Continued from our Can't Miss Meetups article, here are some Can't Miss Meetups from the past:

Random Acts of Kindness Volunteer / Non-Profit Meetup presents:

"Sunday Sandwich and Cookie Club"

Topics:

Volunteerism - Non Profit - Social Networking

Type of Event:

Fundraiser

Description:

Some 38 million people in America are considered food insecure because they have trouble finding the money to keep food on the table. A big part of food insecurity relates to the uncertainties of daily life, which are growing daily for some families. People go hungry because of unexpected events, such as paying for an emergency visit to the hospital, a car repair, or the loss of a job. At time they find themselves homeless for the same reasons.

I loved MJs and Robins Sandwich Soiree idea! But getting to the Soupmobile in Dallas to deliver the finished Sammies is a challenge for me. Then I discovered that the Presbyterian Night Shelter (PNS) in FW is just 2 miles from where I work. I can drop off donations much more easily than a Dallas location.

Soooo, if each person volunteering brings something from the list, together we can assemble 300 sandwiches and 600 desserts for PNS. Then I can deliver them the next day. It took 14 volunteers about 2.5 hours to make 300 sandwiches at MJs. With a few more volunteers, I think we could do both sandwiches and cookies in the about the same time. Kids who want to help are welcome to attend, be sure to list them as your guest. Please indicate in your RSVP what you can contribute.

300 Sandwiches Updated 6/6

Food service gloves (several pledges)

300 zip top sandwich baggies (several pledges)

30 loaves of bread (bread thrift stores are a great source for bread) > 35 pledged

13 24-slice packs of lunch meat > 11 pledged

13 24-slice packs of cheese (not individually wrapped please) > 20 pledged

6 Squeeze bottle of mustard > 6 pledged

Disposable foam coolers for transport > 4 pledged

600 Desserts Updated 6/6

600 more zip top snack or sandwich baggies (several pledges)

40-65 packages of cookies (any kind) > 43 pledged

Empty boxes for transport (several pledges)

I do have a small dog, so if you have dog allergies, please take your meds! See you Sunday!

For nearly 25 years, the Presbyterian Night Shelter (PNS) in east Fort Worth has served the needs of Tarrant County homeless. The largest provider of services for the homeless, PNS is the only free area emergency shelter without length of stay restrictions.

The Shelter believes in respecting the dignity of its clients, while supplying meals, beds, and basic human care to an average of 700 homeless men and women every night and approximately 5,000 annually. The Shelter provides hope to its clients and is working to end homelessness. Through counseling and specialized programs, PNS provides resources so clients can reenter mainstream society. Case management and specialized services are also provided at each of the four facilities:

* Patriot House for veterans



* Lowdon-Schutts for women with children (only shelter in Tarrant County that accepts families with teens)

* Safe Haven for the mentally ill




* PNS Main Shelter

I would like to organize this as a recurring monthly event. If you live in the mid cities or Tarrant county and would like to host a sandwich, dessert, and/or breakfast making event benefitting PNS in the future, please email me! We will try to leave the East DFW locations for monthly Soupmobile sandwich parties. Thanks! ~dawn

Event Rating:

Attendance:

24

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

Taking the art of making a sandwich, and turning it into a random act of kindness.

This magical Meetup Group pledged together to make and donate sandwiches and desserts to feed the homeless. These folks certainly aren't just 'acting'! This is their regularly scheduled programming. Check out their past Meetups!

These local superheroes are making a giant impact on their community, one Meetup at a time.

What they had to say about it:

"At moments made me think of the I Love Lucy assembly line show! But really, we were like a well oiled machine, all working together with fast, great results! FUN and worthwhile!" from Jackie.

"I had a blast! Dawn had everything set up perfectly, with two large "sammie stations" for us. After we ran out of meat and cheese, everyone talked about how many more sandwiches we could make next time, since we have become so efficient! The prepping and setup really helped - we will soon have this down to a fine science! :-)" from Stephanie.

"As always, it was fun working with this great group of people and for a very good cause. " from Prudence.

Event Link

The Nassau County Walking Meetup Group presents:

"Belmont Lake State Park GeoCaching Treasure Hunt/Hike"

Topics:

Fitness - Car Free - Social Movements

Type of Event:

Treasure Hunt!

Description:

On May 31st we will have another GeoCache Treasure Hunt/Hike. This time at Belmont Lake State Park.

We will circle the lake and then head south to Babylon along the park trails. This will be a six-mile hike. Bring lots of water and wear good hiking boots. Some areas may be muddy. Bring lunch as we will stop for an informal picnic.

This event will be combined with another group, the Social Adventures Group, increasing your chances of making new friends.

At out last Geocache hunt, Lori, Naomi and Henry were all very successful in finding three hidden caches. The 4th cache was not found because the tree where it was hidden was cut down, as I found out later when the owner posted a message about that in geocaching.com.

