Gifted Children

Tired of meetup events that feel empty? Join **Toronto Girls Giving Back** 💖 for our inaugural meetup. I am hoping to build a supportive community of successful women **from various backgrounds** dedicated to connection, growth, and hands-on service.👯‍♀️ We're partnering with The Shoebox Project to inspect and pack gift-filled shoeboxes for women impacted by homelessness in our city. These boxes are reminders to women that they are worthy, beautiful, seen, and heard. 🎁 Come meet your new support network, share your passion for giving back, and help us ensure every shoebox brings joy and dignity this December! 💃👸 🎯 What to Expect Alana (our contact) from Shoebox has over 200 boxes that need to be inspected, so the team will be helping her with that. Prior to beginning, she will explain what items they typically remove from the boxes and what are safe to stay in them! We will also go for coffee after the shift downstairs at Hale Coffee!

FAQ\~ **What are we makin’?** Each participant will receive materials for 3 crafts: a magnet, a button, & an ornament **Where and when?** Say Hey House in the Junction, 2848 Dundas St. W. From 10AM til Noon-ish :) **Who may participate?** This in all ages and demographics workshop! Come with your family and friends. **How much does it cost?** $15 per adult participant. $10 accompanying children when they are 12 and under\*. \*payment for children on site Bags/wrapping will be available as well, so you can gift your little crafts to loved ones!

**#Note: As of Aug 17, 2025,** **we will be moving to Yonge Sheppard Centre** due to the closing of our prior venue Whole Foods. Please read the new location details. **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near Jimmy the Greek. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

🎄 **The Christmas Flower Show at Allan Gardens Conservatory** 🎄 ✨ *A Magical Holiday Tradition Returns!* ✨ Step into a world of festive wonder as the **Allan Gardens Conservatory Christmas Flower Show** bursts into bloom! 🌺🌟 The city’s most enchanting winter escape is back — and the **historic Palm House is open once again!** Built in 1910, this stunning glass-domed landmark glows like a snow globe filled with Christmas magic. Inside, thousands of radiant blooms and **over 30 varieties of poinsettias** fill the air with colour and joy. 🌹🎅 Wander among **holiday-inspired topiary masterpieces**, twinkling lights, and exotic plants from around the world. It’s a breathtaking celebration of nature, nostalgia, and the season’s spirit — *a Toronto holiday tradition you don’t want to miss!* \*\*\* 🌿 **Meetup Details** 📍 **Meeting Spot:** I wll be outside of Allan Garden's Conservatory which is the BIG white building in front of main doors. I will be wearing my Moose Hat. 👒 Mathew will be easy to spot in his *famous Moose Hat!* 🕚 **Meetup Time:** 11:00 AM sharp (Mathew will wait 5 minutes) 🕰️ **Visit Duration:** 30–45 minutes at the Conservatory 🍳 **After the Visit:** We’ll stroll over to **Fran’s Restaurant**, one of Toronto’s most beloved historic diners, for a cozy brunch together. (There might be a short wait for seating.) \*\*\* 💲 **Meetup Fee:** 💵 $5 cash in person **or** 📲 E-transfer to \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This small fee helps support our group — thank you! \*\*\* 🎁 **What to Bring:** * Camera or phone for all the gorgeous photo ops 📸 * Warm layers (it’s toasty inside, brisk outside!) 🧣 * A sprinkle of holiday cheer 🎅 \*\*\* 💬 **Stay Connected:** 👉 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) ⏰ **Leaving Time:** Any time you like — take in the magic at your own pace. ⚠️ **Note:** Occasionally, events may need to be rescheduled — please check for updates before you come! \*\*\* 👤 **Organizer:** Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email \*\*[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com%2A%2A/)

This group is to discuss and practice our French . Everu

Struggling with motivation and focus as you hammer away on your manuscript at home? Want to join a community of writers as we embrace the joys and pains (mostly pains) of writing together? Bring your laptop, pen & paper, old-school typewriter, or futuristic writing gadget, and join an enthusiastic community of science fiction and fantasy writers as we work on our current projects in the same space. The format will be similar to our online writing sprints: 30-minute blocks of focused, quiet writing time (the sprints), interspersed with breaks where we can chat, ask questions, and share our writing experiences.

