Blood Drives Toronto

Kick-off Riverdale Park 5K Run / Walk / Jog

I think we're ready to start this group's running season! 5K every week till the snows come down! Or try to! This seems like a good Sunday to start as the temperature and sunlight should all be moderate. Also, plenty of time to prepare with stretch and strength if you haven't run since last year! BTW, I've learned there is a lot of benefit to starting with slow jogging - rather than walking. Please look that up, if you are slow - like me - and want to improve your endurance, consistency, aerobic and anaerobic capacity. We'll meet by the track. I'll be there early to warm up. We will start the 5K exactly at 9:30am. As mentioned in the About Us, * Using the park track we can all go at our own pace and never really be left behind unless we all finish way ahead of you. :D I think an hour is enough time to dedicate to the run. I'm pretty slow, so you will likely have me around for most of the hour. * Members are free to leave the run whenever they want. * Bring your kids, your pets, your partners, etc. * All encouraged to stick around afterwards and enjoy the park or neighbourhood on your own. * Let's get stronger, healthier and foster a great community at the same time. * As part of our kick-off, I am open to heading off to get some brunch on the Danforth afterwards, if anybody is interested! Lots of great options there! We also welcome runners who are not in our neighbourhood and want to join us spiritually and run from their own neighbourhoods. :-) Imagine how much healthier and communal the world would be if we all stopped for an hour once in a while to run together; re-centring and re-charging together?

5km Walk/roll for UHN: Swag, food, concert! $20 with code

Life Lessons from a Cardiac Operating Room by Dr. Bobby Yanagawa

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

Make Friends at a Cafe - Good Chats BETA

**GoodChats.** **Newest Way to Make Friends in Toronto!** Ever walked into a coffee shop and wished you knew the people around you? That’s exactly what GoodChats is for. Our Coffee Chat events are designed to make meeting new people feel natural — no awkward intros, no swiping, no pressure. Just real conversations with people who already share your interests. **How it works:** **1) Sign up on iOS or Android** Download the GoodChats app to get started. Use the code **COFFEE** to sign-up for the invite-only app today! [https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp](https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp) **2) Start a chat about what you like** Talk about anything you’re into — hobbies, ideas, random thoughts. The app builds your profile based on what you actually care about. **3) Join a Coffee Chat** We match you with a small group of people who share similar interests and invite you to a local coffee shop meetup. That’s it — just show up, grab a drink, and talk. **What to expect:** * Small groups (so it’s actually easy to connect) * Weekly events at local coffee shops * A relaxed, low-pressure environment * People you’re genuinely likely to vibe with **Good to know:** * Events are **completely free** * All event details and invites are inside the GoodChats app * We’re currently in **beta**, with new Coffee Chats happening every week Use the code **COFFEE** to sign-up for the invite-only app today! [https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp](https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp) If you’ve ever wanted meeting new people to feel easier (and more real)… this is for you.

Doors Open Toronto

Make Friends at a Cafe - Good Chats App BETA

**GoodChats.** . **Newest Way to Make Friends in Toronto!** . Ever walked into a coffee shop and wished you knew the people around you? That’s exactly what GoodChats is for. . Our Coffee Chat events are designed to make meeting new people feel natural — no awkward intros, no swiping, no pressure. Just real conversations with people who already share your interests. **How it works:** . **1) Sign up on iOS or Android** Download the GoodChats app to get started. . Use the code **COFFEE** to sign-up for the invite-only app today! [https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp](https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp) . **2) Start a chat about what you like** Talk about anything you’re into — hobbies, ideas, random thoughts. The app builds your profile based on what you actually care about. . **3) Join a Coffee Chat** We match you with a small group of people who share similar interests and invite you to a local coffee shop meetup. That’s it — just show up, grab a drink, and talk. . **What to expect:** * Small groups (so it’s actually easy to connect) * Weekly events at local coffee shops * A relaxed, low-pressure environment * People you’re genuinely likely to vibe with . **Good to know:** * Events are **completely free** * All event details and invites are inside the GoodChats app * We’re currently in **beta**, with new Coffee Chats happening every week Use the code **COFFEE** to sign-up for the invite-only app today! [https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp](https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp) . If you’ve ever wanted meeting new people to feel easier (and more real)… this is for you.

