Book Club

**THIS WILL BA A BI-WEEKLY EVENT TO CHAT, LAUGH, AND GET TO KNO**W EACH OTHER. NO PRESSURE TO ATTEND - JUST VISIT OR DROP IN...(members only please) ***Be kind and rsvp so that the host knows how many tables to save.*** **Anyone that is not a member will be asked politely to leave and apply to TSSC if they so choose.** SINCE WE ARE BOOKING THE PB PLEASE SERIOUS RSVPS ONLY. THANKS A BUNCH! Bring yourself and your sense of humor. The group can decide it's own agenda of chat after a few meetups. I know it is difficult NOT to talk about politics or religion, but we are a social group whose premise is fun! As tempting as it can be, please restrain and stick to topics less heated. SEE **YOU AT 2PM.**

🎬 Let’s Go to the Movies (and Actually Talk… or Not) Whether you're a film nerd, popcorn enthusiast, or just looking for a chill night out with interesting people — this one's for you. We’re heading out to see a movie together, then grabbing food or drinks after. If the film's great (or terrible), we’ll probably talk about it forever. If it’s just okay, we’ll talk about it for 10 minutes and move on to everything else — books, dating apps, weird dreams, how Toronto keeps getting more expensive, etc. The vibe is relaxed, friendly, and not too serious. No film degree needed. No icebreakers. No pressure to “perform.” Just come enjoy the film, connect with some thoughtful people, and see where the night goes 🎞️ **Movie Title + Trailer:** [[Click here to watch the trailer!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma1x7ikpid8)] 📖 **📖 Plot Summary:** Takes audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with Marine turned Na'vi leader Jake Sully (Worthington), Na'vi warrior Neytiri (Saldaña) and the Sully family. *** ### 🗓️ **Event Details** 📍 **Meetup Time:** 6:15 PM - I will only wait 5minw 🎬 **Movie Start Time:** 6:30pm ⏱️ **Runtime:** 3hrs15mins 📌 **Meetup Spot:** I will be at the top of the escalator wearing my Moose Hat. 🎟️ **Cost:** * **$19.23** regular admission 👉 You are responsible for buying your own ticket. **🪑 Reserved Seating:** You must buy your ticket *before* signing up. You'll be asked where you're sitting so we can all sit together! 🎫 Buy your ticket here: [https://www.cineplex.com](https://www.cineplex.com) 📍🪑 **Where I will be sitting:** I will be in ROW "K" SEAT "30" 🍿 **After the Movie:** Yes, we’re heading out after! It’s not just a movie night — it’s a social night. Let's talk, laugh, and dissect every plot twist. *** ### ✅ **Before You Sign Up** * Please **buy your ticket first** — seating is limited! * When signing up, let us know your **seat number** so we can try to group everyone together. * You can still sign up or just **show up on the day** if you’re not sure you can make it — we’re flexible! 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:** [Click here to join](#) 🎟️ **Join Cineplex’s CineClub for discounts**: [https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub](https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub) 🎁 **Get your SCENE Card** for free movies and points: [https://www.scene.ca](https://www.scene.ca) *** ### 🎥 **A Quick Word About Movie Etiquette** We love a great film experience. Please: * Turn off your phone * Don’t talk during the movie * Be respectful of others Repeat offenders will be removed from the group — we take our cinema seriously (but with snacks). *** ### 👥 **About the Group** This event is open to everyone — single, not single, shy, social, new in town or a long-time local. We're a group for people who love movies *and* making real connections. We also do walks, hikes, restaurants, arts & culture — come be part of it! 🎬 **Organized by:** Mathew 📧 Questions? Reach out: **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

Game starts at 6pm! Friendly group of young guys and gals just out for some fun! New players that come for start receive a free 50 in chips! Beautiful Venue! Free Parking

Have you ever wondered what happens at a Toastmasters club? Visit us Monday’s @6:50pm and learn more about what Toastmasters can help you with. We meet in person at the Lorne Park Library , 1474 Truscott Dr, Mississauga. OR join us via Zoom. contact us for the meeting link. contact-1474@toastmastersclubs.org

