Scouting

Exhibition Place has lots of majestic buildings but it's hard to appreciate them when it's crowded. So, we'll visit before event season begins. It's a sprawling venue that's great for a hike to work up an appetite. We will detour first to Trillium Park for a vista of downtown Toronto and check out some of the illuminated works from the [Lumière](https://ontarioplace.com/en/special_programs/lumiere/) light exhibition. Then, we'll make out way through all the heritage-listed buildings of Exhibition Place. It runs the gamut from a colonial fort to neo-Classical exhibition buildings. The hike ends in Parkdale, where we can peruse the late night restaurants there: Tibetan momos, Japanese ramen, Saudi kabsa, Italian millefoglie, and even Mexican insects. **Highlights** 1. Princes' Gates (depart 6:30pm) 2. Toronto Inukshuk 3. Trillium Park (depart 7pm) 4. CNE Food Building 5. CNE Fire hall / Music building / Press building 6. CNE Bandshell 7. Fort Rouillé / Scadding Cabin / Wind turbine 8. Ontario Government Building 9. Dufferin Gate 10. Lao-Thai / Gladstone Hotel (depart 7:50pm) 11. The Drake Hotel / DoDoner / Lisgar Park 12. Matt’s Burgerlab 13. Molkagtez Mexican Cuisine / Kaminari Ramen Bar / BB's 14. Daymi 15. Shambhala Kitchen (arrive 8:20pm) **Neighbourhoods** Ontario Place > Exhibition Place > Parkdale **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1tJVHKn9_bIiGBuweFLULTS71AJSIMCE&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1tJVHKn9_bIiGBuweFLULTS71AJSIMCE&usp=sharing) **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way. Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to [globaltorontoeats@gmail.com.](http://globaltorontoeats@gmail.com.) No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike. Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers. See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

Contact Alex for location and information.

**Ideas Worth Saying Out Loud — Practice Session** Do you get nervous before speaking in meetings, presentations, or on stage? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to let fear hold you back. In this session, our gentle focus is: **Feeling Less Nervous on Stage**. Using **improv-inspired exercises** and small group activities, we’ll explore ways to: * Reduce stage anxiety and nervous energy * Speak with more confidence and presence * Express your ideas clearly, even when you feel nervous * Practice breathing, pausing, and grounding yourself before speaking No experience with public speaking or improv is needed. You can participate at your own pace and speak as much or as little as you want. This is a **safe, low-pressure environment** designed to help you feel calmer, more present, and more yourself on stage. **Come join us, practice speaking out loud, and take the first step toward speaking with confidence.**

Please contact event host, Christopher, for the event location at christopher.tyrrell@ymail.com

Important Register on the [event website](https://www.aicamp.ai/event/eventdetails/W2026031214) (Due to room capacity and building security, you must pre-register at the link for admission) **Description:** Welcome to the AI meetup in Toronto. Join us for deep dive tech talks on AI, GenAI, LLMs and Agent, hands-on experiences on code labs, workshops, and networking with speakers and fellow developers. **Speakers/Topics:** \- Eli Aleyner \(Docker\) Stay tuned as we are updating speakers and schedules. If you have a keen interest in speaking to our community, we invite you to submit topics for consideration: [Submit Topics](https://forms.gle/JkMt91CZRtoJBSFUA) **Sponsors:** We are actively seeking sponsors to support AI developers community. Whether it is by offering venue spaces, providing food, or cash sponsorship. Sponsors will not only speak at the meetups, receive prominent recognition, but also gain exposure to our extensive membership base of 10,000+ AI developers in Toronto or 500K+ worldwide.

Scouting trip on QEW (**Day hike only**, not overnight) - basically we will follow the Ganaraska trail until we hit Sheldon lake. Around 4-5 KM 1 way (1-2 hours). I've done this trail before in the Winter, but it's probably been 10+ years. \- https://www\.alltrails\.com/trail/canada/ontario/sheldon\-lake\-via\-ganaraska\-devil\-s\-lake Meeting point is Devil's Lake Access point - 1115 Devil's Lake Road. Assumes that the weather does get warmer by March and non-SUV /4 wheel vehicles can access the parking lot, which presumably is unmaintained. This also means no registration / parking fees needed. **The weather will still be cold in March.** Anyone interested ensure you have the right gear to stay warm and for hiking and bring your own breakfast / lunch. **You are responsible for your own safety.** Unless things change, I'm planning on taking my 4.5 year old daughter along as a weekend outdoor activity, so beginners are welcome and we will likely go slow. 1 - Mainly hike along the trail and see the conditions for future overnight backpacking trip. 2 - If there is time, explore the different camp sites along the lake to see which would be best for a future trip and for different group sizes.

