A Home for Windsor's Tech Community


October 2022 at Hackforge

WINFOSEC: OWASP 10 – Injection

Wednesday, October 19th @ 7pm
Facebook | Linkedin | Meetup | Register

Join us for the inaugural talk for Winfosec – Hackforge’s information security interest group.

In this talk we’ll briefly introduce the OWASP Top 10 list of security risks for application developers and analyze one of the most common: Injection. We’ll be writing some bad code, exploiting the vulnerability live, and then fixing it all in the session. Whether you’re a software developer wanting to build more secure applications, or someone interested in the field of information security, this talk is for you.

Register via Zoom to attend this free event.

OpenStreetMap W-E: Intro to JOSM

Thursday, October 27 @ 6pm
Facebook | Linkedin | Meetup | Register

In September we introduced users to OSM’s in-browser editor iD, and now we’re moving on to JOSM.

This java-based editing software requires a bit more setup than iD, but it also provides contributors a more powerful set of tools for editing OpenStreetMaps. Many also find it to be a simpler way to edit the map.

To help OSM W-E users make the most of JOSM, Randy Topliffe will be walking through setup and basic use during this month’s meetup on Thursday, October 27 at 6pm. To get the most out of this event, make sure to:


September 2022 at Hackforge

Online Watch Party: Starship Troopers

Friday, September 2nd @ 8pm

This 1997 adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein’s 1959 political science fiction novel stars Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Jake Busey, and Neil Patrick Harris. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the film was poorly received upon release, with critics and audiences alike unimpressed by the satirical themes, gorey content, and cheesy performances. But if you can go into this film with the knowledge that it wasn’t, in fact, created by nazis, and with your heart disconnected from the source material, it’s a fun ride.

Join our discord server and download Teleparty to take part. Please note that all participants are required to have their own streaming subscription service. More details on joining a watch party.

OSM W-E: Editing OpenStreetMap with iD

Wednesday, September 7th @ 6pm

Facebook | Linkedin | Meetup | Register

Using aerial imagery, local knowledge, and iD Editor, it is possible to update and improve OpenStreetMap right on your desktop.

In this virtual session we’ll walk through how to add and update addresses, buildings, streets, and more. Create an OSM account and join in to learn how you can share your knowledge of Windsor and Essex County with the world’s most popular open source mapping project.

Attendance is free and everyone is welcome. Register via Zoom to tune in.

Hackforge Annual General Meeting

Monday, September 12 @ 6pm

Facebook | Linkedin | Meetup | Register

The 2022 Hackforge Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday, September 12th from 6 – 8pm. Hackforge members are invited to attend in-person at 500 Ouellette Ave, Suite 907, or virtually via Zoom.

This meeting is an opportunity to learn what Hackforge has been up to, and what our future plans are. We will also be electing members to the Board of Directors.

More information on the Hackforge AGM.

Border City Data: Structuring SQL Server Data Extraction

Tuesday, September 20 @ 6pm

Facebook | Linkedin | Meetup | Register

Gathering data from multiple sources for storage in a single place can be challenging. Not only must the data be retrieved, it needs to be structured before it can be sent on to its final destination.

Writing code to manage extraction and structuring of this data can save a lot of time and manpower, but comes with its own set of complications.

In this advanced tutorial, Doug Sartori explores the use of SQLCMD as a preprocessor for developing structured solutions and maximizing code reuse.

Register for this free session via Zoom.


August 2022 at Hackforge

Online Watch Party: Men in Black: International
Friday, July 5th @ 8PM
Discord

Released in 2019, Men in Black: International is the fourth installment in the Men in Black franchise. In this version, Liam Neeson, Chris Hemsworth, and Tessa Thompson work to root out a mole in the MIB organization while at the same time managing intergalactic politics.

Join our discord server and download Teleparty to take part. Please note that all participants are required to have their own streaming subscription service. More details on joining a watch party.


OSM Windsor-Essex: Street Complete Group Quest
Thursday, August 11th @ 6PM
Ottawa St at Elsmere Ave
Meetup | Facebook | Linkedin

The simplest way to get started with OpenStreetMap contributions! Meet up with OSM Windsor-Essex on Monday, August 15th and we’ll work together on improving local geodata using a free and easy-to-use Android application. This event does not require any OSM knowledge, but it does require:

This event will be outdoors and does involve a few kilometers of slow-paced walking. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. This is a learning opportunity for everyone, so we’ll be moving at a comfortable pace both physically and technologically!

Meeting Location: Ottawa St at Elsmere Avenue, in front of USpy (871 Ottawa St)
Meeting Time: 6 pm
In case of inclement weather, event will be postponed. Stay tuned to our socials and event pages for updates!

Any questions, please reach out to Lauren@hackf.org


Border City Data: Building a Community Data Warehouse
Tuesday, August 16th @ 6PM
Meetup | Facebook | Linkedin | Register

A Data Warehouse combines data from disparate sources into one repository, from which analysts can generate reports and draw conclusions. DWs are an extremely valuable tool for anyone needing to consolidate information and develop insights, but pulling them off is often a challenge.

In this free, one-hour lecture, Doug Sartori walks through the work he did with Parallel 42 Systems to design and develop a warehouse of community data for the United Way Windsor-Essex ProsperUs project.

Tune in to learn about the struggles encountered, how they were overcome, and the lessons learned for future iterations of this warehouse.

Everyone welcome, register via Zoom to receive the call link.


