Paleontology

**Attendance policy is enforced for this hike**. See below for details. It's a throwback to our first hike, almost 4 years ago! It encapsulates what our group is about: a bit of nature rambling, urban sights, and lots of food. Since then, all 3 landmarks of the hike have changed drastically. 1. Garden: Allan Gardens closed in October 2022 for restorations until May 2025. The towering plants are gone from the Palm House, replaced by an event venue. 2. Ravine: Lower Don River Trail closed in March 2023 and is "scheduled to open in Spring 2026", 2 years later than originally planned. 3. Park: The northwestern side of Thorncliffe Park closed for subway construction in April 2024. The plaza where Iqbal supermarket was located has been taken over by Metrolinx. Fret not, Iqbal moved to a modern location 500m away. Even with all the changes, we'll stay close to the original route. Starting from Toronto's oldest public greenhouse, we'll make our way to gentrified Cabbagetown, lined with an assortment of restaurants. A fast hike through the Don Valley brings us to Thorncliffe Park, with a heavy South Asian presence. For those who want to end there, there is a choice of tantalizing Afghan kabobs, Arabian rice dishes, and Pakistani curries. To celebrate our 200th hike, we're tacking on a bonus 4 km segment. It's more challenging—see below. The reward is opulent dim sum that can compete with the best in the GTA. Reserve you spot at a [separate event](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/events/313830724/). **Highlights** 1. Allan Gardens (depart 10:30am) 2. Bluet Bakery 3. Chennai Masala Cafe / La Gloria Mexican Coffee 4. Rayah 5. Riverdale Farm (depart 11:13pm) 6. Lower Don Valley trail or Riverdale trail 7. Todmorden Mills (depart 12:10pm) 8. Donaconda trail 9. Millwood bridge 10. Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy 11. Costco / Iqbal 12. Bamiyan Kabob / Mandi Afandi (depart 1:25pm) 13. Bunny Run trail 14. E.T. Seton Park Archery Range 15. Science Centre 16. Crosstown Place 17. The Queen Seafood Cuisine (arrive 2:30pm) **Neighbourhoods** Garden District > Cabbagetown > Lower Don Valley > Todmorden Village > Thorncliffe Park > Flemingdon Park > Banbury-Don Mills **Map** Main section: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1afPn6poyb3DLm5pnItMSIE7Fb9wwGqY&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1afPn6poyb3DLm5pnItMSIE7Fb9wwGqY&usp=sharing) If Lower Don River Trail does not open in time for the hike, we'll take the orange route on the map, along Broadview Ave, between Riverdale Farm and Todmorden Mills. One steep climb at Beechwood Drive. Bonus section: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1u7v7MUha8QhhPdg2oMEFdws8v0C_WhI&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1u7v7MUha8QhhPdg2oMEFdws8v0C_WhI&usp=sharing) We'll be on mountain biking trails in ET Seton Park. Some narrow and steep trails. Expect muddy and slippery conditions from rain and melted snow. You can skip the nature trails and take an alternate route east on Overlea Boulevard and north on Don Mills Road. **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way. Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to [globaltorontoeats@gmail.com.](http://globaltorontoeats@gmail.com.) No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike. Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers. See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info. **Attendance policy** Please check in with an organizer when you arrive. 24 hours before the hike, we'll note down who is on the confirmed list. Those that don't show up will be marked as no-show. Repeat offenders will be banned. Please change your RSVP if you can no longer attend. If you got off the waitlist less than 24 hours before the event, you won't be considered a no-show.

**Please read ALL details before joining:** **Info:** 2 hours of 5v5 indoor futsal at the East Bayfront Recreation Centre in Downtown Toronto. **Cost:** $4.75 **Note:** This venue/event is run by the **City of Toronto.** Upon arriving, please check in with the front desk! I do not take any payments. **Make sure you arrive early, their check-in process is really slow sometimes.** **Setup:** * 2 Teams (or 3 if we have 15 players) * 7 min games * Subs rotate between games / two games on, one game off (if there are 3 teams)

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **[torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com/)** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **[torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com/)** This tour was one of the original 5 tours that started it all back in 2019. Hear about the stories that still haunt Toronto. From the murder of a shoeshine boy to the place where the gallows were constructed. Stories of Toronto's hidden history. So you want to hear all about Toronto's darkest moments, do you? Toronto has a rich and varied history, we all know that, or we should. Let's explore new and old stories of Toronto's darkest historical moments, a new crop of dark secrets, and a few of the old stories to make the blood run cold. And these secrets will be revealed in time. That's all I'm saying. I guess you'll have to sign up and commit to the true darkness hidden in the human spirit. This horrific walking tour is for all levels and walkers. The tour begins on the site of the old Ford Hotel at the northeast corner of Dundas Street West and Bay Street, or the western doors to the Atrium on Bay. The tour ends at old City Hall on Queen Street West. And if you dare, I'll see you soon on Toronto's Darkest side. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **[torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com/)**

