Paleontology

Each week there is some recommended readings to be done before we meet. **Please see the attached schedule for this week's readings.** The Bible Timeline® study program takes you on a guided journey through salvation history. Presenter Jeff Cavins will show you how fourteen of the Bible’s narrative books tell the biblical story from beginning to end and will give you the keys to understanding the amazing story woven throughout Scripture. The Bible Timeline will teach you how to read and understand the entire Bible and introduce you to the wonderful narrative of Scripture in a way that will transform your life. The online material can be bought online through the link below (optional). However, each session we can share copies for you to have discussion questions in class and reading guideline for the next session. https://ascensionpress.com/products/the-bible-timeline-the-story-of-salvation-online-video-access

**A new format: you choose who you're interested in meeting** This meetup is about getting to know new people and sharing the experience in a small group (3-6 people). We use the LYTT platform to handle group size and balance - so you're not just hoping someone interesting shows up. To apply you will need to create an account at [lytt.me](https://lytt.me/meetup/barrys-toronto-red-room) \- it's free\. **The event: The Original HIIT Experience in the Red Room** Barry's Toronto is the largest studio in the world - 8,000 square feet of the iconic red room experience. The lights drop, the music pumps, and you're locked in with 47+ people split between Woodway treadmills and strength training benches. The workout is brutal by design: 25 minutes running, 25 minutes strength training, broken into 15-minute intervals. Different body focus each day. We'll meet at the studio, crush the workout together, then grab smoothies at the Fuel Bar. Post-Barry's conversations are real - you just survived something together. The whole experience runs about 1.5 hours. **The group: LYTT platform** LYTT forms small groups for events and activities you pick. 1\. Click 'Attend' here on Meetup\, then head to [lytt.me](https://lytt.me/meetup/barrys-toronto-red-room) to create a quick profile (photo, a few interests, short bio) 2\. Browse others who applied and select who you'd want to meet 3\. We form groups where the interest is mutual 4\. You get notified when your group is confirmed \- payment happens then 5\. Show up knowing your crew already picked you \- *but no one knows who picked who*, to keep mystery and low pressure Applying doesn't guarantee a spot - but we may form multiple groups or invite you to similar events with other crews. **What's included:** • 50-minute red room HIIT class • Access to premium amenities and Fuel Bar • Oribe products in change rooms **Details:** **Cost:** $30-38 CAD drop-in (pay after your group is confirmed). First class often discounted for new members. **Group size:** 3-6 people **Date:** Saturday, December 20th, 2025 **Time:** 7:00am - 8:30am **Location:** Barry's Toronto (310 Richmond St W or 100 Bloor St W) **Who this is for:** • 27-40ish, give or take • People who love a good sweat • Those ready for an intense HIIT experience • Looking for friends, workout buddies, or just better ways to start a weekend **Questions?** hey@lytt.me **Proceed to register here:** [https://lytt.me/meetup/barrys-toronto-red-room](https://lytt.me/meetup/barrys-toronto-red-room)

Join our **Toronto 5K Run Club** every Saturday at **12 PM** at **Queen’s Park**. This weekly **beginner-friendly 5 km run** is perfect for anyone in **downtown Toronto** looking for a consistent, social, and healthy way to stay active. **Why Queen’s Park?** Queen’s Park is one of the best running spots in the city: * A smooth **loop with no traffic lights** * **Nature scenery** and tree-lined paths * Easy to run at **your own pace** without interruptions * Perfect for runners and walkers who want a safe, simple route **What You’ll Get** * A relaxed **5 km running loop** * A friendly **run club community** * Zero pressure, all paces welcome * A great way to build **fitness, cardio, and endurance** **Who Should Join** * Beginners who want an easy, welcoming start * Regular runners looking for a consistent weekly 5K * Anyone training for a 5K, 10K, or half marathon * People interested in **downtown Toronto fitness** and community

