Non-Fiction Writing

Is Yellowstone National Park really on the verge of a massive eruption? It’s one of the most common questions volcanologists get—and in this session, you’ll learn how to answer it yourself. In this talk, we’ll break down how volcanoes work, why eruptions happen, and how scientists know when one might be coming. Along the way, we’ll tackle common misconceptions and show how monitoring keeps us informed and safe. By the end, you’ll leave with the tools to answer this question like a volcanologist—and maybe correct a few myths along the way. For this meetup Silvia Castilla is returning to the Knowledge Sharing Club to share her expertise. Silvia Castilla is a PhD student in the Earth Sciences department at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on volcanology and isotope geochemistry to understand the processes that occur before volcanic eruptions. Her PhD project involves studying rocks from around the world, conducting stable isotope analyses, and applying these techniques to determine how long it takes for a volcano to erupt. \-\-\-\-\- I will post the location as we get closer to the date.

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.

10 books

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **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 **Dazzel Mi**. 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.

**The Toronto History Walks Yearly 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 amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** Buried bridges, old Lake Iroquois, Humewood Reach, Springmount Reach, Taddle Creek, stories from Toronto's pre-history. Travel back in time to a far different, and natural Toronto. And then move forward to the fascinating enclave of Little Portugal and the history of the area prior to 1974! The history of this beloved community is a story of heroism and heartache. This tour is an updated route of the separate Garrison Creek tour that was retired last year. Walk along a now hidden waterway and explore ravines in the heart of the city. Travel north on an adventure. Explore historic streets with a very different perspective, of what is beneath. An entire area of the city is buried, and I bet you don't know where. Put it this way in the heart of the city you can find homes that have been buried for over 100 years! Follow the city streets we walk on every single day and understand the geologic processes that have shaped Toronto. The rest as they say is history. This walking tour begins at the southeast **corner** of **Stanley Park** at King Street West and Walnut Street, north side, west of Niagara Street. It ends at Christie Subway Station on Bloor Street West. This walking tour is for all walking levels. Please dress for the season, and hope to see you there. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Step into a powerful experience designed to help you slow down, release tension, and reconnect with yourself. This **Immersive Sound Bath & Kundalini Activation** session combines breathwork, sound, and energy work to support deep relaxation, emotional release, and nervous system reset. Held at **Evergreen Brick Works**, one of Toronto’s most unique and recognized spaces, this experience takes place in a large, open environment where sound, stillness, and energy come together to create a deeply grounding and expansive group experience. ## Why This Session Is Powerful Following the Full Moon, this is a natural time to release what has built up and create space for clarity and renewal. This session is designed to help you: • release accumulated stress and mental pressure • restore emotional balance and focus • reset the nervous system after busy routines • create space for clarity and better decision-making • feel lighter, calmer, and more grounded ## A Unique Space to Reset Evergreen Brick Works is a historic industrial site transformed into a hub for community, sustainability, and mindful living. With its high ceilings and open layout, the space naturally supports stillness, presence, and deeper connection. Surrounded by nature and trails just outside, it offers a rare balance between city energy and natural calm. You’re also invited to **spend time in the area after the session** — walking, sitting in nature, or allowing the experience to integrate. ## What to Expect * Grounding and intention setting * Guided breathwork * Kundalini energy activation (lying down) * Immersive sound bath (instruments, drumming, chanting) * Integration and closing ## This Session May Support * Releasing stress and emotional tension * Calming the nervous system * Gaining clarity and direction * Feeling lighter and more present * Reconnecting with your body and energy ## Who This Is For Ideal for those who: * feel overwhelmed or mentally “on” * are going through change or emotional shifts * want a deeper reset beyond traditional meditation * are curious about sound and energy work No experience needed. ## What to Bring * Yoga mat * Blanket * Pillow * Water ## **Tickets** $75 per person Limited spots to maintain a high-quality experience. **About the Facilitators** **Wafa Mahbouli** is a Kundalini Activation Facilitator and founder of QALB, offering immersive experiences that combine breathwork, sound, and energy work to support emotional release, nervous system regulation, and deeper reconnection with self. **Abraham** is a non dual Kundalini Activation facilitator passionate about creating safe, transformative spaces for inner exploration, emotional healing, and personal growth. Through conscious breath, music, and presence, he supports participants in accessing deeper states of awareness and connection. **Together, Wafa and Abraham co-create powerful group experiences that blend energy work, breathwork, sound, and intention, offering participants an opportunity to release, reset, and reconnect in a supportive community setting.** *This is a rare large-scale immersive experience with limited spots available.*

Enjoy the scenic views of the cliffs at Scarborough’s Bluffers Park and hike along the beach to the east. Meet at Kennedy Station on the bus platform for Route #201 Bluffers Park at 10:00 to take the bus scheduled to depart at 10:20 AM to arrive at the park approximately 20 minutes later. Taking transit is strongly recommended as the park gets very busy on the weekends. (free parking is available at Kennedy Station). Optional pub stop after the hike at the Dogfish Pub in the park. Great chicken wings! Please register on the Bruce Trail Conservancy Hike Schedule to appear on the waiver/registration list. [https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/urban-walk-bluffers-park-4/2026-06-14/](https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/urban-walk-bluffers-park-4/2026-06-14/)

In partnership with [The Hamilton Vintage Society,](https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamontvintage) we are taking our fun on the road for the annual Spadina House Museum Garden Party! There will be live music, dancing and general merriment. Bring a picnic! It is typically very hot, so take that into account as your build your daytime 1920s outfit. I also recommend bringing a blanket or chairs to sit on. Your admission gets you into the event, and you can also tour the beautiful Spadina mansion while you're there. I recommend we coordinate some carpools, as there is not a lot of parking nearby. There is some at nearby Casa Loma for around $20. For full details and to purchase tickets, go to the Toronto Museum site: [https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/exhibits-events/?event_id=cb3c7bc3-5a8d-48a8-b67b-a9a53687729a&event_name=Gather%20in%20the%20Garden%3A%20A%201920s%20Picnic%20at%20Spadina&calendar_date=2026-06-14T12:00:00-04:00](https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/exhibits-events/?event_id=cb3c7bc3-5a8d-48a8-b67b-a9a53687729a&event_name=Gather%20in%20the%20Garden%3A%20A%201920s%20Picnic%20at%20Spadina&calendar_date=2026-06-14T12%3A00%3A00-04%3A00&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcFdmOWN5S2l6VHBHZXpJZHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7rNb81NABJUHXg6kG-Bg1SIK51p0W-6lpNZHozf2CVrk-w4m4Q7upmgrJYZw_aem_HXvgNdzix2m2Z2gMdUnxiA) RSVP Policy \*\*\* ✨ We understand that life happens — if you need cancel, kindly try to give at least 24 hours’ notice for non restaurant events. And atleast 5 days for events where table has to be reserved like restaurants . It helps us stay organized and respectful to the venue. **Membership Fee** Annual Membership: $15 Or Per Event Contribution: $2 (as a Guest for two times trial) E-transfer : [nssh54@gmail.com](mailto:nssh54@gmail.com) Your contributions help sustain the group and enable us to plan and host more quality meetups. Thank you for your support and consideration.

🎨🌳 **ROSEDALE ART FAIR & HALF-PRICE WINGS SOCIAL** 🌳🎨 Art, Beautiful Streets & One of Toronto’s Best Wing Spots Join us for a relaxed afternoon at the Rosedale Art Fair — an outdoor art event set in one of Toronto’s most beautiful and upscale neighbourhoods. Featuring over 80 Canadian artists, the fair has become a favourite destination for art lovers, collectors, designers, and anyone who simply enjoys wandering through creative spaces on a summer day. Expect: 🖼️ Paintings, photography & sculpture 🎨 Emerging and established Canadian artists 🌳 Tree-lined streets and Rosedale charm ☀️ A relaxed afternoon with good conversation This is not a formal art tour — it’s a social outing to enjoy the atmosphere, discover artwork, and spend time together. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll spend about an hour walking through the fair, browsing the artwork, chatting, and taking in the atmosphere. Afterward, we’ll head over to The Crown and Dragon for food and drinks. 🍗 Bonus: Their famous chicken wings are HALF PRICE that day. The Crown and Dragon is known for having some of the best wings in Toronto, but they also have plenty of other classic pub food options as well. Sometimes the best part of these events is hanging out afterward. 😊 *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: Outside Rosedale Station 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: (Insert time) I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** This fee helps support the group and allows us to continue hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes Money for food/drinks afterward Sunglasses or sunscreen if it’s sunny ☀️ *** 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. *** REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com Come for the art. Stay for the wings. Leave with a full stomach and maybe a new favourite artist. 🎨🍗✨

Welcome, readers! Our June read is ***Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible*** ***Voyage*** **by Alfred Lansing.** A work of nonfiction, and one of the most astonishing survival stories in history, we follow Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship is crushed by Antarctic ice. Stranded in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the men endure months of isolation, freezing temperatures, and near starvation—yet refuse to give up hope. Lansing brings their ordeal to life through vivid detail and firsthand accounts, capturing both the brutality of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. At its core, the story is a powerful testament to leadership, perseverance, and the unbreakable will to survive against impossible odds. 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 **all** **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

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!

Over a billion documents processed. Millions of Veterans impacted. Hundreds of thousands of employee hours saved. Faster decisions. Greater accuracy. More benefits in the hands of our disabled Veterans. We created Smart Search, the world’s largest consumer of Amazon Textract, right when GenAI began reshaping what’s possible. Since then, we’ve built a suite of AI‑driven solutions that transform this data into real, measurable outcomes—accelerating benefits decisions for our Nation’s Veterans. Join us for a focused conversation on how an outcome‑driven approach to AI is helping us boost accuracy, streamline workflows, and deliver faster results for those who have served. This is a follow up to the AWS re:Invent 2023 "Intelligent Document Processing with Gen AI for Public Sector" presentation. About Speaker: Cameron Williams is a Senior Technical Project Manager and cross-functional technical leader at Booz Allen Hamilton with 15+ years of experience architecting and evolving scalable, cloud-native systems, from greenfield development to complex enterprise modernization. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronw711/ **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

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, February 11 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.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."