Poetry Spoken Word

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host, for an evening of wonder, joy, and imagination with the return of ILLUMINITE: Downtown Yonge’s annual winter celebration of light, art, and public space. At 6 pm, we will meet-up inside Pogue Mahone pub, where we will share some pub grub and suds. https://fabrestaurants.ca/restaurant/pogue-mahone/ At 7 pmish, we will head over to the first of 5 stops, Oval Swings, by Prevail Activations where glowing LED swings invite you to pause, connect, and capture the moment. Then we walk to Horizon by M2att Creations, this immersive installation invites you to shape shifting patterns of light in real time, turning College Park into a dynamic playground of sight and sound. Our third stop is Daria Domnikova, Granby Parkette comes alive with Hearts at Play, a vibrant trio of interactive sculptures that celebrate community, creativity, and connection in Downtown Yonge. Off to Sankofa Square, near TMU station, five quirky characters just waiting to burst out and start the party. To set them free, you’ll need to call out, sing, or dance your way into their world. Final stop is DOMINO EFFECT invites visitors of all ages to play, collaborate, and co-create a symphony of sound and light using giant pastel-coloured dominos. https://downtownyonge.com/illuminite/ Afterwards, if you are looking for more there is.... Skating at College Park - Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail

*Games Schedule* Wednesday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 3 / 5 NLH - $500 Free Roll Thursday Event: - 1 / 2 NLH - Deep Stack - Min 100 - Max 1000 - $500 Free Roll Friday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 1 / 3 PLO - $500 Free Roll Saturday Event: - 1 / 2 NLH - Deep Stack - Min 100 - Max 1000 - $500 Free Roll Sunday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 2 / 2 PLO - $500 Free Roll Monday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 3 / 5 NLH - $500 Free Roll

**Laughter Yoga** is a fun and simple way to **bust through chronic stress, anxiety, and overwhelm** so that you can feel **more relaxed, at ease, connected, peaceful, open, uplifted and energized.** Join us **\*IN-PERSON\*** in Toronto **or \*ONLINE\***. The IN-PERSON class, takes place in Greektown Toronto, just a short 2-3 minute walk from the Chester subway. Exact address will be provided by direct phone call after you are registered. Participating in a series of group laughter yoga sessions has been scientifically shown to bring about measurable physiological and psychological benefits. When practised regularly the effects can be life-changing! **You can indeed Laugh Yourself Happy & Healthy!** Payment Methods: e-Transfer, cash, or Credit Card (on Eventbrite). **To pay using a credit card or Paypal, register on Eventbrite at this link:** [https://lynnhimmelman.eventbrite.com](https://lynnhimmelman.eventbrite.com) **Trial Pass for Newcomers: $14** **General Admission Pass: $20** **Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders Pass: $16** In-person attendees can pay by cash, e-transfer, or on Eventbrite. Online attendees can pay by e-transfer or on Eventbrite with a credit or debit card. **To register and pay by e-transfer, follow the steps below:** **Step 1:** phone Lynn's landline at 416-469-2033 (no texts) **Step 2:** if Lynn does not pick up your call live, leave your full name, phone number, and email address on the voicemail or send the information to the following email: forgiveandlaugh at gmail dot com **Step 3:** you will receive a personal phone call from Lynn who will provide you with class access information as follows a) **For In-Person attendees**, the address for her private studio, where the class will be held, will be provided to you by way of a live conversation. Your cash fee can be paid onsite on the day of the class or your can guarantee your spot by sending payment ahead of time. b) **For Online or In-Person attendees paying by e-transfer**, send your payment to: forgiveandlaugh at gmail dot com **E-transfer question:** What is this for? **E-transfer answer:** laughter After your payment for online attendance has been processed, watch your email inbox for the Zoom access link. **See you in the class, either IN-PERSON or ONLINE, for 60-minutes of upliftment and fun!** Cheerfully, Lynn :) **To find other available dates and events use this link:** [https://lynnhimmelman.eventbrite.com](https://lynnhimmelman.eventbrite.com) *** Led by Lynn Himmelman, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader & Trainer and 3x Laughing Champion of Toronto. *** **Suggestions for the best class experience:** Dress comfortably for ease of movement and breathing. Street clothes are fine. Keep some drinking water handy - lots of laughing can make you thirsty! Optional: Have a yoga mat or towel on hand which you can use for the last quarter of the class when you have the option of lying down on the floor for the final laughter exercise. Eat lightly beforehand as laughing on a full stomach can be uncomfortable. This laughter session is a dynamic, interactive experience that works best when everyone can see and hear each other. If you are attending this class ONLINE you will get the best experience and the most benefit by having your Zoom video and audio turned on. You will be welcomed by Lynn, the host, as you enter the Zoom room. Attending just to watch, silent & invisible, is discouraged as it can be intimidating for those who cannot see or hear you. For security purposes, in order to enter the Zoom Room, you will be asked to answer a few questions. Plan to sign in a few minutes early to allow time for this part. Please be on time so as to avoid disrupting the flow of the class, and so that you are present to hear the context and intention behind the laughter exercises that will be explained at the beginning of the session.