**THIS IS THE LAST TOUR BEFORE CHRISTMAS. I WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND THE VERY BEST FOR 2026. LET'S MAKE THE NEW YEAR A YEAR OF PEACE, UNDERSTANDING, FRIENDSHIP AND COMPANIONSHIP. AT TORONTO HISTORY WALKS LETS BRIDGE THE GAP AND MAKE CERTAIN EVERYONE HAS A PLACE.** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\***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** Yesterday it was a guided tour of Cedarvale Ravine with Ernest Hemingway, now it's the great British writer Charles Dickens who will conduct our last tour before Christmas. And this special walking tour will explore Toronto in 1842 during his world tour. He loved Toronto. Think a Christmas Carol. Think Toronto and a Christmas Carol. There is a link! After visiting Toronto, the Scrooge character appeared in print to astonished readers. Several sites in the downtown core have a direct history and link to the writer, so come along on a magic voyage of discovery with Dickens himself and explore a world of literature and culture in old Toronto. From the American Hotel at the corner of Front and Yonge to the dining halls of the rich and famous, this tour will ring in the holidays and put a smile on your face. Ok so it's not exactly the happy tour, but it's very similar. And maybe he might even read a little from his famous book "A Christmas Carol." Here's hoping. If you want Dickens' to read during the tour, send a comment below! That could be a great ending, a little Christmas magic to go! We begin this walking adventure at the dog fountain at Berczy Park on the north side of the fountain, Wellington Street East. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00! per person! \*\* **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**

The Humanist Association of Toronto \(HAT\) warmly invites you to our annual Winter Solstice/Festivus Social\. Please RSVP using the link below rather than on Meetup\. \| **When**: Sunday, December 21, 2025, 1 - 5 PM **Where**: Eglinton and Allen Rd (near Cedarvale Subway Station - formerly named Eglinton West Subway Station) For the exact location, please register by emailing [HatProgram@gmail.com](mailto:HatProgram@gmail.com?subject=Fesitvus%20registration&body=). Please note that for those who didn't register by email or haven't received the address, you can contact Catherine at 416 254-9984 (text preferred, just make sure you say it's about the party) and will provide the address and details. **What’s Included**: Lunch (pot luck, pizza and cake), tasty snacks, and a lively afternoon of Festivus fun **What to Expect**: **Our World-Famous Festivus Pole** — a unique centerpiece where you can add your own note or message to help us celebrate humanist values and community spirit **Good Food & Great Company** — connect with like-minded folks, share stories, and enjoy a relaxed, festive atmosphere **Gift Exchange** – Secret "Frank Constanza" gift exchange – feel free to bring a wrapped gift of something around the home (books, game/puzzles, knick knacks or whatever you would like to get rid of) for a fun secret gift exchange **Talent Show** – Do you have a special talent (music, juggling, stand-up comedy etc.) that you would like to share with a welcoming crowd? It's a great opportunity to reconnect\, meet new friends\, and share the joy of being part of a vibrant and inclusive community\. \| We would greatly appreciate volunteers to attend early for set-up and/or after 5 p.m. for clean up. Pizza and cake will be supplied but please feel free to bring a potluck item for sharing. Note, for liability reasons and since this is a daytime event, this will be an alcohol-free event.

*Every Sunday \| 6:30 PM \- 10:30 PM* 📍 39 Glen Cameron Road, Unit #1, Thornhill, Ontario Ready to get your groove on? Whether you're totally new to Bachata or just looking to sharpen your moves, we’ve got you covered! 🕕 **Schedule**: * **6:30 PM - 7:30 PM**: *Bachata Level 1-2 Class* (Perfect for beginners or those with little to no experience. You’ll learn the basics and have a blast!) * **Drop-in Fee**: $15 * **7:30 PM - 10:30 PM**: *Social Dance* Stay and practice what you’ve learned during the social dance portion, featuring a mix of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and ChaCha! 💲 **Drop-in Class + Social Dance**: $15 (That’s for the whole evening! A great deal for tons of fun.) Come on your own, with a partner, or bring some friends! We rotate partners in class so you'll have the chance to dance with everyone and get lots of practice. For more details, text or call: 647-504-9876 Let’s dance the night away! 🌟

