Memoir Writing

Struggling with motivation and focus as you hammer away on your manuscript at home? Want to join a community of writers as we embrace the joys and pains (mostly pains) of writing together? Bring your laptop, pen & paper, old-school typewriter, or futuristic writing gadget, and join an enthusiastic community of science fiction and fantasy writers as we work on our current projects in the same space. The format will be similar to our online writing sprints: 30-minute blocks of focused, quiet writing time (the sprints), interspersed with breaks where we can chat, ask questions, and share our writing experiences.

**#Note: As of Aug 17, 2025,** **we will be moving to Yonge Sheppard Centre** due to the closing of our prior venue Whole Foods. Please read the new location details. **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near Jimmy the Greek. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

Hello everyone, I'd like to invite you out for a fantastic Sunday afternoon with **Name That Tune.** A great way to make lots of new friends, share some laughs and enjoy all the best music that we love. \*We will be joining my other social groups too, so we can look forward to a great turn out and great afternoon **Date:** Sunday November December 28th **Time** 4:00-6:30 pm **La Carnita - (Main Floor)** **Address:** 130 Eglinton Ave. Toronto, ON M4P 2X9 Free Parking on Eglinton on Sundays on North side of street :) See below for event details: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer & DJ) Event Details: **NAME THAT TUNE** **(Music, Treats and Memories) (Sunday December 28th)** -Everyone can play, all ages welcome! -Teams will be formed in groups of 4-6 people -New teams for each round will be formed so that we can all meet lots of new people -Treats handed out to winning teams -Lots of fun and laughter in store for all who come out (Songs will include the various decades, past and present so everyone will have a chance to contribute and have a great time) **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (Cash only please at the door) (HST is included) or e transfer in advance to steveflemming11@gmail.com \-\-\-\- **Friendly Reminders:** -Please arrive between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. \*Name That Tune will start shortly after that (Invite your friends out too if you l \*Plan to have dinner here if you like as the food is great! \*Dinner Party after event at no extra charge as well :) \-\-\- **Dinner & Beverage Menu available too** \*Includes reserved seating for the group \*Beverage and/or appetizer minimum to support the staff and venue \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Parking Available:** \*Plenty of free street parking on Eglinton and (Residential area south/east of venue for free) **Close to Subway Station:** \*Also just a three minute walk east from the Yonge/Eglinton subway station \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Come join me for a walk created for those who are closing out the year with full hearts, heavy hearts, or uncertain hearts. As we approach the end of the year, we will gather in the forest to reflect on the shedding what the Year of the Snake has brought. Snakes grow through release, through letting go of what constricts, what no longer fits, what the body and spirit can no longer carry. This year may have asked you to shed more than you expected. On this walk, we will explore loss in all its forms: — losing the expectations you once held — losing insecurities you outgrew — grieving someone you loved — grieving versions of yourself you no longer are — sitting with the lessons, the losses, the mistakes — discovering the unexpected renewal that can only come through loss This walk is an invitation to slow down and gently honour the truth of this year. To acknowledge grief without trying to rush past it. To notice the space that loss has opened. To feel where new hope is beginning to rise, quietly, beneath the surface. We will move through the forest slowly, letting the landscape guide us. We will sit with what has been heavy. We will honour what has fallen away. And together, we will step toward the new year with tenderness, clarity, and the sense that we are ready for the next level of ourselves. This is not a hike. It is a reflective, supportive forest therapy walk. Adults only. Please dress warmly and bring a blanket if you like. There will be tea served. There is no car access to High Park on the weekends, there is parking on Bloor St and surrounding area. Be mindful of signage. We will meet in front of the Grenadier Cafe inside the park. Washrooms accessible at the Cafe. 📍 200 Parkside Dr We will begin at 2:30 PM promptly and finish by around 4:00 PM, ensuring full daylight and safe departure before dusk. If you feel called to close out the year by honouring what was lost and opening to what is next, I welcome you to join me. 💫💫💫 Note: I am a Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. I am not a clinical therapist. By participating in this walk, you acknowledge that you are doing so at your own risk. Toronto Hiking Moms and its organizers assume no responsibility or liability for any injuries, losses, or incidents that may occur during this experience.

**Mind Body Reset: A Two-Part Workshop** **Release 2025. Welcome 2026 with clarity, intention, and calm.** I’m so excited to announce a special 2-part year-end + year-beginning experience designed to help you gently let go of what the year carried… and step into the new one with vision, purpose, and grounded energy. **Part I: Releasing + Reset** **Sunday, December 28 • 3-5pm** (*Location TBA. Space is very limited.*) A deeply nurturing session focused on: • Trauma-informed yoga for emotional release • Breathwork to calm the nervous system • Guided meditation • Reflective journaling • Expressive art to clear mental & emotional weight • Closing ritual to create space for the new year **Part II: Vision Board for 2026** **Sunday, January 4 • 3-5pm** (*Location TBA. Limited spots.*) We’ll shift into creation and possibility using a grounded, **science-backed approach** to visioning: • Guided visualization • Goal-clarity practices • Evidence-based manifestation principles • Creative vision board building • Intention-setting for a meaningful 2026 All materials provided for both workshops. **PRICING** **Attend One Workshop:** $55 **Attend Both (Bundle):** $95 *(save $15)* * **Early-bird discount ends December 26 (Boxing Day).** * Registration link in bio. * Space is limited, reserve your spot early. Join us in this gentle reset, a chance to breathe, create, release, and begin again. 🤍

