Hi again, my lovely readers!

We have a New Yorker of the Week again! We are so BACK, baby!

His name is Ellis. He’s 29, lives in Brooklyn, and is looking for friendship and love.

If you’re interested in chatting with him, email [email protected]. And remember that if you fall in love or become best friends, you’re legally obligated to let me know.

Want to be featured next? Submit your cutie self here. Remember that if you don’t put effort into your answers, you will not be featured.

Now, onto Ellis and the events!

How would someone who loves you describe you?

Goofy, extroverted, inquisitive, emotionally stable, and a touch of organized chaos.

What sorts of things do you want to do with your friends?

Dungeons and Dragons, reading groups, rollerblading (I competed in the Berlin Rollerblade Marathon), making music (I play the french horn), camping, rock climbing, craft nights. I am a man of many hobbies

What's something that people might not guess about you?

I love biology and studied it in college.

Are you looking for love?

I'm looking for love baby! He/Him, gay male. I'm not picky about what they love to do as long as they have passions outside of work. I really value someone who is also silly and extroverted but can be sensitive and responsible. Oh also a moustache is a huge plus.

Anything else that the Joy List community can help you with?

I am very unemployed right now, trying to network my butt off and get a job. So that would be helpful as well!

A Vertical Film Festival, An Off-the-Record Effective Politics Chat, the Mayor's Government Efficiency Commission, and MORE!

Jillian, The Joy List lady, here to let you know that one of my pals/teachers— Daniel Golliher of Maximum New York— is hosting a CORNUCOPIA of fun-educational-geeky-sexy events in the coming weeks. Behold:

• June 18, What is COGE? A gathering to discuss Mamdani’s new Commission on Government Efficiency. Daniel will review the structure, authority, and process of COGE; review how you can submit recommendations to it; and MORE!
  
  

• June 20, Vertical Film Festival: Here you will show up, get direct instruction about how to make a video, and—within the course of an hour or less—you will make and post your first video. There will also be PRIZES!!
  
  

• July 2, How To Talk Politics Well: How do you have productive political conversations with others that leave you both better off, increase the probability of good political outcomes, and improve our overall culture? Come listen to some people who have done it, and do it regularly.

You can find the full list of events and their ticketing links here.

Gatherings

Double check details before you go, and contact the organizers with questions! The Joy List does not run these events.

Monday, June 8: Collect Pond Concert: An Evening of Sound, Story, and New Myths

During this evening of sound and story, a group of visionary musicians, poets, and storytellers gathers to guide participants into a new relationship with our city's waters, past and future. The Collect Pond Park is on the site of what was once a large spring-fed pond, sixty feet deep, that fed into nearby streams and marshes. It was polluted and filled in, but the springs still thrum deep beneath the pavement. Similarly, the visions and dreams we need to build a vibrant, tender future seem hidden but are in fact right beneath our feet.

Free, 7-9pm, Collect Pond Park 130 Leonard Street, Manhattan. Info here.

Tuesday, June 9: Yappy Hour: Let's Get Wiggy With It

A wig party designed to get strangers actually talking to each other. When you walk in, you pick a wig off a wig rack and each wig comes with a conversation prompt designed to get people past the small talk and actually get to know each other. Hosted by The Yada Yada, an events community built around facilitated connection in spaces that don't take themselves too seriously. Yappy Hour: Let's Get Wiggy With It is the launch event and the Greenpoint Comedy Club's first ever non-standup night.

$50 (includes wig, drink, snacks), 6:30-9:30pm, Greenpoint Comedy Club (66 Greenpoint Ave.). Info here.

Thursday, June 11: Creative Joy Date: Paint Your Pivot

This Creative Joy Date is a gathering for women who are navigating change, growth, or a new chapter. We'll slow down, paint a wooden photo holder, choose a meaningful quote or reflection from The Pivot Year, and connect through thoughtful conversation. It's an opportunity to reflect on and share the pivot you're making with a supportive group of intentional women. Use promo code PIVOT for $5 off.

