Cooking

**Meet new people over great food in a relaxed, social setting.** This is a small-group social dining experience for people who enjoy good food, good conversation, and expanding their circle in a natural way. Everyone attending is there to meet others — no pressure, no awkward networking. **What to expect** * A small group (usually 4–8 people) * A friendly, low-pressure atmosphere * Easy, natural conversation **How it works** We coordinate the group and reserve the table once attendees confirm. The venue and details are shared with the group beforehand. Just show up, order what you like, and enjoy the experience. Each guest covers their own food and drinks. To keep groups balanced and confirmed, seat confirmations happen through #dine: https://www.hashtagdine.com/

**Meet new people over great food in a relaxed, social setting.** This is a small-group social dining experience for people who enjoy good food, good conversation, and expanding their circle in a natural way. Everyone attending is there to meet others — no pressure, no awkward networking. **What to expect** * A small group (usually 4–8 people) * A friendly, low-pressure atmosphere * Easy, natural conversation **How it works** We coordinate the group and reserve the table once attendees confirm. The venue and details are shared with the group beforehand. Just show up, order what you like, and enjoy the experience. Each guest covers their own food and drinks. To keep groups balanced and confirmed, seat confirmations happen through #dine: https://www.hashtagdine.com/

**Meet new people over great food in a relaxed, social setting.** This is a small-group social dining experience for people who enjoy good food, good conversation, and expanding their circle in a natural way. Everyone attending is there to meet others — no pressure, no awkward networking. **What to expect** * A small group (usually 4–8 people) * A friendly, low-pressure atmosphere * Easy, natural conversation **How it works** We coordinate the group and reserve the table once attendees confirm. The venue and details are shared with the group beforehand. Just show up, order what you like, and enjoy the experience. Each guest covers their own food and drinks. To keep groups balanced and confirmed, seat confirmations happen through #dine: https://www.hashtagdine.com/

**Women’s Coffee & Connection Night** Join us for a relaxed and welcoming coffee meet-up designed for women who want to connect, share, and simply enjoy good conversation—no pressure, no expectations. Bring a smile, grab a coffee, and enjoy an easygoing evening of connection, laughter, and meaningful moments. Have you been wanting to meet new women, build meaningful connections, or step out of your routine but weren’t sure where to start? This gathering is perfect if you’re: * Looking to meet like-minded women * New to the group and want a gentle way to connect * An introvert ready to step out of your comfort zone at your own pace * Interested in listening, sharing stories, or just enjoying the company Whether you love to chat or prefer to ease into conversations, this is a safe, supportive space where genuine connections grow naturally. I will be at the table with a name tag Patricia - Don't hesitate to approach me and I will welcome you with a BIG HUG **Event:** Women’s Social Gathering **Location:** Panera Bread, 55 Square One Dr Unit #1, Mississauga, ON **Date:** Monday, April 6, 2026 **Time:** 7:00 – 9:00 PM Seats are limited, so please update your RSVP if you’re unable to attend. **Become a BCWG member Register on my site to receive Monthly Motivational Email and updates:** [Beyond Change Women's Group Member of Coffee Social](https://patricia-lavigne.com/beyond-change-womens-group/) Bring a smile, grab a coffee, or meal and enjoy an easygoing evening of connection, laughter, and meaningful moments in a warm and supportive space created for connection, conversation, and learning from one another’s life experiences. The discussions shared are based on personal perspectives and are meant to inspire, encourage, and build community. This gathering is not intended to replace professional advice or services. I can’t wait to connect with all of you! **Attendance:** If your not able to attend the event ensure to update your RSVP as seats are limited. **Disclaimer:** *I (Patricia Lavigne) will not be responsible for any food, bills or gratuity. Anyone attending will be responsible for related experiences or expenses that are solely handled by the venue.* Looking forward to seeing you, Patricia Lavigne [www.patricia-lavigne.com](http://www.patricia-lavigne.com/)

Join some ladies for chat with a nice cup of coffee on Easter Monday 6 April at Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill food court. New members we would love to see you.

**Welcome to Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa!** **Spring is in the air, and with it comes the promise of new beginnings, fresh energy, and the joy of connection!** As the season of renewal unfolds, we invite you to step into the rhythm of community, dance, and celebration at Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa. My objective has always been to create a different kind of social gathering—one that is open, non-judgmental, and safe. A place where you can meet people just like you, where socializing and dancing come together to help build community and tear down the walls that separate us. Here, we make new friends, feel a sense of belonging, and enjoy the calmness that comes from knowing we are in a safe and welcoming space. Many times, I have been asked, “Why host an event on Monday night?” Many people escape on the weekend and dread Mondays when they return to work. I believe that if you dance and socialize on a Monday, you infuse your week with joy and positive energy, giving your life balance and helping you face your challenges with enthusiasm and confidence. We’re also thrilled to announce that our trial of advanced Bachata lessons, which began last September, has been a resounding success! Building on this momentum, we’re excited to offer an enhanced schedule for 2026. Our dance evenings will now feature three hours of classes: one hour of beginner to intermediate Bachata, one hour of advanced Bachata, and one hour of beginner to intermediate Salsa. As always, the entrance fee remains $15 for a night of 2 lessons and social dancing. For those interested in the advanced Bachata lessons, there will be an additional $5 fee. Here’s our updated schedule: **Miss Bachata – Main Ballroom** 🕖 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Bachata Lesson (No partner required) 🕗 8:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing **Miss Salsa – Round Room** 🕖 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Advanced Bachata Lesson (+$5) **NEW** 🕗 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Salsa Lesson 🕘 9:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing ✨ **Additional Details:** ✔️ Free Parking ✔️ Full Bar (Free Water, Beer: $5.75) Over the past decade, organizing Latin dancing events in Mississauga has been a labor of love. Our mission has always been to foster a sense of community, proving that the connections we share are far stronger than the differences that divide us. Loneliness is a growing concern, with over half of U.S. adults and many Canadians experiencing its effects. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened this issue. Harvard University's long-term study on happiness, which began in 1938, highlights the detrimental impact of loneliness on health. People with strong social connections experience slower mental and physical decline and greater overall happiness compared to those who are isolated. Here are some key findings from the study: 🌿 Close ties help delay mental and physical decline more than money, fame, social class, IQ, or genetics. 🌿 Relationship satisfaction is a better predictor of aging well than cholesterol levels in middle age. 🌿 A strong sense of community improves memory function. 🌿 Loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking or alcoholism. And there’s hope! Strengthening our relationships and supporting community initiatives can combat loneliness and build healthier, happier lives. Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa provides a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, expand your social circle, and enjoy a safe, welcoming, authentic environment. Bring your open heart and a smile, and we’ll take care of the rest. 🌸 **Cheers to a season of renewal, joy, and community!** 🌸 **Anna G.** https://www.facebook.com/groups/1871491806494168/ https://www.facebook.com/EventsByAnnaG

