What to do.
Tuesday, June 8
SPECTRUM has a focus group called Not Queer Enough. It’s for people who are asexual and/or aromantic where you can share your needs and experiences, including queer gatekeeping. Tuesday, June 8 at 7 p.m.
Kitchener Public Library presents 85 Queen: Stratford Festival Presents Serving Elizabeth. Join Marcia Johnson as she discusses her play, Serving Elizabeth, which will be part of the Stratford Festival’s 2021 season. Serving Elizabeth is a story told over two distinct time periods: 1952 Kenya, when Princess Elizabeth is visiting, and 2015 London, when a production company is preparing to shoot an episode of a popular series that deals with that visit. It highlights the ironies of historical storytelling and helps us better understand the world then and now.
Wednesday, June 9
In partnership with PFLAG Waterloo, Wellington, Perth Region SPECTRUM presents a panel of four straight, cisgender parents who will discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of parenting LGBTQ2+ children moderated by Suzie Taka. Wednesday, June 9 at 7 p.m.
Laurier EdTalks presents Inspiring innovation in our children at 7 p.m. This session will provide an overview of many inspiring Canadian innovations that can be used as models for developing innovation skills in young people.
Thursday, June 10
Let's take action on Affordable Housing in Waterloo Region! Join Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation on Thursday, June 10, 2021 from 1-3 pm for their annual Townhall Meeting. Learn more & register: https://hopin.com/events/kwcf-townhall-2021.
CAFKA presents an artist talk featuring Aaron Francis, founder and curator of Vintage Black Canada and University of Waterloo Art Gallery Director, Ivan Jurakic discussing Francis’ recent photographic installation Tamarack Drive and the subject of Black portraiture as well as the role art can play in (in)forming transnational identity. Thursday, June 10 at 7 p.m.
IdeaExchange has CTAL: Architecture’s Stories on at 10 a.m. Many authors have likened buildings to books, suggesting that their walls tell the stories of the relationships they enable or inhibit. This lecture will delve into buildings as windows into history.
Friday, June 11
The next ProductTank Waterloo meetup has Tessa Torres talking about the key differences between project-based discovery and continuous discovery that can give your team a clear benchmark to aspire to. Friday, June 11 at 12 p.m.
Celebrate Pride with virtual trivia from Waterloo Public Library. Test your knowledge of queer pop culture and LGBTQ2+ history. Prizes will be awarded. This event is designed for adults and may not be suitable for younger participants. Friday, June 11 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 12
THEMUSEUM has Proud to Be: Storytime on at 11 a.m. Join Empress Miss Drew for a Drag Queen storytime. Miss Drew will be reading children’s stories for 30 minutes centered on LGBTQ+ themes.
Data for Good Waterloo Region has partnered with THEMUSEUM for Datathon. Join in on a team of 4-5 volunteers to work together to solve THEMUSEUM's challenge – better understanding and its member and donor base as it embarks on a significant expansion. Details on their meetup page.
The Culinary Studio has Classic Outdoor Grill featuring some new summertime favourites like "Butchers Choice" Hanger Steak and crispy smashed potatoes. Saturday, June 12 at 4 p.m.
Monday, June 14
BeccaHosts has 80s trivia on at 8 p.m.
Ways to get involved locally.
Phidon Pens in Cambridge is holding a 30 Days of Sketching Challenge through July 1. Every post enters you to win an awesome sketching kit. Details on their Instagram page.
Raise funds and champion a community of belonging at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region's virtual Walk-or-Wheel fundraiser, happening June 1-14! Get active and take part in activities and challenges at home, in your neighbourhood and throughout Waterloo Region. All fundraised dollars will support EAFWR's community development initiatives that focus on partnership development, education and awareness, and creating opportunities for people with a disability in our community. Learn more and register at walkorwheelwr.ca.
What’s your superpower? Soar high, stay safe and participate at your own pace in the KidsAbility Superhero Challenge June 7-13. Join forces (virtually) with others in this fun, friendly and inclusive community challenge. You choose your how to participate to raise funds to support children and youth served by KidsAbility. Register your superpower abilities at www.kidsabilitysuperherochallenge.com or donate to help kids achieve great things at home, at school and in the community!
Bicycles and beer – it’s the Great Beer Pursuit scavenger hunt from the Hydrocut Trails and Together We're Bitter Co-operative Brewing. Join them for a fun scavenger hunt around Kitchener-Waterloo. Follow clues to discover 10 locations to enter to win prizes from TWB, The Hydrocut Trails, and other local businesses. The Great Beer Pursuit runs from June 3 - 20.
What to read.
A place for the homeless in Kitchener needs its own home (The Record)
Waterloo Region organizations and businesses are working to create a welcoming space for everyone in the LGBTQ2+ community (Communitech Tech News)
Holly Hatam is living her dream by bringing children’s books to life through magical illustrations that centre people of colour and celebrate diversity. (Community Edition)
Honouring the lives of the 215 children, and the hundreds more who have yet to be recovered (InsideWaterloo)
'Ginger Goat' hot sauce, which is made here in Waterloo Region, is now one of ten featured on popular YouTube show 'Hot Ones' (Kitchener Today)
Waterloo Region’s West Montrose Covered Bridge: 140 Years Young (Explore Waterloo Region)
The Hemlock Barn in Waterloo a lock for a tasty smash burger (Waterloo Chronicle)