$49, 6:30-8:30 PM, 12-16 Vestry St 4th Fl. Info here.

Thursday, June 11: Taboo Time with Jennie

Want to laugh, connect, and dance on the edge of your comfort zone all in the same night? This Thursday, you can explore taboo topics with strangers in an opt-in format where multiple ways to participate will be welcome! The night will have involve facilitated mingling, a moderated "hot seat" conversation and optional small group conversations on topics of your choice.

$10, 7pm, Lakou Cafe, Crown Heights (195 Utica Ave). Info here.

Thursday, June 11: The Sparkle: The Kinky Edition

Join us for The Sparkle—an interactive night designed to spark chemistry, create playful moments among strangers, and foster meaningful connection beyond the usual small talk. The Kinky Edition features more sensual prompts and expanded opportunities for touch and sensory play, all within a clear, consent-forward framework.

$40, 7pm, 120 Walker Street. Info here.

Friday, June 12: Creative Women Walk: Inwood Hill Park

On this walk, we'll explore the only natural forest left in Manhattan: Inwood Hill Park. Yes, an actual forest in Manhattan! With winding trails, old-growth trees, Hudson River views, and even giant Ice Age boulders, it's one of those places that doesn't feel like NYC at all.This is a relaxed, no-pressure way to meet fellow creative women while moving and chatting together. Confirmed RSVPs will receive our meeting location one day before the walk.

Free, 2-3:30pm, Inwood Hill Park. Info here.

Saturday, June 13: Safe Space Saturday

Get ready for a day of connection, movement, and mental wellness at Safe Space Saturday: Mental Health Field Day hosted by Black Girls Smile. Designed and ranging from youth to their parent/guardians to young adults, this uplifting event brings families and community together for engaging mental wellness workshops, a movement session, and vision board making.

Free, 11-6 PM, 1406 Fulton St. Info here.

Sunday, June 14: Cyanotype Workshop: Afterimages of Memory

Cyanotype is one of the oldest photographic printing processes. Using sunlight and speciallycoated paper, objects exposed to light leave behind white impressions against a deep bluebackground. After some journaling and reflection, we'll create 2 x cyanotype prints using personal photos, flowers, and found materials, experimenting with light, shadow, and composition. Food and refreshments provided.

$55, 3:30-6:30pm, telos haus 303 Ten Eyck. Info here.

Sunday, June 14: Pop Diva Dance: Learn 'Circus' by Britney Spears

Unleash your inner pop diva with a dance class for 'Circus' by Britney Spears! We'll kick things off with icebreakers and a warm-up before learning the iconic choreography at a reasonable pace. You'll leave with a cool video to share and connections to new friends. No experience necessary and all ages are welcome!

$24. Info here.

Rewilding Cycles: Menstrual Cycle Awareness Workshop for Healers

Rewilding Cycles is the menstrual cycle education we should have had in health class. Designed for healers, this workshop explores cyclical awareness through a somatic, trauma- sensitive lens. Learn to track inner seasons, work with shifting nervous system capacity, and cultivate greater Self trust. In a culture that teaches us to blame, shame, or ignore the cycle, these teachings are a radical return to the wisdom of our inner wild.

Looking for a delicious meal delivery service?

Oh hey! It’s Jillian, The Joy List lady, yet again. I’m here to share that I have discovered a DELECTABLE meal delivery service, called CookUnity. I’ve tried others before: Factor, Daily Harvest, and Blue Apron to name a few. But they all made my tastebuds sad.

CookUnity is the one that I’ve actually stuck with for MONTHS. You get:

• Chef-cooked meals that you can heat up in minutes

• Options for dietary preferences, like low-calorie and high protein

• New meals every week, so you don’t get bored

Curious? Use my link for 50% off your first week, and 20% off the next 3!

That's it for this edition. Sending hugs.

Stay cool,

Jillian