In 2019, we asked a powerful question: What if technology education wasn’t just about coding — but about creating real positive change in the world?

As Canadian EdTech creators, we felt a responsibility to help prepare students for a fast-changing world. That commitment led to the creation of the first Climate Action Kit — a hands-on, created-in-Canada resource that empowered students to build, code, and take action on issues that matter.

Pictured Above: The V1 Climate Action Kit in our Waterloo, Ontario warehouse

The original kit (we now lovingly call the V1!) gave students the tools to prototype solutions to challenges like deforestation and soil erosion. They built automated tree planters, smart indoor farms, and more — all while developing essential skills like creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. The entire kit was designed, prototyped, packed, and shipped from our facility in Waterloo, Ontario.

We chose to build the Climate Action Kit around the micro:bit for two reasons: One, thousands of micro:bits were already deployed in Canadian classrooms through CanCode funding; Two, micro:bit is a versatile resource with a low floor that’s built for education to introduce students to coding. 

Choosing micro:bit meant we could focus the learning experience on going deeper — using the micro:bit as a foundation, then layering in physical computing, real-world problem solving, and challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that extended its use beyond introductory coding.

From classrooms across Canada, to events like micro:bit Live, and by working with organizations like Taking IT Global, Kids Code Jeunesse, and programs like CanCode we heard a clear message: students craved purpose, and educators needed accessible tools that brought that purpose into the classroom.

The V1 kit delivered just that — but we also heard from educators who wanted a tool that could go even further. They were looking for a way to integrate coding, computational thinking, and real-world problem solving into subjects beyond computer science. The connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) brought the outside world into the classroom, giving students meaningful context for their learning and the chance to solve real-world challenges. To do that effectively, they needed a kit that was easy to set up, adaptable to different subjects, and powerful enough to support creativity across disciplines.

So, we got to work — right here in Waterloo, Ontario. We redesigned every component, starting with the building blocks.

The new system was engineered to be modular and intuitive, with durable components that snap together easily and can be reused across multiple projects. Each smart module — from motors to sensors to LED displays — was designed with classroom use in mind, allowing students to build confidently while encouraging exploration and iteration.

We also replaced the original alligator clips with custom plug-and-play connectors. These new physical computing connections eliminated frustration and uncertainty, making it easier for students to assemble circuits independently. Reversible connectors ensured students could plug components in without worrying about polarity or direction — reducing tech anxiety and making room for creativity.

And because we know that great hardware is only part of the picture, we completely overhauled our lesson library and designed and developed our own learning platform software here in Canada to make sure it fit our vision and met our requirements. Every lesson was redesigned to create a student-centred learning experience while also providing more support and resources for educators. We incorporated inquiry-based prompts, scaffolding for multiple entry points, and educator-facing supports. Many lessons highlight Canadian innovations — like Banff’s Wildlife Crossing, the Fishway in Burlington’s Cootes Paradise Marsh, and ecobee’s smart thermostats — to root global topics in local examples students can connect with.

In June 2023, we launched the redesigned Climate Action Kit under our new brand, Forward Education — a name that reflects our commitment to future-ready, purpose-driven learning. InkSmith remains our primary Canadian brand as part of the Forward Education family, while Forward Education serves as our global platform for expanding purpose-driven learning worldwide. The launch took place at ISTE, one of North America’s largest EdTech conferences, and we’re just getting started.

♦

 Fighting Blindness Canada is seeking individuals to join our Board of Directors.

Leading the fight against blindness, Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) is the largest charitable funder of vision research in Canada. Over our 50-year history, FBC has contributed critical funding for the development of sight-saving treatments and cures for blinding eye diseases. By raising funds, FBC is helping drive forward research that supports our goal of understanding why vision loss occurs, how it can be slowed and how sight can be restored.

Since Fighting Blindness Canada’s inception in 1974, over $42 million has gone towards over 280 research grants, leading to more than 800 discoveries in areas such as stem cell research, technological developments, pharmaceuticals and gene therapies.

Fighting Blindness Canada is also an invaluable resource for individuals and families impacted by blindness, providing accurate eye health information through our website and educational events, as well as engaging with government and other stakeholders to advance better vision health policies.

Over 1.2 million Canadians have a seeing disability that affects their daily life. More than 8 million Canadians have a blinding eye disease that put them at significant risk of losing their sight, this includes risk from inherited retinal diseases (i.e. retinitis pigmentosa),

age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetes related vision complications. Together, that’s 1 in 5 Canadians and has a cost of $32.9 billion annually which is expected to grow to $56 billion a year by 2050.

In 2025, we launched a new five year strategic plan, which included refreshed mission and vision statements and an intentional focus on the four blinding eye-diseases having the greatest impact on Canadians: inherited retinal disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Our Vision is end vision loss caused by blinding eye disease. Our Mission is to accelerate world-class research and providing expert information, advocacy and connection for everyone impacted by blinding eye disease.

Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Our Directors have included vision healthcare professionals, researchers, lawyers, and financial advisors.

FBC is seeking individuals to join the Board of Directors by June 2025. All new Directors will be expected to contribute seasoned leadership, community, business, and operational perspectives to FBC’s Board of Directors.

As a prospective candidate, you are drawn to the organization’s bold mandate and are deeply committed to the mission of Fighting Blindness Canada. You are energized by the notion of leaving your mark in people’s lives and have a knack for seeing opportunities where others might see constraint. You are a recognized Canadian leader and are ready to support FBC and the broader community through facilitation, awareness-raising, and partnership-building.