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** https://bit.ly/frc-toronto-chat **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

This is a companion event for the [Garden to Ravine to Park hike](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/events/308601623). **Important notes** 1. You must walk some portion of the hike to join this meal. Sign up for the hike first, even if it's full. Then, sign up here. 2. This is a sharing meal. Those at the same table discuss what to order and split the food bill equally. 3. Dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated. You can skip some dishes but you'll still have to pay for them. 4. Everyone pays for their own drinks. I recommend not ordering anything except tea for the whole table, to keep the bill simple. 5. See reservation instructions below. [The Queen Seafood Cuisine](https://thequeenseafood.com/) is the upscale offering from the famous Congee Queen chain. Dumplings are topped with scallops; siu mai layered with truffles and quail eggs; pies stuffed with chicken and a whole abalone. There are only a handful of first-rate dim sum restaurants in Toronto; this is one of them. It's comparable to the best ones in Richmond Hill and Markham. RSVP closes 5 days before the event. If there are many people on the waitlist, we may arrange more seats. **Payment** * The $10 fee is a deposit. It will be refunded when you show up for the event. * If there are spots available when you sign up, you have 24 hours to e-transfer the fee to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com * If you're on the waitlist for this event, you don't have to pay. Once you're off the waitlist, you have 24 hours to pay. Remember to check your junk mail and Meetup notification settings so that you know when you've snagged a spot. * Please mention your Meetup.com name in the e-transfer description. * If you did not register for the hike or pay in time, you will be removed from the attendee list. The next person on the waitlist will get your spot. * If you paid the deposit but did not attend the hike, you will lose your spot. We will return your deposit. **Cancellation and refund policy** * You can cancel and get a full refund 5 calendar days before the event. For example, if the event is on Friday 7pm, you can cancel without penalty anytime before the preceding Sunday 11:59pm. * No refunds within 5 calendar days of the event, unless someone can take your place. * Full refund if the event is cancelled or rescheduled.

Welcome to the Saturday meetup for Toronto Heavy Boardgamers @ The Guild House! The purpose of this event is to meet up to play heavier / longer board games, and have fun while doing it! We will start off small and if there is sufficient interest we will add capacity for future events. You are welcome to bring your own games to the event, or use the games in the library at the location. **Scheduling details:** \- If you have a specific game that you would like to post for\, feel free to do so in comments\. In your post\, include the name of the game\, number of players needed for the game\, whether you are offering a teach or not\, and the start time \(please try to start before noon if possible\)\. \- If you would like to join a specific game that has already been posted\, feel free to comment on it confirming your participation\. Make sure you have noted the details posted by the host\. \- You are of course also welcome to organize / join games onsite on the day itself\, assuming sufficient players / tables are available **Rules around COVID:** \- Given this is a public event\, we respectfully ask that only i\) fully vaccinated individuals\, and ii\) those not exhibiting any COVID symptoms\, participate\. This requirement may change in the future based on provincial guidelines and group requirements **Available Amenities:** \- Food and drinks are available on\-site\, you can see a detailed menu [here](https://theguildhouse.ca/pages/menu). **Outside food and drinks are not allowed by the Guild House.** \- There is an on\-site game library\, and use of it is covered within the admission fee\. **Admission Fee:** \- There is a $10 fee charged by the establishment for use of space\. Payments are to be made directly to the establishment at the time of entry and not to the organizer

While a philosopher might ask the question, “Why are we here?”, geologists want to know, “How did we get here?”. In this meetup we will travel back in time through the Earth’s history; learning how our planet operates today, what it may have been like in the past, and the tools geologists use to figure these things out. Join us for this quick trip through geologic time, from the Anthropocene to the Hadean! For this meetup, we have an expert in earth sciences who will share her expertise with us and facilitate the gathering. Silvia Castilla is a PhD student in the Earth Sciences department at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on volcanology and isotope geochemistry to understand the processes that occur before volcanic eruptions. Her PhD project involves studying rocks from around the world, conducting stable isotope analyses, and applying these techniques to determine how long it takes for a volcano to erupt. \-\-\-\-\- No readings for this meetup, but I’m including a great Radiolab episode that explains the science of dating rocks [https://radiolab.org/podcast/heavy-metal](https://radiolab.org/podcast/heavy-metal) \-\-\-\-\- I will take some pictures during the meetup.

