Animal Rights & Welfare

We are hiking at Scotsdale Farm with Debbie McDermott and Bohdan Bilyj. This is a Level_2 Bruce Trail hike with lots of woods, and some lookouts. We expect around 14km with a few hills. **Directions** 1. Exit Highway_401 at Trafalger Road (Exit_328), and go north. 2. After you pass through Georgetown, you will come to a T-intersection, which is Highway_7. Turn left. 3. After three and a half kilometres, fork right back onto Trafalger Road. 4. Continue north about 1.6_kilometres, and look for the sign. Google Maps: [13807 Trafalgar Rd, Georgetown, Ontario.](http://goo.gl/maps/EGPdsXsLuZC2) Après-hike suggestion: St. George Pub in Georgetown. Waiver Hiking is a dangerous activity; each participant agrees to assume his/her own risks. If you are new to hiking, please start with a Level 1 hike. Hike leader's decision is final. See you on the trail. ps. ps. ps. Know where you are going Paid app: Bruce Trail Map for smartphones (http://brucetrail.org/pages/trail/app) Free apps: Here's just a sample on the web: Google Fit (https://www.google.com/fit/), Runkeeper (http://www.runkeeper.com/), MyTrack (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.maps.mytracks&hl=en), GPS Essentials (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mictale.gpsessentials&hl=en)

We are planning to have monthly potlucks (or picnics in the spring/ summer at local parks) or other activities including potluck/ picnic + hikes/ walks in the warmer weather. This potluck will start with an arrival time of 12:15 p.m. We will start eating at 1 PM SHARP followed by a walk (see below). There is an outdoor picnic area at the centre with picnic tables, so if it is a nice day we can eat outside. PLEASE 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. All are welcome veg-curious, vegetarian, and vegan as long as what you bring to the potluck is vegan! 3 p.m.: After eating we will go for a walk to Doris McCarthy Trail/ Gates Gully. Here is some information about this walk: [https://www.blogto.com/.../doris-mccarthy-trail-gates.../](https://www.blogto.com/.../doris-mccarthy-trail-gates.../?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR0ZMUmVUUHhPMkZNdTNQUXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6IjVP2Y2F-Kajh1Onnb1MM2V7bk5O3RrPJcSg_M6vsuHkK5_jocjCxkQo4VA_aem_5DqbkP8qqq7dLLiJdtsDeA) We will go at a slow, easy pace and take breaks as needed. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Note: If the weather does not cooperate we will stay inside and play games. It is too steep to walk the trail when it's raining. We hope that you will join us!

🎉 Future Nightclub Saturdays \| VIP Night Out 🎉 📍 Future Nightclub 🗓 Every Saturday ⏰ 10:30 PM Join us this Saturday for a high-energy VIP night out at Future Nightclub. ✅ Guestlist entry until 11:30 PM Just say **“Ammar Alomari”** at the door for the guestlist. 🥂 Ladies-only VIP booth access Coming alone? No worries. We usually have 40+ people joining every weekend, including friends, ticket guests, and new people from our meetup group, so you will have people to connect with. 📌 Find us at the main booth. 🙌 19+ only with valid government-issued ID. Entry is subject to venue rules, capacity, guestlist approval, and door policy. See you Saturday!

Join our **Spanish–English Language Exchange** Meetup and improve your conversation skills in a relaxed, social environment. This **free event** is perfect for anyone looking to practice Spanish or English while meeting new people. We meet in cozy coffee shops, outdoors in parks, and sometimes get together to enjoy social events and local festivals while practicing languages and building community. ### **🗣️ What You’ll Do** * Practice Spanish and English through real conversations * Join small groups and switch languages throughout the event * Learn practical vocabulary and everyday expressions * Build confidence speaking in a supportive environment ### **👥 Who Should Attend** * Spanish learners (all levels) * English learners (all levels) * Native speakers who want to help others * Anyone interested in language exchange and cultural connection ### **☕ Venue** If we meet at a local coffee shop—just grab a drink and enjoy the conversation! ### **💸 Cost** **FREE event** (please support the venue by purchasing a drink) ### **🌟 Why Join?** Language exchanges are one of the most effective ways to learn. You’ll improve faster by speaking with real people, hearing authentic accents, and using the language in everyday situations. Whether you're a beginner or fluent speaker, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to practice and connect. **👉 RSVP now and start speaking with confidence!** As our language exchange community continues to grow, we’ll be moving around Toronto and meeting in different locations across the city. Please make sure to check the event location before each meeting and stay tuned for updates and announcements. Our gatherings may take place indoors or outdoors—at coffee shops, parks, festivals, markets, or any event you think could work well for our group. Since we all come from different countries and cultures, this is a great opportunity to explore and enjoy all kinds of celebrations and experiences—not just Latin activities. **Thank you for helping make this group grow and stay dynamic!** **Héctor**

