Private Pilots

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.

What you wear doesn’t just reflect who you are — it shapes how you **feel about yourself** and how others **see you**. This private experience is your chance to align both. As you do the inner work and step into a new version of yourself, your outer expression matters too. This is your chance to explore that — in a way that feels **fun, relaxed, and completely pressure-free**. Join us for a **private shopping experience just for our group**, where you can explore pieces that reflect who you are now — not who you used to be. ✨ exclusive access (closed to the public) ✨ a stylist just for us ✨ meaningful conversation while we browse and connect ✨ **affordable, one-of-a-kind finds** (hello consignment treasure hunt 😉) 🛍️ **Purchases are completely optional** — simply come and enjoy the experience 💜 **Feel-good bonus:** 100% of net proceeds support charitable programs in Halton Bring a friend — the more the merrier. 🎁 Plus, a chance to win a complimentary 1-hour Confidence Coaching session. **RSVP by April 26** *This private experience requires a minimum of 12 women, as the shop is volunteer-run and opening exclusively for our group.* Come for the connection, the confidence boost, and a little fun… and leave feeling more like *you*. 💜

**Carden Alvar Birding Adventure** **Sunday, May 3, 2026** **Ospreys, Bluebirds, Meadowlarks and More!** Join us on Sunday, May 3rd for a fantastic early May birding adventure to the famous Carden Alvar, one of the most exciting birding destinations in Ontario. Located about two hours northeast of Toronto, this remarkable area is known for its unique habitat, wide open landscapes, and excellent variety of birds that are not always easy to find elsewhere. We will explore some of the best birding spots in the region in search of Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, Ospreys Wilson’s Snipe, Brown Thrashers, many newly arriving warblers and songbirds, along with many other surprises. Moose and Black Bears are sometimes spotted. Carden is one of the very best places in Ontario to enjoy stunning looks at Eastern Bluebirds, and it often provides wonderful photo opportunities as well. The Ospreys are back on territory, and you'll will be able to chance to observe and photograph these impressive birds of prey. This is a really enjoyable outing with plenty of birding, scenic country roads, fresh spring air, and the excitement of never knowing what might turn up next. If you enjoy birds, nature, photography, and a fun day outdoors, this trip is for you. It's rated easy. **Itinerary** Departure from Finch Subway Station passenger pickup area at **8:00 a.m. sharp** Free parking is available on weekends Return to Toronto at approximately **4:30 p.m.** **Important Notes** This tour involves driving between birding locations, along with short and easy walks. Lunch is not included, so please bring your own food, snacks, and drinks. We will also make stops along the way at Tim Hortons. As always, we respect wildlife and private property, and our priority is to enjoy the birds without disturbance. **Cost** **$119 CAD per person** Payment by e-transfer to **torontonaturelovers@hotmail.com** I can take up to **3 passengers only**, so if you would like to join us, please reserve your spot early. Come out for a terrific day of spring birding adventure and enjoy one of Ontario’s true birding gems. **Come see a Bluebird with us!**

You know that feeling when your passport is judging you from the drawer? Yeah. We need to fix that. **Sunday, May 3rd at 6:30pm**, we're gathering in person — wine in hand, snacks on the table — and spilling everything about where the world's top travel experts say you absolutely *must* go in 2026 and 2027. Twenty destinations. Curated. Tested. Coconut-approved. Some will surprise you. Some will make you immediately Google flights. At least one will make you say "wait, that's actually possible for me?" **Yes. It is.** This isn't a PowerPoint torture session. It's a *travel conversation* with people who actually go — the real spots, the insider tips, what it's actually like to show up somewhere new with a group of people who become your people by the time you land back home. Whether you've travelled with us before or you've been "thinking about it" for two years — this night is for you. **Here's what you'll walk away with:** ✈️ The 20 must-see destinations for 2026/2027 (from the people who actually know) 🧡 A real look at upcoming Playful Coconuts trips and exactly what they're like 👯 A room full of adventure-ready humans who get it 🍷 Wine and snacks, because obviously 📍 **72A Union Street** 🗓 **Sunday, May 3rd** ⏰ **6:30pm Ottawa (I know but we will feed you).** Space is limited — this is in-person and intimate, not a webinar with 200 strangers. Come curious. Come hungry. Come ready to say yes to something that scares you just a little. *(That's where the good stuff lives.)* **[RSVP RIGHT HERE — I'm coming Sunday → debra@playfulcoconuts.com** See you there, Sue *Your Coconut Commander* P.S. — If you've been waiting for a sign to finally plan that trip you keep talking about? This is it. Literally. A sign. In your inbox. You're welcome. P.P.S. - you can't make it in person? Send us your email address (press reply) and we will flip you the top 20 list immediately.

