Raising a Child as a Single Mother

[[RESULTS](https://opavote.com/results/4829900303499264) of the poll for this event] ABCD Reads AND Watches "**Train Dreams**", a [novella](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S234C2792355) written by Denis Johnson, and a [film](https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/train-dreams) directed by Clint Bentley. **:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::** "Suffused with the history and landscapes of the American West—its otherworldly flora and fauna, its rugged loggers and bridge builders—this extraordinary novella poignantly captures the disappearance of a distinctly American way of life. Train Dreams tells the story of Robert Grainer, a day laborer in the American West at the start of the twentieth century—an ordinary man in extraordinary times. Buffeted by the loss of his family, Grainer struggles to make sense of this strange new world. As his story unfolds, we witness both his shocking personal defeats and the radical changes that transform America in his lifetime." (from [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12991188-train-dreams)) **:: ABOUT THE MOVIE ::** "Train Dreams is the moving portrait of Robert Grainier (Golden Globe-nominee Joel Edgerton), whose life unfolds during an era of unprecedented change in early 20th century America. Orphaned at a young age, Robert grows into adulthood among the towering forests of the Pacific Northwest, where he helps expand the nation's railroad empire alongside men as unforgettable as the landscapes they inhabit. After a tender courtship, he marries Gladys (Academy Award-nominee Felicity Jones) and they build a home together, though his work often takes him far from her and their young daughter. When his life takes an unexpected turn, Robert finds beauty, brutality and newfound meaning for the forests and trees he has felled." (from [Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/train_dreams)) **:: ABOUT THE EVENT ::** Instead of just reading the book as usual, this time we're asking that you also watch the movie adaptation. During our discussion, we'll explore the strengths of both the book and the movie, evaluate the adaptation's effectiveness, and touch on any other topics that arise. You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before the event and stay 30 minutes or longer afterward to connect with other attendees outside the book talk. Please ensure you have read the book and watched the movie before attending (though finishing either is not a barrier to participating, as long as you don't mind spoilers). First-time attendees can join for free. If the event is full, we maintain an unofficial waitlist. Please send [Michael](https://www.meetup.com/members/55295192/) a direct message for more information, in either case. We request a $3 contribution from regular attendees to help cover our monthly meetup costs. **:: ABOUT OUR NEXT READ&WATCH ::** At the end of each event, we will ask for nominees for our next Read & Watch (date TBA). If you have a good pairing in mind, please ensure that the book is between 200-400 pages long, available from the Toronto Public Library, and counts as contemporary literary fiction (though these are not hard and fast rules), and that the movie or TV-series is readily available. When enough nominees are collected, Michael will send the members a direct message with a link where you can vote.

Come chat in the company of new friends, grab a bite, cool drink or water (optional). We will meet in the Food Court in the Lower Level. It's a free event to socialize and make new friends. **Meeting Location** \- The Wellington Market @ The Well \(lower level\) **Arrive** \- Anytime 5:45\-6:30pm **Leave** \- Anytime \-\-\-\- **Stay Connected** **[Join WhatsApp Group Chat](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeV7PTQJLHF_vOb6ND0PxA0jHX3JYviVJR7BNsByG8PUMzR3w/viewform)** ***