Hackforge 10 Year Anniversary
Monday, August 29th @ 6PM
The Thirsty Butler (1585 Wyandotte St E)
Meetup | Facebook | Linkedin

It’s already been ten years since Hackforge became incorporated as a registered non-profit! To celebrate this amazing milestone and everything we’ve done in the past decade, all current and former Hackforge volunteers, members, board members, speakers, supporters, and visitors are invited to join us at The Thirsty Butler (1585 Wyandotte St E) on Monday, August 29th.

This is a great way to relive your favourite Hackforge moments, and to ask questions about what Hackforge has planned for the future. Even if you haven’t attended an event in a while, we’d love to see you at this one!

Stop by between 6 and 9 pm for a casual hangout and reunion!


C3Tech Cycling Hackathon Event Schedule

As the next step in our C3Tech Initiative, Hackforge, in partnership with The City of Windsor Bicycle Committee, CWATS, and Parallel 42 Systems, is hosting a hackathon focused on extending and improving the features and functionality of WindsorEssexCycling.ca
Participation is free and open to anyone interested, including cyclists, project managers, designers, and developers of all experience levels. Join as a team or individual, and work on your own idea, or one of our community suggestions.
The C3Tech Cycling Hackathon will run for five weeks, with an official kickoff on April 1st, and a closing event on June 4th. Throughout that time, participants will have the chance to participate in weekly events to learn more about design and software development. There will also be access to mentors in various fields and disciplines to provide expert advice. Participants are welcome to collaborate with their teammates using their preferred method (in-person, Zoom, Discord, etc.)
Below is the full schedule of events. Please check back often in case of changes (participants will be notified of any schedule changes via email)
DateEventTimeLocation
Friday, April 29Pre-Hackathon Social

Meet judges, mentors, and other participants in this casual get-together

5:30 – 7:30 pmMaiden Lane Wine & Spirits (494 Pelissier Ave, Windsor)
Sunday, May 1Hackathon Kickoff

Featuring a roundtable comprised of transportation activists, cyclists, and municipal representatives, this event will help to set the stage for why C3Tech is happening and what we’re hoping this hackathon can help achieve. Learn more about the community-generated ideas for WindsorEssexCycling.ca and get pumped up to help solve local cycling problems!

1 – 3 pmVirtual – Zoom
JOIN
Saturday, May 7Jane’s Walk Intro to Micro-Mapping Workshop

Learn where OSM data comes from and improve the data available about Ford City in this free workshop (open to hackathon participants and non-participants alike) Visit WindsorJanesWalk.ca for more information

3 – 5 pmMeet Outside of City Cyclery (1008 Drouillard Rd, Windsor)
Sunday, May 8Week 1 Gathering: Share Your Plans

Discuss your idea and approach with judges, mentors, and other participants. Receive feedback and advice, ask questions, and get to know other people involved in the event! (attendance at this event is voluntary but encouraged)

2 – 3:30 pmVirtual – Zoom
JOIN
Saturday, May 14Community Ride in Partnership with Bike Windsor-Essex

Take a break from coding and engage in the activity we’re all here to support! Join Bike Windsor-Essex for a casual and leisurely ride around Kingsville (please bring your own bike and proper safety equipment)

10 am – 12 pmCarnegie Visitor Centre (28 Division St. S, Kingsville)
Sunday, May 15Week 2 Gathering: TBA

(attendance at this event is voluntary but encouraged)

2 – 3:30 pmVirtual – Zoom
JOIN
Sunday, May 22Week 3 Gathering: Wrapping Up A Project

Hear from a professional developer about the steps involved in properly wrapping up a project, including testing, debugging, and releasing, then ask for advice on your project (attendance at this event is voluntary but encouraged)

2 – 3:30 pmVirtual – Zoom
JOIN
Sunday, May 29Week 4 Gathering: Last Chance for Feedback

In the last weekly gathering, share your project once again with mentors, judges, and other participants to receive feedback on last-minute tweaks (attendance at this event is voluntary but encouraged)

2 – 3:30 pmVirtual – Zoom
JOIN
Saturday, June 4Hackathon Close

During this event each team/participants will have a chance to show off their work and to explain how it makes cycling in Windsor-Essex safer, easier, and/or more enjoyable. Judges will consider each submission and confer with each other before announcing the winners at the end.(If local guidelines allow, this event will be held in-person, with the option for participants to join virtually. Stay tuned for more information)

1 – 3pm

 

Virtual – Zoom
JOIN

C3Tech Hackathon Registration Now Open!

We’ve launched WindsorEssexCycling.ca, received input from local cyclists, and looked into the code with developers, so now it’s time to bring it all together! This May, Hackforge, along with The City of Windsor Bicycle Committee, CWATS, and Parallel 42 Systems, is running a Hackathon to customize and enhance our digital cycling tools.

Some of the feature requests we’ve heard from the community include:

  • A-to-B navigation indicating the safety level of various routes
  • Pleasure-ride routes based on estimated time to accomplish
  • Suggested routes between local businesses (e.g. brewery/winery routes)
  • All city and county trails represented on a single map
  • Bike lane/path issue reporting to municipalities and publication for other cyclists

Interested parties can register for free as individuals or groups (or individuals looking for groups!) to participate. People of all skillsets and experience levels are welcome, including project managers, cyclists, designers, and developers. Participants will have access to expert mentors, weekly development training sessions, and more to help them improve their skills throughout the Hackathon process.

Submit your information to get started, and contact lauren@hackf.org with any questions.


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