Emergency Preparedness

Every Wednesday Night! Free Magic The Gathering Commander games at Hairy Tarantula, hosted by Toronto Gaymers! Please note: Masks are required in store! For more information and to RSVP please over to harryt.com/events

We know you have a shelf of unpainted miniatures waiting to be brought to life, but might find it hard to start, stay motivated, or are afraid you'll make it look bad. Come out and paint with us! We'll be hosting a monthly social paint night to allow for folks to body double while painting. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, exchange painting tips and tricks, all while working through your backlog of models. This isn't just limited to miniatures either. Bring a canvas, some blank sneakers, or just some cash (and buy a mini at the store). Test out different paint brands from Acrylicos Vallejo, AK Interactive, The Army Painter, and Citadel Paints. A fee of $5+tax (to be paid at the event) applies to help cover the cost of some painting supplies that will be provided by the store. Hope to see you!

Hosted by [Green Drinks Toronto](http://www.greendrinks.org/ON/Toronto): *We will have a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, students, government and business. Come along and you'll be made welcome. Just say, "are you green?" and we will look after you and introduce you to whoever is there. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always... a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organising network.* *These events are very simple and unstructured, but many people have found employment, made friends, developed new ideas, done deals and had moments of serendipity.* *GLOBAL: Now active in over 350 cities worldwide!*

PLEASE CONTACT Jason at 905-308-4100 FOR DETAILS.

Join the Toronto Founders Hub every other Saturday at 3:30pm for our regular meetup at 5 Elements Espresso Bar. Sit down with other entrepreneurs to network and discuss business ideas or strategies. \- Broaden your network \- Get critical feedback \- Socialize in low pressure setting I look forward to seeing you!

**Click here to register:** **[https://energeticmagic.thrivecart.com/foundation-courses/](https://energeticmagic.thrivecart.com/foundation-courses/)** Yes, there is real magic out there and you are immersed in it. Some call it universal or source energy. Some call it God or divine energy. Some call it magic. It’s been talked about and worked with for thousands of years and now science has gotten to the point, through quantum physics, where tests are confirming what many have been saying: We are all connected by this energy and we all affect it. Tapping into that energy allows me to perform what I call Energetic Magic, and now I have made this method of actually editing your reality available to you. You will learn: – How spiritual energy works and affects us every day – The “must do”s for growth and potency – To use intuition for guidance and to detect truths – To get in touch with Pure Source/Universal/Quantum/God energy (however your philosophy describes it) – To create and manipulate simple energetic constructs – To react and respond to other people’s energy – To play harmoniously with another’s energy – To perceive energy in other people for information or clearing – To integrate the techniques you learn with other modalities and your daily life Are you ready? It’s intense. And it will change your life. Every person who has attended this class has had big realizations and multiple shifts in their beliefs during the class. While learning, you release old belief patterns and come out of the class a different person. I look forward to sharing this powerful technique with you and watching your transformation. Got a friend? You can refer a friend and get a 20% referral fee. Contact transform@energeticmagic.com to find out how.

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a fun and relaxing holiday season. **We're back with our weekly Expressive Art Classes for 2026.** **Weekly Expressive Art Classes** Our weekly **Expressive Art Saturdays** weekly sessions are an invitation to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself through creativity and mindfulness. Each class weaves together meditation, connection, and expressive art, guiding you toward stillness, clarity, and calm. We will explore different expressive art activities designed to support ongoing self-discovery and emotional release. Some practices may return over time, allowing for deeper reflection and new insights with each experience. To sign up please complete the form: https://forms.gle/v6NWdEXNsfsKnKY66