In the the messages section, I posted the details of five caches that are along the trail we will be taking from Belmont to Babylon. You may want to print out this list to bring with you to help with finding the caches. If you have a GPS, bring it if you want. I'll have mine ready to go and preprogrammed with these coordinates.

Directions: Southern State Pkwy Exit 38. (leads right into park).

Meet us by the restrooms at the far end of the first parking lot at 12 Noon.

Parking Fee:

Belmont has a $6 parking fee (Free with Empire Pass).

I will send my cell phone number, the day before the event, to all those who RSVP "yes."

See you on May 31st at Noon!

Glenn

Event Rating:

Attendance:

10

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

A treasure hunt! Geocaching is a great hobby. Combining the excitement of finding hidden objects, with a hike and dining out format too, made for a well-rounded and memorable Meetup experience.

This Meetup Grounp found more fun, than what the weather had originally mapped out for them!

What they had to say about it:

"Some wonderful old friends and some wonderful new friends who just joined our group, all together made this an absolutely delightful day. We started out with an alternative plan (due to the bad weather) and we met for lunch at Bennigan's. The the sun actually came out and we headed over to the park to find two hidden caches. Beads the the one who found both this time. Since we started out late after having lunch first, we had to limit it to half the hike. So we will do this again in two weeks for the full 6 miles and the other two cashes. A heart-felt welcome to all the new people." from Glenn.

"We thought the weather was going to dampen the event but it turned out to be a great day. We were able to still get in a good amount of walking and actually found 2 caches." from Lori B.

"An interesting & unique group activity; something that hasn't been offered by other Hiking meet-up groups" from Bob H.

Event Link

The New York City Animal Rights Meetup Group presents:

"Veggie Pride Parade"

Topics:

Animal Rights - Animal Welfare - Animal Rescue

Type of Event:

It's a Parade!

Description:

The First Veggie Pride Parade in America will take place in New York City on May 18, 2008

The First Veggie Pride Parade in America will take place in Greenwich Village, New York City, on May 18, 2008. The procession will begin at 12 Noon in the Old Meat District (where 9th Ave., Gansevoort St., Greenwich St., and Little West 12th St. intersect). It will culminate in Washington Square Park (Eastern end), where a festival of rock music, speakers and exhibitors will take place.

Up-and-coming vegan rock star Cheryl Hill will rouse the crowd with hits from her latest EP, Let Love In. Some may remember Cheryl as the wise woman of Vegan Wellness, Public Access TV, Manhattan Cable.

Parade participants are encouraged to dress up in costumes and to wear sign boards announcing their pride in their vegetarian lifestyle. Local restaurants will represent themselves with banners.

Marchers may be animal-rights activists, environmentalists, or just concerned with their health. But on May 18, 2008, all will come together with one voice, one expression, of veggie pride.

At 2 p.m. on stage at the post-parade rally in Washington Square Park, the winners of a costume and poster-slogan contest in various categories will be announced.

PeTA's Chris P. Carrot

At 4 p.m., also on stage, a 7-foot-tall human pea pod, Penelo Pea Pod (long-time mascot of parade sponsor VivaVegie Society) will be married to PeTA's Chris P. Carrot in an open wedding ceremony.

There is a special page within the Veggie Pride Parade Web site outlining how restaurants can get involved, and how both individuals and businesses can place a sponsorship ad in the official program/ad booklet. Contingents from all walks of life are encouraged to get involved.

The U.S.-based parade was inspired by (but is not affiliated with) the Veggie Pride Parade in Paris. The Parisian parade was the first of its kind ever to take place in the world and has been taking place annually since 2001.

Click image at left to view, printable map of the route for the Veggie Pride Parade, NYC.

Click HERE to subscribe to the Veggie Pride Parade RSS feed of its BLOG.

Event Rating:

Attendance:

999

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

The first ever Veggie Pride Parade in America!

We all love our vegetables, right? Well, the participants in this very special parade are advocates for eating vegetables, caring for the environment, and much, much more. This was great fun for the whole family! An unforgettable Can't Miss Meetup!

What they had to say about it:

"Awesome!! can't wait for next year...and i'll have a poster next time too! Hopefully more food venders will be there next year..although the Indian veg street vender was good eats!" from Nicola Medrano.

"I great positive experience. This is the kind of unity that's going to change the way the world eats and sees vegans. Kudos to Pamela. Can't wait till next year's!" from Santos.

"awesome outreach! wonderful gathering with friends!" from Pei-Cen.

Event Link

Houston ESL - Foreigners from all over the world presents:

"Mother's Day Picnic 'n' Games in the Park"

Topics:

English as a Second Language - Language and Culture - Friends

Type of Event:

Picnic - Social

Description:

Hi ESLers and anyone else who is not an ESLer, but wants to join us this Sunday!

The weather is supposed to be perfect for a picnic next weekend, so let's have one in Memorial Park!

The park is kid, dog, and alcohol friendly! Just make sure to have a leash on them (the dogs!).