The new Board Directors will be expected to:

• Support FBC’s mission, purpose, goals, policies, programs and fund development while knowing its strengths and needs.
• Provide oversight of FBC’s strategy and mission through regular review of the strategic plan, Board policies, and quarterly review of the financial
• Attend the quarterly meetings of the Board in person or on
• Serve actively on at least one task force and/or committees of the Board as requested by the Board Chair.
• Act as ambassadors of FBC to engage target
• Attend activities and events sponsored by FBC whenever
• Suggest possible nominees to the Board who are people of achievement and influence, and who can make significant contributions to the work of the Board and the progress of FBC.

The responsibilities of a Director of the Board include:

• Ensure the integrity, efficiency and effectiveness of the Board at meetings according to the accepted rules of order.
• Encourage all members to participate in discussion and arrive at decisions in an orderly, timely, and democratic manner.
• Fulfill governance responsibilities including compliance with applicable laws and FBC’s by-laws.

• Demonstrate personal accountability at the Board
• Ensure the Board decisions and actions are in accordance with FBC’s vision, mission, goals, priorities, and values.
• Monitor and approve the organization’s financial planning, financial reports, the annual budget and work plan.
• Contribute, as appropriate, to the Board’s oversight of the President & CEO
• Ensure that any conflict-of-interest issues and other disputes are observed according to the by-laws and that any conflicts are identified and addressed in advance of any discussions on the matter.
• Play a leading role in fundraising activities, including making a personal donation commensurate with your ability to do so.
• Financially support one fundraising event per year that benefits FBC, which could include a ticket purchase, donation, or sponsorship.
• Ensure the policies and systems are in place for securing resources required by FBC.
• Ensure FBC maintains positive and productive relationships with donors and other organizations.
• Periodically support direct engagement with donors, when requested and appropriate. This activity could include thank-you calls and notes, attending cheque presentations or stewardship events that further support the ongoing fundraising efforts of FBC.
• Maintain an effective working relationship with other Board members and other officers of the Board to ensure the free flow of information among

• Attend meetings held quarterly with agendas pre-
• Prepare for and participate in FBC’s Board meetings, scheduled committee meetings, and other appropriate activities.
• Ask timely and substantive questions at Board and Committee meetings, consistent with personal conscience, convictions, and ethics, while supporting the majority decision on issues decided by the Board.
• Maintain confidentiality of the Board’s
• Suggest agenda items for Board and Committee meetings to ensure that significant policy-related matters are addressed.

In order to apply, please submit a comprehensive CV along with a cover letter which sets out your interest in the role and encapsulates the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria. The preferred method of application is via email to the President & CEO, Jennifer Jones: jjones@fightingblindness.ca

Fighting Blindness Canada will respect the privacy and the confidentiality of the personal information provided to us.

Fighting Blindness Canada is an equal opportunity organization and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital or family status, disability, or any other characteristic protected under the human rights legislation.

We believe that a diversity of perspectives strengthens our work and enriches our community. We strive to ensure a respectful, inclusive space where everyone feels valued and supported.

Accommodations are available on request throughout the recruitment process to ensure an accessible experience for all candidates.

The post Fighting Blindness Canada appeared first on Capacity Canada.

♦

Think chiles, masa harina, moles and pepitas: ingredients that help shine a light on Cinco de Mayo, May 5, a day that celebrates Mexican culture, history and food.

While the date comes only once every 365, you can daily find tacos, fajitas, nachos, quesadillas and “Mexican wraps” at area diners and family restaurants throughout the year.

In Embrun, a visit to the Latin American restaurant “The Latin Table” will offer up family recipes for tamales, burritos, enchiladas and morelianas, which are crispy corn tortillas topped with refried beans, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, sour cream and a choice of beef, chicken, pork or vegetables.

No culture can be reduced to its food, and while these dishes don’t represent the full range and complexity of Mexican dishes, accessible and popular fare such as guacamole and salsa have become firmly entrenched in Canadian foodways.

As for Cinco de Mayo, it is a significant date on the calendar, even if it is only connected to a victory in the relatively small Battle of Puebla in 1861 and is not – contrary to popular belief – a celebration of Mexican independence (which is recognized as September 16, 1821).

May 5, to be sure, is a fitting occasion to take a moment to fête these Mexican dishes and ingredients and how they have inspired cooking in Canada. Below are a few examples.

For more, visit Edition Andrew Paquette.

Check out my latest post Cinco de Mayo is Monday from AndrewCoppolino.com.

Today's front page K-W Record story has the following title ""50 YEARS after the Vietnam War".  Now I am going to include the e-mail that I sent Mr. Pender this morning:

Agent Orange2

Yahoo/Sent

• ♦

  Alan Marshall 

  From:agmarshall@rogers.com

  To:tpender@therecord.com

  Thu, May 1 at 9:25 a.m.

Mr. Pender: I suspect that you have received some inaccurate advice. Today's Record article "50 Years after the Vietnam War" appears to have a major error in it. If so that would certainly be the result of not contacting me for Agent Orange information as you had indicated that you would. On page A3 you state "When workers, companies and the provincial government were fighting about compensation for workers who developed cancer after being exposed to Agent Orange in the chemical plants in Elmira, Tran got angry."