## Details Our hike leader is Bohdan Bilyj. From the website... * [Claireville Conservation Area](https://www.hphc.ca/Claireville01.html) \-\- description of hike with driving instructions * [Schedule Spring 2026](https://www.hphc.ca/schedule.html) * [What to Bring](https://www.hphc.ca/WhatToBring.html) \-\- on a hike * [Hiking Etiquette](https://www.hphc.ca/HikeEtiquette.html) * [Taking Photos](https://www.hphc.ca/Photos.html) * [Après Hike](https://www.hphc.ca/ApresHike.html) This will be a gentle, level one hike, ideal for your first time out in the season. Until we announce otherwise, we are *not* meeting at Yonge and York Mills (Old York Mills Road). If you need a ride or some passengers, arrange car pooling in the Meetup web page.

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fire-craft-intro-3)** ***Discover the ancient art of safely creating and maintaining fire without lighters or matches!*** For thousands of years, fire has been our greatest ally for warmth, safety, cooking, and survival. But in the wild, fire doesn’t come easy. It takes knowledge, patience, and the right technique. We are back for the third installment of this popular course to teach you the beautiful art of fire. You’ll begin to master the craft with hands-on guidance from our expert firecraft instructor - guide Kyle. You'll be shown and encouraged to practice: 1\. Ferrocerium rod techniques with multiple tinders 2\. Traditional flint & steel fire lighting 3\. The art of hand\-drill friction fire This course will give you the foundation to create fire anywhere, anytime. **Included:** Your own high-quality ferro rod to take home and keep the fire burning wherever you go. **Who It’s For:** This course is for beginners and intermediate survivalists alike. Bring your curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a love of getting outside. This is an amazing opportunity not only to learn from our expert, but it's a fun, practical lesson at a uniquely low price. **About this series:** The Survivalist Series is an expert-led set of courses designed to develop applicable and life-saving skills in the outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled for more courses on many other topics coming soon! **Due to the cost of parking at Bronte Creek, WU transport is recommended for this course.** **Highlights** **Ancient techniques:** Learn unique firecraft techniques from long ago that do not need matches or a lighter. **Survivalist skills training:** Develop essential skills to survive and thrive in the wild. **Fire kit included:** Every participant gets this kit including a ferro rod and variety of tinders. **Event cost: $95+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fire-craft-intro-3)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **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 **Dazzel Mi**. 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.

We’re heading to High Park for the annual cherry blossom bloom. Come for the beautiful views, stay for the "I can’t believe it’s finally spring" vibes. We promise it’ll be a *blooming* good time. Don’t leaf us hanging! P.S. The moment you touch the leaves or the tree for that one Insta pic, we will disown you! (Not kidding here) 💵 Cost: $2 (cash or e-transfer to mech.mandeep@gmail.com) Who knew running a meetup costs money!!

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

Join us for our Sunday Meditation Service - !' Or join us on Facebook Live! Our Facebook Page is Golden Lotus Yoga for Spiritual Awareness

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

All levels of Meditators or welcome. In person or on Facebook Live! There will be instructions and inspiration for new inexperienced meditators. The hosts, meditators and Kriya Yoga initiates for over 50 years, are direct disciples of Yogacharya J. Oliver Black one of Paramahansa Yogananda's most advanced male disciples. He is the founder of Golden Lotus, Inc., which owns & operates 'Song of the Morning' an 800 acre Yoga Retreat Northest of Gaylord, MI on the Pigeon River. Paramahansa Yogananda founded Self Realization Fellowship, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA and is the author of the Spritual Classic, 'Autobiography of a Yogi.'