Geeks & Nerds

**Time:** 5:30pm until 9:30pm every Tuesday evening ​**Location:** Mitchell Field Community Centre **Address:** 89 Church Ave., a couple blocks east of Yonge Street [​](https://store.401games.ca/)**​​Transit:** About a 15 minute walk from either North York or Finch stations **Parking:** There are 2 parking lots near the community centre. Main lot along the east side of the building is nearest the main entrance. The other lot is located near the Arena. **Games** We play a variety of hobby or European style boardgames. Players of all experience levels are welcome. Games will be selected onsite from those available. All attendees are encouraged to bring a game or two that they can teach. Post on the meetup discussion to suggest games and gauge interest in specific titles. This weekly drop in event allows flexibility and no advance commitment. There is a core attendance of 5-10 players and new players are always welcome! RSVPs are not required.

Go Medieval! Learn Medieval arts, sciences, dancing and games! Have somefun with like minded history geeks. Tuesdays, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm St. Andrew’s United Church 117 Bloor St EAST (near Church Street) Ring the buzzer for the gate keeper more info? www.eoforwic.ca

Do you want to improve your Public Speaking skills, your Impromptu Speaking skills, learn how to present Feedback with Evaluations, and build your Leadership skills? If the answer is YES to any, attend SUN LIFE SPEAKERS CORNER online for an informative and fun filled session each Tuesday at Noon EST/EDT (except following a Holiday Monday). Guests/Visitors are welcome to participate in the Table Topics (impromptu) session. Join and become a Member to have access to all roles and Pathways, the education system. Please email info.sunlifespeakerscorner@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

**⏱️Time**: 1:00 PM on Tuesday - March3 📍 **Location**: Butter Baker Market Cafe - 114 Dundas St W, Toronto Looking to meet a few new people without the noise and pressure of big events? Join us for a relaxed coffee chat in downtown — just a small group, easy conversation, and good vibes. This meetup is capped at **2–5 people**, so it’s more personal and comfortable. Great for: • Making real connections • Practicing conversation in a low-key setting • Getting out of the house and doing something social 📍 **Location**: Butter Baker Market Cafe - 114 Dundas St W ☕ Everyone grabs their own drink/snack 💬 Chill, respectful, and welcoming vibe 💸 No event fee This isn’t a dating event or networking pitch — just friendly people meeting over coffee. 👉 RSVP if you’re in! Spots are limited to keep it cozy. ***