First of all yes there has been decades of public fighting over air, ground and surface water (Canagagigue Ck.) contamination but there has NOT been any public fighting over compensation to Uniroyal Chemical workers (or others) for cancer impacts from Agent Orange.

Now if somehow you have stumbled into an accurate but hidden story regarding workers' compensation it could blow the lid off current delays and refusals to clean up Agent Orange (dioxins) in the downstream Canagagigue Creek.  

I am however skeptical of that because while Mr. Tran could have "got angry" about public environmental cleanup efforts I don't know how he could get angry about private, behind closed doors alleged worker compensation efforts.

Alan Marshall  Feel free to rectify your probable mistake with a phone call or e-mail. (519 6692801)         

♦Seven years ago, Satish Mistry made the decision to give back to his community by joining the KW Habilitation Board of Directors. Motivated by a desire to support an organization making a real difference, Satish brought his passion, expertise, and optimism to a team focused on building an inclusive Waterloo Region.

Since then, Satish has been a dedicated contributor, including his service on the Behaviour Review Committee, where he helps ensure that the organization’s practices continue to center the dignity and wellbeing of the people they support.

Satish’s reasons for staying involved are simple yet powerful. “I stay because I enjoy being part of an organization with positive energy and a strong vision for an inclusive community,” he explains. Being part of a non-profit board of directors that is genuinely committed to change has been a rewarding experience for Satish, and he finds joy in seeing the positive impact KW Habilitation has on so many lives.

Outside of volunteering in KW, Satish prioritizes family time. You can often find him playing soccer or riding bikes with his wife and two boys, creating memories and fostering the same sense of belonging he champions through his board work.

Looking toward the future, Satish’s hopes for KW Habilitation focus on continued growth and innovation—ensuring that individuals of all abilities are supported in ways that meet their evolving needs.

We’re looking for new board members! If you’re passionate about community, equity, and inclusion—and have experience in fundraising, law, finance, IT, or marketing—we’d love to connect. Join a forward-thinking team making a real impact in Waterloo Region.

Apply Today: shorturl.at/wh59F

The post Spotlight on Satish Mistry appeared first on KW Habilitation.

♦

KW House League Baseball program is thrilled to announce its exciting new sponsorship from Canadian Tire! The Canadian Tire at the Sunrise Centre on Ottawa Street has become the official sponsor for the 2025 season, thanks to a generous donation.

This sponsorship will provide support to families in need, helping cover registration and equipment costs. This ensures that all young athletes have the opportunity to participate in baseball, regardless of their financial situation.

The sponsorship will also help upgrade team equipment, enhancing the overall baseball experience for all players. This investment will contribute to a higher quality of play and a more enjoyable season for everyone involved.

KW House League Baseball and Canadian Tire are committed to working together to make a positive impact on the community and the lives of young baseball players.

The post Kitchener Minor Baseball and Canadian Tire: A Winning Partnership appeared first on Kitchener Minor Baseball.

♦

Hello! My name is Quintin Little, and I’m excited to continue to be part of Kitchener Minor Baseball Association in new ways! With a background rooted in event management and operations, coaching, and officiating, I’m passionate about creating high-quality, entertaining, and valuable experiences that allow young players to develop their skills and love for the game. I’m driven by a desire to help young athletes grow not just as players, but as people—building confidence, resilience, and a sense of community through sport. It’s an honour to join KMBA again in this new capacity and work alongside such a passionate group of coaches, families, and volunteers. I’m looking forward to an exciting and rewarding season ahead!

The post Meet Quintin Little: KMBA Welcomes New Program Coordinator appeared first on Kitchener Minor Baseball.

fastdup is a powerful, free tool designed to rapidly generate valuable insights from image and video datasets. It helps enhance the quality of both…

Python 1.7k Updated Jan 16

The post May Sale appeared first on Grand River Rocks Climbing Gym.

The post May Sale appeared first on Grand River Rocks Climbing Gym.

Today's Waterloo Region Record carries an Opinion piece from the Mike Farwell titled "School boards are well past their expiry date". You can hardly imagine my joy upon reading that headline especially as just last week I complimented the Ministry of Education for stepping in and seriously taking a few other school boards to task. Now Mr. Farwell clearly believes that both our separate (Catholic) and public boards (WRDSB) are in need of that kind of tune up from the province.

Now first off I admit that I don't follow the Catholic Board as intensely as I do the WRDSB whom over the decades have behaved like high school bullies and mostly gotten away with it all at taxpayers' expense. Mr. Farwell did mention the Catholic Board spending $200,000 on legal fees to silence opposing voices on the board. If they indeed did do that then shame on those trustees. I believe that the WRDSB legal fees likely have run, year after year, far, far in excess of that as the WRDSB attacks parents, teachers and any other dissenters. Isn't it amazing how higher education has NOT produced staff or trustees of superior moral or ethical character?

There have been many gross failures with the WRDSB not even counting their now "normal" low scores for students in reading, writing and arithmetic. Some of those failures have been discussed here. If there are many that I don't know about with the Catholic Board then I would be much less likely to disagree with Mr. Farwell's assessment.   

♦

Carbonara is likely a Roman dish of egg, cheese and some sort of pork. The word itself comes from the Latin word for “coal.” So, theoretically, a carbonara has to do with any piece of meat cooked over charcoal.

