Courage

**❄️ Winter Ravines Walk: Finch West to Downsview Park ❄️** If winter has been making you want to hibernate, this is your sign to bundle up, step outside, and do something that feels genuinely good for the soul. This winter walk is all about fresh air, movement, conversation, and discovering just how much green space is quietly tucked into the city — even in the colder months. We’ll start at **Finch West Subway Station** and head out together along the **Finch Corridor Trail**, an unexpectedly peaceful stretch that eases you into the walk. From there, we’ll move through **Derrydowns Park** and **Downsview Dells Park**, where winter turns the ravines into a calm, almost meditative landscape — snow-dusted paths, bare trees, and that crisp, quiet feeling you only get this time of year. This isn’t a power walk and it’s not a hike that leaves you gasping for air. It’s an **easy-to-moderate winter stroll**, paced so people can chat, get to know one another, and actually enjoy where they are. These walks have a way of breaking down walls — conversations flow more easily when you’re walking side by side, and by the time we reach the end, strangers often feel like familiar faces. We’ll finish our journey at **Downsview Park**, wrapping up at **Downsview Park Subway Station**, feeling refreshed, accomplished, and very glad we didn’t stay inside. 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* \#\#\# ❄️ Meetup Details ❄️ ⚠️ **Please Note:** This is a true winter walk. Don’t sign up if you’re not comfortable walking in cold or snowy conditions. ✔️ The walk happens in *almost* all weather ❌ The event will be cancelled only if it’s **-20°C or colder** 📍 **Meetup Location:** Outside **Finich West Subway Station** — look for Mathew in his iconic **Moose Hat** 🫎 ⏰ **Meetup Time:** **11:00 AM** — I will only wait **5 minutes** (this is a firm 5 minutes because… winter ❄️😉) 💲 **Meetup Fee:** $5 cash in person **or** e-transfer to \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) 🏁 **End Spot:** Yorkdale Mall \*\*\* \#\#\# 🧣 What to Bring 🧣 • Water • Good winter boots • Gloves & hat • Something warm to drink ☕ • A small snack • A friend, family member or guest \*\*\* 🚶‍♂️ **Can I Leave Early?** Absolutely — leave anytime you like. This walk may take up two hours. \*\*\* 💛 **REMEMBER:** You can just show up — or decide on the day if you’re not 100% sure. ⚠️ **NOTE:** Sometimes things happen and plans may change — please keep an eye out for updates. \*\*\* 👤 **Organizer:** Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email \*\*[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com%2A%2A/)

*Games Schedule* Wednesday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 3 / 5 NLH - $500 Free Roll Thursday Event: - 1 / 2 NLH - Deep Stack - Min 100 - Max 1000 - $500 Free Roll Friday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 1 / 3 PLO - $500 Free Roll Saturday Event: - 1 / 2 NLH - Deep Stack - Min 100 - Max 1000 - $500 Free Roll Sunday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 2 / 2 PLO - $500 Free Roll Monday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 3 / 5 NLH - $500 Free Roll