Navigating work/personal life in this mega city can be challenging ! We welcome all the Toronto young professionals & startup lovers to join this community that provides you an inclusive and casual platform to share, discuss, and grow! No matter what career stage you are at, what industry you work for, or what startup idea you are brainstorming, this inclusive & vibrant community aims to help you embark on your new personal/work journey! If work sounds annoying to you or you are new to the city, you can just come have a coffee and meet new people! Let's exchange ideas and create new memories together! We welcome you to join us at a new location; Sweetway Cafe **THE COFFEE SHOP IS EXCLUSIVLY OPEN FOR THIS EVENT AT THAT TIME, AND MAY NOT SERVE FOOD OR DRINKS** We plan to meet weekly or biweekly at various locations in Toronto.

**❄️ Winter Ravines Walk: Finch West to Downsview Park ❄️** If winter has been making you want to hibernate, this is your sign to bundle up, step outside, and do something that feels genuinely good for the soul. This winter walk is all about fresh air, movement, conversation, and discovering just how much green space is quietly tucked into the city — even in the colder months. We’ll start at **Finch West Subway Station** and head out together along the **Finch Corridor Trail**, an unexpectedly peaceful stretch that eases you into the walk. From there, we’ll move through **Derrydowns Park** and **Downsview Dells Park**, where winter turns the ravines into a calm, almost meditative landscape — snow-dusted paths, bare trees, and that crisp, quiet feeling you only get this time of year. This isn’t a power walk and it’s not a hike that leaves you gasping for air. It’s an **easy-to-moderate winter stroll**, paced so people can chat, get to know one another, and actually enjoy where they are. These walks have a way of breaking down walls — conversations flow more easily when you’re walking side by side, and by the time we reach the end, strangers often feel like familiar faces. We’ll finish our journey at **Downsview Park**, wrapping up at **Downsview Park Subway Station**, feeling refreshed, accomplished, and very glad we didn’t stay inside. 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* \#\#\# ❄️ Meetup Details ❄️ ⚠️ **Please Note:** This is a true winter walk. Don’t sign up if you’re not comfortable walking in cold or snowy conditions. ✔️ The walk happens in *almost* all weather ❌ The event will be cancelled only if it’s **-20°C or colder** 📍 **Meetup Location:** Outside **Finich West Subway Station** — look for Mathew in his iconic **Moose Hat** 🫎 ⏰ **Meetup Time:** **11:00 AM** — I will only wait **5 minutes** (this is a firm 5 minutes because… winter ❄️😉) 💲 **Meetup Fee:** $5 cash in person **or** e-transfer to \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) 🏁 **End Spot:** Yorkdale Mall \*\*\* \#\#\# 🧣 What to Bring 🧣 • Water • Good winter boots • Gloves & hat • Something warm to drink ☕ • A small snack • A friend, family member or guest \*\*\* 🚶‍♂️ **Can I Leave Early?** Absolutely — leave anytime you like. This walk may take up two hours. \*\*\* 💛 **REMEMBER:** You can just show up — or decide on the day if you’re not 100% sure. ⚠️ **NOTE:** Sometimes things happen and plans may change — please keep an eye out for updates. \*\*\* 👤 **Organizer:** Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email \*\*[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com%2A%2A/)