Tickets must be purchased in advance! [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/life-lessons-from-a-cardiac-operating-room-by-dr-bobby-yanagawa-tickets-1989051291958?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/life-lessons-from-a-cardiac-operating-room-by-dr-bobby-yanagawa-tickets-1989051291958?aff=oddtdtcreator) Life Lessons from a Cardiac Operating Room — Dr. Bobby Yanagawa Step inside the high-pressure world of cardiac surgery for an unforgettable evening of stories, insight, and conversation with renowned cardiac surgeon **Dr. Bobby Yanagawa**. Hosted by Stellar Socials Lectures, this unique social lecture experience blends intellectual conversation with a stylish nightlife atmosphere — bringing ambitious and curious people together to learn, connect, and engage. From life-and-death decisions inside the operating room to lessons on pressure, leadership, discipline, and the human experience, Dr. Bobby Yanagawa will share captivating stories and perspectives rarely heard outside hospital walls. Whether you’re in healthcare, business, entrepreneurship, or simply love meaningful conversations, this is an evening designed to inspire thought, spark curiosity, and create real connection. ## 🎤 What To Expect • A captivating live lecture by Dr. Bobby Yanagawa • Real stories from the cardiac operating room • Life lessons on leadership, focus, resilience & decision-making • Networking with ambitious, like-minded professionals • A stylish social atmosphere with drinks & conversation ## 🧠 About Stellar Socials Lectures Stellar Socials Lectures brings together professors, experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders for engaging talks hosted inside upscale bars, lounges, and social venues. Our mission is simple: create experiences where learning feels social, inspiring, and genuinely enjoyable. Because education shouldn’t stop after graduation. ## 👥 Who Should Attend? • Young professionals • Entrepreneurs & creatives • Healthcare professionals & students • Curious minds & lifelong learners • Anyone looking to meet inspiring people and experience something different ## ✨ Why Attend? ✔ Expand your perspective ✔ Meet new people in a relaxed social setting ✔ Hear fascinating real-world experiences ✔ Enjoy an elevated alternative to traditional networking events 🎟️ Limited tickets available. Early registration is strongly recommended. ## About Dr. Bobby Yanagawa Dr. Bobby Yanagawa is the Division Head, Division of Cardiac Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital and Program Director, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Toronto. He holds the SURE General Contractors Inc. Professorship in Infective Endocarditis. Dr. Yanagawa completed residency training at the University of Toronto and INOVA Fairfax Hospital (Fairfax, VA) and an advanced valvular fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital (New York, NY). His research training includes a PhD at the University of British Columbia and post-doctoral fellowships at the University of Wales College of Medicine (Cardiff, UK) and National Cardiovascular Center (Osaka, Japan). His clinical and academic focus is surgical revascularization and surgery for infective endocarditis. He is the Director of the Canadian Society of Cardiac Surgeons Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce. His research interests include clinical outcome studies of ischemic and valvular heart disease. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, 40 reviews and 15 book chapters. He is on the editorial board of the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Canadian Journal of Cardiology, Guest Editor - Current Opinions of Cardiology and Feature Editor, Annals of Thoracic Surgery. ### **Agenda** 6:00 p.m. - Arrival. Doors open as soon as 5 p.m. Come in, grab a drink, some food, and settle in. If you’d like to sit closer with your friends, we advise coming in early. 7:05 p.m.- Introduction, lecture begins, followed by Q&A 8:15 p.m. -One-on-one with the lecturer, socializing. You can order another round of drinks. 8:30 p.m. -Wrap up

Ready to sweat it out on the hills? Join us for a HIIT-style hill training hike This hike is part of the **HikeFit Series**, a collection of fitness-focused hikes designed to build strength, endurance, and overall hiking fitness. We’ll challenge you with steep climbs, rugged terrain, and a high-intensity workout. This isn’t a fast-paced hike, but it is **intense**. We’ll tackle multiple **very steep hills** in intervals, with plenty of chances to catch your breath, recover, or skip hills if needed. This hike is designed for intermediate hikers, but it’s **beginner-friendly** since you can skip as many hills as you need. It’s perfect for anyone looking to **get stronger, improve endurance, and boost their hiking fitness** at their own pace. **Weather-Dependent Notice:** The hike is a go, **(light)** rain or shine; However, if there's a risk of excessive mud making the hills too slippery, the hike will be canceled with around 24 hours’ notice. **Distance & Duration:** * **Length of hike:** \~4 km * **Event duration:** \~1.5 hours * **Trail maps:** Random hill at Earl Bales park * **Difficulty level:** L3 (Level 3/Moderate) * Terrain: L4 * Pace: L2 * Distance: L1 **What to Bring:** * **Water:** 1\~2 liters * **Extras:** Hiking pole (Highly recommended) * **Required Gear:** Hiking boots or Trail Runners with good grip, Headlamp, and [Microspikes](https://kahtoola.com/traction/microspikes-footwear-traction/?srsltid=AfmBOoqq-URDFRgNAISoLYH1l1cSLKeXOTSuU6EqUC6VupfLNZAGRg8P) **Costs:** * **Member Event fee:** FREE EVENT **Travel Coordination:** * No Travel Coordination for this Event, Meeting at Starting Point **Event Guidelines:** * **Punctuality,** Please arrive on time so we can start promptly. We won't be able to wait for more than 5min past the start time * **Pack out everything you bring** (including nut shells, fruit peels, etc.) to help keep our trails clean. * **RSVP:** Only those marked as “Going” and have confirmed travel details (if requested) are eligible to attend the event. * If your **plans change** and you are no longer able to attend, please update your RSVP as soon as possible. * **No-shows** without prior communication may result in removal from future events. * **Weather Considerations** The hike is a go (light) **rain or shine**, so please be prepared for the conditions. for example, If it’s expected to rain, waterproof gear (like a jacket or shoes) * **Pets:** please check with the organizer for details before bringing your pet. Looking forward to seeing you on the trail