We'll be walking on the paved path of the Birkdale trail, passing through Thompson park and into the West Highland Creek. We'll walk a distance of ~7.7 km which we will be able to cover in about 1.75 hours, speed will be dependent on weather conditions. Dress in your most outlandish Christmas garb, making sure to dress warm enough for the weather. Crampons might be necessary, so please have them on hand. After the hike we'll go for coffee, at Coffee Time 2195 Midland Ave. Our group will leave at the posted time, so please arrive early. Please cancel your RSVP if you can't make it. Bring water and wear footwear comfortable for walking. Required reading for you and your guests before RSVP'ing to all events: 1. [Liability Waiver and Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR0LFNJVYn5j1AYl8eR63HjAxKMkRwg5ifKXqL3rP6Xl7v_Wcsx4xR_kNFluE3eILpSmP-EJ0OouQvT/pub) (updated 05/30/22) 2. When asked at RSVP time, indicate **\*Yes\*** if you agree to the question provided. 3. See general information about [Tick Safety](https://www.ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease)

**An opportunity to serve the homeless and those at risk as a group.** During our recent sessions, we served meals, chopped veggies, made sandwiches, and helped prepare pasta. Each session is similar; however, tasks may vary depending on the need at hand (e.g., sorting food). *We had a great time serving together with lots of smiles and good energy.* **Only 6 spots available. If you’re planning to attend, please RSVP to reserve your spot and help us plan.** When you arrive at **Reception**, the staff will guide you to the volunteer room, where you can place your belongings in a locker and meet the group. Below are simple guidelines from the Ministry on what to wear, safety, etc.: **Guidelines (what to wear, safety, etc.):** [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1piAyloECv9YUDkPJuoJBdCmh3x8n1un1rGvJSFIkbs4/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1piAyloECv9YUDkPJuoJBdCmh3x8n1un1rGvJSFIkbs4/edit?usp=sharing) **Good to know:** * Closed-toe shoes are required. * Tie back long hair; minimal jewelry. * Please arrive 5–10 minutes early so we can start together. * **If something urgent comes up and you can’t make it, please send a quick message when you can 🙏** Grateful to serve alongside you.

This event is for women in their late 20s to 40s who want to spend some time outside in the good company of other nature-loving women. We’ll start with a relaxed walk to keep moving, then settle by the firepit for s’mores, hot chocolate, and nature-themed activities. ### **What we’ll do:** * Begin with an easy \~1-hour walk in the nearby park, starting at 4 pm — hoping to catch the sunset, weather permitting * Arrive at the firepit for cozy social time * Enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate, and a few small winter treats * Pick a nature-themed affirmation from the **Nature Wishes Jar** * Chat, relax, and simply enjoy the winter fire atmosphere — it’s open and windy, so dress warmly **Note:** Transit-accessible via TTC. Location is open and exposed; temperature is expected around 0 °C with possible gusts up to 30 km/h. Cloudy conditions may block the sunset, but the firepit will provide warmth and ambiance. The event will proceed unless conditions are deemed dangerous. ### **Duration:** * Approx. 1 hour walk * Approx. 1–2 hours by the fire — feel free to leave whenever you’re comfortable ### **What to Bring:** * Warm winter layers, windproof long coat, hat, gloves, scarf * Winter boots * A mug (optional, plastic cups will be provided) **Cost:** $25 for first 6 people; after - $30 per person — includes cozy firepit setup, hot chocolate, treats, and hosting ### **Disclaimer**: This group is designed to offer a peaceful, enjoyable space for women to connect and spend time outdoors together. Please note that I am not responsible for any personal belongings, injuries, or incidents that may occur during our events. Participants are responsible for their own safety and items. Photos may be taken during events for future promotions or group memories, and by joining, you consent to being included in these images unless otherwise specified. By joining, you agree to respect the privacy of others and engage in a positive, supportive environment. Please note: the fee is non-refundable.

