markets — Not just check them off a list. Taste authentic Sicilian flavors, enjoy farm life experiences, and soak up the local culture at a relaxed pace. This is your chance to live the *dolce vita* and savor every moment, one *cannoli* at a time! **In the heart of it all:** Centrally located hotels in Syracuse and Palermo mean easy walks to cafés, markets, must-see landmarks, and Sicily’s hidden gems. No taxis or rental cars needed! **A taste of Sicily:** Street eats, a countryside cooking class, a chocolate workshop, and farm-fresh lunches — Discover the real flavors of Sicily, one bite at a time! **Conversations with a contessa:** Step inside one of Palermo’s oldest private homes and hear first-hand stories from the Contessa who still calls it home.

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Explorer 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** The beloved CNE started out as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition in 1879 and has been an icon ever since. But the history of the CNE dates back to the mid 1800s when the Provincial Agricultural Association set up the first exhibition in 1846 here in Toronto. The "Fair" was an Upper Canada fair and moved from one place to another for the first 30 years until the permanent exhibition was established in Toronto. Seen as a mini world's fair the Industrial Exhibition changed the name in 1912 to the Canadian National Exhibition, as was known as the "People's University." The buildings were considered the most beautiful exhibition buildings on the continent. In 1906 the Crystal Palace burned to the ground and the current horticultural building built on the site. The architecture tells its own story of Toronto and what Torontonians thought about their city. Pride in Toronto, and all that it achieved was on display for all to see during the CNE days in late August. Learn about the history and the ups and downs of the "showplace of the nation." This walk is for all walkers and all skill levels. Please dress for the weather and bring water. Please meet on the south side of Springhurst and Dufferin Street, just north of the TTC loop. 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**

Join us for this month's dark fiction writers meeting! Participants are encouraged to bring sacrifices—writing excerpts, that is—of up to 2000 words to read and receive critique. Listeners are appreciated as well. We welcome all dark genres and subgenres, including but not limited to: horror, dark science fiction, dark fantasy, suspense/thriller, etc. We'll be meeting at the MaRS Building near Queen's Park Station.

**Attention attendees!** **To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/ntixjerw) Warning: The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startups-demos-networking-in-toronto-tickets-1291770483289?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)to purchase a registration ticket. The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events. **Startup Valley — Toronto** A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners. We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **What happens:** • 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners • Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions • Investors stay in the room before and after pitches • The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking • Attendance is limited to keep the room focused Designed for clear thinking, not noise. **Who you’ll meet:** * Startup founders * Angel investors and VC partners * Operators in marketing, sales, and tech * AI engineers * Local and international founders * AI Experts * Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **Practical details** **For investors:** We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors. **To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform). Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early. Founders need your experienced view. **For pitching startups:** Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors. **After purchasing a ticket:** Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers. **Agenda** **19:00 – 19:30** **Registration** Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. **19:30 – 20:30** **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking** Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts. **20:40 – 21:20** **Startup Pitch Session** Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market. **21:20 – 22:00** **Chill & Networking** Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.

The next event is happening on Saturday April 25, at 10AM at the Indigo located in Sherway Gardens! Note this is a ticketed event, so registration is required. You can register here: https://ticketscene.ca/events/60627/

**Attention attendees!** **To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/ntixjerw) Warning: The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startups-demos-networking-in-toronto-tickets-1291770483289?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)to purchase a registration ticket. The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events. **Startup Valley — Toronto** A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners. We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **What happens:** • 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners • Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions • Investors stay in the room before and after pitches • The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking • Attendance is limited to keep the room focused Designed for clear thinking, not noise. **Who you’ll meet:** * Startup founders * Angel investors and VC partners * Operators in marketing, sales, and tech * AI engineers * Local and international founders * AI Experts * Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **Practical details** **For investors:** We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors. **To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform). Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early. Founders need your experienced view. **For pitching startups:** Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors. **After purchasing a ticket:** Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers. **Agenda** **19:00 – 19:30** **Registration** Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. **19:30 – 20:30** **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking** Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts. **20:40 – 21:20** **Startup Pitch Session** Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market. **21:20 – 22:00** **Chill & Networking** Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.