This will give those who don't have family here something to do for Mother's Day and those who are celebrating it something to do after the usual brunch.

Bring a game (board game, volleyball net, or whatever you like) if you want to play games!

I will supply for everyone:

- Utensils (forks, spoons, knives), plates, cups and napkins for all of us.

- 5 gallons of Green Iced Tea

- A board game or two

- A canopy to set up over the tables in case of rain.

Everyone can bring:

* A dish of food from your home country or just something you like to share. (Some of us who are animal lovers would really prefer that the food dishes are vegan or at least vegetarian dishes [=using no animal products at all], but of course you can bring anything you want.)

What you might want to bring:

* A game

* Something else to drink, whether it be water, soft drinks, beer or wine.

* Bug spray/repellent

* There are stone tables and benches there, but you might want to bring your own camping chairs or blankets

Directions:

From loop 610 West take Woodway or Memorial and go east.

You will go through two stop lights (both cross streets are called N Picnic Ln.)

After the second light take the next entrance/street to your right, where a big sign says "Memorial Park Picnic Area". This is S Picnic Ln.

Go through the first intersection/crosstreet. At the second intersection/cross street take a right.

You will see a small building on your left with bathrooms, and we will be across the street from that.

Look for the balloon I will bring!

The arrow on THIS MAP points to where you take a right.

Event Rating:

Attendance:

17

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

A lovely potluck Meetup for members who are far from home, and for families to share with one another. With games and a 'home cooked' traditional foreign dish exchange, these folks brought the spirit of their 'motherlands' to the park, for an even more superlative holiday.

What they had to say about it:

I really enjoy share with all of us today.... I hope we have other meet soon... ;-)" from Guissy.

"We had a great time at the park. Thank you for organizing the picnic, Pawli!!!" from Magdalena.

Event Link

Rockdale-Newton League of Women Voters presents:

"Local Health of Our Food Chain"

Topics:

Civic Goals - Current Events - Local Issues

Type of Event:

Guest Speaker

Description:

Our speaker, Brady Bala, is a beekeeper and driving force behind the area's locally grown markets. He will talk to us about bee health, availability of organically grown foods locally, plus other Co-op and Farmer's Market opportunities we have as consumers. We can support local farmers and improve the quality of our families' food in the process.

The news is full of stories about people starving in other parts of the world while we in this country throw out food regularly. Are we lucky . . . blessed? What has protected us from the horror suffered elsewhere?

For most of this country's history farming has been a mainstay of the economy. Local farms assured that grocery store shelves were full. Those local farms have slowly been replaced by corporate farms. In addition, more and more of our food is being imported from around the world. As the price of the fuel needed to ship food rises, and corporate profit drives farm decisions, could we become vulnerable to some of the same forces that have left those in other parts of the world hungry? Local behavior or choices may be more powerful then you think.

All are invited to gather at a local restaurant for lunch, after the meeting. You can help pick the place; go here and vote for your choice.

Event Rating:

Attendance:

40

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

A very compelling Meetup description. As the Organizer noted "Local behavior or choices may be more powerful then you think." And how! This local farmer and special guest speaker was invited to educate and inspire this membership to take "action on ideas to make the area a better place to live". As the League of Women Voters can attest to, this is a philosphy they live by.

What they had to say about it:

"One of the most interesting and timely meetings I've attended of League speakers." from Patsy Dorsett-Bullington.

"I appreciated the program and found the information very timely and useful" from Elizabeth.

Event Link

"VegSarasota Vegetarian & Vegan Meetup Group" presents:

"Earth Day Celebration! This one's for the kids! The Future!"

Topics:

Vegan - Environment - Animal Rights

Type of Event:

Social Event - Show and Tell

Description:

SARASOTA EARTH DAY CELEBRATION!!

New Gate Montessori School

April 19th, 10am-4pm

VegSarasota proudly supports New Gate School and Sarasota's biggest Earth Day yet!

Join us in raising our tent of awareness about vegetarianism and Earth stewardship.

Come to learn, play and be inspired with more than 40 other green vendors, speakers, live music and more on the school's 100 acre campus. All ages are invited to share in the fun, healthy food and festivities.

An all day interactive stage welcomes music by Radio Free Carmella and the Transmitters and Not Tuna, play a game of Green Jeopardy, win free cool green raffle prizes every hour, take a nature trail tour, paint a rain barrel, design an earth flag, build a bird house, get your face painted, get to know new people and celebrate Earth Day in a great way.

Take a tour on Bernard The Bus, Sarasota's own veggie fueled, eco education, green school bus, learn how to sprout, get info about your local organic farms, check out electric and hybrid cars, or just kick back and fly a kite.

Bring your old cell phones and ink cartridges for the New Gate fundraising and recycling drive.

Everyone will take home some new seeds to grow and share in their personal garden of sustainability. This is the most important opportunity all year to honor and connect with the ambassadors of the world, children!