Over time, the dish became pretty firmly entrenched in its use of pancetta or guanciale and usually with a spaghetti or fettuccine.

As for the cheese, well that’s traditionally Pecorino-Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano — or a luscious combination of the two.

With so few ingredients, the dish is actually tricky to make successfully and takes some trial and error to get just right.

Check out my latest post Carbonara for exquisite pasta from AndrewCoppolino.com.

📺 Flutter VLC powered video player.

Dart 561 Updated Feb 21

🐚 foreman in shell

Shell 298 Updated Jan 30

♦Plants at Grants
Saturday, May 10
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
$45
The Hangout at Grant’s Café – 99 Ottawa St. S, Kitchener

Customize your pot with a creative design. Then pick out the plants you want to put in it all before getting your hands dirty. Learn how to care for your plants so you will be able to enjoy them all summer long. Grant’s Café will be opened for purchases during this time.

Click here for more info

♦Fraud Prevention
Wednesday, May 7
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
FREE
Grand River Recreation Complex – 600 Heritage Dr. Kitchener

Join us for a presentation from Waterloo Region Police Service member, Detective Constable Heather Zschocke. Heather will highlight the most common scams to look out for. There will also be time for questions and answers.

Click here for more info

♦Mill-Courtland Garage Sale and BBQ
Saturday, May 10
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
FREE
Mill-Courtland Community Centre – 216 Mill St. Kitchener

Join us for the MCNA’s Spring Garage Sale. Browse unique items from over 30 vendors. Enjoy a free barbecue lunch featuring hotdogs and sausages on a bun.

Click here for more info

♦

Drag Bingo at AOK♦
Tuesday, May 6
8:30  PM – 11:00 PM
FREE Admission
AOK Craft Beer and Arcade – 165 King St. W, Kitchener Unit B03

First Tuesday of the month, that means its Drag Bingo! Join Sasha Tease and her special guest for an evening of Bingo and Drag! The event is 19+, free to join and no registration is needed. Play for bragging rights and for a selection of prizes donated from local businesses. Bring some tip money for the performers and a winning spirit. It is sure to be a fantastic night. If you have been wanted to get more connected to the local queer community, this is a great place to start. See you soon!

Click here for more info

Cornhole
Tuesdays April 22 to June 17
4:15 PM – 5:10 PM
FREE – Registration Required
Stanley Park Community Centre – 505 Franklin St. N, Kitchener

Enjoy a friendly game of corn hole. Toss the beanbags into the hole to score points for your team. Enjoy this classic lawn game from the comfort of the indoors.

Click here for more info

Dot Mandala Rock Painting
Thursday, May 8
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
$40
The Pickle Barrel – 550 King St. N, Waterloo

Immerse yourself in the art of dot painting with our 4″ Lilac Mandala Rock Workshop! Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this guided session will teach you how to create a beautifully intricate mandala design on a handcrafted gypsum rock. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, enjoy a mindful activity, or create a stunning keepsake, this workshop is a fantastic way to connect with people and creativity.

Click here for more info

SPECTRUM Day5games
Friday, May 9
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
FREE
Spectrum – 210-283 Duke Street West Kitchener

A chance for KW (and Cambridge too) queers to get together and play board games, card games, or solve jigsaw puzzles, as we meet up with old friends and make new.

Click here for more info

Inclusive Adult Art Class
Friday, May 9, 16, 23, 30 and June 6, 13
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
$112.50 (for 6 weeks)
Country Hills Community Centre – 100 Rittenhouse Rd. Kitchener

Join Artshine for fun and engaging weekly art classes! This program is designed to be inclusive for adults 18+ who have a disability. Your Artshine instructor will lead you through a new project each week, breaking the projects down into achievable steps using new and fun mediums, and you’ll get to take home a piece of wall-worthy art after each class!

Click here for more info

♦

♦Fierce N Fit uses the sport of boxing and physical exercise to improve the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual lives of people with developmental disabilities. Their workouts are non-contact and focus on improving physical fitness, motor skills, self-regulation, self-confidence and more. Their program is inclusive and is designed to serve the needs of people regardless of physical or cognitive ability. They are more than just a boxing program, they are a community as well. They run a variety of social activities and events to help promote socialization and build connections between people.

Their programs range from $60 t0 $150 per month depending on how many days per week you would like to attend. You can try out any of their classes for free to see if it is a good fit for you before signing up. All you have to do is call Fit N’ Fierce at 519-589-9652 to arrange a day and time.

Click here for more info

The post April 30, 2025: What’s Happening in Your Neighbourhood? appeared first on KW Habilitation.

When: Sunday, May 4th 2025, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Meeting Point: 136 Wyndham Street North, Guelph

Walk Leader: Ariel Stagni, Byron Ready, Adam Rutherford

“200 years of American technology has unwittingly created a massive cement playground of unlimited potential, but it was the minds of 11-year-olds that could see that potential” – Craig Stecyk

Come walk with us for a unique opportunity to see downtown Guelph as skateboarders see it. Learn about the history and rich cultural heritage of street skateboarding in downtown Guelph. Why would people choose to skateboard downtown when the city has provided skateparks??

Look for the skaters with a Jane’s Walk sign, at the entrance to the pathway next to the old Post Office building at 136 Wyndham St N.

