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🌳 Park Improvements, Pickle Class, Beer Festivals
[6-min read] Community Photos, Trivia, SoHo
Enrique Banuelos
March 10, 2025 • Read Time: 11 minutes
Hello London!
Get ready for another week of exploring the Forest City. We're trying something new with the schedule – now you'll get this in your inbox on Mondays, covering all the happenings from Monday to Sunday. 😉
This week, we're checking out some upcoming park improvements (finally!), spotlighting a local artist who creates amazing textile art, and rounding up a bunch of events to tempt your taste buds and get your creative juices flowing. So grab a coffee or tea, and let's dive in and see what London has to offer!
The world is awesome, let’s go explore.
— Enrique Banuelos
NEWS
City Announces 2025 Park Improvements 🏞️ (Info)
The City of London is enhancing its parks through various construction projects funded by the Neighbourhood Parks Improvement Fund. Key upgrades include sports court enhancements at Arthur Ford Park, new amenities at Bateman Trail Park, and acrylic surfacing at Hastings Park, alongside the development of Kent Park. Plans & Details available in the link.
SoHo Development Takes Shape 🏙️ (Info)
The Vision SoHo Alliance is a collaborative effort by six non-profit developers to transform the former Victoria Hospital lands into a vibrant community. The project will deliver over 690 mixed-income units, with about 55% being affordable, by Spring 2028. It prioritizes affordability, accessibility, energy efficiency, and heritage preservation, aiming to create a sustainable and inclusive neighbourhood. The initiative is supported by funding from the City of London and other partners, with ongoing community engagement and donations helping to drive its success.
Fanshawe College Newspaper 📰 (Info)
The Interrobang, Fanshawe College's student newspaper, is closing after 50 years due to declining interest. Transitioning to digital could be a solution. A petition aims to save it, with FSU President Siddharth Singh offering a referendum if it gathers 2,300 signatures, potentially funding the paper through a $2 student fee.
THINGS TO DO
GENERAL EVENTS 🏛
Landscape Painting Workshop 🎨
Unleash your creativity at the Hello Maker this Monday at 6 PM! Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn essential painting techniques to bring stunning landscapes to life. (Info)
An Evening of Wine Exploration 🍷
Embark on a delightful journey through the world of wine with two industry experts at the London Club this Wednesday at 6:30 PM. Experience a selection of exquisite wines and expand your palate! (Info)
Bestie Portrait Paint Night 🖼️
Grab a friend and join us for a fun-filled evening at the Hello Maker this Friday at 6 PM! Learn unique techniques to capture each other's likeness in a funky style. (Info)
Abbas Wahab Comedy Show 🤣
Get ready to laugh out loud! Join Abbas Wahab, featured on Just For Laughs and Edinburgh Fringe festivals, for a night of comedy at The Byron-Springbank Legion this Friday at 8 PM. (Info)
St. Patrick's Speed Dating (Ages 25-35) 🍻
Meet your lucky match over drinks at Anderson Ales this Saturday at 7 PM. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sparking connections! (Info)
Stained Glass Mushroom Workshop 🍄
Join us for an engaging afternoon at Medlyn Studio this Saturday at 1 PM, where you'll learn how to solder your own stained glass mushroom plant stick. Perfect for beginners! (Info)
London Record Show 🎼
Dive into nostalgia at Centennial Hall this Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM! Explore records, CDs, and all the classic music treasures that today’s youth might not know about. (Info)
London I ❤️ Beer Festival 🍺
Join us for a weekend of fun at RBC Place on Saturday and Sunday! Sample a variety of beers, ciders, and spirits while enjoying games, dancing, and delicious tacos.(Info)
Free Cooking Classes 🥒
Don’t miss out on free cooking demonstrations featuring Chef Justin Mellot at Covent Market this Saturday and Sunday. Learn how to pickle delicious delights—preregistration required! (Info)
FAMILY FUN 👨👩👧
