Hookah

Holy ESL This group is an advanced and intermediate English learners who are interested to learn English language as a second language (ESL) using the Bible. Holy ESL is free and you DO NOT NEED to be a Christian. All and any faith is welcome, so come ready to engage in thought provoking conversations and deeping your understanding of both language and faith. Light refreshments are provided.

You are warmly invited to the second gathering of the School of Practical Spirituality — and this time, we’re diving into the topic of the **Four Elements.** When: Tuesday, May 26, 7–9 PM Where: The beautiful and enchanted Alternity Cafe, 333 Bloor St West This will be a hands-on workshop dedicated to understanding and working with the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. Together, we’ll explore simple yet powerful techniques and meditations to help you connect more deeply with each element — and use them for practical and tangible purposes in daily life as well as deepening the very understanding of reality. Whether you’re just curious or have years of experience with esoteric disciplines, you are truly welcome here. No special knowledge needed — just an open mind and a willingness to explore. Come as you are. We’ll save you a seat.  Please support out host, Alternity Cafe by buying a drink or a snack when yiu come in. ![✨]() We welcome donations to the PWYC basket to keep the group going and thriving. With warmth, Your host Sasha, School of Practical Spirituality

Come chat in the company of new friends, grab a bite, cool drink or water (optional). We will meet in the Food Court in the Lower Level. It's a free event to socialize and make new friends. **Meeting Location** \- The Wellington Market @ The Well \(lower level\) **Arrive** \- Anytime 5:45\-6:30pm **Leave** \- Anytime \-\-\-\- **Stay Connected** **[Join WhatsApp Group Chat](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeV7PTQJLHF_vOb6ND0PxA0jHX3JYviVJR7BNsByG8PUMzR3w/viewform)** ***

[[RESULTS](https://opavote.com/results/4829900303499264) of the poll for this event] ABCD Reads AND Watches "**Train Dreams**", a [novella](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S234C2792355) written by Denis Johnson, and a [film](https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/train-dreams) directed by Clint Bentley. **:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::** "Suffused with the history and landscapes of the American West—its otherworldly flora and fauna, its rugged loggers and bridge builders—this extraordinary novella poignantly captures the disappearance of a distinctly American way of life. Train Dreams tells the story of Robert Grainer, a day laborer in the American West at the start of the twentieth century—an ordinary man in extraordinary times. Buffeted by the loss of his family, Grainer struggles to make sense of this strange new world. As his story unfolds, we witness both his shocking personal defeats and the radical changes that transform America in his lifetime." (from [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12991188-train-dreams)) **:: ABOUT THE MOVIE ::** "Train Dreams is the moving portrait of Robert Grainier (Golden Globe-nominee Joel Edgerton), whose life unfolds during an era of unprecedented change in early 20th century America. Orphaned at a young age, Robert grows into adulthood among the towering forests of the Pacific Northwest, where he helps expand the nation's railroad empire alongside men as unforgettable as the landscapes they inhabit. After a tender courtship, he marries Gladys (Academy Award-nominee Felicity Jones) and they build a home together, though his work often takes him far from her and their young daughter. When his life takes an unexpected turn, Robert finds beauty, brutality and newfound meaning for the forests and trees he has felled." (from [Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/train_dreams)) **:: ABOUT THE EVENT ::** Instead of just reading the book as usual, this time we're asking that you also watch the movie adaptation. During our discussion, we'll explore the strengths of both the book and the movie, evaluate the adaptation's effectiveness, and touch on any other topics that arise. You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before the event and stay 30 minutes or longer afterward to connect with other attendees outside the book talk. Please ensure you have read the book and watched the movie before attending (though finishing either is not a barrier to participating, as long as you don't mind spoilers). First-time attendees can join for free. If the event is full, we maintain an unofficial waitlist. Please send [Michael](https://www.meetup.com/members/55295192/) a direct message for more information, in either case. We request a $3 contribution from regular attendees to help cover our monthly meetup costs. **:: ABOUT OUR NEXT READ&WATCH ::** At the end of each event, we will ask for nominees for our next Read & Watch (date TBA). If you have a good pairing in mind, please ensure that the book is between 200-400 pages long, available from the Toronto Public Library, and counts as contemporary literary fiction (though these are not hard and fast rules), and that the movie or TV-series is readily available. When enough nominees are collected, Michael will send the members a direct message with a link where you can vote.

**[GrafanaCON Local](https://grafana.com/events/grafanacon-local/) Toronto - featuring the latest in AI Observability** Join us for a local edition of GrafanaCON — a recap of the keynote highlights combined with fresh voices from the Toronto community, all with an AI twist. We'll dig into actually useful uses of AI in observability, and how to add observability for AI workloads. Free to attend. Pizza and drinks provided. **Talks** 🎤 **Grafana 13: The road to AI-native observability** — Marylia Gutierrez, Principal Software Engineer @ Grafana Labs This talk will walk through Grafana 13 and the most impactful improvements across the platform. Learn how Grafana is continuing to invest in AI to become the first fully AI-native observability platform, and the default choice for agents. 🎤 **Scaling Grafana Assistant: Context, confidence, and AI observability** — Edward Qian, Staff Software Engineer @ Grafana Labs AI agents are only as powerful as the context they receive. In this session, we'll share lessons from building Grafana Assistant and offer practical tips for bringing the right context to get the most out of AI agents. 🎤 **AI tools to optimize your development workflow** — Cristiano Ventura, Senior Software Engineer @ Grafana Labs The way we write software has changed. AI systems read code, plan, execute shell commands, run tests, open PRs, and ship work end-to-end. This talk will showcase useful AI tools and concepts to improve your development workflow. **Agenda** 5:30 PM — Doors open, food + networking 6:00 PM — Talks begin \~8:00 PM — Networking continues 8:30 PM — Wrap *Note that by registering for this event you consent to related event & product communications from Grafana Labs and agree to our [code of conduct](https://grafana.com/events/events-code-of-conduct/).*