TLDR; Sam Lessin’s slides nailed it: the old trust systems — universities, accelerators, government programs — are broken. Credentials don’t mean anything anymore. Builders who move fast, ship constantly, and earn trust through real work are the ones winning. Investors aren’t looking for pedigree; they’re hunting for momentum and grit. In this new era, it’s not about who stamped your resume — it’s about whether you’re building something real before anyone gives you permission.

Something’s broken — and no certificate, program, or pitch deck will fix it..

If you’ve been building, hiring, investing, or even just paying attention, you can feel it too: the old structures we were supposed to trust aren’t working anymore.

Sam Lessin captured it bluntly in a series of slides recently:

the systems that used to filter and surface talent — universities, accelerators, governments — have collapsed.

And what’s emerging in their place isn’t polished or official, but it’s real. Trust is being rebuilt directly, among people doing the work.

This shift changes everything — how we build, how we invest, how we find our people.

It’s also exactly why Builders Club exists.

For decades, there were accepted shortcuts for trust. You could get into a prestigious university, land a brand-name job, join an elite accelerator, and doors would open. Institutions served as validators. They told the market: “This person is worth your time.”

That model is dead.

Universities are bloated. Expensive. Increasingly disconnected from the skills and mindset it takes to build. Accelerators have devolved into theatre, optimizing for staged Demo Day pitches rather than real product progress. Government programs chase headlines instead of outcomes.

Lessin’s slides frame the reality sharply:

the credentialing layers are gone. Now, trust is earned by action, not affiliation.

It’s not about where you studied or who vouched for you.

It’s about whether you are actually building, moving, and making things happen.

You can see it everywhere: the people who win today are the ones who stopped waiting for permission a long time ago.

The collapse of credential trust hasn’t just affected builders — it’s reshaped how early-stage investors operate too.

It used to be simple. Top university? Good. Y Combinator? Good. Early Stripe employee? Good.

Those logos did half the work in a pitch meeting.

Not anymore.

Today’s sharp investors aren’t looking for old badges. They’re looking for proof of momentum.

They ask:

• Are you already building without being told to?
• Are talented people choosing to work with you even before the hype?
• Are you iterating, shipping, and showing signs of real demand?

Lessin made the point clearly:

the new generation of founders isn’t polished or credentialed.

They’re scrappy. They’re moving.

And they build credibility by moving faster and smarter than anyone else — not by flashing a diploma. The filter shifted from “Did someone validate you?” to “What have you actually built?”

Proof of work is your degree. Initiative is your accelerator.

Builders and backers who understand the shift aren’t waiting around. They’re already operating differently.

Building authentic networks early.

Trust isn’t mass-produced anymore. It’s built one relationship at a time. The strongest builders are creating real working relationships — not just followers, but collaborators and allies.

Publishing and shipping constantly.

The modern resume is public. Whether it’s open-source projects, essays, prototypes, or products, you show the world what you can do by putting work out in the open — not by waiting for a degree.

Backing talent at the earliest stages.

The best investors are moving earlier, before the polish, before the pitch decks, betting on people who are already showing energy and traction without institutional approval.

Choosing small, trusted communities.

Big splashy programs and marketing campaigns don’t create progress. Tight, trusted groups do. Builders are choosing environments defined by momentum and ambition, not optics.

This is the new pattern: Speed, trust, momentum.

Not certificates, ceremonies, or staged successes.

This collapse of old trust systems — and the new reality of how things actually get built — is exactly why Builders Club exists.

We’re not a program. We’re not an accelerator. We’re not another layer of bureaucracy pretending to help.

Builders Club is a trusted environment for ambitious people who are already building — or ready to.

At Builders Club:

• You don’t need permission to start.
• You don’t need a credential to belong.
• You don’t need a gatekeeper to validate you.

You move. You build. You connect.

And trust follows from action.

Our membership is made up of people building companies, products, careers, and ideas.

Some are solo founders, others are technical leads, designers, operators, early employees — but the common thread is initiative. Nobody’s waiting for someone else to tell them they’re ready.

The trust inside Builders Club isn’t assigned. It’s earned.

And that’s exactly the point.

We’re not patching broken institutions. We’re building the replacement.

We’re building a better environment in their place — one connection, one build, one shipped project at a time.

Lessin’s slides didn’t surprise me. They confirmed what we already know and are experiencing in the ecosystem: The institutions lost trust.

The builders are rebuilding it.

And if you want to be part of that, you need to be somewhere that trusts builders first.

That’s what we’re doing here.

The Next Decade Belongs to Builders, Not Credentials was originally published in Who You Calling a Jesse? on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Mississauga Foundation is seeking exceptional members of our community to join our Board of Directors and / or one of our Standing Committees.

Established in 2001, the Mississauga Foundation is a grant-making public registered charity focused on improving quality of life for all residents of Mississauga.  We build community vitality now and for future generations by encouraging endowment building and facilitating philanthropic partnerships across Mississauga.  Through Community Foundations of Canada, Mississauga Foundation is part of a national network of more than 200 local foundations, that supports communities across Canada.

Our Vision:  A thriving and inclusive community where every resident has access to opportunities for growth, well-being and fulfillment.

Our Mission: Harnessing Generosity to Drive Transformational Change.

The Foundation is currently recruiting for two positions on the Board of Directors and is specifically seeking legal expertise to fill one of the board positions. Additionally, there are positions available on both the Granting Committee and the Community Leadership Committee.