Event #48 - Wowwweee! \*\*Please note: This is the EscapeOK VAUGHAN location - not the Richmond Hill location, where we have also done rooms in the past. RSVP PROCEDURE: \*\*\*To secure your RSVP to this event, you must complete TWO steps. Both steps must be completed to attend. Simply RSVP'ing to this event via the Meetup "RSVP" button will NOT secure your ticket. This group is incredible and we have a ton of fun. I appreciate your help in making sure it can run smoothly. 🙂 Here are the steps, in order: STEP 1. Please send $45. per admission as an E-TRANSFER, to [TorontoEscapeRoomMeetup@gmail.com](mailto:TorontoEscapeRoomMeetup@gmail.com) In this email, please note: -> The name of the room you want to join. -> If you are paying for more than 1 admission, please send the appropriate amount for the number of tickets you want (e.g. 2 tickets = $90), to which event(s), and note the name of your guest. \*\*\*Out of fairness to members who are committed to attending, if I do not receive your etransfer within 24 hours of you joining the event, your RSVP will be removed to open up space for someone else. You are free to re-join when you are ready to send the etransfer, space permitting. STEP 2. Once you have completed STEP 1, click RSVP on the event for the room you want. If you are bringing a guest, select a +1. Managing large events can be complex so thank you for helping me keep track of all you incredible, amazing escapers! 💕 \*\*\*\*\* We have four rooms for you to choose from this month! Feel free to join this room, or check out the other rooms here: Mystic Forest https://www.meetup.com/toronto-escape-rooms/events/314235033/ Top Secret Mission https://www.meetup.com/toronto-escape-rooms/events/314235007/ Dracula's Manor https://www.meetup.com/toronto-escape-rooms/events/314235052/ Here's the room description for this specific event page, from the website: Re. Homicide Case "Step into the shoes of elite detectives called to the scene of a chilling crime. The head of the Balini mafia family been found dead in an alleyway. Use your detective skills to piece together the truth before the killer slips away. Justice depends on you.” This room is 1 hr. in length. Per tradition, we'll do optional coffee/drinks/dinner/dessert afterward if people want to hang out. Important details about the escape rooms only: 1. We will book the spots for the escape room, so no planning needed! 2. This is a prepaid event, so you must pay the fee to join in. 3. Please arrive at the listed time. This is scheduled 15 mins ahead of the room time so that everyone can arrive, check in and sign waivers if applicable. 4. No shows or last minute cancellations after the booking has been paid for will not receive refunds due to the non-refundable nature of the escape room businesses. 5. If there is a cancellation/rescheduling of the of the event, you will receive refunds. 6. If you ever want to join an event but all of our rooms appear to be full/sold out, please message me. I can sometimes find a way to add a person or two; and if I hear from a lot of people, I may even be able to book a whole extra room for the bonus folks so they can join in the fun! 7. Please share the puzzles! We can be big groups thanks to your patronage, and sometimes escape rooms don't have multiple puzzles to work on at one time, so only a few people may be able to work on a given puzzle. Share the love! If you've been the leader on a few puzzles in a row, kindly step back and let someone else have a turn. 8. Check out their website for additional details: (https://escapeok.com/locations/escape-ok-vaughan/)

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 22 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

"The SOB is a ballet dancer. He’s the best ballet dancer that ever lived, and if I get a good chance I’ll kill him with my bare hands." - W.C. Fields In *City Lights*, Chaplin's Little Tramp meets a blind girl selling flowers who mistakes him for a wealthy man. When he learns that an operation may restore her sight, he sets off to earn the money she needs to have the surgery. He also befriends an alcoholic millionaire who only recognizes him when he is drunk. When the blind girl and her grandmother fall behind in the rent and face eviction, he tries working and even enters a boxing competition to raise the money they need. Regarded as Chaplin's masterpiece, *City Lights* has been ranked on more than seventeen "100 greatest movies of all time" lists. Orson Welles cited it as his favorite picture. *City Lights* is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBOMax, Tubi and PlutoTV. The Columbus Library lists three copies on blu-ray and eight copies on DVD. Watch the movie on your own, then join us upstairs at East Market to discuss the film. If you want more, *Unknown Chaplin* is a three-episode lost-footage documentary available on Youtube. It covers his time on *City Lights* beginning at the twenty-six minute mark of episode two: https://youtu.be/f8960Uc15hI?t=1558

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

A WiA Collective Wisdom Exchange At the start of this year, we gathered to look back, set intentions, and imagine the next chapter. This is the follow-up. Not a check-in. Not a progress report. A small, facilitated circle to reconnect with what you said mattered — and honestly explore what’s actually happening now. Together, we’ll explore: • What you intended at the start of this year - and what that looks like three months in • What’s surprised you, supported you, or shifted • What the next chapter needs now that you know what you know If you were at our January gathering, bring whatever you made or wrote — your word, your artifact, your intention. We’ll look at it with fresh eyes. If this is your first time, you belong here too. You’ll start where we all started: with what’s true right now. Optional art materials will be available for anyone who wants to reflect creatively alongside conversation. If you brought something home from January, you’re warmly invited to bring it back. The intention is the same as always: everyone leaves feeling more clear, more connected, and a little lighter. Space is intentionally limited to keep the experience intimate. What to Expect • A small, welcoming circle (not a large meetup) • Structured conversation so everyone has space to speak • Reflection, listening, and lived experience — not advice-giving • Optional creative reflection alongside conversation • A calm, supportive environment Who This Is For Women and underrepresented folks working in or around agile, product, technology, leadership, or organizational change — especially those looking for honest conversation and community beyond frameworks and buzzwords. Good to Know • No preparation required • If you attended in January, we invite you to bring anything you created or wrote (or something that represents your intention at the start of the year) - it’s optional but invited • Participation is invitational; listening is always welcome • Creative activities are optional

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.