**Festive Fun & Holiday Celebration 🎄✨** A relaxed evening with games, music, mingling, and optional small gift exchange. Great chance to meet new people, unwind, and enjoy the festive vibes. \#\# What’s happening * Ice-breaker game & “two holiday truths and a lie” 🎉 * Cozy mingle with music & photo corner 📸 * Games: Uno/Jenga/Heads Up + a quick “best holiday story” round * Group photo at 8:30 PM \#\# Who should come Anyone who wants to laugh, meet great people, and enjoy low-pressure holiday vibes. New folks totally welcome! \#\# Cost Pay-your-own-food/drinks. No cover.

Join us in our Inclusive space to have fun while growing this summer. We assist each other on becoming better speakers and leaders. FCL Toastmasters meets every Monday at 7:30 pm in Langstaff Community, Richmond Hill. We have enough sits for you all, they are just hiding at the back (look closely). FREE ENTRY.

🎄 **Christmas Bonding Meetup: Celebrate Together** 🎄 This Christmas, let’s come together to share laughter, connection, and holiday cheer. You’re warmly invited to a **Christmas Bonding Meetup** designed especially for anyone who may not have family around or simply wants to celebrate in good company. ✨ **What to Expect:** * 🎁 **Secret Santa Exchange** (gift value: **$25–$30**) * 🥘 **Potluck Feast** – bring a dish to share * 🎤 **Karaoke** – sing your favorite holiday or feel-good songs * 🎲 **Interactive Games & Activities** – fun, lighthearted, and inclusive for everyone Whether you’re new in town, spending the holidays away from family, or just looking for a joyful space to connect, this gathering is all about **togetherness, warmth, and making new memories**. Come as you are, bring your holiday spirit, and let’s celebrate Christmas **as a community**. 🎄✨ We’d love to have you join us!

[[RESULTS](https://opavote.com/results/5108084758544384) of the poll for this event] ABCD Reads AND Watches "**Hamnet**", a novel by Maggie O'Farrell, and a theatrical release directed by Chloé Zhao. Join us for an outing to watch the just-released "Hamnet" movie: [ABCD Watches "Hamnet"](https://www.meetup.com/a-book-club-downtown-abcd/events/312075467/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events) **:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::** "Drawing on Maggie O'Farrell's long-term fascination with the little-known story behind Shakespeare's most enigmatic play, Hamnet is a luminous portrait of a marriage, at its heart the loss of a beloved child. Warwickshire in the 1580s. Agnes is a woman as feared as she is sought after for her unusual gifts. She settles with her husband in Henley street, Stratford, and has three children: a daughter, Susanna, and then twins, Hamnet and Judith. The boy, Hamnet, dies in 1596, aged eleven. Four years or so later, the husband writes a play called Hamlet. Award-winning author Maggie O'Farrell's new novel breathes full-blooded life into the story of a loss usually consigned to literary footnotes, and provides an unforgettable vindication of Agnes, a woman intriguingly absent from history." (from [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43890641-hamnet)) (NOTE: Some versions of the book carry the alternate title "**Hamnet & Judith**".) **:: ABOUT THE MOVIE ::** "In William Shakespeare’s day, the names Hamlet and Hamnet were interchangeable. The newest film by Chloé Zhao, director of TIFF ’20 People’s Choice Award winner Nomadland, also an Oscar winner, uses that context as the basis for a tender exploration of Shakespeare’s domestic life, connecting a family tragedy to one of his most famous works. Maybe we can better understand Hamlet, Zhao suggests, if we consider that it was developed while the most famous writer in the Western canon was mourning the death of his 11-year-old son, Hamnet. Based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet’s main character isn’t The Bard — played here by an impressive Paul Mescal — or even the child who gives the film its name. Hamnet belongs to Agnes, Shakespeare’s thoughtful wife, played by an enthralling Jessie Buckley, who bathes the film in her warmth. Many historical accounts preface reports of Hamnet’s death with statistics about how common child mortality was in the 16th century, as though it barely made an impact. Hamnet rejects that premise, presenting Shakespeare not as a distant, untouchable genius but as a real man whose literary prowess was irrevocably impacted by his domestic life. Grief is a theme here, but Hamnet is not just a film about death. Like any family story, this one contains joy alongside sorrow." (from [TIFF.net](https://tiff.net/films/hamnet)) **:: ABOUT THE EVENT ::** Instead of just reading the book as usual, this time we're asking that you also watch the movie adaptation. During our discussion, we'll explore the strengths of both the book and the movie, evaluate the adaptation's effectiveness, and touch on any other topics that arise. You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before the event and stay 30 minutes or longer afterward to connect with other attendees outside the book talk. Please ensure you have read the book and watched the movie before attending (though finishing either is not a barrier to participating, as long as you don't mind spoilers). First-time attendees can join for free. If the event is full, we maintain an unofficial waitlist. Please send [Michael](https://www.meetup.com/members/55295192/) a direct message for more information, in either case. We request a $3 contribution from regular attendees to help cover our monthly meetup costs. **:: ABOUT OUR NEXT READ&WATCH ::** At the end of each event, we will ask for nominees for our next Read & Watch (date TBA). If you have a good pairing in mind, please ensure that the book is between 200-400 pages long, available from the Toronto Public Library, and counts as contemporary literary fiction (though these are not hard and fast rules), and that the movie or TV-series is readily available. When enough nominees are collected, Michael will send the members a direct message with a link where you can vote.