If you live or work in Mississauga and are:

• Motivated by the Foundation’s Mission and Vision;
• Are a strategic thinker who is committed to community building;
• A passionate leader looking to make an impact in our community.

Please submit your resume and a brief expression of interest by June 30th to:  Glenn Gumulka

• Strategic oversight to ensure that Foundation activities align with the mission and deliver the strategic plan.
• Financial stewardship of Foundation assets and resources.
• Governance and compliance including adherence to legal and ethical standards.
• Participation on at least one standing committee.

• Attend regularly scheduled Board meetings in person or via remote technology.
• The Board meets 9 times per year, and committees typically meet quarterly.
• Attend 2 – 3 Special Events per year and represent the Foundation in the community.
• Will take an active role in advancing the Community Foundation’s mission and impact.
• In addition, Board Members are required to make a financial contribution to the Foundation.
• Must meet CRA eligibility criteria for Board Membership

Our Foundation is supported by six standing committees of the Board.  Board Directors sit on at least one of these committees:

Community Leadership | Strategic Planning | Endowment | Finance & Audit | Granting | Investment

Positions are currently available for the following committees:

Granting Committee: This committee meets twice a year (up to 3 hours per meeting) to review and adjudicate grant applications for the Foundations Children and Youth, Arts and Culture and Chronic Disease funds. Committee members are also required to independently review and evaluate grant applications using an online evaluation tool and attend occasional ad-hoc committee meetings via zoom/teams.

Community Leadership Committee: This committee meets quarterly and helps guide the Foundation with community engagement, provides feedback and direction on Vital Signs reporting and Vital Conversations. The Foundation is seeking community leaders to provide guidance on Vital Signs production and dissemination.

The post appeared first on Capacity Canada.

♦When Lori Trumper first considered joining the KW Habilitation Board of Directors, it was her deep connection to housing and community work that drew her in. Familiar with KW Habilitation’s reputation for excellence—and knowing of CEO Ann Bilodeau’s leadership—Lori saw an opportunity to align her values with an organization committed to creating a community where everyone belongs and participates.

Now, three years later, Lori’s commitment has only deepened. As an active member of KW Habilitation’s non-profit board of directors, she speaks passionately about the dedication she witnesses at every level of the organization—from board colleagues to frontline staff. “The commitment to the people we serve is incomparable,” she says. “It’s uplifting to hear about the great work being done and to know you’re playing a small role in supporting it.”

When Lori isn’t volunteering in KW or supporting KW Habilitation’s mission, she stays busy as a volunteer with Stratford’s Friends of the Festival, and enjoys gardening, reading, and staying informed about social issues and current events.

Reflecting on her time with the board, Lori highlights the camaraderie among fellow directors as a standout experience. “The board is extremely effective because everyone is committed and pulling in the same direction. It’s inspiring to be part of a team that genuinely wants to build a stronger, more inclusive community.”

Looking ahead, Lori’s hopes for KW Habilitation center around expanding housing opportunities. She envisions a future where the organization continues to create spaces for a diverse range of individuals to live and thrive, whether or not they are directly supported by KW Habilitation.

We’re looking for new board members! If you’re passionate about community, equity, and inclusion—and have experience in fundraising, law, finance, IT, or marketing—we’d love to connect. Join a forward-thinking team making a real impact in Waterloo Region.

Apply Today: shorturl.at/wh59F

The post Spotlight on Lori Trumper appeared first on KW Habilitation.

First and foremost Canadians need to stop participating in elections en masse. This so called "voting with your feet" only works when the vast majority of citizens express their disgust at what passes for professional politicians in Canada by refusing to participate in such a rigged process.  

A total and complete abandonment of the two parties who solely have run Canada for the last century or so. Yes both parties have occasionally stepped up and taken control during a crisis and actually provided good governance at least on the occasional issue. It's the everyday propaganda, lies and bullsh** constantly fed to the people that enrages me. Both the Liberals and Conservatives have totally ignored transparency and accountability when it suits their purposes. Both parties have abandoned the public interest (think climate change) in order to reassure their corporate donors (think oil & gas). That said I would agree that the Conservatives aren't even trying regarding the climate change  portfolio other than in name.

First past the post elections need to end. Trudeau promised they would but he's just one more liar among many. Every vote must count and must have some weight and bearing on the outcome. This is called proportional representation and the Liberals and Tories hate it. Guess why?

Whether the NDP, Greens and others would rise strong from such a radical turnaround I do not know but the Libs and Cons can't just change names and come back with the same faces and money behind them.  They are both inherently and intrinsically corrupt and need to be booted to the curb whether for a five, ten or twenty year timeout or even forever I do not know. Yes experience counts when governing a country but so does entrenched corruption and the best definition of that is self-serving rule versus ruling in the public interest. 

Geez even with mistakes and errors made by inexperienced rulers it still would be so great to believe that all levels of our governments are ruling in the true public interest.

Cadence Bishop joins us as our new Performing Arts Summer Camp Director, bringing over a decade of experience inspiring young performers through accessible, engaging theatre education. A trained playwright with a background in drama instruction across Milton, Mississauga, and Toronto, Cadence has written and directed more than 15 original plays performed by her students. Her passion lies in helping children aged 6 to 14 develop confidence, creativity, and stage skills through hands-on learning in improvisation, tableaux, acting, and performance.

This summer, Cadence will lead our Kinder, Junior Stars, and Centre Stage Performing Arts Camps — helping to shape the next generation of performers with energy, imagination, and heart.