ABCD Reads AND Watches "Train Dreams"

[[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.

Doube’s Bridge + Canoe Day Plan

Doube’s Bridge + Canoe Day Plan Stop 1 — Morning Walk 📍 Orange Corners Road Access Walk the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail to Doube's Trestle Bridge Hiking Plan Start early: around 8:30–9:00 AM Walk east on trail Cross the bridge Continue until: 7.5 km Turn back Total: 15 km ~3.5–4.5 hours After Hike Drive about 20–30 minutes toward Omemee for paddling. Stop 2 — Canoe/Kayak Best launch area: Omemee Boat Launch Good for: beginner canoeing relaxing paddle scenic river views less stressful launching Paddle Route Explore the Pigeon River Paddle casually toward: marsh areas quiet shoreline Emily Provincial Park direction Timeline 8:30 AM → Start hike 12:30–1:00 PM → Finish hike 1:00 PM → Lunch/snack break 1:30 PM → Drive to canoe launch 2:00–4:00 PM → Paddle 4:30 PM → Early dinner nearby Bring For both activities: water electrolytes snacks/protein bars sunscreen bug spray hat extra socks towel portable charger change of clothes For canoe: waterproof bag sandals/water shoes life jacket

Pedal the Parkway: Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake 🚲✨

🏛️🚶 DOORS OPEN TORONTO: HIDDEN BUILDINGS & CITY STORIES WALK 🚶🏛️

🏛️🚶 **DOORS OPEN TORONTO: HIDDEN BUILDINGS & CITY STORIES WALK** 🚶🏛️ Historic Spaces, Community Landmarks & A City Revealed Some buildings you walk past every day without thinking twice… until the doors open. Join us for a second day of Doors Open Toronto, where we’ll explore a mix of historic, cultural, and community spaces across the city — each with its own story, purpose, and evolution. This walk is about contrast. Old and new. Exclusive and inclusive. Grand and everyday. And how all of it shapes the city we live in. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social, story-driven walk — with moments to pause, look, and see familiar places differently. 👉 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll move through a curated route of Doors Open, stopping at a variety of buildings and institutions that reflect Toronto’s layered history and community life. Some of the locations we may visit include: * **Fire Station 315** – Opened in 1889, this historic fire hall is built of brick with stone detailing, reflecting early 20th-century civic architecture. * **The El Mocambo** – Opened in 1948, this iconic music venue is housed in a brick building with a classic mid-century commercial façade. * **Daniels Building (University of Toronto)** – Opened in 1875 (as Knox College), this Gothic Revival building is constructed of sandstone with intricate masonry detailing. * **U of T Bookstore (Koffler Student Centre)** – Opened in 1958, this modernist structure is built primarily of concrete and glass. * **Polish Combatants' Association Branch 20** – Opened in 1950, this community hall is a modest brick structure reflecting post-war institutional design. * **St. George’s Hall (Arts & Letters Club)** – Opened in 1891, this heritage building is constructed of brick and stone in a Victorian style. * **St. George Greek Orthodox Church** – Opened in 1897, this church is built of brick with classical detailing and later Byzantine-inspired elements. * **Street Health** – Established in 1986, the facility operates out of a practical brick building adapted for community healthcare use. * **Street Haven** – Founded in 1965, this women’s shelter is housed in a converted brick residential building typical of the area. * **Jarvis Street Baptist Church** – Opened in 1875, this Gothic Revival church is built of brick with stone accents. * **The 519** –This building actually dates back to 1858 — long before it became The 519 we know today — and started as a Georgian-style home before evolving into a community space. * **Foy-Smith House** – Built in 1891, this historic home is constructed of brick in the Queen Anne Revival style. * **St. Paul’s Bloor Street** – Opened in 1889, this Romanesque Revival church is built of stone with a commanding tower and detailed masonry. Some locations we’ll enter, others we’ll experience from the outside depending on timing and lineups. ⚠️ Please note: wait times are part of Doors Open. We’ll move as a group and make decisions along the way. *** 🏛️ What Is Doors Open Toronto? Doors Open Toronto is a free annual event where the city opens up buildings that are normally closed to the public — from historic homes and cultural institutions to places you’d never usually think to step inside. It’s one of the best ways to explore Toronto beyond the surface. *** 🌆 Vibe & Expectations This is a longer, more exploratory walk with: ✔️ Multiple stops ✔️ Some waiting in lines ✔️ A mix of indoor and outdoor spaces ✔️ Members can leave any time the like It’s not about rushing — it’s about discovering. Also — this is NOT a formal historical tour. I’ll share context and stories as we go, but the focus is on the experience and being social. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: **Fire Station 315** 🫎 I’ll be outside and I will be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: (Insert time) I will only wait 5 minutes. Anyone arriving late can meet us along the route. We won’t be saving spots in line — it’s important we respect the people around us. *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com)** Doors Open is free to attend. This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes Patience for lines ⏳ Weather-appropriate clothing Optional: snacks or money for food along the way *** 🌈 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 buildings. Stay for the stories. Leave seeing the city not just as it looks — but as it’s evolved. 🏛️✨

