Museums & Galleries

We're doing a mini event to draw the lucky winners of our tombola! The festive season is in full swing, and we’re celebrating with a burst of holiday cheer at the RAID Gallery & Café. Join us on **Monday, December 22, from 12 PM** until late, as we draw the lucky winners of our **Christmas Tombola**. Will you be the one to unwrap a RAID Book Bundle stacked with incredible indie comics? Or perhaps you’ll take home our coveted Coffee Card — the gift that keeps you warm all winter long. But that’s not all. To make this holiday afternoon extra special, all participants will enjoy: • Fresh tiramisu cups (made in-house) • Hot apple cider • Freshly baked calzoni Expect a warm, community-focused gathering with good food, good company, and a touch of suspense as we reveal who the Fates have chosen this year.  And while you're here enjoying the holiday atmosphere with us, take a moment to explore our current exhibition by our CEO extraordinaire and creative director Ramón Pérez: ***GLIMMERS***! *Glimmers* is an intimate collection of pen-and-ink illustrations by award-winning artist Ramón Pérez, celebrating the quiet, luminous moments that make up a life. Through a series of elegantly rendered feminine vignettes — reading on a sun-splashed beach, enjoying a cup of up of tea on a winter day, or simply enjoying a glass of wine — Pérez distills the beauty found in pause, presence, and personal ritual. Executed with his signature line work and a sensitivity to gesture and mood, these drawings capture not grand narratives but the subtle sparks of everyday existence — the fleeting, tender instants that reveal who we are when the world falls away. *Glimmers* invites viewers to slow down, look closer, and find resonance in the small, soft, universal rhythms of being.  We’re looking forward to spending a cozy afternoon together: drawing names, sharing good food, and giving you a first look at *GLIMMERS*. Whether you’re here for the raffle, the art, or just the company, we hope you’ll linger, explore, and enjoy a moment of calm in the middle of the holiday rush. Consider this our way of ending the year with warmth, creativity, and a little bit of magic

# 🎾 Pickleball + Contrast Therapy Afternoon (Markham) **📅 Date & Time:** **Friday, September 19th, 2:00–5:00 PM** **📍 Location:** Athlete Hub – Ronin/MyAthlete.io, **217 Idema Rd., Markham (Steeles & Woodbine)** **💲 Cost:** $25 per player (save $5 with promo code below) *** ### 👋 About the Event Join us for a unique **3-hour sports & recovery experience** at our Markham gym. * **2 hours of Pickleball** (rotating doubles on 2 courts, max 16 players) * **1 hour of Contrast Therapy** (cold plunge + heat cycle, guided recovery) * **Recovery tools throughout the session** — compression boots, red light therapy, and massage guns available during off-court breaks * Don’t want to get paired randomly? No problem — bring a friend and you can play together! This is not just a drop-in — it’s a chance to **play, recover, and connect** with other athletes in the community. *** ### 🏓 Format * 16 players max → 8 per court * Rotating doubles every \~15 minutes * Everyone gets 6–8 matches across 2 hours * While off court → access recovery stations (compression boots, red light, massage gun) * 1-hour contrast therapy block: * Wave 1 (8 players) → Cold plunge → Heat station → Lounge (\~25 min) * Wave 2 (8 players) → Same cycle (\~25 min) * Social hangout in lounge to finish *** ### ✅ What’s Included * Guaranteed pickleball play (2 hours, rotating format) * Pro-style contrast therapy session (cold + heat cycle) * On-court recovery tools during breaks (compression boots, red light, massage guns) * **Towels provided** * Light refreshments *** ### 📌 What to Bring * Paddle (if you have one — extras available) * Court shoes + comfortable clothes * **Bathing suit + toiletries** (for contrast therapy) * Water bottle * **Bring a friend!** If you’d like, you can register with a partner to guarantee you play together during the pickleball rotations. *** ### 💲 How to Register This event is limited to **16 players only**. To confirm your spot: 1. RSVP here on Meetup 2. **Register & pay** on **[MyAthlete.io](https://myathlete.io/org_profile/1757696830905x685739735532699600)** 3. Buy a **Trial** and use promo code **MEETUP20** at checkout to save $5 for your first time. ⚠️ Meetup RSVP alone does *not* guarantee your spot — registration must be completed on MyAthlete.io.

Join us as we get into the holiday spirit! Let's decorate and personalize our very own ornaments. Show them off at home or use as a heartfelt gift. All supplies provided, light refreshments will be available.

Latin and ballroom mix of dances -beginners progressing to intermediate class 25$ per person, is better if you have a partner. Not guaranteed that you will find a partner in the class [see package price](https://www.danceart.ca/dance-lessons)

**Drop-In Pickleball at the Miles Nadal JCC** Come play one of the fastest-growing sports in North America — right in the heart of the Annex! Join us for friendly, active Pickleball at the Miles Nadal JCC, just steps from Spadina Station. It’s a great way to stay active, meet new people, and have some fun! \*\*\* **🏓 Event Details:** **Location:** 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through the Spadina doors) **Check-In:** Stop by security and check in at the front desk when you arrive. \*\*\* **🏓 Registration & Payment (Required in Advance):** **RSVP on Meetup does *not* reserve your spot.** To participate in Drop-In Play, you must register and pay in advance via our registration system. 👉 **[Register online](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=yKE8jJG)** 📞 Or register by phone: 416-924-6211 Space is limited to **6 players** on a first-come, first-served basis. Once full, no additional participants can be accommodated. \*\*\* **🏓 Other Info:** * Paddles and balls are available for loan at the front desk with a **$20 cash deposit and valid ID** * This session is intended for **intermediate players and above** — participants should have a solid understanding of Pickleball rules, scoring, and gameplay, and be comfortable with consistent rallies and court positioning * Courts are rotated regularly so everyone gets a chance to play * Welcoming, inclusive environment \*\*\* Come ready to rally, socialize, and have a great time on the court. We can’t wait to see you there!

