Animal Rights & Welfare

*Unwind, get creative, and connect with cool people.* Looking for a calm space to do some art, have meaningful (or silly) convos, and meet new friends in the city? This is your spot. I’ll be bringing **colouring pages and markers** for anyone who just wants to show up and relax. You're also totally welcome to bring whatever creative activity helps *you* unwind — think **sketchpads, mini canvases and paint, journals, clay sculpting, wire bending, model building kits, and collage supplies**. We’ll hang out, make art, and enjoy chill conversations in a cozy, no-pressure environment. No experience or talent required — just bring yourself and whatever helps you feel creative and calm. **✦ What to Bring (optional):** * Any relaxing art or activity you enjoy **✦ I’ll provide:** * Colouring pages, markers, and good vibes **Where to Meet (MADO Cafe at the Food Hall inside The Well):** * The easiest way to get to the venue is to make your way to La Plume restaurant or The Dorset restaurant and turn towards the statue then take the stairs to the lower level. * Shoppers will be on the right and across from Shoppers will be an entrance to The Well's food court. * Make a left and you should see the long tables and MADO cafe. * **We'll meet at the long tables in front of MADO Cafe** Come solo or bring a friend — this is all about slowing down, making connections, and enjoying a creative evening together ✨

Our group will leave at the posted time, so please arrive early. Please cancel your RSVP if you can't make it. How fast, how far? Assume 4.5 km/h for a distance of ~7km. The path is a paved, but we might go on some trails as well, plus snow is likely so be prepared for anything. The route is flat. It's mostly in clear land, but we'll come across a few forested areas as well. The route is a "there and back again" so we will finish where we originally start from. Bring water, a snack, and hiking footwear for a distance walk. We're getting to the point in the year where icers are required. Although the forecast is clear, please have them on hand in case. Required reading for you and your guests before RSVP'ing to all events: 1. [Liability Waiver and Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR0LFNJVYn5j1AYl8eR63HjAxKMkRwg5ifKXqL3rP6Xl7v_Wcsx4xR_kNFluE3eILpSmP-EJ0OouQvT/pub) (updated 05/30/22) 2. When asked at RSVP time, indicate **\*Yes\*** if you agree to the question provided. 3. See general information about [Tick Safety](https://www.ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease)

**Each of us has unique experience. It is this quality that makes each of us a Precious Contributer to the what we call Humanity. With our variety we create richness into the society we live. To make our lives more interesting and enjoyable sharing is the First Step.** **Let's start the New Year and TRY to make it truly Happy New Year** **We meet at Balzac's Coffee inside the Library.** **Small groups provide better space to KNOW each other for developing meaningful and enjoyable connections.**

A day to escape reality before the reality of the year starts. Guests are allowed. We currently have a waitlist, so please reach out if interested and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up.

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/snowtubing-2026-).** ***It’s time for some wild tubing action under the flickering night sky.*** Join Wilderness Union in the first days of the new year for some exhilarating, nighttime snowtubing just north of the city. Challenge your companions to the ultimate race for glory, or simply enjoy the thrill free of any competition. Your choice! With well-lit slopes and a convenient tube lift that carries us to the top of the hill, we’ll be sure to keep the good times sliding… and sliding… and sliding. We'll have a total of 2 hours on the hill, and it's a guaranteed good time with zero learning curve! **Highlights** **Special Winter Activity:** Get outside for some classic winter fun. It’s way better than netflix, we promise **Social Vibes:** Will the battle of the tube forge new friendships or put them to the test? **Close to Toronto:** Just over an hour north of the city, you’ll be there in no time **Itinerary** **17:30:** Depart for destination **19:00:** Arrive at snowtubing location **19:30 - 21:30:** Snowtube to your heart’s content **22:00:** Depart for Toronto **23:00:** Estimated return to Toronto **Event cost** ***Starting from $60+HST - optional transport available!*** **Register [here](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/snowtubing-2026-).** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. 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/)***

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **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** **This is the last tour of 2025! Let's ring in the New Year and celebrate our amazing city and country.** The only authorized cemeteries within York were Anglican or Roman Catholic. Citizens who did not belong to either church had no choice but to find burial arrangements outside York. The General Burying Ground received Royal Assent in 1826 and land that came to be known as Potters Field was acquired and started operation soon afterwards. Over time, additional cemetery lands were added and in 1873, a new cemetery available to all citizens was established. The new cemetery was situated on the farm land of the Cawthra family near Yonge Street. This walk is for all fitness levels. Please dress for the weather. This walk will begin and end outside the Yorkminster Park Baptist Church at 1585 Yonge Street just north of Heath Street. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person! This tour has space for **11** explorers, so if you do plan on attending please secure your tickets early. \*\* **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**