**Event Title:** Warm Hearts, Fresh Starts - Family Day Recovery Drive **Date & Time:** Monday\, February 16\, 2026 \| 12:00 PM \- 4:00 PM EST **Location:** The Gatehouse, Toronto (3101 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 3W8) **Event Type:** Charitable Community Event + Professional Workshops *** **What to Expect:** Join us for a transformational Family Day event bringing together recovery professionals, community advocates, corporate partners, and individuals in recovery for a day of connection, learning, and community support. **Event Includes:** ✓ **12 Professional Workshops** (rotating 1-hour sessions) Topics: Relapse prevention, trauma healing, family relationships, holistic wellness, employment readiness, and more ✓ **Charitable Distribution Event** Winter clothing, non-perishables, hygiene products, and grocery gift cards for 200+ individuals ✓ **Professional Networking** Connect with therapists, treatment providers, sober living coordinators, corporate leaders, and community advocates ✓ **Media Coverage** CP24, CTV, CBC coverage highlighting Toronto's recovery community leadership *** **Who Should Attend:** * Individuals in recovery or early recovery * Families supporting loved ones in recovery * Mental health and addiction professionals * Corporate partners and community organizations * Anyone passionate about recovery community support *** **What to Bring:** Nothing required—just bring yourself and an open mind. Light refreshments provided. *** **Agenda:** **12:00 PM** \- Doors open\, registration\, welcome **12:00 - 4:00 PM** \- Concurrent workshops \(rotating sessions\, choose what interests you\) **12:00 - 4:00 PM** \- Charitable distribution \(select items as needed\) **Throughout** \- Professional networking and community connection *** **Important Notes:** * Free admission (in-person and virtual options available for workshops) * Trauma-informed, judgment-free environment * All genders, identities, and backgrounds welcome * Accessibility accommodations available *** ## **GET INVOLVED - We Need Your Support** **Mental Health & Addiction Professionals:** Lead a 1-hour workshop and share your expertise with recovery community. Free event. Media coverage. Direct professional network access. **Corporate Partners:** Monetary donations, employee donation drives, in-kind sponsorships. Build your brand as a community leader with media visibility and professional network access. **Community Organizations:** Partner with us to amplify your mission. Co-promote the event. Expand your reach and impact. **Individual Contributors:** Donate winter clothing, non-perishable food items, hygiene kits, or grocery gift cards. *** **How to Contribute:** **Workshops:** Lead a professional session (therapists, counselors, wellness practitioners, life coaches) **Corporate Sponsorship:** $250 - $2,500+ (monetary, in-kind, or employee engagement) **Clothing Donations:** Winter coats, boots, warm accessories, thermal wear **Non-Perishable Donations:** Canned goods, protein, pantry staples **Hygiene Kits:** Soaps, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, lotion **Gift Cards:** Grocery stores (Loblaws, No Frills, Costco) or restaurants *** **Ready to Contribute?** Contact: Carby Sum \| [carby@addictionrehabtoronto.ca](mailto:carby@addictionrehabtoronto.ca) \| 647\-821\-3988 Website: addictionrehabtoronto.ca *** **Questions?** Contact: Carby Sum \| [carby@addictionrehabtoronto.ca](mailto:carby@addictionrehabtoronto.ca) \| 647\-821\-3988 *** **RSVP Below** Space is limited. Please RSVP to secure your spot. #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #CommunityEvent #TorontoCommunity #FamilyDay #RecoveryCommunity #VolunteerOpportunity

Toronto Joy is starting a collaboration with Fred Victor — one of Toronto’s leading homelessness organizations, supporting *3,000+* people daily and serving Toronto for *130+ years*. 🤍 Donation Drive We’re collecting essential items, with a focus on winter needs. ⭐ **Top needs (quick pick)** *Warm socks, underwear, winter gear, toiletries, backpacks, sleeping bags, packaged snacks* **Items they need most**: * Winter items: coats, scarves, toques, gloves, boots (*new/used*) * Food * Packaged snacks (granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, etc.) * Canned food (soup, beans, tuna, fruits/veg, pasta sauce) * Pantry items (cereal, oatmeal, mac & cheese, pasta, lentils) * Packaged drinks (juice boxes, bottled water, Gatorade) * New: underwear (men/women), socks (warm winter socks especially) * New: adult clothing (jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, t-shirts, shoes) * New: bath towels + twin/double bedding Other items * $10–$20 gift cards (Food Basics, No Frills, Walmart, Shoppers, Tim Hortons, Dollarama) * Toiletries + personal care (body wash, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, dental hygiene, razors, brushes/combs) * Culturally specific care products (shea butter, black soap, castor oil) * Laundry detergent + dryer sheets * Cleaning products (sanitizers, household cleaners, dish soap, sponges, brooms) * Hand & feet warmers * Backpacks and other bags: *new/used (good/working condition)* * Sleeping bags: *new or used (good/working condition)* **Please bring your donations here** *Mon Feb 16 (Family Day) • 11:00 AM* *Outside Rosedale Station (Line 1) — one stop north of Bloor–Yonge* Quick drop-off. Calm area. Easy pull-over. 🚗 **Drop-off and delivery note** I’ll handle the weekday delivery, coordinated with Fred Victor’s Donations Coordinator, Alex Nsobya. *Quick guidelines (so it’s smooth)* * Food, toiletries, laundry, cleaning items, and warmers must be new, unopened, and not expired * Hygiene items should be unscented or lightly scented * No bar soap (body wash preferred) * If donating food + hygiene, please pack them separately * Winter items, backpacks/other bags, and sleeping bags can be new or used (good/working condition) 💬 **How to join** Comment in the Discussion with what you plan to bring (rough quantity helps), or DM me if you prefer. Big or small, it all helps. 📘 Learn more about Fred Victor (optional) [https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:6d184cbe-735b-4943-90b0-d67f50809f9d](https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:6d184cbe-735b-4943-90b0-d67f50809f9d) 📄 Items list (PDF reference) [https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:f26a2a2c-903f-422c-8136-2c6d14419644](https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:f26a2a2c-903f-422c-8136-2c6d14419644) ✨ What’s coming next (optional) Future opportunities may include Fred’s Walk, Taste of Regent Park, Street Eats, or helping with a meal service. No pressure. We’ll share details later.