**☕ The Coffee Club at Wychwood** Toronto’s first-of-its-kind Saturday morning coffee and community meetup. Join a group of locals in their **late 20s to 40s** who love good coffee, connection, and conversation. Each weekend we meet at **Wychwood Farmers Market**, grab a coffee, and sometimes **walk to a second café or park** for an easy chat and stroll. It’s a relaxed way to **meet new people**, **build friendships**, and discover **Toronto’s hidden coffee gems** — all while starting your weekend grounded and inspired.

*Hi everyone... this much-anticipated film is opening next week, but so far only showing at 'TIFF'.. apparently has gotten many rave reviews for this very difficult subject-matter..* **Plot Summary :** *" Volunteers at the Palestine Red Crescent stay on the phone with a 6-year old girl trapped in a car in war-torn Gaza"* **Don't Forget to join our WHATSAPP GROUP -** [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JpUbpvfPcNuFzTJ1VqTLZO) **Starring:** **Saja Kilini, Motaz Malhees, Amer Hlehel, Clara Khoury** **Director:** **Kaouther Ben Hania** **Trailer:** [Click Here!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pI2IXKtlew&ab_channel=Dogwoof) **What time the Meetup group will meet at:** suggest **@7:00-7:10pm** **Time the movie STARTS:** **7:15pm** **Movie Running Time:** approx. **1 hr 29 minutes** **Meetup Spot:** I will be standing at the foot of the escalators (as you enter the front lobby) and I will be carrying my infamous ***"Leopard-Spotted Purse" with 'Red Straps'!*** .... I'll also send out my 'cell #" to any RSVPs that I see in case anyone needs to contact me who might be running a bit 'late', etc... **How to Find the Theatre:** address is 350 King St West (just west of John Street) - North side **Where I will be sitting:** in seat "**D-3**" ! **Cost of movie:** depending on 'adult' vs 'senior' rates (see online for details on TIFF Belllightbox website) **Click here to go to the website to buy your ticket:** [CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS](https://am.ticketmaster.com/tiff/ism/NUYyMjYxVDQ=?_gl=1*1cb4m4p*_gcl_au*MTA2ODA2MDEwOC4xNzM5MzE4MTYy) **After the Movie:** *We'll do a quick 'check-in' back at the original 'meet-up' spot & for those who'd like to go out for a quick bite/drink & chat more about the film ...., we'll head out shortly after!* **PLEASE NOTE:** Ticket must ("Ideally"!) be bought before signing up. You will be asked where you will be sitting. Seating may be limited, depending on popularity of film and how close to 'opening' night we are seeing it. **REMEMBER YOU CAN JUST SIGN UP ON THE DAY OF OR JUST SHOW UP ON THE DAY OF IF YOU ARE NOT SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT.** **THIS GROUP IS OPEN TO THOSE THAT WANT TO BE SOCIAL, MAKE FRIENDS, THAT ARE SINGLE OR NOT SINGLE. WE ALSO HAVE LOTS OF OTHER EVENTS LIKE, MOVIES, WALKS, HIKES, ARTS & CULTURE AND RESTAURANTS. WE LOVE TO SUPPORT MEMBERS TO SOCIALIZE AND TO FORM LONG LASTING FRIENDSHIPS.** **Toronto Movies and Social Group: Policy** Please do not use your cellphone, talk, or otherwise disrupt the enjoyment of others around you, once the movie starts. Any complaints will be dealt with first as a warning, then subsequent removal from the group on repeated complaints. **Laura** is the organizer for this meetup. If you need to contact her, please post a message on the wall, or message her thru Meetup!