Greetings Bird Lovers, Why do we keep going to Long Point, well the main reason is the sheer number of birds we can see, there is no place in Southern Ontario that offers the number of birds you can see at this time of year. Our trips to Long Point have always been exceptional. On our trips we’re treated to an incredible mix of wildlife, Bald Eagles, possibly Snowy Owls, Tufted Titmice, thousands of Sandhill Cranes, and literally thousands of ducks. Every visit feels like stepping into a National Geographic special. Even in the heart of winter, the slowly lengthening days and brighter light remind us that the outdoors is still full of magic, and moments like these are exactly why we keep heading back out into the field. Long Point's significance as part of the Canadian Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, as well as its role as the home to Bird Studies Canada, is underscored by the continuous presence of birds throughout the year. This renowned Ontario wintering ground hosts a myriad of species, including waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, Tundra Swans, and the occasional surprise guest. From the commonplace Bald Eagles to the captivating Birds of Prey such as Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, and American Kestrels, each visit unfolds a tapestry of avian wonders. Long Point, a globally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA), beckons ornithologists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts worldwide. We're eagerly looking forward to our upcoming birding adventure at this extraordinary location. A stop at Ruthven Park promises encounters with the charming Tufted Titmouse and possibly wintering Eastern Bluebirds. Additionally, our itinerary remains flexible, allowing us to stay attuned to local birding news for the possibility of rare bird sightings. Nature's surprises often unfold during this season, prompting us to adapt our plans for the chance to witness something truly extraordinary. Prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of birding at Long Point, a journey of exploration, discovery, and sheer magic. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply revel in nature's wonders, all are welcome to join. Binoculars are recommended for an enhanced experience. Our shared love for nature fosters a lively and enjoyable camaraderie within the group. I assure you of smiles, laughter, and a thoroughly delightful day out. Our rendezvous point is the Finch Station Passenger pick-up and Drop-off. Parking Lot at 7:45 am, with departure promptly at 8:00 am. We anticipate returning around 5:00 pm, having explored various areas southwest of Toronto to maximize our chances of encountering special bird species. For those interested, I can accommodate up to 3 Nature Lovers in my vehicle. The cost for my guidance, unveiling the super-hotspots, is $99.00 plus tax, totaling $113. To secure your spot, payment can be made through PayPal or via direct e-transfer to torontonaturelovers@hotmail.com. If you opt for the latter, kindly inform me, and I will manually add you to the trip. Let's embark on a day filled with nature's wonders, capturing moments that will linger in our memories. We look forward to sharing this adventure with you!

Best way to get a hold of us is on our [WhatsApp chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kj63TzHIqYL5hPrRJolhyD), also great way to join a community of amazing like-minded people :) ***Let's Dance!*** ***¡Vamos a bailar!*** ***DJ Geronimo 🎧 will be playing your favorite Salsa 🎵 Bachata 🎶 Chacha 🎵 Merengue hits 🔊 DJ Sweetlike will be jamming in the Kizomba room*** Cover $10 includes: ***Free Bachata and Kizomba Lesson at 6pm (you choose)*** ***Dancing til 11pm*** ***\*Casual dress code*** ***\*Cash Bar*** ***👠Please wear comfortable & clean shoes👞*** **Location:** Islington & QEW [Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/NiBwLRbovskPkUZp9) 110 Jutland Rd, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 2G6 ***FREE PARKING*** Cover $10 before 7pm - $15 after 7pm

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

**White Elephant Gift Exchange** (WEGE): This may be your only chance to re-gift that “undesirable” bobble or whats-it that you got for Christmas. Every year for Christmas my evil ex in-laws would give me the exact same gift that properly symbolized how well they knew me and how much they cared. For 24 years I received a bushel-basket sized bag of white tube socks from Gabe’s, a local discount/factory seconds store based in Morgantown, WV. If I were still married, that’s what I would re-gift in this gift exchange. No worries. I have since recovered emotionally and all my socks match and are all the same length. Goodwill was the lucky recipient of my 24-bushel sock collection quite some time ago. Things are better now. If you have nothing that merits being re-gifted, please try to keep the price limit to around $15. Remember, no one is required to participate in the gift exchange. You can watch and still have fun. The way this works: Each person bringing a gift will get a pretty yellow ticket (just like the ones we use for the Queen of Hearts). When the gift exchange starts I will draw a ticket and read the number. The person with that ticket may select a gift from the table. Being first is not a true victory in this instance. The next person whose number is drawn will chose a gift AND if they don't like it, they can exchange it for (steal?) the one the previous person selected. It goes on and on as mayhem ensues. Only one exchange. Exchange for any previously selected gift. Got it? Good. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

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

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

We will be having an open discussion of the book "the Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery. [this is the amazon link for this book](https://a.co/d/1bRn8h4)