As environmental awareness grows worldwide, more and more communities are learning how to grow green. New Gate school takes the lead in Sarasota and steps up to offer this celebration as a connection for stewardship and responsibility, green business networking and to be a model learning institution for teaching youth about the importance of being green.

The event is 10am-4pm. Set up is at 8am. Take advantage of this opportunity to get active and involved as a VegSarasota GreenTeam member and volunteer to help share some green love at Earth Day in your community! Lots of exciting positions at this and other VegSarasota community events! Get involved today!

Event Rating:

Attendance:

20

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

Spending Earth Day promoting their cause with a booth and a Veggie cookout at a local school! This was a super way to spread awareness about their Meetup, and work together for a great cause!

What they had to say about it:

"A fun day in the sun..." from Zunido.

"It was great. Simple but good...I am amazed at what Dill is doing to spread her message. Thanks Dill" from Joseph Pappy.

Event Link

The Crop Stop presents:

"Crop till we Stop Epilepsy @ Scrapbook Your Life"

Topic:

Scrapbooking

Type of Event:

Fundraiser - Social

Description:

Save the date, Crop Stoppers!

Our April 12th crop is for a worthy cause. Liz, owner of Scrapbook Your Life, has asked us to support her daughter Rachel's mission to raise $2500 for the National Walk for Epilepsy. It's a Crop till we Stop Epilepsy at Scrapbook Your Life, while supporting a great cause you can enjoy great company with fellow scrapbookers, win raffle prizes and find a goody bag at your space.

Crop Includes:

Goody bag: Oh goody! Liz will be providing an exciting Fiskars backpack with goodies in it!

Lunch & Dinner: Aida will provide lunch and chocolate snacks. Liz will provide a pizza dinner.

Raffle prizes: What's a Crop Stop without a raffle?

Tools: My Cricuts, Xyron Personal Cutting System, Cuttlebug and craft punches will be available for your use.

Massage: Table massages available for $1/minute with a fabulous massage therapist!

Starbucks: No host Starbucks run to keep the creative fires burning.

Time: 11am to 11pm - 12 hours of cropping heaven, precious ME-time!

When: Saturday, April 12th, 2008

Where: Scrapbook Your Life - 3655 Camino Del Rio West, Suite A. San Diego, CA 92110. It's located in the Rosecrans area. Scrapbook Your Life is San Diego's largest scrapbook supply store. Please park in the back, parking in the front starts at 7pm.

Cost: $35 - 100% tax deductible donation to Walk For Epilepsy by March 29th, please.

This a private crop just for us!

Hope you can make it! Let's crop till we stop Epilepsy!

Thank you in advance for your support,

Aida ^_^

Note from Liz:

Rachel has suffered with epilepsy since 3rd grade and they still have not controlled her seizures. We now attend UCLA Medical Center where with medicine changes we have decreased the number of seizures she has annually and thankfully she lost 45 of the 60 pounds she gained on her previous medicine. Every day brings her closer to a life of controlled epilepsy.

Thanks! Liz

(In the photo below it's hard to believe she's only 15!)

Note from Rachel:

Please sponsor me and help everyone with epilepsy

Hi! I'm Rachel Chiecuto, I live in San Diego , I'm 15 yrs old and I have epilepsy. Some of my favorite things were cut short when I started having seizures in 3rd grade (Swimming, bike riding, etc.) and now I'm not able to drive. I'd really like to someday.

Just think, by supporting this event you'll help raise money for people like me living with epilepsy. Some day we'll be able to do anything and everything we want to!

I will be participating in the National Walk for Epilepsy scheduled to take place on the National Mall in Washington, DC on Saturday, March 29, 2008.

With the help of my family and friends my goal is to raise at least $2500.00 or more! I'm on a great team - The Crazy Brainwaves - with Heroes' Star Greg Grunberg whose son Jake also suffers from epilepsy.

And would you PLEASE forward the email to all your family and friends. Tell your friends you know me personally and help me reach my goal of $2,500.00 or more, it would mean so much to me.

And I just want to say THANK YOU so much for all of your support.

Rachel

Event Rating:

Attendance:

14

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

Banding together to support an important cause! This Meetup partnered with a local business owner, to help her family meet a fundraising goal for the National Walk for Epilepsy. What a fantastic community effort, and a wonderful Meetup memory!

What they had to say about it:

"Crop was a good fundraiser for a good cause. It was my first time actually scrapbooking at SYL and I had a great time." from Nikki Read.

"It was so much fun! I had a great time with all the attendees. It was just what I needed. Thanks for being here!" from Aida.

"What a wonderful day! Even though it was hot outside, we were comfortable at SYL! It was a great cause, Rachel was so cute and very thankful for everyone's support. Again, I'm looking forward to our next meeting! Loved it. Aida is very sweet and generous, she gives and gives! Every meet is such a surprise!" from Kristal.