🎄 **Holiday Trees at High Park Zoo & Winter Walk** 🎅 ✨ *A Festive Stroll Through Toronto’s Winter Wonderland!* ✨ Bundle up and join us for a heartwarming holiday walk through **High Park**, where twinkling lights, winter air, and the charm of the **High Park Zoo’s Holiday Trees** create a truly magical afternoon! We’ll wander through snow-kissed trails, greet the friendly zoo animals, and marvel at the beautifully decorated trees glowing with festive cheer. 🌟 After soaking in the magic, we’ll warm up with lunch at the cozy **Grenadier Café**, nestled right in the heart of the park — a perfect spot for a hot chocolate and good company. ☕ After lunch, we’ll continue exploring more of High Park’s scenic paths — a peaceful post-meal stroll through one of Toronto’s most beloved holiday landscapes. *** 🎁 **Meetup Details** 📍 **Meeting Spot:** Meet at the **High Park sign** (west side at Bloor & High Park Ave). 🦌 Mathew will be easy to spot in his *iconic Moose Hat!* 🕚 **Meetup Time:** 11:00 AM sharp (Mathew will wait 5 minutes) 🚶‍♂️ **Walk Duration:** * Approx. 1 hour walk to start * Lunch break at Grenadier Café * Followed by another 30-minute walk through the park 🏁 **End Point:** Back where we started *** 💲 **Meetup Fee:** 💵 $5 cash in person **or** 📲 E-transfer to **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** (Your contribution helps support our group — thank you!) *** 🎒 **What to Bring:** * Warm clothes & good walking shoes 👟 * Water bottle 💧 * Camera or phone for festive photos 📸 * A sprinkle of holiday spirit 🎅 *** 💬 **Stay Connected:** 👉 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) ⏰ **Leaving Time:** Any time you like — enjoy the park at your own pace. ⚠️ **Note:** Occasionally, events may need to be rescheduled — please check for updates before coming. *** 👤 **Organizer:** Mathew Questions? Post on the wall or email **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.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/)

Greetings Bird Lovers, Why do we keep going to Long Point, well the main reason is the sheer number of birds we can see, there is no place in Southern Ontario that offers the number of birds you can see at this time of year. Our trips to Long Point have always been exceptional. On our trips we’re treated to an incredible mix of wildlife, Bald Eagles, possibly Snowy Owls, Tufted Titmice, thousands of Sandhill Cranes, and literally thousands of ducks. Every visit feels like stepping into a National Geographic special. Even in the heart of winter, the slowly lengthening days and brighter light remind us that the outdoors is still full of magic, and moments like these are exactly why we keep heading back out into the field. Long Point's significance as part of the Canadian Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, as well as its role as the home to Bird Studies Canada, is underscored by the continuous presence of birds throughout the year. This renowned Ontario wintering ground hosts a myriad of species, including waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, Tundra Swans, and the occasional surprise guest. From the commonplace Bald Eagles to the captivating Birds of Prey such as Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, and American Kestrels, each visit unfolds a tapestry of avian wonders. Long Point, a globally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA), beckons ornithologists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts worldwide. We're eagerly looking forward to our upcoming birding adventure at this extraordinary location. A stop at Ruthven Park promises encounters with the charming Tufted Titmouse and possibly wintering Eastern Bluebirds. Additionally, our itinerary remains flexible, allowing us to stay attuned to local birding news for the possibility of rare bird sightings. Nature's surprises often unfold during this season, prompting us to adapt our plans for the chance to witness something truly extraordinary. Prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of birding at Long Point, a journey of exploration, discovery, and sheer magic. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply revel in nature's wonders, all are welcome to join. Binoculars are recommended for an enhanced experience. Our shared love for nature fosters a lively and enjoyable camaraderie within the group. I assure you of smiles, laughter, and a thoroughly delightful day out. Our rendezvous point is the Finch Station Passenger pick-up and Drop-off. Parking Lot at 7:45 am, with departure promptly at 8:00 am. We anticipate returning around 5:00 pm, having explored various areas southwest of Toronto to maximize our chances of encountering special bird species. For those interested, I can accommodate up to 3 Nature Lovers in my vehicle. The cost for my guidance, unveiling the super-hotspots, is $99.00 plus tax, totaling $113. To secure your spot, payment can be made through PayPal or via direct e-transfer to torontonaturelovers@hotmail.com. If you opt for the latter, kindly inform me, and I will manually add you to the trip. Let's embark on a day filled with nature's wonders, capturing moments that will linger in our memories. We look forward to sharing this adventure with you!