**A Special Event!** Join Hae Kwang Sunim Bad Stress Out "Inner Peace" Qigong - Don't Miss It! **THIS IS NOT LIKE ANY OTHER QI-GONG YOU EVER EXPERIENCED** Class also Includes full lying down guided Inner Peace Qigong. Join Community - lets connect and grow the Inner Life Training. **Experience the healing and stillness of Inner Peace Qigong. Also learn essential mind-body tools for the Inner Life.** **Location - Merritt & Niagara St. Welland.** **Required:** **Contact Sunim to register (text 416-797-7553 or email to [innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com](mailto:innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com))** **Investment: Only $17.70 + hst ($20.00\*\*)** **Location - Merritt & Niagara St. Welland.** **Required:** **Contact Sunim to register (text 416-797-7553 or email to innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com)** **Investment: Only $17.70 + hst ($20.00\*\*)** **Benefits of attending this class** \*\*\*Soft 'Inner Peace' Qigong leads to the deep release of dis--ease / stress and the restoring of ones energy channels and the infusion of fresh Qi and Peace through the body (reconnection to the Universal Qi field). About Inner Peace Qigong **"HARMONIZE" - "DESTRESS" and "RECHARGE"** We invite you to a great class which includes Zen Qigong, "Experiential" Qi Energy infusion and healing instruction, Meditation and more. This class also includes a soft, flowing series of Tao In, Deep Breathing, Relaxation and an amazing stress reduction closing and meditation that will leave you floating out of the class. The energy healing components of the classes are taught at Zen Temples in Korea that specialize in martial arts. This class by Hae Kwang Sunim is considered the ultimate stress reducer. All are welcome!! \*\*What to Bring A yoga mat and anything else that will make you comfortable for this class. A friend! Note: We have extra yoga mats, blankets, etc., but we recommend bringing a yoga mat to place over ours for optimal 'Inner Qigong' comfort. We supply use of meditation chairs and blankets (please arrive 15 minutes early). Class Benefits Include: Reduced stress level / deepening mind-body connection, improved blood pressure, massaging of all organs of the body, reduced anxiety and depression, relieving chronic pain, improved balance and coordination, improved sleep quality (such as staying asleep longer at night and feeling more alert during the day), strengthen mind awareness and inner peace, vitality, and everyday physical functioning. UNDERSTANDING Bad Stress Out "Inner Peace" ZEN QIGONG Health = A Balanced Flow Of Qigong The health of our body is dependent upon a clear, strong and balanced flow of Chi through the Sen Lines. Since qigong practice accomplishes just this, it should come as no surprise that the benefits of qigong (also spelled “Chi Kung”) practice extend to every physical system of our bodies, as well as to the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our Being. Physical Benefits of Qigong Practice: Qigong practice makes the body strong and supple. It improves balance, stamina and flexibility. It has positive effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, and immune and central nervous systems. It tends to create smooth skin, and a pleasant feeling of deep warmth within the body. It increases sexual vitality, and allows our sleep-time to be more deep and restorative. Over time, qigong practice can reduce or eliminate chronic pain. It also has the power to reverse the aging process, and restore youthfulness. Emotional Benefits: The smooth and balanced flow of Qi created by qigong practice shows itself as a joyful, relaxed, optimistic and energized state of mind. While the emotional energies of anger, fear, anxiety or grief still may arise, they will be much less “sticky” – and be held and then dissolved within the larger field of joy, gratitude, acceptance and equanimity. Mental & Spiritual Benefits of Qigong: The abundance of clarified energy and mental stillness generated by qigong practice supports great mental clarity, and nourishes both intuition and creativity. As our intelligence becomes rooted in a connection to the inner body, it widens and deepens in increasingly wonderful ways. As we deepen in our qigong practice, we become aware of more subtle realms of Being, and begin to experience, directly, our interconnectedness with All-That-Is. As acclaimed cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz, vice-chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University and director of the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at New York–Presbyterian Hospital writes in his best selling book ‘Staying Young’: “Qigong allows us to cope with the day to day struggle of being human – it can help us stretch and stay loose and balanced in both mind and body.” On the Oprah Winfrey show in November he simply put it this way, "If you want to be healthy and live to be 100, do Qigong." He also added that Qigong reverses the aging process. Parts of P.K.Z.Q. are modeled off of the Mind-Body Wellness Program taught at the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. The mindfulness based stress reduction meditation techniques come from Dr. Jongmae Park of Loyola Marymount University. During P.K.Z.Q., cares and troubles wash away. Replacing them are positive images, increased confidence and peace of mind. Near the end of each class the goal is for participants to attain the full ‘relaxation response’ and it’s that response that helps release the feel good endorphins. Why is this important? Endorphins encourage white blood cells and white blood cells help the body fight infection and disease. According to Dr. Benson, “repeated activation of the relaxation response can reverse sustained problems in the body and mend the internal wear and tear brought on by stress.” (Ref: Center for Women’s Healthcare, Weil Medical College of Cornell University.) "When the mind is trained, quieted, then room is created for our brightness, our True Self to shine through. The nature of True Self IS positive, loving, witnessing, unmoved in the moving. No positive affirmation can deliver the depth of contentment, of joy that already exists, that comes forward from True Self. The more we connect with it, the more it grows through us. In such an environment, the body has comfort, hurry sickness and chasing to 'fix' what we 'thought' we were collapses. The nervous system can finally rest - Stillness. From this place, the body will not easily fall prey to disease." - Hae Kwang Sunim **🌿🌿 Stay connected beyond our gatherings** **Between classes and events, we share reflections, short teachings, inspiration, and gentle reminders to return to presence, balance, and inner peace on Facebook and Instagram.** **You’re warmly invited to join us here:** **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/innerpeaceqigong **Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/inner_peace_qigong Questions? Email us at innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com --- About The Teacher: Hae Kwang Sunim started training at the age of 18 in Thailand. He has taken full seminary and in temple training, with graduated ordinations (including Bhikkhu ordination) under Patriarch Kun Sunim in South Korea. He spent over 25 years distilling the deepest and hardest to grasp teachings into a simplified language so it can be taught and effectively applied directly in daily life. In 2005 (2549), the 19th Headquarters in Korea appointed Venerable Hae Kwang as Director of Bo Kwang Zen Center Palm Springs, U.S.A. In 2013, the Western Bhikkhus Council nominated Hae Kwang Sunim 교구장 Kyo Goo Jahng of all American-European Temples (closest english translation: North American-European Oversight Head / Bishop / Director). Qigong and Mind-Body Training Hae Kwang Sunim drew from the most effective mind-body teachings he acquired from studying under different teachers in the East, including the teachings of Wat Bua Luang in Thailand. The methodology is based on the ancient Eastern principles of Hai Palung (Energy Healing), Pon Klie Kwan Sow (Emotional Release), Meditation, Food Based Healing and the importance of compassion, gratitude, oneness, outreach and the need to support the whole person holistically - body, mind and spirit.