Event Link

"The Philadelaphia Motorcycle Riders Group (PMRG)" presents:

"Spring into Spring"

Topics:

Camping - Car Free - Adventurers

Type of Event:

Field Trip - Social Event

Description:

With the First Day of Spring just one week Past. It's time to dust off that motorcycle, unplug the battery charger and get ready for a new season of Riding.

The 100 mile Spring Thaw Ride is one of the first PMRG events of the new season. Heading really to nowhere but the end. We'll be riding around the back roads between Philadelphia and Reading, including French Creek State, Marsh Creek State and Evansburg State Parks rust to mention a few of the scenic area s we'll be passing through.

A little less than 1/2 way through, we'll be stopping at a SONIC Drive in (America's Drive in) for a bite to eat.

You've probably seen commercials on television about the fast food restaurant. Sonic offers something to please even the pickiest eater. From a Super Sonic Cheeseburger to a grilled cheese sandwich, you are bound to find something that tempts your taste buds!

The ride will Start at the WaWa in Bryn Mawr and End at the Bent Elbow in Blue Bell. and don't forget with a stop at SONIC.

The New York Yankees Meetup presents:

"Trip to Cooperstown!"

Topics:

Baseball - Sports Fans - Friends

Type of Event:

Road Trip - Sightseeing - Joint Event

Description:

By popular demand, we will be going to Cooperstown to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. We will meet early in the morning and head out together by a chartered bus. Arrive there, visit the Hall of Fame, have dinner and come back. It's $69 per person. We are doing a joint meetup with the New York Travel Meetup Group and since we have limited space please sign up early (we have limit in number of persons to fit on the bus with both of the groups together).

The itinerary is as follows.

7am: Meet at Keyspan Park in Coney Island (bus will leave at 7:30am) OR

8am: Meet at Port Authority (the exact meeting spot will be determined later)

Around noon: Arrive at Cooperstown - visit the museum

4pm: Leave Cooperstown for Schenectady for buffet dinner

6:30pm: Head back to the city

Approx. 10:30pm: Arrive back in the city, first stop will be Port Authority, then Keyspan Park

***Notes***

The cost for this trip is $69 which includes round trip bus fare, admission to the Hall of Fame and the buffet dinner. Payments need to be made in advance by check or money order. Please make it payable to "Amazing Destinations" with contract number #30108 as a reference, and then please mail the payment to me. After you sign up, if you can e-mail me directly, I can forward you the address. I will be forwarding the payments to the travel agent in January so please send payments by then but sooner the better to ensure your spot. The RSVP will not be honored without payment. You can bring guests but please pay for them at the same time.

For those of you coming by car, there is a free parking at the Keyspan Stadium parking lot. There are parking lots around Port Authority too for a cost.

The bus is new with several flat screen monitors, there is also a CD/DVD player by the driver, and a back restroom.

The buffet dinner would be at a venue that serves over 100 different types of food.

Lunch will be on your own, I suggest you either bring food with you or we will catch something at the museum.

Check these links for more information.

National Hall of Fame & Museum

Keyspan Park

Port Authority Bus Terminal

----------------------

I know it's still quite away but I think this will be a great trip that it's worth marking the calendar now. Chance to meet & learn about the legends with fellow Yankees fans. Feel free to ask me any questions.

June

Event Rating:

Attendance:

50

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

This Meetup was a homerun! These two Meetups combined their specialities (Baseball and Travel) to plan a fantastic excursion to Cooperstown, NY. It was a win-win situation for everyone! What a wonderful experience for baseball fans and daytrippers alike.

What they had to say about it:

"I had a wonderful time meeting many new baseball fans and I'm very happy I joined this meetup group." from Peggy Johnson.

"I had a great time !! Now I really can't wait for the season to start" from Frank.

"It was a great trip with a great group of friendly people (Even the Mets fans)!" from Sam.

Event Link

The Urban Explorers present:

"Bridge to Nowhere"

Topics:

Photography - Hiking - Adventurers

Type of Event:

Outdoor Excursion - Sightseeing - Social

Description:

A bridge with no purpose in life... Pics of UA's Previous Hike

This trip takes you along the banks of the east fork of the San Gabriel River. While the river banks are wooded and quite lovely, most of the trail traverses the rim above the high water line and most of your travel is through scrub brush. The highlight of the hike is a mysterious bridge built over the east fork in 1936, which has no road leading to it.

Actually, in the 1930's a road did lead to it, but was swept away by floods in 1938. The WPA must have loved the Angeles National Forest considering all the ruins like the more recent hikes beyond JPL.

Duration: You must be in reasonably good shape and be willing to frequently cross water. The last time around it took it was somewhat difficult for most of us that went but that was mainly because we weren't familiar with the trail. So going through the creek, bouldering then back to the trail and vice versa is what proved to be time consuming. Heading back though was a different story, following the hikers familiar to the area made it a lot easier. Don't be fooled by this, it's still a strenous hike to say the least. So I give it a Level 6 out of 10 to play it safe based on our hike level system posted on the message board. If for some reason anyone disagrees with me on the rating because they've done it before then please contact me.