This group is to discuss and practice our French . Everu

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.**

We're cleaning the entire Toronto shoreline, from Mississauga to Pickering. Weather permitting, we'll continue from where we left off the previous week. We'll meet at Etobicoke Lookout Point in Humber Bay Park West (see map pin). If you're running late, start walking along the shore and look for the trash grabbers! I will have three trash grabbers available, along with bags and gloves. Picking up trash is optional. All Toronto parks and nature appreciators are welcome to join us for the walk! [See the “Safety Tips” section of this City of Toronto website.](https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/clean-toronto-together/)

The Humanist Association of Toronto \(HAT\) warmly invites you to our annual Winter Solstice/Festivus Social\. Please RSVP using the link below rather than on Meetup\. \| **When**: Sunday, December 21, 2025, 1 - 5 PM **Where**: Eglinton and Allen Rd (near Cedarvale Subway Station - formerly named Eglinton West Subway Station) For the exact location, please register by emailing [HatProgram@gmail.com](mailto:HatProgram@gmail.com?subject=Fesitvus%20registration&body=). **What’s Included**: Lunch (pot luck, pizza and cake), tasty snacks, and a lively afternoon of Festivus fun **What to Expect**: **Our World-Famous Festivus Pole** — a unique centerpiece where you can add your own note or message to help us celebrate humanist values and community spirit **Good Food & Great Company** — connect with like-minded folks, share stories, and enjoy a relaxed, festive atmosphere **Gift Exchange** – Secret "Frank Constanza" gift exchange – feel free to bring a wrapped gift of something around the home (books, game/puzzles, knick knacks or whatever you would like to get rid of) for a fun secret gift exchange **Talent Show** – Do you have a special talent (music, juggling, stand-up comedy etc.) that you would like to share with a welcoming crowd? It's a great opportunity to reconnect\, meet new friends\, and share the joy of being part of a vibrant and inclusive community\. \| We would greatly appreciate volunteers to attend early for set-up and/or after 5 p.m. for clean up. Pizza and cake will be supplied but please feel free to bring a potluck item for sharing. Note, for liability reasons and since this is a daytime event, this will be an alcohol-free event.

**Please note we simply list our events on Meetup - the only way to register for an adventures is on [our website](https://www.wildernessunion.com/upcoming-adventures-and-events).** Muskoka, Ontario's 'Cottage Country', is one of Canada's best-loved and most beautiful destinations. At this time of year, it's more special than ever. We're visiting during the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year and the turning point for longer days! We’ll start the day exploring *Hardy Lake* on a 8km loop trail. This hike introduces you to Muskoka’s distinct scenery, around gorgeous lakes, the iconic granite outcrops of the Canadian Shield and an environment unmistakably shaped by beaver activity. Along the way, you may just spot some of the beavers, otters and turtles who call Hardy Lake home, offering a true snapshot of Muskoka's wilderness. We’ll finish the day with a *visit to the iconic town of Bracebridge*, giving you the chance to wander, shop, or simply unwind before we head home. It’s built around a dramatic waterfall that cuts right through the downtown, and it's one of the few places in Ontario where you can walk from an independent coffee shop to a riverside lookout in under five minutes. It offers just enough to explore without feeling rushed, making it a perfect final stop to wind down before the drive home. From forests and lakes to great food and panoramic views, this tour showcases the best Muskoka has to offer in just one day. Join us and experience it yourself. **Included in your trip:** \- Return Transport from Toronto \- You'll ride in our comfortable air conditioned coach\, with a TTC accessible pickup location\. \- Expert Guides Our guides are the best in the business. Friendly, encouraging and brimming with qualifications. They'll keep you safe, teach you all about the environment and ensure you have fun as you do it. **Highlights** **Iconic Scenery -** You'll take in some of the region's most beautiful views. Get up close with the Canadian Shield. **Visit Bracebridge -** Stroll the streets of Muskoka's most striking town. **Wildlife Spotting -** If you're lucky, you may spot the beavers and otters that call this region home. **Itinerary** **07:00 - 09:30:** Bus journey to Muskoka **09:30 - 13:30:** Hike the 8km Hardy Lake Trail **14:00 - 15:30:** Visit Bracebridge **15:30 - 18:00:** Return journey to Toronto **Event cost** ***Wilderness Union members:*** $60+HST (optional transport = $60+HST) **Register [here](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/muskoka-winter-solstice).** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community of people like you who will become your new friend group. Members range from 20-40 years old and are a mix of people who've grown up here but their friends are in a different place, newcomers to Canada, and folks from out West who want that lifestyle in Toronto Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** 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. Snacks to share are always welcome!

We will be having an open discussion of the book "the Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery. [this is the amazon link for this book](https://a.co/d/1bRn8h4)

# **Band: Firefly Trace, caller Kenny Greer** Beginner lesson at 7:30, regular dancing begins at 8:00 **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** 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. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

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

Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.

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.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!