**RSVP DEADLINE: Tuesday, March 10th, or when space fills up!** ✨ **Couples Dinner Night Out at Twin Fish Thai Cuisine** ✨ Are you and your partner/spouse ready for an evening designed just for **real connection, laughter, and meaningful conversation with other couples**? Looking for a reason to step out, reconnect, and enjoy an evening together? Join us for a relaxed and heart-centered **Couples Dinner** at **Twin Fish Thai Cuisine**—a cozy, modern, family-run restaurant where every meal is crafted with fresh ingredients, love, and intention. This isn’t just dinner. It’s an experience. From authentic Thai flavors that awaken your senses, to an atmosphere rooted in warmth, faith, and purpose, Twin Fish is a place where connection naturally unfolds—with your partner and with the people around you. ✨ Come enjoy: • Incredible, soul-satisfying Thai food • A welcoming, intimate setting • Meaningful conversation & connection • A chance to slow down and simply *be **together*** Whether it’s a date night, a moment to reconnect, or just an excuse to get out and enjoy something special—this evening is about sharing good food, good energy, and great company. Come for the authentic flavors; stay for the atmosphere of purpose and blessing, where you can expect delicious food, friendly service, and an atmosphere that invites you to relax and enjoy. * **The Vibe:** Modern, cozy, and deeply welcoming. * **The Food:** Authentic Thai dishes that tantalize the senses. * **The Connection:** A chance to unplug and savor great food with your favorite person. Space is limited to keep the evening intimate—grab your partner and RSVP to join our table! **Important Details — Please Read:** 💑 *This event is strictly for couples only.* Single registrations will not be accepted. 💳 Your spot is **only secured once payment has been completed** — RSVP alone does not guarantee your place. **\*\*\*To confirm your spot please send e-transfer of $10 to [ironclive@gmail.com.](http://ironclive@gmail.com./)** For more details please visit [Couples Connect Social](https://www.meetup.com/couples-connect-social/). 🍷 Dinner and drinks available for purchase at the restaurant. 🪑 **Reservations are made under “Anna.”** Please mention this upon arrival. Come share a table, a laugh, and maybe even new friendships. We can’t wait to meet you both! 💫

Let's drink beers and shoot the shit about space! Plus, let's see some awesome astronomy content, delivered by our friends at [Astronomy On Tap](https://www.dunlap.utoronto.ca/public-outreach/astronomy-on-tap-to/). Let's meet at the [The Dog & Bear Pub](https://dogandbear.ca/), 1100 Queen St W, just a half block west from the Great Hall. We'll meet there at 6pm, do our traditional "drink beers and shoot the shit about space" (dinner also possible), and then head over to the AoT event starting 7:15 for entry by 7:30. Join us at any point, but DO expect that it'll be much harder to find us at the Great Hall than at any earlier point. We'll basically be pre-drinking at Dog & Bear, hoping to see double stars at Astronomy on Tap LOL. We will also bring one of our gliders for a bit of show & tell. More info on Astronomy On Tap: held every few months at the Great Hall by the Dunlap Institute, it's basically couple of astronomy lectures, usually by researchers, with a cash bar and tons of astronomy nerds. Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm, no cover and no tickets required, but in my experience it fills up so it's best to get there well before 8pm to get better seats.

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hike-mount-nemo)** ***Mount Nemo, one of the most popular scenic spots in the GTA, offers breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment while being conveniently close to the city.*** Despite its proximity, the area feels beautifully removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As we hike along the ancient limestone formations that shape the escarpment, we’ll be on the lookout for *Eastern Cedars*, some of the oldest living trees in the world. This is a fun 7 km hike that's accessible but super interesting — you'll feel truly connected with the escarpment as you walk through cracks in the rock and alongside ancient forest that goes all the way to the cliff edge. On this hike you can expect: \- Ancient cedar trees \- Sweeping panoramic views \- Dramatic escarpment ridge formations \- Scramble up rocks & wooden ladders **Depending on snow levels we may be required to use snowshoes or ice spikes. We have a limited quantity available that you can grab at check-out. Ice spikes are free to borrow and snow shoes can be rented for a small fee.** **Highlights** **Scenic hike -** Walk through some of Ontario's oldest forests and enjoy the varied terrain and ecology. **Local mountain -** Only 45 minutes west of Toronto, Mount Nemo is the perfect accessible hike for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and people who want to just dip their toes in what Ontario nature has to offer. **Panoramic escarpment views -** Once at the top of Mount Nemo, enjoy some beautiful views. **Event cost: $40+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hike-mount-nemo)** **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/)***