We often think of home as a physical space we dwell in. But if that's all it is, why is it that we can 'feel at home' in a country, a city, or with other people? What makes these places and experiences feel home-like? In our next Curiosity Café we will begin by thinking about home as a physical space. What makes a space feel like a home? What features must be present for it to feel that way? Why do many of us feel the drive to decorate where we live, and what does this tell us about our self-expression? Then we will turn to home as a *feeling*. The answer to the question of what makes something feel like home seems deeply personal, yet there's something universal about the warmth a *feeling of home* evokes. But where does that feeling come from? Is it the people? The memories? Or something else entirely? Finally, we ask: not everyone has a house, and not every house feels like a home. What is the difference between the two? Can you have one without the other? And what responsibility do we have, individually and collectively, to facilitate the cultivation of a sense of home for ourselves and for others? Join co-moderators Robert Raynor and Sofia Panasiuk to explore these questions and more on March 3rd. **Space is limited!** **Please obtain a “Pay-What-You-Can” ticket from Curiosity Café at [this link (click here)](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/curiosity-cafe-home-place-and-feeling-tickets-1983746007710) to attend this event. You need a ticket to be admitted.** See the above link for more info about tickets and other options including a limited number of free tickets. Come and hang out with us, grab food, and read through our handout from 6-6:30pm. Our structured discussion will run from 6:30-8:30pm with a 10 minute break in the middle. Hope to see you there! ***___________________________________________________________________*** This event is brought to you by [Being and Becoming](https://beingnbecoming.org/), a Toronto based non-profit. We aim to create community around exploring everyday concepts and experiences so that we may live more intentional, thoughtful, and meaningful lives. We use philosophy as a tool with which we can come to a richer understanding of the world around us. By offering activities, spaces, and other opportunities for conversation and co-exploration, we hope to enable the meeting and fusion of individuals and their ideas. Everyone is welcome, regardless of background: indeed, we believe the journey is best undertaken alongside explorers from a variety of disciplines, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Find out more about Being and Becoming [here](https://beingnbecoming.org/). About the Curiosity Café Series: For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to join us at our Curiosity Cafés and are wondering what they’re all about: every two weeks, we invite members of our community to come out to the Madison Avenue Pub to engage in a collaborative exploration of our chosen topic. Through these events, we aim to build our community of people who like to think deeply about life’s big questions, and provide each other with some philosophical tools to dig deeper into whatever it is we are most curious about.

We will be hosting board game night at Face to face games, see location below. I will be bring a number of games from my collection and anyone is welcome to bring any game they would like to play as well, we normally decide at the event what to play and will split into to groups. normally there is a heavy game going and a couple lighter ones. I'm usually there early around 4:30PM, but we don't usually start anything large until 6pm. If your coming a bit later no worries there are plenty of shorter games running as well. We will get you playing. So come on out and lets play some games!!!!! You'll find us at the back of the store at the Large table Last row on the right just before the bathrooms. If you can't find us please ask the staff they will be able to direct you. Join the [GeezUnited discord Server!!!!](https://discord.gg/JVMbMZTmRg) if you have any questions or looking to organize games outside of the meetup this is a great place to do so.

