Polar Plunge

# 🎾 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.

Dive into the world of swimming with our exciting meetup group! Join us for a beginner-friendly workshop as we cover essential skills and techniques to feel confident swimming. Our experienced instructors will provide tips on breathing, sighting, and navigation to help you conquer any body of water. Whether you're new to swimming or looking to brush up on your skills, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to enhance your abilities in a supportive and encouraging environment. Don't miss out on this chance to explore the excitement of swimming with our welcoming community of swimmers. Admission includes a 1 hour swimming lesson, group or individual, depending on your comfort level and ability. All lessons will begin at the start of each hour (i.e. 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm). You are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early to get acquainted, as well as change & set up. This is a BYOE workshop (Bring Your Own Equipment), so bathing suits, bathing caps, goggles, and ear/nose plugs are your responsibility. All other equipment, such as floatation devices, are available on site. I will be on site to guide you through the process and answer any questions you might have, as well as collect admission fees. You are welcome to hang back after your lesson to observe (a large viewing gallery above the pool is available, however please be respectful of participants & instructors that are in session). This is a public pool facility, so please follow all safety protocols (i.e. no running on deck) With that in mind, I look forward to seeing you all out there and ready to have a blast in the pool.

Join us for ESL Cafe on Mondays nights at St Paul's Bloor Street. We have groups for all levels of English: Basic English, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. At ESL Cafe, you can practice English conversation, drink coffee (or tea) and have lots of fun meeting other interesting people!!

**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!

**Beginner Drop-In Pickleball at the Miles Nadal JCC** New to pickleball? We’ve got the perfect session for you! Join us for **Beginner Drop-In Pickleball** at the Miles Nadal JCC — a welcoming and supportive environment for those just getting started with the game. Whether you're still learning the rules or building confidence on the court, this is a great opportunity to play, practice, and meet fellow beginners. *** 🏓 **Event Details:** **Location:** 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through the Spadina doors) **Check-In:** Please check in with security and stop by the front desk upon arrival. *** 🏓 **Registration & Payment (Required in Advance):** RSVP on Meetup does *not* guarantee your spot. To play, you must register and pay in advance through our registration system. 👉 **[Register online](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=x5X7aDV)** 📞 Or call: 416-924-6211 **Limited to 18 players.** Once full, no additional players will be admitted. *** 🏓 **What to Expect:** * Designed for **beginner-level players** with some familiarity with the rules and scoring * Equipment available: borrow paddles and balls with a $20 cash deposit + valid ID * Friendly rotations so everyone gets a chance to play * Supportive and inclusive environment — no pressure, just fun and learning! *** Come ready to move, meet new people, and improve your game one rally at a time. We look forward to seeing you on the court!

**Welcome to Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa!** As the winter season wraps our city in its gentle sparkle, our community shines even brighter. This time of year reminds us how meaningful it feels to step into a space filled with warmth, laughter, music, and friendly faces—exactly the kind of energy we create together every Monday. While the world outside cools down, our dance floor becomes a cozy haven of joy, connection, and beautifully shared moments. Every Monday feels like a touch of winter magic… only with a whole lot more rhythm. My objective has always been to create a different kind of social gathering—one that is open, non-judgmental, non-salacious, and safe. A place where you can meet people just like you, where socializing and dancing come together to help build community and tear down the walls that separate us. Here, we make new friends, feel a sense of belonging, and enjoy the calmness that comes from knowing we are in a safe and welcoming space. Many times, I have been asked, “Why host an event on Monday night?” Many people escape on the weekend and dread Mondays when they return to work. I believe that if you dance and socialize on a Monday, you infuse your week with joy and positive energy, giving your life balance and helping you face your challenges with enthusiasm and confidence. We’re also thrilled to announce that our trial of advanced Bachata lessons, which began last September, has been a resounding success! Building on this momentum, we’re excited to offer an enhanced schedule for 2025. Our dance evenings will now feature three hours of classes: one hour of beginner to intermediate Bachata, one hour of advanced Bachata, and one hour of beginner to intermediate Salsa. As always, the entrance fee remains $15 for a night of 2 lessons and social dancing. For those interested in the advanced Bachata lessons, there will be an additional $5 fee. Here’s our updated schedule: **Miss Bachata – Main Ballroom** ❄️ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Bachata Lesson (No partner required) ❄️ 8:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing **Miss Salsa – Round Room** ❄️ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Advanced Bachata Lesson (+$5) NEW ❄️ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Salsa Lesson ❄️ 9:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing **Additional Details:** ❄️ Free Parking ❄️ Full Bar (Free Water, Beer: $5.75) Over the past decade, organizing Latin dancing events in Mississauga has been a labor of love. Our mission has always been to foster a sense of community, proving that the connections we share are far stronger than the differences that divide us. Loneliness is a growing concern, with over half of U.S. adults and many Canadians experiencing its effects. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened this issue. Harvard University's long-term study on happiness, which began in 1938, highlights the detrimental impact of loneliness on health. People with strong social connections experience slower mental and physical decline and greater overall happiness compared to those who are isolated. Here are some key findings from the study: • Close ties help delay mental and physical decline more than money, fame, social class, IQ, or genetics. • Relationship satisfaction is a better predictor of aging well than cholesterol levels in middle age. • A strong sense of community improves memory function. • Loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking or alcoholism. There’s hope! Strengthening our relationships and supporting community initiatives can build healthier, happier lives. Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa provides a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, expand your social circle, and enjoy a safe, welcoming, authentic environment. Bring your open heart and a smile, and we’ll take care of the rest. **Cheers to building an authentic, joyful, and connected community!** **Anna G.** https://www.meetup.com/LatinDanceMeetup https://www.facebook.com/groups/1871491806494168/ https://www.facebook.com/EventsByAnnaG