Dive into the world of swimming with our exciting meetup group! Join us for a beginner-friendly workshop as we cover essential skills and techniques to feel confident swimming. Our experienced instructors will provide tips on breathing, sighting, and navigation to help you conquer any body of water. Whether you're new to swimming or looking to brush up on your skills, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to enhance your abilities in a supportive and encouraging environment. Don't miss out on this chance to explore the excitement of swimming with our welcoming community of swimmers. Admission includes a 1 hour swimming lesson, group or individual, depending on your comfort level and ability. All lessons will begin at the start of each hour (i.e. 6 pm, 7 pm). You are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early to get acquainted, as well as change & set up. This is a BYOE workshop (Bring Your Own Equipment), so bathing suits, bathing caps, goggles, and ear/nose plugs are your responsibility. All other equipment, such as floatation devices, are available on site. I will be on site to guide you through the process and answer any questions you might have, as well as collect admission fees. You are welcome to hang back after your lesson to observe (a viewing gallery is available, however please be respectful of participants & instructors that are in session). This is a public pool facility, so please follow all safety protocols (i.e. no running on deck) With that in mind, I look forward to seeing you all out there and ready to have a blast in the pool.

🏆🔥 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NIGHT AT AL OMDA 🔥🏆 Arsenal vs PSG. European lights. Massive pressure. Two giants battling for glory under the brightest stage in football. 🌍⚽ Join us for a huge Champions League showdown as the Gunners take on Paris Saint-Germain in what promises to be a night full of intensity, elite football, and unforgettable moments. ❤️🤍💙 📍 Al Omda Dundas Lounge 🗓 Saturday, May 30 ⏰ 3:45 PM From big tackles to world-class goals and nonstop passion from kickoff to final whistle, this is the kind of match you do not want to watch alone. 🍿⚡ North London meets Paris in a European clash with everything on the line. 🎯 :

Note you will need to RSVP to attend our event this Saturday May 30 at Danu Social House. You can RSVP here: https://luma.com/56n7xscd

🐏 Spending Eid alone? Not this year. Join us for a warm Eid dinner gathering in Toronto as we come together to celebrate as a family. Good food and nice company to make this Eid feel special and a little less far from home. Eid Mubarak 🤗

🏏 RCB HAS REACHED THE IPL FINALS! ❤️💛 We’re hosting an IPL Finals Watch Party and would love for everyone to join us for an exciting evening of cricket, cheering, and fun! 🎉 📍 Venue: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/hF5bPKB7qmwjskGm8?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hF5bPKB7qmwjskGm8?g_st=ic) 💵 Entry: $5 Please e-transfer to: [krishnaswamyswathi@gmail.com](mailto:krishnaswamyswathi@gmail.com) Let’s come together and support RCB in the finals! 🔥🏆

Connect new Networking in English $5! (Fees help us keep the event running.) Join Japanish for a fun mix of language, new networking opportunities—all in a friendly, supportive environment! Perfect for anyone eager to practice English and build a new community. ボードゲームで楽しむ英語の練習！ 参加費は5ドルだけ！（イベント運営に使います。） Japanish では、英語をメインに新しいネットワーキングの機会を楽しみながら、英語を学びたい人を繋げます！新しいコミュニティを作りたい方はぜひご参加ください！ 注) 連絡無しのドタキャンをされた方はブラックリストに載ります。 Note: Those who cancel last-minute without contact will be added to the blacklist.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. Feel free to come whether or not you've started or finished the book. • Small snacks will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group.

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

Big Ohio Book Con "A convention for book lovers all over Ohio (and beyond)! Author panels, signings, bookish vendors, meet & greets, and more!" Featuring more than 100 authors, more than 50 bookish vendors, and plenty of exciting activities throughout the event! Travel with fellow book lovers or meet us at the event. Park for free at the Medina Convention Center, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, Ohio 44256, then hop aboard one of the free shuttles whenever you’re ready for your next bookish adventure! The convention spans three neighboring locations, giving you even more to explore and enjoy.

Happy Birthday to all June birthday people! I put this on the schedule because it's my birthday month, and this is my favorite place; it's also Dave Koczur's (MAFIA meetup leader) birthday on June 8; if you who are reading this have a June birthday as well, tell us in the Comments! For anyone off work or with a flexible schedule, come to Pistachio Vera in German Village for a tea and pastry. We will try to get a table outside. If convenient, you could put a fold up chair in your car in case we can all sit outside but we run out of chairs. https://www.pistaciavera.com/

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻 Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company! Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.