STOP PLAYING SMALL. START PLAYING SMART. 🚀 Join our Cashflow 101 Game Night! It’s the famous board game by Robert Kiyosaki that teaches you how to think like a rich person. Ditch the daily grind (the "Rat Race") and learn the secrets to building passive income through smart investing in a fun, safe environment. No experience needed—just bring your ambition!

Hello everyone, I'd like to invite you out to our **End of Year Dinner Party with Friends!** -Reserved seating, friendly people, good conversation and great food awaits! So please plan to join us if you can :) \*Joined by my other groups too; so we can anticipate a fantastic evening **Time: 6:30 p.m. -9:30 p.m.** **Location:** La Carnita - Good Fortune Bar (Main Floor) **Address:** 130 Eglinton Ave. Toronto, ON M4P 2X9 Event Details Bellow: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) Event Details: **The End of Year Dinner Party with Friends! (Cocktails and Conversations)** -The great thing about this dinner party is you're free to move around to different tables and meet the other members too throughout the evening -A fun way to make new connections, enjoy a nice meal and share some laughs together **Dinner Party Topics** may include but not limited too: Travel, Culture, Spirituality, Relationships, Modern Dating, Work/Life balance, Art, Technology, Economy, Music, Movies, Sports, Fashion, Hobbies, Books, Current Affairs, The Good Life, Psychology, Philosophy, the Future, History, Pop Culture, Theatre, etc.) **Arrival Time:** \*Join us any time between 6:30 pm and 7:15 pm (if you can) for a fun and highly interactive evening as we get to know the members over dinner and great conversations (of your choice) Event goes until roughly 9:30 pm **Event Fee:** 5 dollars (cash only please) (HST included) or in advance by e transfer to **[steveflemming11@gmail.com](http://steveflemming11@gmail.com/)** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Friendly Reminder:** \*One beverage or appetizer minimum to support the venue- this is greatly appreciated :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Parking Available:** \*Plenty of free street parking on Eglinton and (Residential area south/east of venue for free) **Close to Subway Station:** \*Also right beside the Yonge/Eglinton subway station \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Eventbrite Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/x-mas-stand-up-comedy-show-backroom-comedy-club-tickets-1975718127103?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/x-mas-stand-up-comedy-show-backroom-comedy-club-tickets-1975718127103?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **X-MAS STAND UP COMEDY SHOW @ Backroom Comedy Club** Come join us at **Backroom Comedy Club** for a night filled with laughter and holiday cheer! Get ready to ROFL on **December 25, 2025 at 8 & 10 PM** (Eastern Time) as talented comedians take the stage to deliver hilarious jokes and skits. Don't miss out on this festive event that will have you in stitches all night long. Grab your friends and family for a jolly good time at the **X-MAS STAND UP COMEDY SHOW**!