We are a group of men that meet weekly. Regular attendees do not always RSVP but we usually have 12 men present. Expect a frank and confidential space where you can speak personally, engage in interesting conversations or get support for your personal goals. **We start our meeting at 7:15 sharp. You can rsvp via meetup or email Saul (sauljoy@gmail.com) for this week’s address.** Guests are welcome but it's pretty casual so make sure you are expected in case we move outdoors to the park. Our group is part of Mentor Discover Inspire (MDI) The MDI Mission: To cause greatness by mentoring men to live with excellence and, as mature masculine leaders, create successful families, careers and communities. From MDI website: https://goo.gl/3DQ6aY From Toronto Star: [https://goo.gl/oDH3uX](https://goo.gl/oDH3uX)

St. Timothy's is excited to offer support to newcomers in Canada. Our goal is to provide conversational language practice through informal instruction and feedback in a welcoming and diverse community. We invite all new immigrants, English language students, visitors to Canada, parents of children temporarily attending schools in Toronto, foreign university students, and anyone looking to enhance their language skills. We aim to build community where friendships can flourish, in order to help participants establish meaningful connections, learn about life in Toronto, and access practical resources as you settle in to this new city and country. We begin every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. with a time to socialize and connect. Our formal program begins at 10:30 a.m., and each week we will have different activities and topics, including practicing English conversation, reading short articles, learning about common pronunciation and grammar mistakes made by ESL speakers, etc. Our volunteers would love to get to know you and offer gentle and constructive feedback to help you improve your English! We also offer Individual career mentoring, including job search, mock job interviews, and helping you improve your resumes and cover letters.

Toronto's professional singles deserve better than dating apps and awkward bar introductions. Soulmates Club is raising the standard. **Make sure you get your ticket through Eventbrite: [click here](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1989964088156)** Join us for an intimate evening of real conversation, genuine connection, and effortless mingling curated exclusively for ambitious professionals who are serious about finding love. **What to expect:** * A handpicked guest list capped at just 50 attendees * An upscale, welcoming atmosphere at one of Toronto's premier venues, Myth * Smart casual dress code, come as your best self Follow us to learn more! Website: [https://thesoulmatesclub.com/](https://thesoulmatesclub.com/ "https://thesoulmatesclub.com/") Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/the_soulmates_club](https://www.instagram.com/the_soulmates_club "https://www.instagram.com/the_soulmates_club")

Singles Dance Party + 40 Crowd Saturday May 30th . $20.00 cover 7.30pm -12.30 The Old Mill 21 Old Mill Rd. Join us for a fun-filled evening of dancing, mingling, and making new connections! Whether you’re new in town or a seasoned single professional, this event is perfect for you. Let loose and show off your dance moves as we groove to the latest beats, from Bachata to classic hits. This social networking opportunity is ideal for singles over 50 Get ready to relive the magic of past events like the “Saturday Night Singles Dance Party @ The Old Mill” and “An evening of Dancing & Romancing . Don’t miss out on this chance to mix and mingle with other singles in a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Grab your dancing shoes and get ready for a night to remember at our Singles Night Out! 416 236 8222.

🌲🥾 **CROTHERS WOODS TRAIL HIKE & DAIRY QUEEN STOP** 🥾🍦 Real Trails, A Solid Climb & An Ice Cream Finish Toronto doesn’t have many *true* hiking experiences — but this is one of them. Join us for a more active, nature-focused walk through Crothers Woods, one of the city’s best spots if you’re looking for something that actually feels like a hike. This isn’t your typical flat city stroll. There are hills, forest paths, and a proper climb — especially at the end (Pottery Road 👀). But don’t worry… we’ve got a reward waiting. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social hike — a bit more effort, a bit more nature, and a great group to do it with. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* **🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do** We’ll start at Broadview Station and head south along Broadview before making our way down Pottery Road into the Don Valley. From there, we’ll connect to the Don Valley trails and enter Crothers Woods, where we’ll hike through forested paths and take a short break along the way. After the hike, we’ll make our way back — finishing with the climb up Pottery Road (the final challenge 💪). And then… we reward ourselves with a stop at Dairy Queen for some well-earned ice cream. 🍦 We’ll end back near Broadview Station. \*\*\* 🌦️ **Weather & Expectations** This hike happens rain or shine. Please come prepared — trails may be muddy, and conditions can vary. This is a slightly more challenging walk than most of our events: ✔️ Uneven trails ✔️ Some hills ✔️ One bigger climb at the end Good footwear is important. Also — this is NOT a guided or historical tour. It’s about movement, nature, and being social. \*\*\* 🧢 **Meetup Details** 📍 Meetup Location: Outside Broadview Subway Station 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head out promptly. End Point: Broadview Subway Station \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 **What to Bring** Water Good hiking/walking shoes (important!) A snack Weather-appropriate clothing (trail-ready 🌧️🌿) Optional: cash/card for ice cream 🍦 **Please also use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited.** \*\*\* 🌈 **Who Is This For?** This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. **We also host:** 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* **REMEMBER:** You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the trail. Stay for the challenge. Leave feeling like you actually *earned* that ice cream. 🍦🌲✨