Join us for an early morning **5km** hike starting and ending at Yonge-Sheppard Station - **POYNTZ Avenue Access** We’ll follow the **Stuart Greenbelt** and circle back via the **Addington Beltline**. Expect a couple of descent hills to get your blood flowing and wake you up for the day ahead. The pace will be comfortable, perfect for a short morning stretch. This hike is suitable for **strong beginners** and up As always, the hike goes rain or shine. **Distance & Duration:** * **Length of hike:** \~5 km * **Event duration:** \~1hrs * **Difficulty level:** Level 2/Easy (distance L1, terrain L3) **What to Bring:** * **Water/Snacks:** \~1 liters * **Required Gear:** * Hiking boots/Trail Runners * Headlamp **Costs:** * **Member Event fee:** FREE EVENT **Travel Coordination:** * No Travel Coordination for this Event, Meeting at Starting Point **Event Guidelines:** * **Punctuality,** Please arrive on time so we can start promptly. We won't be able to wait for more than 5min past the start time * **Pack out everything you bring** (including nut shells, fruit peels, etc.) to help keep our trails clean. * **RSVP:** Only those marked as “Going” and have confirmed travel details (if requested) are eligible to attend the event. * If your **plans change** and you are no longer able to attend, please update your RSVP as soon as possible. * **No-shows** without prior communication may result in removal from future events. * **Weather Considerations** The hike is a go **rain or shine**, so please be prepared for the conditions. for example, If it’s expected to rain, waterproof gear (like a jacket or shoes) * **Pets:** please check with the organizer for details before bringing your pet. Looking forward to seeing you on the trail

Join your community of fellow Intuitives and MBTI nerds for a casual evening of engaging conversation. We get together every second Sunday – with a mix of regulars and new friends. There is no fee to attend, though we ask that you support the venue by ordering something to eat or drink. **Feel free to contact event host B. via Facebook/Meetup messenger, or text/call 416-712-8635 for directions**. About the venue: The Pint Public House Nearest Subway: Union Station Map / Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G5GfXDSQXeifJ5ot5 We make an effort to find pubs that are quiet and introvert friendly, with a section to ourselves. We make no effort to muffle our extroverts, but should they get out of hand, our resident INTJ will use their death stare, to pull them back in line.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is an 6 mile hike with 400' elevation gain in the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. [https://bansheereeksnp.org/](https://bansheereeksnp.org/). We follow our AllTrails route as we go through the many trails in this Preserve. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph while moving. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) [Rating: D](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Meet: Plan to arrive at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Visitor Center at 8:45am so we can get everyone checked in and start at 9:00am. The address in Meetup may not get you to the exact location, use GPS Coordinates. GPS coordinates: 39.028758, -77.599534 [https://goo.gl/maps/AADrS4iNX1kYTUZo7](https://goo.gl/maps/AADrS4iNX1kYTUZo7) Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Alltrails Maps: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/banshee-reeks-6-miles-7648732?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/banshee-reeks-6-miles-7648732?u=i&sh=7cs7ov)