This group is to discuss and practice our French . Everu

**MeetUp Location: Finch Subway Station** Toronto is filled with great nature to explore! So we are off to visit Don,; don river who connects nature throughout toronto and runs far. \*City Hike along the Old Rail Corridor Trail and East Don River\* This 15+ km trail starts and ends at subway stations, winds through lush ravines with river views, and offers spring greenery in mid-April that's vibrant after winter. In mid-April, Toronto's ravines burst with fresh green leaves on maples and oaks, wildflowers like trilliums start blooming, and the Don River flows actively from snowmelt, creating small cascades. Expect clear valley views, birdwatching (woodpeckers, herons), and possible deer sightings in the wooded sections—far more vivid than winter's bare trees. This time avoids summer crowds and bugs while highlighting spring's renewal, with mild temperatures perfect for a perfect outing. \*Trail Overview\* Begin at Finch Station on Line 1 (Yonge-University). Head northeast via nearby paths into Newtonbrook Park, then connect east to the Don River trails in East Don Parkland. The route follows German Mills Creek and the East Don River south through forested parklands, passing interpretive signs and memorial trees, before reaching Leslie Station on Line 4 (Sheppard). Total distance is around 15-18 km one-way, taking 4-5 hours at a moderate pace. \*Practical Tips\* Pack water, snacks, and layers for variable ravine microclimates; trails are mostly flat with some moderate hills/roots, suitable for trail runners or hikers. Check TTC for service (frequent on Lines 1/4)

Non-hosted event. If anyone is interested in hosting the group, send me a message. **\*\*If you can no longer come to the meetup, please un-RSVP as soon as possible (i.e. not the day of) so someone else from the waiting list can attend\*\*** This is an informal conversation group for anyone wanting to practice / use their French and meet some new people. All levels are welcome, but having a conversational level is strongly recommended (and of course native French speakers are very welcome too!). / Il s'agit d'un groupe de conversation informel pour toute personne souhaitant pratiquer / utiliser son français et rencontrer de nouvelles personnes. Tous les niveaux sont les bienvenus, mais il est recommandé d'avoir un niveau de conversation approximatif (et bien sûr, les locuteurs natifs du français sont également les bienvenus !) Nous nous rencontrerons dimanche, de 14h00 à 16h00, au foodcourt de Brookfield Place, qui heureusement a beaucoup de tables et garde la musique basse! **+ Juste un rappel que ce groupe est un lieu d'échange détendu avec les autres dans un esprit de respect, de tolérance et de réceptivité à la multiplicité des cultures et des niveaux de français représentés. Merci de respecter ces principes en participant aux meetups.**

Join us at our vegan-friendly social climbing session! We welcome all vegans, vegetarians, or anyone who is curious about the lifestyle and/or interested in eating more plant-based. No climbing experience is necessary. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time climber, all are welcome. We will be bouldering, top roping, and using autobelays - feel free to join whichever activity you're interested in! For those who are climbing for the first time, not to worry as it is quick to pick up and we are happy to provide some pointers on technique. You can boulder or use the autobelays after getting a quick orientation from the staff at the gym. For top roping, we're happy to belay any of our attendees. **Fees**: * $28 admission fee, plus rentals Climbing shoes are strongly recommended (disclaimer: rental shoes are not vegan as they contain suede/leather). Harnesses are only necessary for top roping and autobelay, however this gym is primarily a rope climbing gym. * Shoe rental: $7.00 * Harness rental: $7.00 Remember to sign the [waiver](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5f121ea156df1/web/) before you hit the rocks! You can sign the waiver online or in person once you arrive. Make sure to arrive at the Bloor location, there are multiple Basecamp locations! Happy climbing! 🧗‍♂️🌱 Note: Clean indoor shoes are allowed to be worn, however we highly recommend using climbing shoes otherwise your experience will be negatively impacted.

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

**Caller: Richard Ades** **Band: The McKenzies** **Clinton Heights Lutheran Church** **15 Clinton Heights Ave, Columbus, OH 43202** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: This month Chris Pazsint will be talking about Agentic Coding. How does one use CLI Based Agents, and Agentic IDEs such as Cursor, Kiro, Antigravity? How to include agentic coding plugins for IDEs you already love such as Visual Studio Code. We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Feeling down? Sometimes depressed? Can't focus? Negativity & stress? Recent losses? Creativity in career and personal life hindered by mental blocks? Sometimes we never fully recover from traumatic experiences. Whether it was yesterday, last week or a year ago, traumatic experiences - a loss of a loved one, losing a job, a breakup - can leave you scarred. You talk about it and feel a little better, but it never goes away. After you hang up the phone, it's still there; the sadness, the cloud, the over-thinking, the worry, the guilt. You try to focus, but you're blocked. You try to look forward into new experiences, new relationships but a cloud is hanging over you, casting a shadow on what you once considered a bright, cheerful future. What happened to your courage? Your strength of character? You're 'why not' attitude? Whoever said 'time heals' must have had a special time machine, because after weeks, months, years, you're wondering - when exactly does that kick in? Sometimes it seems like drinking or drugs are the way to go. But they wear off, and now the problem is still there with added side effects from the drugs. At this free local Meetup event we will talk about: * What causes grief, anxiety and depression to become chronic. * Is it possible to regain your joy and happiness even after traumatic experiences? * How to break away from negativity and focus on the future * What are the steps to take to get control of your mind and your emotions? Learn about a safe, gentle, do-it-yourself counseling that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Let's explore safe, effective solutions for healing from traumatic experiences. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.