Getting wet: A hike to the Bridge to Nowhere is a semi aquatic sport. You're going to have to wade through water ankle to knee deep on numerous occasions. You may want to get some cheap aquasocks during water crossings or risk getting your boots or shoes soaked (unless they're Goretex or other water repellent material) and just bring them with you. But then again, not even goretex will prevent water ingress particularly if the water level is above ankle level. Also bring extra socks. Since this is a 10 miler, we recommend bring packed lunches and have lunch there before we head back. The ascent/descent at 200 ft per mile seems reasonable enough to carry food on our backs. Also bring plenty of water. I forgot to mention that the last time around my three liter didn't last the entire way back particularly since it took us a while to get there. Though we might considerably cut the duration this time around, I suggest that you still bring as much water as you can. There are no concession stands along the trail. Just kidding. But seriously, please don't risk it.

Bridge to Nowhere

Optional late lunch, early dinner or what's left of it will follow @ La Tolteca about a mile from the 7-Eleven meetup point. Click on the link for details and directions to the restaurant.

La Tolteca @ Yelp.com

Event Rating:

Attendance:

14

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

Spectacular scenery, wonderful planning and great teamwork. This was a once in a lifetime Meetup for some, but just another day in the park for these awe-inspiring adventurers. Truly amazing!

What they had to say about it:

"Amazing event. Thanks to both Henry and Dionne for leading the hike and for all that helped others who helped us traverse the river! The waterfalls next time!" from Deborah Ho.

"What an adventure!!!! I had a great time thankyou everyone!!! Thanks to Henry for organzing and Dionne for her leading skills....awesome!" from Beth.

"Six stars !!!!" from Howard.

Event Link

"Not Your Grandma's" Super Hip Chic Craft Club" presents:

"Flower Power!"

Topics:

Knitting - Jewelry Making - Rubber Stamps

Type of Event:

Educational - Potluck - Show and Tell

Description:

Hola Chicas,

Looks like the folded flower is the fav in the poll. Keep in mind, if this craft doesn't interest you, you can always bring something else you are working on, and just join us to hang out. We won't kick you out of the club for not playing our reindeer games!

However, I think this is going to be a really cool and versatile craft. I love that it uses up those scrap remants and random buttons we all have lying around!

What you will need:

*Fabric remnant- size of remant will depend on how big you want your flower to be, # of petals, etc

*Matching thread

*Sewing needle

*Decorative button or earring for center

*Glue gun and glue sticks

*Pin back or hair clip

*Something yummy for potluck

You can check out a pic and the instructions here.

See you then!

Kat

Event Rating:

Attendance:

11

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

Fabric flowers, just in time for Spring! Educational and fun, with a potluck too. This wonderfully crafted meeting made for a wonderful Meetup!

What they had to say about it:

"we had a great time, i made a cute flower and met some new people :)"from melississippi.

"This is a great group! Very friendly people, friendly and talented and willing to help each other. And there's always lots of yummy treats!" from Carol.

"We crafted. we laughed, we swore, we took silly photos--what could be wrong with that?! I had a blast, it was just what I need today. What a fantastic group of girlfriends in this group and everyone made some fabulous flowers. Thanks to Kat for being such a gracious hostess and welcoming us into your adorable home. You ROCK! Can't wait for our next meetup!" from Denise.

Event Link

WineDineGuide - Westchester - Wine Dine & Fun Group presents:

"Make Your Own Pizza + Drink Specials"

Topics:

Dance - Wine - Nightlife

Type of Event:

Show and Tell - Dinner - Social

Description:

Rocco is back and ready to teach/assist us in making our own creation. Many toppings to choose from.

While you wait for the Pizza you can help yourself to a garden salad and garlic bread will be served.

The Price of $16.80 includes taxes, tip and your own designed pizza, garden salad, garlic bread and unlimited pitchers of soft drinks like coke, club soda, ginger ale etc...

There will be a CASH BAR available all night long with drink specials: $4 for all well drinks, $4 for beer - all pouring wines are $5. Bartender tips are not included, please tip him/her separately.

PASTA PIZZA EVENTS

Raffaele

Event Rating:

Attendance:

24

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

What a fabulous venue, and a wonderful Meetup. This savvy Organizer rallied his troops around the pizza counter to make their own dinner, with the help of a fantastic chef. What a great way to get to know one another ("extra cheese!", "hold the anchovies", "more olives please!"), learn something new and have fun.

Delicioso! A terrific and memorable can't miss Meetup!

What they had to say about it:

"Had a really nice time.Great pizza and company with wonderful hosts.Would like to definitely do it again." from Lynn.

"One of my favorite events. I always have so much fun making pizza with friends." from Edward.

"Simply one of those wonderful nights everybody wants to have as a fun memory." from Craig.