**Note the address says SE but it should be SW** HSLC is excited to collaborate with October One Vineyard for a monthly Yappy Hour! To support our local animals, please bring a pet food donation and you’ll be entered into a raffle for free tastings and glasses! You can also purchase raffle tickets. Your monetary donations help cover much-needed medical expenses for homeless and at-risk animals. This event will be 5-8pm on the last Friday of every month at the October One Vineyard tasting shop in Downtown Leesburg. This event is free to the public, so stop by and raise a glass. HSLC will be on hand to answer questions and let you know about available animals. Let’s “cheer” up our local area animals in need!

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is an 6.5 mile hike with 1000’ elevation gain to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and is perfect for those that want to experience Maryland Heights without having to do a long hike. We will begin at the Harpers Ferry Train Station parking lot. We will hike the AT and then along the Shenandoah River and then at Appalachian Trail across the Potomac River on the footbridge. Taking a left we go briefly along the C&O Canal before taking the ***steep*** trails up to Maryland Heights for lunch. We hike at a pace of 2.0-2.5 mph when moving. [Rating: C](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) (Upper level C hike, almost a B) Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) Park Entry Fee: $20 or free with National Park pass. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Carpools: Arrive at the One Loudoun Park and Ride at 7:45am, carpools leav at 8:00am GPS Coordinates: 39.053141, -77.459133, [https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUJ2c9E1oVYRu5Rp7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUJ2c9E1oVYRu5Rp7) . Suggested carpool fee is $4. ***The leader will be at the carpool location.*** Driving time to the trailhead from the carpool location \~1 hour. If you are going to the trailhead, meet at the Harpers Ferry Train Station at 9:00am, hike starts at 9:15am. A national park pass (leave on car dashboard) or $20 payment upon arrival using a **smartphone and a credit or debit card** via a QR code system. GPS coordinates: 39.324540, -77.731047 [https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7](https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7) Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. AllTrails Map: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-4165db0?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-4165db0?u=i&sh=7cs7ov) ***You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.***

This group was originally started by Chad Keith who created and hosts a podcast by the same name in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping to continue his legacy here in NoVa as I recently moved to this area. This group is all about finding community around self-improvement and exchanging ideas on how to be your best self and get the most out of life. This group is for anyone who is interested in overcoming average in all areas - career, ambitions, relationships, hobbies, health, everything. I am so excited to meet driven individuals in the NoVa area so please reach out if you have any questions at all. EVERYONE is welcome so please sign up for an upcoming meetup!

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is a pleasant 7.3 mile/ 212 foot elevation gain hike around Beaverdam Reservoir with plenty of water views. For those of you who like numbers the reservoir is 350 acres and holds between 1.3 and 1.5 billion gallons of water. We will meet in front of the Visitors Center at 8:45. The Visitor Center, with the trailhead, is new and the GPS mapping apps are still updating. **The Reservoir Park Main entrance is located within the Brambleton Community Park West Baseball field complex, accessed from Belmont Ridge Road in Ashburn.** The address is 22211 Water Vista Drive Ashburn, Virginia. The GPS coordinates are: 39.00223 N, 77.53529W. We hike at a pace of \~ 2.5 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain. Meet in front of the Visitor Center at 8:45am for sign-in. Restrooms are available. Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leaders: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/reservoir-park-trail?sh=iypgzx&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Start at the old train depot. After the run, we'll meet at Mile 20 for a drink! Run starts at 6:45 pm we will head toward Sterling tonight. Run at your own pace out and back. 2 mile runners turn around at Crestview Drive. 3 mile runners turn around at Tamarack Court. 3.5 & 4 - No cross streets in this stretch. You're on your own. :-) 5 mile runners - turn around at Sterling Blvd.

Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production. You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at [Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov](mailto:Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov) to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or [sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore](https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/event-details/read-plant-grow-2026-02-24-18-30). ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.