We will take a leisurely walk from Bloor West and High Park Ave. to **Harbourfront,** via **High Park,** **Sunnyside Park** and the Toronto **Waterfront Trail.** Join this outdoor event to behold some amazing views of High Park, **Lake Ontario,** the Toronto skyline, Canadian geese, ducks and other wild animals. **All walking/ hiking levels welcome**. We will take breaks along the way for beverages and/or washroom needs. **Length:** 10 Km. This is a LINEAR hike, but the end point is WELL CONNECTED to both **Line 1** (Yonge-University) and **Line 2** (Bloor-Danforth). You may return to either Subway line by TTC streetcar. * DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Beginner -- all levels welcome! * WHAT TO BRING: Water (at least 1 L), hiking shoes/ boots and cash for TTC fare and personal purchases. * POST-EVENT: Refreshments at a cosy restaurant at Harbourfront, OPTIONAL (around 4:30 PM) **Event conditional on weather.** In the event of harsh weather, this walk will be cancelled or rescheduled. **\*\*\* PLEASE, BE ON TIME \*\*\*** We will not wait for anyone after 1:15 PM. It is not okay to join the event or call the Organizer after the event starts at 1:15 PM. ⭐️ **Event Fee:** $5/ person (only $4 if paid ONLINE) ⭐️⭐️ HOW TO PAY ⭐️⭐️ You may pay the **$5** fee CASH at the beginning of the event, or online via Interac **E-Transfer** (Save $1). * Send payment to: **Walter De Marco** * Email: **thats.walter@yahoo .com** * E-Transfer security question: What is this payment for? * Answer: **"Adventure"** * * GETTING THERE **Bloor St. West and High Park Ave,** Toronto ⭐️ **[Google Map](https://goo.gl/maps/7jd6deCtdU5PdAhx6)** ⭐️ **[>> Click HERE <<](https://goo.gl/maps/7jd6deCtdU5PdAhx6)** * * **TTC Directions:** Take the Subway to High Park Stn and walk East on Bloor St to High Park Ave. * **By Car:** This is NOT a loop walk, so if you leave your car at the starting point, you will have to walk or take public transit back to your car. The best thing to do is leave your car at a TTC Subway Stn., and then return to your car by TTC. There are streetcars that connect Harbourfront to both the Yonge and the Bloor Subway line. ===================================== * DISCLAIMER During all events, members are responsible for themselves. All events in this Meetup group are planned and operated by organizers with several years of experience as hike leaders. However, we make no claims of being professional guides, and take no responsibility for the outcome of any of our trips or activities.

This event is for women in their late 20s to 40s who want a real campfire experience in the city, shared in a small group of other nature-loving women. We’ll take part in a guided winter campfire experience led by a park educator, offering a more hands-on and immersive format than our usual walks. Downsview Park is one of Toronto’s most unique green spaces — once a Canadian Forces base, now a protected urban habitat where deer, coyotes, owls, and other wildlife are commonly seen. **What we’ll do** * Start with a short walk through the park to get moving and take in the winter landscape * Participate in a guided outdoor fire session, learning the basics of building and managing a campfire * Spend time gathered around the fire, roasting marshmallows and enjoying warm forest tea * Relax, talk, and enjoy being outdoors together Marshmallows are provided, including options suitable for vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and halal diets. **Why join** This is a special winter experience that blends learning, participation, and time in nature — all within the city. It’s ideal for women looking for something more intentional than a walk or café meetup, and who enjoy shared experiences that feel a little different and thoughtfully put together. Spots are limited. **Disclaimer**: This group is intended to provide a calm and enjoyable space for women to spend time outdoors together. Outdoor walking involves inherent risks, including uneven terrain, weather conditions, and the possibility of slips or falls. By joining, participants acknowledge and accept these risks and take full responsibility for their own safety and personal belongings. The organizer is not responsible for any injuries, accidents, losses, or damages that may occur during events. Participants are responsible for dressing appropriately, wearing suitable footwear, and assessing their own physical ability to participate. Photos may be taken during events for group memories or future promotional use. By attending, you consent to being included in these images unless you notify the organizer otherwise. Participants agree to respect the privacy of others and contribute to a positive, supportive environment. Please note that event fees are non-refundable.

Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites. YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM \***Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697** Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website. WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are. WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise \~50% of class. TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day. Fee: $295 (Earlybird) $325 (If registering less than 30 days before class)

## **World Civil Defense Day Open House** **Disaster Preparedness, Community Resilience & Volunteer Response** How prepared is our community for the next emergency? Join us in observance of **World Civil Defense Day** for an educational Open House focused on disaster preparedness, civilian protection, and community resilience. World Civil Defense Day highlights the importance of coordinated response between first responders, volunteers, civic groups, and community members. This event will introduce the work of the **Scientology Volunteer Ministers**, a global humanitarian program dedicated to helping communities before, during, and after crises. ### **What to Expect:** • Self-Guided tour of a special exhibit in the Public Information Center • Overview of disaster response and emergency preparedness efforts • Educational materials and practical information • Open discussion and networking with others interested in community engagement Whether you are interested in emergency preparedness, volunteerism, public safety, or simply want to learn how communities can work together more effectively, this Open House is designed to inform and inspire. ### **Event Schedule:** 11:30 AM – Self-Guided Tour of the Special Exhibit 11:50 AM – Lunch 12:10 PM – Open House Presentation 12:45 PM – Networking & Community Dialogue 📍 Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC 1424 16th St. NW Washington, DC 20036 Open to the public. Guests are welcome.

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy the weather! We meet Saturdays at 10am, halfway between the Reston *Container Store* and *Not Your Average Joes* (by the metal benches), leaving no later than 10:05. Every week, rain or shine, we start by walking along the Green Trail to reach Lake Anne Community Center. Once there, we pause for water/bio (often staying a few minutes extra from April-November, due to the local Farmer's Market), and then we circle Lake Anne and head back to our starting point. It's roughly 3-4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to *Not Your Average Joes* or another local restaurant for a quick drink/meal before tackling the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome, and we recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll walk rain or shine. Also, feel free to bring a friend! By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

The next NoVABeerSec event - "Informal Gathering of Security Minds Over Beer'' will be Wednesday, February 25th, 5:30PM til 7ish at Crooked Run Fermentation (22455 Davis Drive, Sterling, VA ). **BONUS** there is a Senor Ramon Taqueria as part of the brewery; so it will be a “Taco Wednesday” for everyone ;) **Venue for February:** Crooked Run Fermentation (https://crookedrunfermentation.com/sterling-virginia-2/) - Crooked Run Fermentation is a Virginia-based producer of contemporary and traditional beers, coolship sours, natural wines, ciders, and seltzers. Started in 2013 in Leesburg, Virginia, Crooked Run has developed a following for creative and nuanced beverages across a variety of styles, from lagers to IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, sours, and beyond beer. In 2017, we opened our main production facility in Sterling, Virginia, and will open a third location in northeast DC in 2022. Opened in 2017, the Sterling location features a bustling taproom, outdoor biergarten, 10 BBL brewhouse, and best of all, TACOS! Senor Ramon Taqueria offers a full menu of tacos, quesadillas, empanadas, and more. Come relax with 12 beers on tap, weekend live music, and some great food! If you're biking, we're right off the W&OD Trail. **Additional Info:** We are an inclusive group, so if we missed anyone please let us know or if you want to bring your significant other/spouse please do. Have a great week and see you later this month! Cheers, Rinaldi Rampen & Mike McCabe of @NoVABeerSec

The **Spotted Salamanders** are coming! Join VOF staff at the South Section of the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve to look for these amazing fossorial amphibious critters. This special behind-the-scenes adventure invites visitors to view this year's salamander surfacing event. Meet at the contact station in the parking lot; the ditches and puddles along Beverly Mill Drive are where we will see the salamanders. The Spotted Salamander, ***Ambystoma maculatum,*** and other amphibians emerge from their burrows when conditions are just right. Usually, that's on a rainy night around 40 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer, at the end of winter. This is an event that moves with the weather, so the notice is short to have the most accurate prediction possible. For fun, here are the nights they have emerged in the past few years: 2025: March 5th 2024: February 12th 2023: February 19th This is a family-friendly event, and we invite everyone who wants to learn about the cycles of these secretive salamanders. Please note this is an after-dark event, so we highly recommend you bring flashlights and head lamps, along with sturdy waterproof shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Expect rain! **This event is subject to move / repeat if the salamanders decide to emerge on a different day or if the weather conditions become too hazardous. Watch the Meetup Page for Updates!** Please email Deneith Reif at [dreif@vof.org](mailto:dreif@vof.org) for any questions you may have. As a friendly reminder, no dogs are permitted on the preserve. ##