Richmond Hill Evening Trail Walk & Persian Dinner

Meet up with the group for an evening 13 km trail walk in the Oak Ridges / Bond Lake area, followed by dinner at Arjan Restaurant, 10145 Yonge St, Richmond Hill. Trail access and parking are available at the Bond Lake Trail Head, 12611 Yonge Street, with additional community parking options nearby. A perfect evening plan for anyone who enjoys a longer hike, good company, and a nice dinner after. Before you sign up — this hike is pretty intense! Not for the weak knees 😭

BANG YOUR HEAD: Hair Metal & Retro Rock Video Dance Party - NO COVER - 11pm

Living On Video & DJ Lazarus Presents Sat May 23 - BANG YOUR HEAD Hair Metal & Retro Rock Video Dance Party - NO COVER - 11pm Are you still SMOKING IN THE BOYS ROOM while being HOT FOR TEACHER? Are you looking for a TURBO LOVER that will LICK IT UP? Do you just WANNA ROCK and SHOUT AT THE DEVIL? Then put on your tighetest spandex and acid wash denim, tease your hair, and get ready to BANG YOUR HEAD to the wildest music videos ever made. Bang Your Head begins after the Air Guitar Championship event. Sat May 23, 2026 BANG YOUR HEAD: Hair Metal & Retro Rock Video Dance Party with DJ Lazarus Ground Control - 1279 Queen St West NO COVER - 11pm-2am 19+ FREE TICKET: https://nocoverhairmetal.eventbrite.ca INVITE: www.facebook.com/events/2269553820450622 (please SHARE and INVITE your friends) SEE VIDEOS FROM: Cinderella, Whitesnake, Motley Crue, Van Halen, Def Leppard, WASP, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Great White, Guns N Roses, Twisted Sister, Judas Priest, Lita Ford, Lee Aaron, Ratt, Saxon, Europe, Scorpions, Iron Maiden, KISS, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Slade, Stryper, Britny Fox, White Lion, Kingdom Come, Dokken, Quiet Riot, Warrant, Queensryche, Poison, Vixen, Marillion, Slaughter, Tesla, Sammy Hagar, LA Guns, Vince Neil, Damn Yankees, Anthrax, Bad English, Skid Row, Bulletboys, Slayer, Spinal Tap, Motorhead, Metallica, Megadeth, Testament, Hanoi Rocks, Firehouse, Saigon Kick, Dio, ZZ Top, Heart, David Lee Roth and many more. SOCIAL: www.facebook.com/groundcontroltoronto www.facebook.com/livingonvideoclub www.facebook.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitch.tv/livingonvideoclub www.mixcloud.com/livingonvideo www.instagram.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitter.com/djlazarusrocks