I took the group to a few of these already. Great times always. **This is a fully accessible venue** [Because News](https://www.cbc.ca/radio/becausenews/about-because-news-1.4344480) is Canada's funniest news quiz. Host and award-winning comedian Gavin Crawford makes games out of the headlines, along with a panel of comedians and celebrities. It's also become [somewhat of a TikTok hit](https://www.niemanlab.org/2023/10/wait-wait-dont-tell-me-how-this-canadian-radio-show-became-a-tiktok-hit/) Note - very limited, sold out event. **Only sign up if you can 100% commit to attend.** Meet 6PM Doors open 6:30PM Taping should end around 8:30PM. **THIS GROUP IS OPEN TO THOSE THAT WANT TO BE SOCIAL, MAKE FRIENDS, THAT ARE SINGLE OR NOT SINGLE. WE ALSO HAVE LOTS OF OTHER EVENTS LIKE, MOVIES, WALKS, HIKES, ARTS & CULTURE AND RESTAURANTS. WE LOVE TO SUPPORT MEMBERS TO SOCIALIZE AND TO FORM LONG LASTING FRIENDSHIPS.** **Rules:** [Click Here!](https://www.meetup.com/toronto-movies-and-social-group/events/293241263/) **Getting The Best Out Of MeetUp:** [Click Here!](https://www.meetup.com/toronto-movies-and-social-group/events/293241269/) Consider [joining our Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JpUbpvfPcNuFzTJ1VqTLZO) to discuss this and future events too Don't Forget to join our email list (Meetup does not send out emails to everyone in a group) to get our weekly news later about upcoming events: [http://eepurl.com/hKt76f](http://eepurl.com/hKt76f) Facebook group @ [http://www.facebook.com/groups/502945113062739/](http://www.facebook.com/groups/502945113062739/)

Hi everyone! We're doing an afternoon impromptu hangout at Chefs Hall. Location: 111 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2G4 A sort walk from Osgoode subway station. head south on University till you reach Richmond St and head east along Richmond St. you should see Chefs Hall on the south side of Richmond. **First time meeting us and still not sure about the vibe?** Check out photos from **[past in-person events of 2023](https://www.meetup.com/artsrecto/photos/34212927/)** Bring your art supplies (mainly dry medium or small watercolour set), and order a warm drink and snacks. Looking forward to meeting you all :) === ================ **Support This Group 🥰🤩** We hope you're enjoying the Arts & Rec events! If you'd like to give support, please consider making a small Ko-fi donation of $5-10 USD at [https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto](https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto.) . This helps cover meetup and miscellaneous expenses with hosting events! For more inquiries, please PM me for more info! Thank you all so much!