Event Link

"Singles Hikes and Adventures" presents:

"Dogsledding!"

Topics:

Camping - Singles - Adventurers

Type of Event:

Outdoor Excursion - Show and Tell - Social Event

Description:

Believe it or not you are the musher.

The dog sled tours begin with the guides explaining the operations of the sleds and how to handle the beautiful Siberian Huskies they run.

You will be on a 6-mile relay tour through the Middle Fork of the Swan River, which can handle up to 6 people. The tour is run as a "relay"; all guests will switch off between running the dogs, riding in the dogsled, and riding on a small passenger sleigh with the guide.

The tour runs for a little more than an hour stopping along the way for everyone to trade places. The guests on the sleigh have the opportunity to take great action shots and video of the people on the dog sled.

This is a very unique opportunity that everyone should try to experience

Dress in layers. Ski wear, after ski boots, gloves, hat, goggles, and sunglasses are ideal. Snowsuits, boots, and helmets are available at no extra charge - Don't forget the camera and sunscreen!

Let's have a GREAT TIME!

Map to get here

Goodtimes

Event Rating:

Attendance:

18

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

What a fantastic and unique winter event! For some, this is a once in a lifetime experience. For this group, it may be an annual event. A truly original, memorable and heart warming adventure.

What they had to say about it:

"What a cool event. I can't wait to go again." from Mike.

"It was an awesome experience!! A really fun group!" from Kelly.

"Very well organized. Goodtimes staff was great. Dogs were precious! Rest of the group was fun and postive." from Linda Ann Smith.

Event Link

The Columbia Hiking and Adventure Club presents:

Congaree National Park-Ancient Forest Excursion

Topics:

Camping - Backpackers - Social Networking

Type of Event:

Outdoor Excursion - Family Friendly Event

Description:

Are You Ready?

Few people speak of it, fewer still have ever seen it, but we have very near us a rare jewel of ecological wonder, the importance of which can not be measured.

Located a mere 27-miles from downtown Columbia, near the city of Hopkins, The Congaree National Park contains the largest expanse of old-growth floodplain forest in the entire United States and is an International Biosphere Reserve.

Journey backward through time and enter the only swamplands in existence where the "Redwoods of the East" are still available for our enjoyment. To walk here is to walk among ancient trees of record size.

A storehouse of diversity, the forest includes hundreds of species of plants and animals. Beauty and tranquility reign supreme in the midst of this natural treasure. Native fauna that can be viewed here include deer, turkeys and wild hogs. Travel with us through the remote, outback wilderness area via the 4.4-mile "Ancient Forest Boardwalk-Loop".

If you like your trails flat, then this is the place for you. We'll explore a floodplain unparalleled in pristine beauty. Experience the most relaxing Hiking atmosphere in South Carolina. As usual, you'll want to bring a backpack with water as well as snacks. Call your friends; they'll want to go too!

A more detailed summary of this route in particular:

We'll follow the boardwalk from the visitor's center to the Weston Lake Loop trail. You will skirt Weston Lake, and pass along Cedar Creek, before connecting to the low boardwalk which leads back to the Visitor Center. From the trails in the 22,200 acre Congaree Swamp, you can view the last major section of old growth bottomland forest in the country. You will see towering trees, many rising as high as a 16-story building. Theses magnificent species include ancient Loblolly Pines, Bald Cypress, Water Tupelo, American Elm, Cherrybark Oak, Sweetgum, and Hickory. As you slowly meander through the various floodplain forest habitats, be on the look out for rare birds such as the Pileated Woodpecker, Barred Owls, Osprey, and the endangered Great Blue Heron. Additionally, a variety of other animal species may be viewed including, but not limited to Otter, White Tail Deer, Razorback Hogs, Iridescent Skinks, Alligators, Cottonmouth Snakes and the opossum.

After the hike we'll celebrate at a Vista or Rosewood-area restaurant to be determined.

Hike Leader: Elliot

Drive Distance: Approximately 27 miles each way.

Hike Distance: 4.4-mile Loop

Elevation Change: None

Difficulty Rating: Easy

Date: January 5th, 2008

Time: 9:30am

Carpooling Location: Meet at Carolina Wings and Rib House on Gervais Street.

Family-Friendly: Yes

Dog-Friendly: Yes, with restrictions, more specifically;

Pets are permitted on leashes no longer than 6' in length on designated trails but they are not allowed on the boardwalks. There is an alternate route to the boardwalk trail which is a little longer, but still brings you to the Weston loop.

For further information contact the Hike Leader: Elliot

Learn more about The Congaree National Park: Congaree Swamp National Park

Event Rating:

Attendance:

28

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

A Saturday afternoon walk in the woods with family and friends, exploring natural wonders. This wonderfully orchestrated event was easy-going, educational and fun!

What they had to say about it:

"A great time hanging out in the woods!!!!" from Suzanne.