**Algonquin Park Day Tour** Please join us for an exciting day adventure this upcoming Saturday, January 3, 2026, to Algonquin Park Provincial Park for a magical winter day full of stunning northern birds such as the Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls and Bohemian Waxwings along with Pine Martens and a chance to see Moose and if we are really lucky, the Algonquin Wolf. Algonquin Park is magical in the winter, full of beauty, birds and wildlife surprises. Lev Frid, expert bird guide and former Algonquin Park naturalist will be joining us to make the trip extra special. On Saturday Morning, we will depart at 7:00 am for Algonquin Park. We will arrive in the Algonquin Park at approximately 10 am. We will then spend the rest of the day in search of birds and wildlife in the park. This will include a few short hikes. This winter has been exceptional for Pine and Evening Grosbeaks along with Common Redpolls and an excellent chance to see Bohemian Waxwings. These are three of the most colourful birds we see during the winter months. Quite often, they don't venture this far south, so it's a special treat to be able to see them. Algonquin Park is truly a winter birder’s paradise that is home to many unique birds including Canada Jays and one of the highlights is they will come feed right out of your hand. Birds that are not commonly seen in Southern Ontario but can be found in Algonquin Park include the Black-backed Woodpecker, Spruce Grouse, Red Crossbills, Pine Siskins, Common Redpoll, Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak and Evening Grosbeak just to name a few. Another winter highlight is the American Pine Marten, these adorable small mammals are always a lot of fun to see and photograph. As with anytime in Algonquin Park, Moose are possible to see and wintertime is the absolute best time to encounter Algonquin Wolves. So, you never know what glorious surprise awaits us. Other animal possibilities are River Otter, Red Foxes and White-tailed Deer Wintertime is a great time of year to see Pine Martens frolicking in the snow, or an Otter, playing on the ice. A myriad of stunning winter Finches are being seen right now in the park and that will only increase in the coming days. After arriving at Algonquin Park Saturday at 10 am, we will travel through the park along the Highway 60 corridor, watching for wildlife and birds. You never know what you might see, so have your camera and binoculars ready! We will also be visiting the Algonquin Visitor Centre where we will see many of the birds that we are after as they visit the bird feeders located at the Visitor's Centre. You can also watch a short movie about the history of the park, wander through the display areas, and shop at the park store. The Visitor Centre offers a dazzling panoramic perspective of the park from the huge outdoor deck. Some Important Information: The trip is considered **Easy Activity**, but trails can be snow covered and icy. We will only be doing short walks as our priority is to show you wildlife and birds. Appropriate footwear and clothing are a must. Ice crimps that attach to your boots would be a good idea. So please join us for this visit to Algonquin Park. IMPORTANT: We will meet and be departing from Finch Subway Station Saturday Morning at 7:00 am. We will arrive back in Toronto at approximately 6:00 pm. Please feel free to bring lunch, snacks and drinks. We will be making stops along the way if you want to pick anything up. The Canada Birders Club reserves the right to adjust the schedule at any time, to give us the best opportunity to see wildlife. If this is your first visit to Algonquin Park, I promise you… it won’t be your last! So please join us on this exciting day adventure for an incredible price of 129.00 dollars including taxes. Please contact me if you would like to pay through e-transfer and I will manually add you to the outing. There will be a limited number of participants. IMPORTANT: I can take up to 3 members in my vehicle. If you want to travel with me let me know. If you are travelling in your own vehicle, that's fine. As with any wildlife viewing, we can't guarantee sightings, but with our experience, we have been highly successful over the years in Algonquin Park.

Just a safe space for pet parents (especially single pet parents) to share their experiences and support each other as a community.

ONLINE EVENT TBA! Join us for a educational meetup of cultural celebration of the European Canadian Identity. We will explore, affirm and define the European Canadian identity as well as a discussion on the human right to affirm your European identity. This event aims to promote cultural awareness, understanding, and solidarity within our community. Who we are: Are you a Canadian student of European Canadian background in the GTA or elsewhere in Ontario who wants to affirm and celebrate your heritage? We are forming a European Canadian student group, dedicated to: • Advocating for and affirming the identity of old stock Canadians — those whose ancestry and heritage come from Europe’s nations • Celebrating European history, culture, and achievements as the foundation of Canada • Building a community for students of European background to connect, exchange ideas, and organize cultural and academic initiatives

Join the [Columbus Vegan Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/columbusveganmeetup/) on **Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM** at **1043 W 3rd Avenue in Grandview**! Come hang out and enjoy delicious pastries from this **all-vegan, family-owned** local favorite. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just curious, it’s the perfect time to build your social circle and support a community business. See you there!

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec in the auditorium, center upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!