Should you be around over the December holidays--we can fit in ONE last outing! A 60th anniversary screening of this documentary. Ticket link is below. $10-$15 per ticket This Genie Award–winning documentary follows a **30-year-old Leonard Cohen on a visit to his hometown of Montreal**. Before he was the celebrated musician, Cohen was a poet and a novelist. This NFB documentary casually observes Cohen in his daily routine: he bathes, he gets a haircut, he delivers a reading before an audience. As he goes about his day, a portrait emerges of a thoughtful, perceptive and soulful man. (This documentary is 45 mins) *Screening with:* **Poen \|** D: Josef Reeve \| Canada \| 1967 \| 4 min Leonard Cohen delivers four different readings of a poem from his book *Beautiful Losers*. Each time it is a little different, and each time the accompanying visuals evoke new responses. **Poets on Film No. 1** \| D: Bozenna Heczko\, Elizabeth Lewis\, Gayle Thomas & Janet Perlman \| Canada \| 1977 \| 8 min This short film brings together animated interpretations of four poems by Canadian writers: *Riverdale Lion* by John Robert Colombo, *A Kite Is a Victim* by Leonard Cohen, *Klaxon* by James Reaney and George Johnston’s *The Bulge*. **Ticket link here:** (tickets have just gone on-sale) Don't sit so close--say row G and behind.. https://hotdocs.ca/whats-on/films/mr-leonard-cohen A nice way to end the year... Hot Docs in Toronto with Leonard Cohen in Montreal

Lose 10lbs in 5 WEEKS and Win Prizes ! Topics will include Metabolism, Carbohydrate addiction, digestive health, label reading, dining out, heart health and many more. $ 50 to Join the Challenge includes: - Weekly Weigh In, Accountability and Motivation - 40 Min nutrition class - Voucher for 'Healthy Meal' - Personalized Meal Plan - Lose 1 - 3lbs a week. To register for your spot: www.ShapingUpCanada.com

Come join us for downtown karaoke at the Harmony Cafe in super trendy Kensington. If this is your first time, expect to make friends. 😊 Belt out your favorite pop songs, heavy metal, rap, musical theatre, or join in on the ensemble cast while serenading the crowd with boy band hits. We expect to go way past midnight, can you? (You don't have to lol) The Harmony cafe has a variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic libations, cocktails, and baked goods so have a bite late! Our karaoke host is **AJ** \- Make sure to get your name added to the list\! Our Karaoke machine is connected to YouTube so song selection is pretty much UNLIMITED 😵 \! (っ＾▿＾)۶🍸🌟🍺٩(˘◡˘ ) ======== **Support This Group 🥰🤩** We hope you're enjoying the Arts & Rec events! If you'd like to give support, please consider making a small Ko-fi donation of $5-10 USD at [https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto](https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto.)

Play some beach and meet cool people

\# ❄️🥾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**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) (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](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com/)

send your 6$ to academynewstar@gmail.com come through Mutual street.There is parking available free at the school.Gym door close to parking. pls dont attend if payment not sent 8 hrs before the game

***Join us for THE MID-CENTURY MODERNES Matinee at The Duke, 2–5 PM! They'll be receiving your donations of coats, any type of clothing, housewares, or gift cards to support those in need. Sponsored by Abuse Hurts.*** ***There is also a cover charge of just $10 for the band. We've enjoyed the Mid-Century Modernes in the past and they're well worth it.*** ***I (Alex) won't be hosting like I have in the past. Instead I'll be hanging out with everyone.*** ***Hoping to see some old friends as well as new ones. For those who don't know me I'll be wearing a bright orange Giants jersey. Just seek me out!*** ***Come out and dance and enjoy great live classic rock while donating to a great cause!!*** ***Please make your own reservations closer to the 27th.*** ***We will have individual cheques.*** ***HOPING TO SEE YOU ALL DECEMBER 27TH @ THE DUKE!!***

**To Be Announced!**

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

NEW YEAR PARTY

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Who doesn't enjoy a twisted tale to go along with their holiday cheer!? Join us as we get together for a psychological thriller and quite possibly the biggest book-to-film release this year: THE HOUSEMAID! The twisty-turny tale follows a young woman who takes a job as a housekeeper for a well-to-do family who could harboring dark secrets! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Trying to escape her past, a young woman accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy couple. But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous - a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, power and filled with shocking twists that will leave you guessing until the very end. The Housemaid is directed by Paul Feig (A Simple Favor) and based on the first in a series of books by Freida McFadden. The film stars Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone and Elizabeth Perkins. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48CtX6OgU3s BUZZ: Early buzz is strong with critics calling it an "entertaining,” "twisty" and suspenseful psychological thriller with non-stop twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end! PLAN: Details for this event have already been confirmed! Please purchase your ticket for the 7:15pm showing and we’ll meet in the lobby area between 6:45 and 7:00pm! This fun little twisted thriller is shaping up to be the surprise hit of the season so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours please list your seat number in the Comments below. The theaters are pausing “Discount Tuesday” pricing for the holidays but we picked some of the lowest price tickets in town! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Stauf’s German Village! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends! Afterwards, we’ll visit The Book Loft (next door) and stroll the shelves.