♦ Learn more and register for Summer Camps here

We also welcome Myles D. Rusak as our new Senior Manager, Programming. A nationally recognized arts and culture leader, Myles has spent over 20 years curating live events and building memorable audience experiences across North America. From launching Toronto’s newest outdoor stadium venue (The Bowl at Sobeys Stadium) to revitalizing legacy festivals and consulting on major cultural strategies, Myles brings a powerful mix of strategic vision and creative innovation.

He has held senior roles with The Feldman Agency, Niagara Falls Tourism, and the Burlington Sound of Music Festival, where his bold programming and community-first approach earned national acclaim and multiple industry awards. At Centre In The Square, Myles will focus on delivering inclusive, high-impact programming that showcases both iconic artists and rising stars.

We are thrilled to have him helping to shape the future of live performance in our community.

The Mir compositor

C++ 688 3 issues need help Updated May 2

Miracle is a Wayland tiling window manager built on Mir

C++ 542 Updated May 1

When: Sunday May 4th, 1:00-2:30pm

Meeting Point: At the City of Guelph Bus Stop on the north side of Niska Rd in front of the YMCA

Walk Leader: Laura and Kathy

Come walk with us down the historic Niska Rd. Learn about how this area has evolved from pre-colonization until present times. We will share what we know about how important citizen involvement and advocacy has been in protecting the Hanlon Creek Watershed. Learn about the history of the Kortright Waterfowl Park. Once a world class nature facility with 10,000 visitors a year it is now under threat of development. It was purchased with public money by the Grand River Conservation Authority and placed into the Hanlon Creek Conservation Area in order to protect it and to provide nature based experiences as Guelph grew and urbanized. Sadly, the conservation park plan was never implemented. Along our walk you can view this land and share your vision of how the land can be used for public benefit. Also view the beautiful Speed River. We will travel down Niska to the Speed River along the public sidewalk which is wheelchair accessible all the way to the river learning the history of the area and the road along the way. On the way back weather permitting we will walk along the trail at Ptarmigan through the forest viewing the Hanlon creek with its brook trout along the way. Our walks end at the starting point. This part of the walk may be muddy can be rough and is non wheelchair accessible. Well behaved dogs on leash are welcome. English will be spoken

Our walk will also be held on Saturday May 10 at 1 pm

My understanding is that this tour which followed an interesting one in April 2019 is to somehow give TRAC members and specialty guests a better idea of the topography  (lay of the land) and landforms on the east side of the Creek. Of course the plan in 2019 was to defuse any suggestions that Uniroyal Chemical's liquid wastes flowed across the property line from Uniroyal onto the Stroh farm.  That ship has however already sailed as Chemtura/Lanxess did their usual abbreviated and minimal "cleanup" along the property line between the Stroh farm and Uniroyal. High concentrations of both DDT and dioxins/furans were found in about a twenty metre wide swath of land running most of the way from north to south along the property line. Of course by not doing soil sampling much farther away from the Uniroyal site they "scoped" the whole process down as they always favour doing in order to save shareholders' money and the public interest be damned.  Also continuing along the scoping path, again for the same reasons ($),  they only sampled and excavated the top 15 cm (5.9 inches) of soil.  The vast majority of the site, especially in the most likely areas, has been intentionally ignored. Only professional liars with the full backing of our municipal, regional and provincial politicians would dare to pull off the magnitude of this coverup.

Maybe various GHD twits like Luis and Allan  are capable of carrying the day in selling their version of reality to TRAC members who have proven their deferential natures and willingness to hold their noses during public meetings. It's also generally easy to bull**it media folks with little to no understanding of the big picture and who have been instructed not to become better informed about the details. Such a disappointment the media have become over the last twenty years. Investigative journalism my a**.  

Hi everyone, in this article I’m going to talk about how I made an AI chatbot using the DeepSeek-R1 model, the challenges I faced & how I solved them. Let’s start!

I wanted to make a project that challenges me so that I can get more experience with AI projects because, in fact, these types of projects aren’t in my comfort zone.

I started with planning which features I would want in my chatbot and which tools/technologies would provide me with these features.

The template To-Do List was:

• Basic chatbot that contains greetings, FAQs, and support tickets
• Integrate an NLP model
• Fallback mechanisms
• Develop UI

I watched a YouTube video in order to get the DeepSeek-R1 API Key; you can get the API Key in any way you prefer.

I decided to go with spaCy for the NLP & ML stage, but I couldn’t download it somehow and got really frustrated; I researched solutions on StackOverflow, asked ChatGPT, but I believe it was a problem with my computer, so I decided to continue another way.

Then I tried the NLTK library; at first try it didn’t generate a response. Eventually, I figured out that the problem was the messages in the “FAQs” part, so be careful with that. If the messages are one line but too long, I think it overwhelms the model or your interpreter.

I fixed the problem by arranging the messages and asking more detailed questions.

First conversation was:

User: “Hello, I have a question about my account.”

Bot: “Hello! I’m just a virtual assistant, so I don’t have feelings, but I’m here to help you with whatever you need. How can I assist you today?”

I decided to add fallback responses. It worked, but the generation time seemed quite long.

For the user interface, I thought to design a GUI with the CustomTkinter library. By adding these features, I fixed the time problem, too.