Hello all! Let's head out to Woodbine Beach to check out the winter art installations - it's usually a good time and provides some great photography opps! Let's meet in by the parking lot near the Boardwalk Cafe (used to be Tim Hortons) - hope to see you there! Why 10am - This is because it is nice and early before the stations get a lot of people on them, basically get broken. More info can be found https://winterstations.com/

# DESI HAKKA AFFAIRS OPEN MIC **Hosted by Tony Sagar** **Every Thursday - 8:00 PM** Desi Hakka Affairs, 3415 Dixie Rd, Mississauga ## WHAT'S GOING DOWN 12 comics bringing their best A real audience Real laughs Everyone else takes home trauma and character development. ## THURSDAY NIGHTS - THE NEW GTA HOTSPOT Forget waiting for the weekend. **Thursday is where it's at.** The energy. The crowd. The best comedy lineup in Mississauga. This is your new weekly tradition. ## FREE TICKETS FOR THE AUDIENCE ## COMICS – SIGN UP TO PERFORM Bring your tightest 5 minutes and your emotional baggage: **[https://forms.gle/FUT5C6KCoeJSNm3dA](https://forms.gle/FUT5C6KCoeJSNm3dA)** ## NOW BOOKING SPOTS FOR **Thursday, February 19**

https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/1/2/c/600_450140780.jpeg We're getting together with Writers and Actors to read full scripts, and give feedback. Discussions on the craft of good storytelling are a big part of the evening. We sometimes 'break' stories with writers - arming them with index cards, working with them to identify key moments in their script, sharpen character objectives, and seek greater conflict to increase stakes in the story. Our goal is to incubate new work, and help writers take their script to the next draft (and beyond). If you would like to have your script read, or 'break' your story idea with the room, please message Jarrett Rusnak. Beer, wine, and snacks will be served. We request a small PWYC to cover expenses.

*Games Schedule* Wednesday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 3 / 5 NLH - $500 Free Roll Thursday Event: - 1 / 2 NLH - Deep Stack - Min 100 - Max 1000 - $500 Free Roll Friday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 1 / 3 PLO - $500 Free Roll Saturday Event: - 1 / 2 NLH - Deep Stack - Min 100 - Max 1000 - $500 Free Roll Sunday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 2 / 2 PLO - $500 Free Roll Monday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 3 / 5 NLH - $500 Free Roll

The next event is happening on Saturday February 21 at 2:30PM at Danu Social House! Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately!

Game starts at 6pm! Friendly group of young guys and gals just out for some fun! New players that come for start receive a free 50 in chips! Beautiful Venue! Free Parking

Welcome ! OM Chanting is a group practice that uses the transformational power of OM to activate the self-healing potential of participants, promote inner peace and purify the environment. OM Chanting is a free practice, however, donations are welcome to help cover the rent of the studio. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- EVENT DETAILS: address: 283 Spadina Avenue; 3rd floor. ( SE corner of Spadina and Dundas). We will start at 6:30 pm. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. We will be sitting on chairs; you can also sit on the floor if you prefer. You are encouraged to bring a bottle of water. Looking forward to seeing you ! For more information about Om Chanting, please visit: [https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/](https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/) Much Love, Veda Cell: 416-845-9375

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, March 25 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 topic for February is "Transitions" 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!

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

# **Band: Old Possum's Menagerie; Caller: Richard Ades** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.