🎸🚗 **Friday Road Trip to Niagara Falls: Glass Tiger & Trooper Live!** 🚗🎸 **Friday, March 13** Join us for an epic Friday night road trip to **Niagara Falls** to see two legendary Canadian rock bands — **Glass Tiger** and **Trooper** — live at Fallsview Casino Resort! This is a perfect excuse for a fun evening getaway filled with classic hits, great company, and zero driving stress. We’ll cruise together in a **Kia Soul**, equipped with **snow tires** and **SiriusXM** to set the road-trip soundtrack. Depending on traffic , we may have a bit of time for sightseeing before the show *** ### 🎶 **About the Show** **Glass Tiger**, known for massive hits like *“Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)”* and *“Someday,”* teams up with **Trooper**, the high-energy rockers behind classics like *“We’re Here for a Good Time”* and *“Raise a Little Hell.”* Expect a nostalgic, high-energy night celebrating iconic Canadian rock. 🔗 **Event details:** [https://fallsviewcasinoresort.com/events-and-promotions/schedule-of-events/glass-tiger-trooper.html](https://fallsviewcasinoresort.com/events-and-promotions/schedule-of-events/glass-tiger-trooper.html) *** ### 🕓 **Schedule** * **4:00 PM** – Depart Toronto from outside Christie Station * **8:00 PM** – Concert starts * **\~12:00 AM (Midnight)** – Return to Toronto *** ### 🚗 **What’s Included** * 🎟️ Concert ticket * 🚘 Round-trip transportation in a Kia Soul * 🎶 SiriusXM music for the drive *** ### 💲 **Cost** **$50 total** (includes ticket and transportation) 👉 **Payment required in advance** Please e-transfer $50 to: nicolasbello@yahoo.com Your spot is confirmed once payment is received. *** Space is limited. Please RSVP **only if you’re fully committed**, as tickets and transportation are booked in advance. Let’s kick off the weekend with a great concert, a smooth road trip, and some classic Canadian rock! 🎸✨

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Save the Date 🌱 The Licking County Master Gardener Volunteers invite you to the annual gardening conference, open to everyone who enjoys growing plants. 📅 Saturday, March 14, 2026 📍 OSU Newark Campus - Reese center 🎟️ Tickets go on sale in January and this event fills fast, sells out every year 🌿 2026 Theme: Unusual Gardens in Your Backyard You will hear practical ideas that help you rethink small spaces and try new approaches at home. This conference also arrives at the perfect time of year. It helps soothe the urge to get outside while winter is still around. Central Ohio gardeners wait until late May to plant outdoors, so this day helps you plan and daydream about spring projects. Speakers • Joseph Tychonievich, author of Rock Gardening: Reimagining a Classic Style • Debra Knapke, The Garden Sage • Denise Schreiber, author of Eat Your Roses You will find vendors, a silent raffle, and friendly conversations with other gardeners. Registration • Register by January 31 to pay 50 dollars • Starting February 1, the fee is 60 dollars • Tickets at the door are 75 dollars • Boxed lunch, coffee and pastries are included MGV website: [https://fourseasonsofgardening.org/2026-spring-conference](https://fourseasonsofgardening.org/2026-spring-conference) 9:00-9:20 Registration & Complimentary Muffins & Vendor Visits (Auditorium) 9:20-9:30 Welcome & Opening Remarks (Auditorium) 9:30-10:20 Denise Schreiber, “Mrs Know It All” Pittsburg, PA Beyond the Garden Gate, Peeking at the Neighbor’s (Ballroom/Hallway). 10:20–10:40 Break-Visit Vendors & Raffle Tables (Auditorium) 10:40–11:30 Debra Knapke, “The Garden Sage” Columbus Ohio Wanting it All—Evolving as a Gardener (Ballroom) 11:30-12:15 Lunch (Catered/Visit Vendors & Raffle Tables 12:30–1:00 Break Out—Session 1 (Ballroom) Dawn Seymour Hungry for Change: Avoiding “the Jones’” with Intentional Design (Auditorium) Ryan Slaughter, Ross County Ag. & Natural Resources Extension Educator Growing Berries in Home Gardens (Ballroom) 1:10–1:40 Break Out Session 2 Dawn Seymour Hungry for Change: Avoiding “the Jones’” with Intentional Design (Auditorium) Ryan Slaughter Growing Berries in the Home Garden (Ballroom/Hallway) 1:40-2:10 Break: Final Visit to Vendors & Raffle Tables 2:10–3:00 Joseph Tychonievich, South Bend, IN, Writer, Plant Breeder, Gardener Big Ideas, Small Spaces: Making Creative Gardens on Small Properties

Younkin Branch Library (Ashville) meeting space is now reserved for any and all interested in or enthused by playing a game of chess. The second Thursday of each month, 6:00pm to 7:50pm. First gathering is Thursday, May 11th. No fees. Chess sets provided; however, you may bring your own if you wish.