But another problem occurred: not being able to chat continuously. It gives an error if you ask a second question.

I also didn’t like the GUI that much. I wanted it to be like a real chat application (which seems like two people are chatting with each other), so I made a change like that.

In this experiment, it didn’t take much time to respond.

I added a database feature in order to store chat history. I preferred SQLite, but I’m planning to switch to Postgresql for future enhancements. I had a problem with record adding, but I figured out that it was a problem with the connection between the database.py file and the main file.

Currently, we have both the Customers & Messages tables in the database so that users can see their chat history with the bot, and they can log in to the system before starting to chat. I was going to add an authentication system, but it got so messy — the whole project was almost done within one hour! I handled it eventually, but it was a terrible experience, intense debugging sessions with Chatgpt, etc…

Finally, with this project, I gained experience with NLP libraries, backend–frontend transitions like UI and database connections. I encountered so many errors, but each one of them taught me so much. Now, I have a working AI-powered Customer Support Chatbot, and my next steps would be switching to PostgreSQL and fully implementing the user authentication system.

Thank you for reading. If you have any questions about technical processes or any other topic, please feel free to ask me.

Building a Custom AI Chatbot for Customer Support Using Python & DeepSeek-R1 was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

When I first started exploring technical writing, I didn’t come from a design background. I didn’t have years of experience in writing jobs either.
What I did have was curiosity — and a willingness to learn by doing.

So I jumped in:

• I took a Technical Writing course on Coursera
• I wrote articles.
• I studied documentation material from companies
• I practiced explaining tech concepts as clearly as I could.

And somewhere along the way, I noticed something surprising:
The deeper I got into technical writing, the more I started picking up on UX (User Experience) principles too.

Not because I set out to, but because good writing and good UX are more connected than I ever realized.

This is me sharing what I have noticed so far — and what I hope resonates with others who are just starting as well.

When I first heard “design,” I thought about colors, logos, and sleek UI layouts. Writing felt like a completely separate world — something you added later.

But technical writing quickly showed me otherwise.

When a user lands on a help page, tutorial, or documentation, their experience is shaped just as much by the words as by the visuals. In fact, sometimes the words are the design.

Good technical writing shapes the user’s journey by:

• Making complex ideas easy to understand
• Guiding users to the right information without frustration
• Building confidence with clear, concise language

I realized: every heading, paragraph, and sentence is like part of a map. If the map is cluttered or confusing, users get lost. If it’s clean and logical, users move forward effortlessly.

Writing is designing an experience. FOR YOUR READER.

There were moments I re-read my drafts and thought, “Well, this makes sense to me.”

But I had to start asking a harder question: “Would this make sense to someone new?”

That shift changed everything.

I began editing with the user in mind, not just myself:

• Cutting jargon that felt “impressive” but didn’t serve clarity
• Breaking up the cluster of text into short paragraphs and bullet points
• Adding clear structures: headings, steps, numbered lists

The goal wasn’t just accuracy anymore.

The goal was usability.

Because in both technical writing and UX, correctness is not enough. If the user feels lost, the product — or the content — has failed them.

One unexpected advantage of being a beginner is that you’re still close to the mindset of someone who’s new. I haven’t forgotten what it’s like to be confused, overwhelmed, or unsure.

So I constantly ask myself:

• Where would I get stuck if I were new to this?
• What step would trip me up?
• What would make me give up or click away?

By staying connected to that beginner mindset, I am able to write with more empathy. I’m not just explaining to users — I’m trying to walk with them.

This empathy is the core of UX — whether you’re designing an app or writing a getting-started guide for the user.

At first, I thought UX was all about visuals — smooth buttons, beautiful layouts. But writing tutorials taught me something deeper:

UX is also about flow.

If steps are out of order, even if every sentence is technically correct, users get frustrated. If a process feels heavy, complicated, or jumpy, users lose trust — not just in the content, but in the product itself.

Good flow means:

• Presenting information in a natural, logical sequence
• Grouping related ideas together
• Reducing mental effort by anticipating user questions before they arise

I learned:
Flow isn’t a nice extra — it’s essential for creating momentum and trust momentum.

And even in something as “simple” as a user guide.

Here’s how I’m blending technical writing and UX thinking as I continue learning:

• Writing short, focused Medium articles that explain one idea clearly (instead of trying to say everything at once)
• Requesting feedback, especially asking others where they felt confused or overwhelmed
• Studying product docs from companies like Stripe, Notion, and Linear to see how they structure information
• Practicing by creating help articles, FAQs, and tiny tutorials for imaginary products (a great low-pressure exercise)
• Paying attention to my own friction points when using apps, reading docs, or onboarding — and asking why I got stuck

Every mistake I make becomes a lesson. Every confusing moment I feel becomes a guidepost for what not to do in my writing.

I don’t have years of experience yet. I don’t have big titles.

But what I do have is:

• Curiosity
• A willingness to learn
• The ability to reflect and adapt

And that’s enough to start.

UX isn’t something reserved for product designers. It’s something that shows up every time we:

• Write with empathy
• Edit with clarity
• Think about how someone else will experience our work, not just read it

As beginners — whether in tech writing, UX, or any creative craft — that mindset matters more than fancy credentials.

Because ultimately, it’s not about making things look good or sound smart.
It’s about making things easier for someone else.

And that’s a craft worth practicing.

What Technical Writing is Teaching Me About UX (As a Beginner) was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.