# ❄️🥾Mount Pleasant Cemetery Winter Walk ### **Toronto’s Most Peaceful Winter Walk** Join me for a gentle 90-minute winter stroll through one of Toronto’s most beautiful hidden gems — **Mount Pleasant Cemetery.** This isn’t just a cemetery — it’s like walking through a living museum and botanical garden, full of winding paths, tall evergreens, and peaceful charm. It’s also one of the best places in the city to meet friendly people, share good conversation, and soak in the quiet magic of winter. 💫 **Did you know?** When Mount Pleasant first opened in 1876, it was a *Victorian-day destination*! Torontonians would dress up, hop on a streetcar, and spend the day here picnicking and strolling before heading back downtown. *** ### 🕚 Meetup Details **Meetup Time:** 11:00am (I’ll wait 5 minutes) **Meetup Spot:** Inside the main gates of Mount Pleasant Cemetery at the **Yonge Street entrance** (the one with the big stone archway). Look for me — I’ll be wearing my *famous Moose Hat!* 🦌 **End Spot:** Right back where we started. *** ### 🍗 Lunch After After the walk, join us for a cozy lunch at **Swiss Chalet!** Great food, friendly prices, and warm vibes — the perfect way to wrap up a winter morning. *** ### 💲 Meetup Fee **$5 cash in person** or **E-transfer** to: 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** (This small fee helps support the group and future events!) *** ### 🧣 What to Bring * Warm boots and layers * Hat and gloves * A drink to keep you cozy ☕ * A small snack if you like ☃️ **Weather:** This walk happens in *any kind of weather* (we’ll only cancel if it’s -20°C or colder). Remember — *there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing!* 😉 *** ### 💬 Final Notes * You can **just show up** — no need to commit early! * Please keep an eye out for updates in case of cancellation. * 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) *** ✨ This is one of the best, calmest, and friendliest ways to spend a winter morning in Toronto — good company, good conversation, and a peaceful setting that feels miles away from the city. **Organizer:** Mathew 📩 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com

Welcome, readers! ❄️ Our December read is **_A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella._** A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella is a tender, character-driven novel that follows three people in a small Pennsylvania town as they each cope with loss and seek connection. Chuck, a widower, struggles to find meaning after his wife’s death; Ella, a young woman, faces the heartbreak of her missing daughter; and Kirsten, a veterinary technician, grieves her father while contemplating her future. Their stories intertwine gently, revealing how grief and hope coexist—and how even small acts of kindness can help people rediscover purpose and peace in the aftermath of tragedy. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! At this meeting, our third annual White Elephant book exchange will take place! If you'd like to participate, bring a gift-wrapped book that you already own. On the gift wrap, write the genre of the book. We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

**Our January novel is: Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan** **This month's featured novel is a 20th-century biographical fiction, coming-of-age, historical romance, women’s fiction, world literature, student biography, heartfelt, magic, and feel-good novel. The book is 311 pages in print and 7 hours and 8 minutes on audiobook.** 1950: Margaret Devonshire (Megs) is a seventeen-year-old student of mathematics and physics at Oxford University. When her beloved eight-year-old brother asks Megs if Narnia is real, logical Megs tells him it's just a book for children, and certainly not true. Homebound due to his illness, and remaining fixated on his favorite books, George presses her to ask the author of the recently released novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe a question: "Where did Narnia come from?" Despite her fear about approaching the famous author, who is a professor at her school, Megs soon finds herself taking tea with C. S. Lewis and his own brother Warnie, begging them for answers. Rather than directly telling her where Narnia came from, Lewis encourages Megs to form her own conclusion as he shares the little-known stories from his own life that led to his inspiration. As she takes these stories home to George, the little boy travels farther in his imagination than he ever could in real life. After holding so tightly to logic and reason, her brother's request leads Megs to absorb a more profound truth: "The way stories change us can't be explained. It can only be felt. Like love."

I don't usually pick romance but I really wanted to do a Hanukkah book. It's a bit on the longer side but hopefully a quick read. The library only has 5 audiobooks so please try to remember to "release it" when you're done. Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238) Location: The Goat Riversouth [219 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215](https://www.google.com/maps?q=219%20South%20High%20Street%2C%20Columbus%2C%20Ohio%2043215%2C%20United%20States) [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach. But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not *Christmas*. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy—Jacob Greenberg. Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.