[Toronto Climate Film Festival](https://www.tcff.ca/) and [ClimateFast](https://www.climatefast.ca/) present: **Emergence: Women In The Storm** **Sunday May 31, 2026 – 6:30-9pm** Doors open @ 6:30 pm. Screening starts @ 7 pm. Join acclaimed directors Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper at the Toronto premiere for a Q&A to discuss ‘wisdom from the storm’ — how finding your community is one of the best ways to prepare for emergencies. Presented by The Toronto Climate Film Festival and Climate Fast. Doors at 6:30pm, screening at 7:00; Q & A to follow moderated by legendary feminist activist Judy Rebick. Trailer: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ytX_0KiQnM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ytX_0KiQnM) Tickets: [https://cool.world/event/emergence-toronto-premiere/](https://cool.world/event/emergence-toronto-premiere/) (Your Meetup RSVP will not get you a ticket!) About the film: Climate change is here. As heat domes, atmospheric rivers, and wildfires reshape our world, how do we protect what matters most? EMERGENCE: Women in the Storm goes beyond the headlines to explore how women are navigating climate emergencies. Recent disasters, including the wildfire that burned the town of Lytton to the ground and the devastating floods in the Fraser Valley, are seen through the eyes of survivors, while emergency responders and community organizers provide perspectives on preparing for – and moving beyond – the worst. Meghan Fandrich’s reflective readings from Burning Sage: Poems from the Lytton Fire, written after losing her town to the blaze, are woven together with stories of healing, resilience and hope in the face of an uncertain future. Intimate and beautifully crafted, the film offers insights on how to live in this new reality, finding ways to carry on without giving up. Website: [https://emergence.film/](https://emergence.film/)

Please try not to be late. Socialize with exceptional people in a cozy pub. Enjoy meaningful and stimulating, conversations, as we strategize and implement our plan... to Change the World in Eighty Days! Activities of ‘Eighty Days!’ follow a clear format: • Steve will meet, greet, and introduce every attendee at each meeting, • will lead a discussion of relevant, current, global news, • lead a discussion of our overall objective, intermediary goals, and specific tasks, • and, ask for volunteer(s) for each specific, small, simple task. • Attendees will help choose the next meeting day, time, and place, • and enjoy socializing, our successes, and making a difference!

Welcome to **TENNIS AND TUNES 2026 edition!** Join us **(12 noon to 2pm)** for some **fun** and **friendly** **CASUAL HITTING TENNIS** at Fountainhead Tennis Club - University Heights (two blocks form **FINCH WEST STATION / right across from SENTINEL STATION TTC -LINE 6**). This is a TENNIS AND TUNES event 🔊🎵🎶📻 **which means loud music will be played during the meet up**. Hope to see you there! :) **FRIENDLY REMINDER : BEFORE** confirming your RSVP, please review the following meet-up guidelines and group rules. General Rules and Guidelines: 1. This is a **CASUAL HITTING** meet-up. It is **NOT** a competitive tennis gathering. Due to limited court availability we will only engage in **casual rallies**. 2. Upon arrival, please check in with the event organiser. This is important for attendance purposes and assigning hitting partners for the session. 3. Should you decide to bring your own tennis balls, please make sure they are distinctively initialled. If not, a meet-up Sharpie will be available (from the host) for you to do so. 4. **GTA Racquet Player members are expected, at all times during the meet-up, to observe a *courteous demeanour* and a *positive sporting spirit* towards fellow players.**

Please join us for a traditional worship service every Sunday, with music from our wonderful choir and organist. Communion (the Lord’s Supper) is a part of every Sunday service. Join us for coffee hour after the service for conversation and a snack

Attendee list will be updated.

Cost: $16 per person (includes feather birdies). Plastic birdies are available upon request. Payment: Cash is preferred and should be made before playing. E-Transfer (EMT) or debit card payments are accepted (plus applicable taxes). Time: Sundays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: 1370 Birchmount Rd, Unit #6 (Closest intersection: Birchmount Rd & Lawrence Ave) Requirements: Racquets: Bring your own racquet. Rentals are available at the club if needed. Shoes: Please bring indoor gym shoes and change into them at the club before entering the courts. Winter Reminder: Ensure you change into court shoes before stepping onto the courts during the winter months. Rules and Guidelines: No outside food is allowed. This meetup is open to players of all skill levels (beginner to advanced). The primary purpose is to play friendly doubles games. This event is not intended for singles matches or formal training sessions. Attendance is capped based on court availability. Waitlisted participants may be moved to the confirmed list as space allows, with priority given to regular attendees and those with reliable RSVP history. No Drop-ins: Only individuals on the confirmed “Going” list are allowed to attend. Unregistered participants will be asked to leave. Cancellation Policy: Please cancel at least 48 hours in advance if you cannot attend. Failure to do so will result in being marked as a no-show. Repeated no-shows may lead to removal from future “Going” lists.

**🇨🇦 Guide Alex: Canada's National Food** What exactly is **“Canadian cuisine”**? 🇨🇦 Is it a cohesive tradition, or a blend of migration, climate, and trade? Let’s find out on our food tour. We’ll find ourselves in the heart of the city market, where farmers, butchers, bakers, and tourists all come together. **We’ll try a true Toronto favorite** that was born right here, among the market stalls. **What we’ll discuss:** · What “traditional” means in a young country · How food reflects the economy and resources · How immigration shapes the city’s taste · Why the market is becoming a laboratory of identity We recommend skipping breakfast at home—the tour will be delicious! **Price includes the tour + breakfast:** Peameal bacon sandwich (¼ portion) 🥪, Butter tart 🥧, Coffee ☕, Poutine 🍟🧀 📍 **Meeting point:** St. Lawrence Market 🎤 **Host:** Alex 🚶 **Format:** food tour, approx. 2 hours

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) 15 for One Class 20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space. Viva Dance Columbus 2809 Festival Lane Dublin OH 43017

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

Join us Tuesday (6/2) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hundred Acre Woods in Westerville. This is a beautiful trail that is filled of hills and roots but a picturesque wooded landscape to hike. Wear your hiking boots if you have them. We will do 2 loops of the 1 mile trail.