Love cardio, rhythm, and good vibes? 💃 Join our Step & Shine class — a dynamic step aerobics workout that combines music, movement, and motivation! You’ll tone your legs, boost endurance, and burn calories while having fun in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. 🕖 When: Mondays & Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. 📍 Where: Easy Nutrition Health Club, 1750 Steeles Ave West, Unit 12, Concord ⚡ Only 9 spots available, so grab yours early! Perfect for all fitness levels — come for the workout, stay for the energy!

The next event is happening on Tuesday March 7 at 7PM in the Wellington Market Food Hall at The Well! Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately!

This potluck will start at 11:30 a.m. (note the new time just for today as we are having brunch!). So, please bring brunch items like pancakes, waffles, tofu scramble, etc. Be creative! If the weather is nice we can go for a walk to Dorothy McCarthy Trail which is nearby. If it's not then, we will stay indoors and play games. If you have a game please bring it! I will bring a few. PLEASE bring enough food for 4-6 people. Bring your own utensils, plates, bowls, and cup as the centre does not always have an adequate supply of these. You are responsible for your own clean-up and if you borrow the items at the centre please clean them. To find the room: Go through the main doors from the parking lot on the north side of the building. Before you get to the next set of doors (that are straight ahead), turn left through this door (there should be a sign that says Scarborough Vegans); and now go to almost the end of the hallway and it will be on the right hand side. All are welcome veg-curious, vegetarian, and vegan as long as what you bring to the potluck is vegan! NOTE: This is also posted in the Scarborough Vegans (Facebook) group, so people are signing up there as well. See less

Hi everyone!! 💖 So excited for our second book club meetup! Some of you I met last time and some of you will be new, either way I can’t wait to hang out, talk books, and get to know everyone a bit more. For this meeting we’ll be starting Born, Darkly (Book 1 of the Darkly Madly Duet) by Trisha Wolfe. Please read the first 10 chapters before coming so we have lots to discuss! Don’t stress if you’re new or didn’t make it to the first meetup! This is a super chill group and we’re mostly here to chat, vibe, and obsess over books together. Can’t wait to see you all!! 📚✨

Join us for a cozy Sunday afternoon of nut-milk tea, vegan treats, and easy conversation at **NUTTEA Toronto**. This is a **monthly, small-group meetup** designed for people who enjoy a calm pace and an intimate setting—think **tea shop vibes**. Whether you’re coming solo, bringing a friend, or simply looking for a relaxed way to meet other plant-based folks (and plant-curious folks!), you’re in the right place. You don’t have to be vegan to attend—everyone is welcome. Just note that NUTTEA is **100% plant-based**, so everything on the menu is vegan and delicious. ✨ **Spots are limited** to keep the gathering comfortable, so if your plans change after RSVPing, please update your RSVP so someone else can join. 📍 Venue **NUTTEA Toronto** 637 Bloor Street West NUTTEA Menu: [https://nuttea.net/](https://nuttea.net/) We’ll be sipping their signature **nut-milk teas** and enjoying baked goods from **Bad Attitude Bread**—one of Toronto’s favourite vegan bakeries. Expect a warm, relaxed atmosphere and the perfect setting for a long, unhurried chat. 📅 Event Details **Sunday, April 12, 2026** **1:00 PM – 3:00 PM** No cover charge — just please support our host by purchasing a drink and/or treat. ✨ What to Expect • A small, friendly group • Cozy nut-based teas, lattes, and vegan pastries • A relaxed, sit-down meetup made for conversation • A welcoming space for both regulars and first-timers • A calm Sunday afternoon vibe on Bloor Street ☕ How it works Come in, grab a drink or snack, and settle in. We’ll have **name tags** to make intros easy, and the rest is simple: chat, connect, and enjoy. Conversation can be anything from: • favourite vegan spots in Toronto • recipes and food finds • plant-based living (or curiosity about it) • travel, work, hobbies, books, life stuff • animal rights, sustainability, or whatever’s on your mind No pressure, no agenda — just a cozy place to meet good people ❓ Questions? Message the event hosts anytime — we’re happy to help.

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

Dinner and dancing

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

Join us for pizza and conversation at Vick’s Gourmet Pizza! 🍕 Good slices, good stories, and plenty of laughs around the table. Come hungry, bring your best conversation, and let’s enjoy a relaxed evening with great company. Extra cheese and extra chatter encouraged! 😄

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.