"This was beyond Great. This was such an excellant event, the day was perfect for this hike. I would rate it an eleven if I could." from Judi McLane.

"Elliot, thank you for organizing and leading this Hike. It was a blast." from John.

Event Link

The Toronto Shiba Inu Meetup Group presents:

Shiba Howliday Pawty

Topics:

Shiba Inu - Active Dogs - Dog Training

Type of Event:

Holiday Party!

Description:

Who: Crazy Shibas

What: December Howliday Pawty

Where: Doggie Central, Mississauga (427 & Dundas)

When: Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 from 3:30-5:30pm

Why: To PAWTY!!!!

How: $15 per family to be paid to Doggie Central upon arrival.

Since this event is indoors, I hope our out-of-town Shibas will consider attending, too!

Last year's Secret Shiba Santa exchange was so successful, we'll do it again this year! If you wish to participate, all your Shiba has to do is bring a gift and write his or her name on the gift tag so the receiver knows who it was FROM. Towards the end of the event, I will hand out the gifts to those Shibas that have participated. No one will know who is receiving the gift until that time. If you choose not to participate, that is fine too, it's not a requirement ;)

Please note: If you have not attended Doggie Central this year or if this is your first time, you MUST provide a photocopy of updated shots to Doggie Central upon arrival.

Bordetella shots are not required.

I might have some raffles or a few items on behalf of Shiba Rescue GTA as well.

Hope to see you all there!

Event Rating:

Attendance:

40

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

Indoor recreation, s secret santa exchange and a Holiday Pawty theme! Something to look forward to year after year, and a fantastic indoor venue - so no one gets a bad case of the 'Shibas'. A wonderful opportunity for Shiba Inu owners to mingle with one another, while their 'kids' get to play. Happy Howlidays indeed!

What they had to say about it:

"Wonderful afternoon for both shibas, owners and shiba rescue!!" from Sandra.

"Second year in a row that Yoshi and I have been and it gets better every year. I think everyone was surprised that we had so many members with so many Shiba's. A range from 5 months to 8-9 years, and every colour of the Shiba spectrum. Great job Bonnie with planning everything. The group would be lost without you." from Rob and Yoshi.

"Quixote had such a wonderful time!! It was great sharing stories with other Shiba lovers and getting to meet Shiba's of every personality and colours of the rainbow! Very well organized, great spacious venue. " from Quixote, Alma & Paul.

Event Link

The Long Beach Herbal Study Group presents:

"Free Class: Herbal Gifts for the Holidays 4-6 pm"

Topics:

Herbalists - Alternative Health - Wellness

Type of Event:

Show and Tell - Educational - Make and Take

Description:

One of our most popular classes! This one fills up quickly, so reserve your seat now!

Learn to make a wide range of beautiful herbal gifts and skin care products.

Julie will demonstrate techniques and ideas for you to make easy, elegant, aromatic and useful gifts, from teas to bath salts to herbal syrups, with ingredients readily available at 4th & Elm and your neighborhood market.

Don't give meaningless mass-marketed gifts from a heartless corporate giant. This year, give herbal gifts from your heart to theirs!

(For those who attended this Sold Out class at the El Dorado Nature Center, and for those who wanted to but couldnt, because, well, it was sold out: the information presented is the same, but condensed, with fewer recipes and without the goodies. But hey, it's free!)

Event Rating:

Attendance:

18

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

Holiday gifts which are both environmentally conscious and promote wellness too. This make-your-own event was educational, free, delicious and fun - for a Happy Healthy Holiday Season for everyone!

What they had to say about it:

"This was a fun & informative event. Loved the cake, cider & the salts. Can't wait to make my own." from Leslie.

"The cake you made was absolutely delicious. Thank you. I can't wait to try out the bath salt, it smells amazing:)" from Billie Gentry.

"Julie always makes learning so much fun. The cake & tea were wonderful treats. Thanks so much for the bath salt & the elderberry info." from Marilyn.

Event Link

The Coffee and Creative Minds Meetup presents:

"Newbies Night"

Topics:

Friends - Dining Out - Social Networking

Type of Event:

New Member Social - Meet-n-Greet - Fun-n-Games

Description:

All Newbies Welcome...

Joining a group can sometimes be uncomfortable because it may appear as if cliques have formed BUT not so with this group. It's just a matter of getting to know one another and some people are just shy and tend to stick to those they already know.

So come, Let's chat, and get to know a little about each other. I will bring an ice breaker game (don't worry I won't embarrass you!) This is a monthly event, so if you can not make it this night perhaps then next time.

Hope to see you there and I look forward to getting to know you!

Event Rating:

Attendance:

8

What made this a can't miss Meetup?

New friends, old friends, ice breakers and coffee talk! This monthly event is a fantastic and easy-going way to ring in the new members, and bring out the old members too. Whether it's your first event or your 50th, welcoming new members never grows old when it's just plain fun.

What they had to say about it:

"Very enjoyable - fun games