**Let's go to the National Ballet School Block Party!** 🩰 Free dance workshops, performances, live music, snacks, and more! [https://www.nbs-enb.ca/new-now/nbs-block-party/](https://www.nbs-enb.ca/new-now/nbs-block-party/) *It's* *free, but* *you* *have* *to* *register:* [https://www.nbs-enb.ca/new-now/nbs-block-party/#section6344](https://www.nbs-enb.ca/new-now/nbs-block-party/#section6344) 👟 This event is TTC dependent so please check here or in the comments section for updates. Please UPDATE your RSVP by Thursday MAY 28 @ 3 PM \*Those on the waitlist, please monitor the page in case you're moved to attending! \*Cancellations made by attendees less than 24 hours before the event will be considered late-cancellations. \*Those with multiple no-shows/ late-cancellations to my previous events won't be permitted to attend this event.

As adults, our routines get full, circles get smaller, and meaningful connections don’t just happen by chance! That’s why our Fast Friending evenings in Toronto are created with intention — to give you a comfortable, welcoming space to meet like-minded ladies & gents who are also looking for genuine friendships. If you’ve been wanting deeper connections but didn’t know where to begin, this is your place to start. **Book tickets now & save money -** [https://toro30thmay.eventbrite.co.uk](https://toro30thmay.eventbrite.co.uk) \*You can use any debit or credit card to purchase your ticket at PayPal checkout. It will ask you for your email address but that is only to send you a receipt. You do not need a PayPal account. EVENT COST: Early Bird - CAD$ 10 per person Regular Ticket - CAD$ 15 per person Cash at meetup - If you have not purchased your ticket in advance then you can pay CAD$ 20 cash when you meet Kruttika at the venue. **Our venue for the evening** \- We have a reserved area where our members can meet each other in a supportive environment\. **Here’s how your evening will flow:** **7:00 PM – Welcome** Arrive at 7:00 PM and be welcomed by your host, Kruttika , who will guide the evening and help with introductions. Feeling shy? Come a little early and she’ll ease you into small-group conversations. You’re also welcome to bring a lady friend along for free. **7:30 – 8:30 PM \| Fast Friending** Chat with a new attendee every 3 minutes, ensuring you meet a variety of like-minded ladies and gentlemen. **After 8:30 PM \| Open Mingling** Reconnect with those you enjoyed speaking to and continue meaningful conversations at your own pace \- We are not a close knit tight group\. Our evenings are warm and comfortable for members attending for the first time and those coming alone\. You will not feel alone\! \- We have many groups in this city\. Members of our other groups who RSVP are included as guests of the organisers in order to give you an indication of expected people\. \- This evening is for ladies and gents in the 21 to 40 age group\. While some will be at the younger end of this range there will also be others at the other end of the range and lots in\-between\! You will naturally gel with others of your own age range and so you will always find many attendees who fit your range\. \- We are not a 'dating' group\. We are focused on helping ladies and gents meet other like minded ladies and gents\. You will generally find a good gender balance \(maybe not perfect\) at all our events\. **Why do we have tickets?** 1. Cover our costs - Our host is compensated for their time and work. We also pay meetup and have dedicated staff to manage our events, hosts, venues and communication. 2. Group Safety - By securing your ticket we have a record and you contribute to a well organized evening where everyone is more committed and better behaved. 3. Management - Tickets help us better manage attendee group size, book suitable space and activity. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ABOUT [fastfriends.co.uk ](https://fastfriends.co.uk/)- We have connected members successfully for the past 10 years in over 30 cities (operating as Expatsclub, MeetConnectDevelop and fastfriends.co.uk). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- You can contact our founder Dan on +447715705005 with any questions or ideas. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Here are some videos which will give you some guidance and comfort to make your attendance more productive.** Secrets for socialising at our meetups - [https://bit.ly/44ZdVwx](https://bit.ly/44ZdVwx) Making new friends -[ https://bit.ly/455TsWY](https://bit.ly/455TsWY) How to make people like you instantly - [https://bit.ly/3Vj5PeT](https://bit.ly/3Vj5PeT) Members review - [https://bit.ly/3yHfu6d](https://bit.ly/3yHfu6d)

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.

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Belle's Bread Bakery and Cafe. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.