Kids Science Show 🧪 Get ready for an electrifying science experience with Orbax and Pepper Do Science at White Oaks Mall this Wednesday from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM! This high-energy show is packed with interactive experiments and fun for all ages. (Info)
Fun Stencil Projects for Families 🖼️ Join artist and art therapist Hailey Tallman for a creative art workshop at the London Bicycle Cafe this Wednesday at 6:30 PM. Explore your artistic side together as a family and take home your unique stencil creations! (Info)
Soleful Roots Art Workshop 🎨 Dive into the world of art at the Western Fair District Market this Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. This engaging workshop lets you explore roots through painting, fostering creativity and fun for the whole family. (Info)
Maple Heritage Festival 🍁 Celebrate the sweet season with the Maple Heritage Festival at The Museum of Ontario Archaeology this Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Enjoy live demonstrations and family-friendly activities that blend Western and Indigenous perspectives on maple traditions. (Info)
LIVE MUSIC 🎵
The Brokes 🎸 Experience the authentic sound of The Strokes with The Brokes, a Toronto-based tribute band known for their precise performances. Catch them live at Rum Runners this Thursday at 8 PM. (Info)
Lua Sol and Closeout 🎺 Enjoy an evening of live music with Lua Sol at the London Brewing Co-operative this Friday at 7 PM. Savor delicious brews while grooving to their tunes in a cozy atmosphere. (Info)
Isaak and The Holy Guitar 🎸 Get ready to rock with Isaak and The Holy Guitar, joined by Mental State and Boiler Beach, at The Rec Room this Sunday at 7 PM. A night of energetic punk rock awaits! (Info)
Ariel Posen 🎤 Immerse yourself in a blend of heartland rock, electrified Americana, R&B, and Beatles-inspired pop with Ariel Posen at the Aeolian this Sunday at 8 PM. A captivating musical experience awaits! (Info)
SPORTS
London Lightning 🏀 (Info)
WED London Lightning vs. Windsor Express
SUN London Lightning vs. Newfoundland Rogues
London Knights 🏒 (Info)
TUES London Knights vs. Guelph Storm
FRI London Knights vs. Saginaw Spirit
LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Artist: Chris Allaway
Title: Golden Forest
Medium: Sewn Fabric
I love driving and often take my van on cross-country trips, finding the landscapes — from trees to water and rocks — fascinating. Using small fabric pieces and my sewing machine, I strive to capture the beauty and tranquillity of the places I've explored and enjoy sharing them with others.
COMMUNITY PHOTOS
We love seeing your photos of London! Whether it's a beautiful sunset over the Thames Valley Parkway, a vibrant street art scene, or a fun moment from a local event, we want to see it. Below are some of the amazing photos shared by Londoners like you. Tag @forestcitydigest in your photo to share!
Photo Credit: Dasen Forest / Ahmed Anad
FACTS & LAUGHS
DAD JOKE
My son asked my wife why I make noises every time I stand up.
She told him it’s because I’m a groan man
THE FULL QUOTE
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
Full Quote: "So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." (From Franklin D. Roosevelt's first inaugural address, 1933.)3
WORD ORIGINS
Sandwich 🥪
The word "sandwich" is named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who lived in the 18th century. According to historical accounts, Montagu requested his valet to bring him slices of meat between two pieces of bread so he could eat while continuing to play cards without getting his fingers greasy.1
TRIVA
Which animal can hold its breath longer than a dolphin?
🐻 Bear | 🐧 Penguin | 🦥 Sloth | 🐍 King Cobra
⬇️ Scroll for the answer ⬇️
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Answer ⬇️
Sloths 🦥, despite their tree-dwelling lifestyle, are surprisingly adept at holding their breath. They can stay underwater for up to 40 minutes by significantly slowing their heart rate. This remarkable ability is made possible by their low metabolic rate, which allows them to conserve oxygen very efficiently.2
🌡️ LONDON WEATHER FORECAST
MON ⛅️ 13 / 0
TUES ⛅️13 / -4
WED 🌦️ 5 / -4
THUR ⛅️13 / 1
FRI ⛅️17 / 3
SAT 🌧️16 / 10
SUN 🌧️12 / -1
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