Tickets are available in advance on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toronto-2slgbtqia-board-games-extravaganza-tickets-1983204964435?aff=ebdsoporgprofile). Hello and welcome to the 2SLGBTQIA+ Extravaganza! We are Canada's largest, and longest-running, board game event for the queer community. **About Us:** Our events are friendly meetups that aim to create a safe space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, friends, and allies to gather and connect through gaming. Our goals for our events are to foster greater community, help build friendships, and support our community's safe space partners. **Cover:** Tickets will be pay-what-you-can, with a minimum $5. Admission supports all the resources that go into making these volunteer-organized events possible. Tickets can now be reserved in advance on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toronto-2slgbtqia-board-games-extravaganza-tickets-1983204964435?aff=ebdsoporgprofile). Why this change? 1. Since our new venue has limited seating, an RSVP on Meetup does not guarantee a seat. Especially if you are travelling from outside downtown, it helps gamers know they can attend the event before they arrive. 2. The lobby to the venue is much smaller than CSI. So to help folks enter the venue, having a QR code ticket is much faster than taking payments at the door. 3. With the option to PWYC, having tickets makes managing sales easier for our volunteers. 4. CSI was very generous with their pricing since many of the Extravaganza organizers were members of their organization. Since they closed, finding a new space in the city at the same price felt impossible. But! Cake Cabaret is also very generous in working with us to make a financially accessible event. In order to help them save on costs and manage their space, knowing numbers in advance with tickets is a HUGE help. **Waitlist & Walk-Ups:** If the pre-book tickets sell out on Eventbrite, we recommend joining the Eventbrite waitlist to be notified if a spot becomes available in advance. We will also start selling rush tickets for any seats that are open after 6:30 PM to walk-ups on a first-come basis, and we can accept both cash and card for payment at the door. If planning to do rush, pay-at-the-door tickets, the Cake Cabaret bar will be open with limited standing room for drinks and to social with other guests while you wait before 6:30 PM. **What to Expect:** Connecting with you and helping you find a group and a game is literally why we love putting these events on. Should you join us, both our volunteers and veteran attendees will help you feel comfortable and at home. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the world of board games, this event offers something for everyone. Discover new games, challenge your friends, and make new connections with fellow board game lovers along the way. Come as a group or solo, and our friendly volunteers can help pair you with a community table, assist with introductions, and offer support with any new games by providing a teach of the rules. Extravaganza events are community first. However you identify on the 2SLGBTQIA+ spectrum, there is always a chair for you at our game tables. Friendly allies are also welcome, so long as they are respectful of the intentions of the event space. **Board Games:** From classic favourites to modern hits, we will have a wide selection of games to choose from, learn, and explore with nearly 100 games in our collection, including Coup, Codenames, Catan and many more! We also like to bring out the more crunchy games like Wingspan and Viticulture. You are also welcome to bring games from your own collection if you are interested in leading a table. **Roleplaying Games (RPGs) and Social Deception Games:** * Ever wanted to try a game like Dungeons & Dragons or Blood on the Clocktower? This is your chance! Our volunteers will be at some of the tables, ready and dedicated to leading beginner-friendly games for you to experience! * Our events feature a rotation of game experts and game systems, so there's always a new world to explore in a one-shot format. * When you first arrive, you can sign up for these activities or plan ahead in the new [Changeling Gaming Discord](https://discord.gg/Jnpa4CRFaN). **\- SCHEDULE \-** * **6 PM** // Doors open for ticket-holders, walk-in ticket sales, and sign-ups for group activities. * **6:15 - 9:30PM**// Openplay gaming tables, drink services, and food pop-up Dining & Dragons. * **8:30 PM//** Last call for the Kitchen * **9:30 - 10PM**// Wrap up games and social * **10PM** // Event ends **\- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS \-** 1. **Venue:** NEW! With the news of CSI Annex closing, we have worked hard to find a new home. Serving sweet treats with a side of spicy performance, Cake Cabaret is Toronto’s one-of-a-kind destination for dance, burlesque, drag, and special events. The perfect place to be safely queer and game. 2. **Accessibility:** The Cake Cabaret is easily accessible. They are only a few minutes' walk west from Pape Subway Station. The venue also features elevator access with low-reach buttons and a range of seating options that are easy to move. It also has gender-neutral bathrooms with push-buttons, wide stalls and low sinks. 3. **Food & Drink:** Cake Cabaret will be hosting a bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic [beverage options](https://www.cakecabaret.ca/menu-1). Please make a purchase where you are able to support the venue. (Remember to please drink responsibly). Our friends at [Dining & Dragons](https://www.instagram.com/dininganddragons/) will also be joining us again to offer a food pop-up with some delicious options for purchase. The food is incredible and well worth a try! **Want to Volunteer?:** We are always looking for wonderful folks to join our friendly team of volunteers who help to make these events possible. From greeting folks at the door, to teaching games, we have a wide variety of tasks behind the scenes that need doing. Volunteers help with set-up, clean-up, and 2 hrs of the event, hosting one of the various activities. If you would be interested in joining us, please email changelinggaminginfo@gmail.com **This event is powered by Changeling Gaming.** To learn more about us, please visit our [Linktree](https://linktr.ee/ChangelingGaming).

Note: You may be removed from the attendance list if you've participated in the previous week's event. This allows for more people to experience this Meetup. Avengers put your costumes on and let’s go and save the world!
Well we can’t save the world (yet), but we aim to try to play a small part in the lives of those experiencing homelessness by making their day a bit better!
Description: Before the event the organizer will post a list in the comment section of the attendees and what they are responsible to bring (food/drink, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies). We normally ask each attending member to bring approximately $15-20 worth of ingredients/supplies to our event. We will use the items to prepare and serve food/drink at The Meeting Place.
Timeline: We will meet on location at 11:00 am, with lunch served between 12:30-1:00 pm.
Membership Dues: Membership dues are $2.00 for the calendar year. Membership dues go towards paying for food/supplies incurred by no-shows. Membership dues are due at the first meetup of the year that you attend.
No Shows/Late Un-RSVP: We’re relying on members who RSVP to bring key ingredients for recipes! Please try your best to show-up or alternatively change your RSVP early so another member may fill the empty spot.
\*\*\* If you are on the waitlist, keep checking as you may be moved into attendance to replace someone. We will try to message you to confirm your attendance in advance.
Donations will be assigned before the event.

Come ready to play. We’re turning dinner into a full-on game night. Card games, competitive chaos, and yes, those long strategic nerd games my friends love to play. We’ll also have Jackbox games on the big screen so everyone can jump in and talk a little trash. There will be pizza. There will be drinks. There will be snacks. There will absolutely be laughter. Pull up, grab a slice, pick a game, and let’s make it a night. \* This will be at someone's house so address will be given night before the event.