**Smoking Cessation Workshop:** **Mindset, Habits, and Healing** **Tired of the struggle? Let’s change the internal script.** Most people try to quit smoking using willpower alone, but true change happens when we address the underlying causes. Join us for an evening of insight and subconscious retraining. **What we will cover:** * **The History of the Habit:** Understanding your "smoking story" so you can finally move past it. * **The Habit Equation:** Self-Hypnosis + Actionable Daily Habits = A New You. * **Guided Session:** A personalized meditative experience. I provide the framework; you insert the personal details that resonate with your life. * **Optional Tool Kit:** Physical items to busy the body to try, take home, or inspire more customization. **Pricing:** * **$15** – Advance payment (before Dec 25) to [Tanya@Hypnosage.com](mailto:Tanya@Hypnosage.com) * **$20** – **After Dec 25 or at the door** 4:30-6pm Space is limited to 6 people Seating is on floor mats but a chair or stool can be available with advance notice. Masks are welcome but not required (anyone with symptoms of illness is asked to please stay home). There is one washroom. There are a few stairs to get to the front door, and then 14 steps to get into the second-story space.

who's up for a day snow shoeing. up north we have snow. bring your own food. put "global tower road" into any GPS or phone it should bring you right to the parking spot.

🎄 Seenagers Toronto – December Adventure ✨ “Lights, Laughs & Lattes” ✨ 📅 Sunday, December 28, 2025 | 🕙 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 💲 TTC Day Pass recommended | 🚶‍♀️ Approx. 4–5 km | ☕ Warm drinks & holiday sparkle --- 💬 Event Theme The holiday lights still shine by day — and so do we! Join your Seenager friends for a joyful winter walk through downtown Toronto’s festive sights, delicious coffee stops, and cheerful conversation. --- 🗺️ Meet-Up Point 📍 Inside the Eaton Centre (Yonge & Dundas entrance, near Indigo Books & Café) We’ll meet in the warmth of the atrium, grab a coffee, and start our stroll once everyone arrives. --- 🎡 Itinerary (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) 1️⃣ Eaton Centre & Yonge-Dundas Square (10:00 – 10:45 a.m.) – Admire the huge tree and reindeer displays. – Group photo under the lights before the crowd arrives. 🚶‍♀️ Walk west along Queen Street (~1 km). 2️⃣ Nathan Phillips Square (11:00 – 11:45 a.m.) – Enjoy the rink, tree, and Toronto Sign. – Hot-chocolate stop at Aroma Espresso Bar or Balzac’s Café. 🚋 Optional break: 501 Queen streetcar west for those who prefer less walking. 3️⃣ Queen West Holiday Walk (12:00 – 1:15 p.m.) – Window-shop along Queen Street West; admire shopfront decorations and murals. – Cozy lunch stop at Jimmy’s Coffee or Sud Forno Bakery & Café (Peter St.). 🚶‍♀️ Walk or streetcar back east toward Queen Station. 4️⃣ Optional Finale (1:30 – 2:00 p.m.) – Quick warm-up at Eaton Centre Starbucks or Balzac’s Atrium on Bay before farewells. --- 👟 Walking Summary Eaton → Nathan Phillips → Queen West → return ≈ 4.5–5 km (flat, easy terrain) --- 💡 Seenager Tip of the Month Pack a travel mug — refills stay warm and cafés often give a small discount!

Welcome to our monthly piano recital! We are a casual and welcoming group of amateur pianists who enjoy playing for and supporting other pianists in the community. To sign up to play, please post a comment on the meetup, reserving your spot. You attend, simply RSVP to the meetup. The time limit for each performer is 7 minutes. Please shorten your piece if it exceeds 7 minutes so everyone will have time to play. ======= COST ======= We use GoFundMe as a vehicle to collect donations for our costs. https://gofund.me/4ee1b739 Expand the "description" to view an exact breakdown of costs, collected donations, and the current goal. Any additional donations above the goal will be carried forward to the next recitals. Generally, performers donate a suggested donation of $20 and attendees donate what they can. ======= SCHEDULE ======= 1 Prasa 2 Graham 3 Victor 4 5 6 7 Lin 8 9 10 Jacqueline 11 Alex 12 James 13 Fernando 14 Nabil 15 Dunie .... Waiting list ( cancels and no shows)

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 Sunday 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 noon on Sundays. 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: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. 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. 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 Sunday!

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 the second & fourth Wednesday of every month at Two Dollar Radio Headquarters (HQ). 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 around 6:45pm. 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 Two Dollar Radio HQ! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Other customers are welcome at Two Dollar HQ at the time, so please 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. * **ACCESSIBILITY:** Two Dollar Radio HQ's entrance door on Cline Street is wheelchair accessible, they have two gender-neutral bathrooms that are both wheelchair accessible, and their ordering and table-seating area is as well. Working service dogs are allowed. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Two Dollar Radio HQ does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public street parking on all surrounding streets, on both sides of Parsons Ave. You are also welcome to park in the Columbus Metropolitan Library parking lot across the street (1113 Parsons Ave). Two Dollar Radio HQ has a bike rack on the corner of Cline and Parsons, and the library has bike parking (across Parsons). * **FOOD/BEVERAGE:** Two Dollar Radio HQ is a bar and vegan cafe. Their food is 100% vegan and made from scratch, with love. They also serve a range of wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as coffees and teas. If you're able to, please consider thanking our venue by purchasing something!!

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!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

The topic for January is "Chemistry" 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 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 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!

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon