TL;WR

Jun 22, 2020

What to do

Monday, June 22
Your Kitchener Public Library kicks off a time-travel adventure today with QueerKPL: Rainbow Revolutionaries - Time Travel through History Digital Adventure. In this Doctor Who-like adventure meet Computer Scientists, Artists and Musicians. Answer questions and journey through this historical timeline.

Tuesday, June 23
The Future of Work & Learning Peer2Peer is at 8:30 am. Interested in things like work integrated learning, re-skilling and the gig economy? Head online to discuss these and more.

True North TV is on at noon with the always amazing MPP Laura Mae Lindo. A knowledgeable advocate for the rights of women and girls, Laura Mae is a respected ally to marginalized community members, and, most importantly, a courageous public speaker on issues often left unaddressed in the mainstream. The Official Opposition Critic for Anti-Racism, and Citizenship and Immigration, Laura Mae was appointed as Chair of Official Opposition’s first Black Caucus, to collaborate with Black communities and allies to address systemic anti-Black racism in Ontario. In this episode of True North TV, Laura Mae will shed light on how her commitment to building inclusive communities both within and outside of educational environments is grounded in her knowledge of how to put anti-oppression theories into practice.

Your Waterloo Public Library has RuPaul Drag Race Trivia at 7:30 pm.

Grab a device and tune into Good Co. Productions' Virtual Open Mic Night at 7 pm.

Wednesday, June 24
The Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors is hosting their first Mayor's Panel from 2-3:30 pm with all the mayors plus Karen Redmond (chairs and mayors rhymes. - Ed.).

Expand your culinary horizons with your Waterloo Public Library's Virtual Let's Cook Together class. This week they'll teach you how to make an Indian Coconut Curry.

Thursday, June 25
Join Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation on Thursday, June 25 from 2-3 pm for a webinar discussion on Anti-racism and the Need for Systems Change.

Curious about mentorship – either as a mentee or mentor? Interested in learning more about the career paths of local women leaders? Women in Communications & Technology WR are hosting "Managing Thru Change: Celebrating Women Leaders & WCT WR Mentoring Circles Cohort" on Thursday, June 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The evening brings you a panel of exceptional women who have demonstrated their ability to lead through the challenge of COVID-19. After the panel, guests will be invited to have a front row seat in one of six, 30-minute Mentoring Circle Breakout Rooms. The event end with a graduation ceremony for their inaugural cohort and details about the 2020 – 2021 WCT WR Mentoring Circles program and how to apply.

The Founders Institute is hosting an online launch of their latest cohort with a #BlackLivesMatter in Tech panel discussion drawing awareness to racial inequality and the role technology plays in fighting racism in 2020 and beyond. Pitches start at 7 and the panel begins at 8.

Lana's Lounge's Take Out Dinner and Online Show features Kym and Nicole (and Nicole is an awesome friend of the newsletter! -Ed.). Dinner choice is thin crust gourmet pizza. Lana’s will be donating $1 from each meal to Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council.

The Kitchener Says Thanks Live Series: Thursday Concerts is on at 7 pm. Guest to be announced soon.

Your Kitchener Public Library has Karma Brown leading the Imagine It: Creative Writing Workshop: The Query Letter: HOOK, BOOK & COOK.

Summer Lights Festival presents Thursday Nite Music with Elana Harte at 8:05 pm.

Friday, June 26
We may not have been able to get together for the KW Multicultural Festival, but that isn't stopping Ellison's Bistro from hosting "Jerk Fest" this Friday and Saturday from 12 till 9 pm. Call ahead to order.

CreateWaterloo hosts Waterloo's Virtual Art Market from 9 till 4.

Saturday, June 27
Silver Bullet Bar B Q will be at the Schwaben Club from 11:00 - 8:00 pm.

Need some art in your life? The Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery is reopening to the public on June 27. Limited number of guests at a time and wear a mask.

MennoHomes has their 2020 Bike-a-thon to support the construction of their new affordable housing project here in Waterloo Region.

Sunday, June 28
Rebecca and Matt from Descendants Beer & Beverage Co will be hosting another Trivial Dispute event at 6:45 pm from the comfort of home, asking you questions about random knowledge. Categories include music, sports, pop culture, history, science, geography and more!

Little further out
Toronto-based Wavy has their Stay Home Fest: Canada Day Edition on June 30 and July 1. It's more than 12 events over two days with music, trivia, yoga and more - all from the comfort of wherever your laptop is. Use code FRIENDSHIP to save 20%.

Kitchener Food Truck Days are back starting Monday, June 15. Check out the full schedule here.

Ways to support local

Region of Waterloo staff are recommending 24 kilometres of new, temporary bike lanes to create more space for active transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vote is this Wednesday, June 24. If you want to see this happen, then you need to let council know. Use this handy form created by the team at Zeitspace to let council know you support active transportation in Waterloo Region.

Gift shopping? The WLU Women Entrepreneurship Centre has a great list of Indigenous Women Businesses to shop from.

Looking for food in Midtown (It's a real place. -Ed.). Check out Real T Lounge fuelled by ChefD at 618 King Street West - it's next to the old McDonald's (that we wish was still open at 2 am) and Monigram Midtown coffee roasters.

TWB Co-op Brewing's patio is now open!

Runner's Choice has longer hours now - check their site for details.

The Purple Teeth Thirsty Wine Club has space in July still open. Check out their site for more info.

Parenting in a pandemic can be tough. Are you concerned about rising stress in someone's home? Check out the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council's Keep Families Safe campaign.

Don't forget about drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 137 Glasgow Street (Catalyst 137 parking lot) in Midtown. No appointment necessary, 7 days a week.

This summer, The Food Bank of Waterloo Regions is asking you to support Full Bellies. Happy Hearts. ½ million meal challenge to ensure no one goes hungry during this crisis, and beyond. Thanks to the generosity of the Allan Bush Investment Team, your donation will double in impact (up to $20,000).

They are currently able to accept non-perishable food donations through contactless drop-offs at 50 Alpine Court. When you arrive, go to the Customer Service Entrance (yellow door), there is a bin located beside the door for drop-offs that staff empty throughout the day.

Reading list

Will working from home dull Waterloo Region’s innovative edge? James Jackson has the story in the Record.

There's a great project fighting homelessness over at Lot42. Catherine Thompson talks with local advocates about why the cabins for homeless in Kitchener might not fit the rules, but should be allowed.

There were over 30,000 people at the march for Black Lives Matter in Kitchener, but only one person has tested positive for COVID-19. Public Health says masks were 'key' during the march.

Viral ads in the 1880s. Yeap. Check out this awesome thread about Cronk - the beverage you never knew you needed to know about.

Celebreate Pride with your Waterloo Public Library's Rainbow Story Festival. From June 22 to 30, Waterloo City Councillors will be reading Pride-themed children’s picture books. After each storytime, there will be craft making time too.