Eleanor Willner-Fraser on LinkedIn: #cityexplore24 (2024)

For the Culture Explore challenge, I went to an opera on Friday night with a friend. It’s no secret that I play the violin and am a fan of orchestral music, but I’m less familiar with vocal music, including opera. This was my first time going to a proper opera.The opera was Don Pasquale by Gaetano Donizetti. It was a good choice for a first opera since it’s a comic one, full of exaggerated characters, deception and plotting.The singing and Italian did take some getting used to (there were surtitles above the stage), but overall it was an enjoyable experience!What are your plans for the Culture Explore challenge?#CityExplore24

9

For the Nature Explore challenge today, I went to Evergreen Brick Works with Xenia YU. We walked to the lookout, along an abandoned railway line and by the ponds and saw lots of birds, some fish and a frog. I got there using the subway and free shuttle bus.What did you do for the challenge today?#CityExplore24

9

2 Comments

For the Nature Explore challenge, I will be going to Evergreen Brick Works on Saturday afternoon with a few others to explore the walking trails there.Are you based in Toronto and interested in joining us? Send me a DM to learn more!For #SustainableTransportation options to the Brick Works, there is a free shuttle bus from Broadview Station every 30 minutes. Or check this page to learn about other options for getting to the Brick Works, including walking and biking: https://lnkd.in/ek6kE-yxThe photo is from a visit to Evergreen in January. Everything should be greener by now!#CityExplore24

13

1 Comment

Challenge #2! #CityExplore24

2

The thing about living in a big city like Toronto is that there are always lots of events going on, and there are organizations to fit just about every interest, but it can be hard to find them unless you know where to look.For the Social Explore theme of #CityExplore24, I wanted to talk about three organizations that have helped me find my community in Toronto.Summerhill Orchestra: I joined this orchestra when I moved to Toronto back in fall 2021, so the other musicians have been part of my community in Toronto from the start. I look forward to the Monday night rehearsals—both for the musical expression and the guaranteed in-person social interaction when working remotely. If you have the opportunity, I’d highly recommend getting involved in community music-making, whether as a musician, volunteer or audience member! 🎵Climate North: I started attending their monthly events, which cover a range of climate topics (from regenerative agriculture to circular economy), last year. They always find interesting speakers, and the attendees are friendly and engaged in sustainability and climate action. Their next event, The 101 for Building a Sustainable Lifestyle, is coming up on April 30 (you can register here: https://lnkd.in/ejh2MNSH). 🌎Toastmasters International: I joined the Beaches Speeches Toastmasters club in February, and the members are already providing me a welcoming, supportive environment for improving my public speaking skills. Did you know you can attend three meetings for free to see what you think? Given that there are over 100 clubs in the Toronto area, you’re sure to find a club that fits your personality and schedule! 🗣️What organizations have helped you find community and make connections in Toronto or where you live?

5

3 Comments

Happy Earth Day! Check out this piece I wrote for Farm Radio International about how to communicate about climate change (with a development focus).

8