OLIVER!

. Lional Barts Musical Masterpiece Oliver! comes to life at The ACT Maple Ridge. Showtimes are Tuesday to Saturday at 7: 30 p.m., Saturday matinee at 2: 30 p.m., and Sunday matinee at 1 p.m. Receive a 10-per-cent discount on the purchase of 10 tickets or more. For tickets call The ACT box office at 604-476-2787 or book online at: www.theactmapleridge. org/buy-tickets.

SEPTEMBER 20

. North Fraser chapter of CARP, a seniors advocacy group, and Chartwell Seniors Housing host a presentation by the BC Centre For Elder Advocacy Support. The program is called: Protect Yourself! Frauds and Scams.

The presentation takes place at Willow Manor, 12275 224th St., at 1 p.m. Info and to reserve a seat: Bruce Bird, chair of North Fraser Chapter CARP at 778-2841189 or brucebird@shaw.ca or carpnorthfraserchapter@ gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 20

. The Maple Ridge Library presents It's Time to Talk about Aging Family, part of the Aging Gracefully series at 6: 30 p.m. Join gerontologist Mariam Larson and learn about resources and strategies available to you in dealing with the many challenges facing aging families. Info: Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

SEPTEMBER 20 TO 26

. The Ridge Meadows Orchestra is holding auditions for The Wizard of Oz. Performances are in concert with a theatrical production at The ACT. The first rehearsal is Thursday Sept.

20 at Westacres from 7: 30 to 9 p.m. All experience levels are welcome to audition. Auditions will be held Sept. 21 to 26. Info: Rayne Beveridge at 604-716-3057 or raynebeveridge@hotmail. com.

SEPTEMBER 21

. The Maple Ridge Library offers a unique program for new Canadians on Volunteering in Canada at 1 p.m. This Immigrant Services Society workshop will discuss the benefits of volunteering, how to find volunteer opportunities, and how to use volunteering as a pathway to finding the right job. Info: 604-467-7417.

SEPTEMBER 22

. GETI Fest and International Day of the Girl takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Memorial Peace Park.

SEPTEMBER 22

. You are invited to a neighbourhood stroll from 3 to 5 p.m. at the corner of 124th Avenue (Abernethy Way) and 232nd Street. Join residents who are concerned about a proposed gravel quarry in their neighbourhood.

SEPTEMBER 23

. The Lower Mainland Green Team will be planting native plants at Kanaka Creek Regional Park in Maple Ridge from 9: 45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event takes place rain or shine - no experience necessary. Tools, gloves, and refreshments will be provided. To sign up and for more info, go to www. meetup.com/The-Lower-Mainland-Green-Team/ events/71420142/ Info: lowermainlandgreenteam@ gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 24

. The Golden Ears Movie Series (GEMS) at The ACT present The Artist starring Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, and John Goodman, at 7: 30 p.m. GEMS is presented with Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival that promotes Canadian and international cinema across Canada.

Single tickets are $11, three-film packages are $27, and the full six-movie season is $50. The other films are: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (Oct. 29), Monsieur Lazhar (Nov. 26), The Kid with a Bike (Jan. 28), Edwin Boyd: Citizen Gangster (Feb. 25), The Iron Lady (March 25).

SEPTEMBER 26

. The Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie Seniors Network and Ridge Meadows Seniors Society are hosting a mature driver's workshop for older adults. The focus of the workshop is to encourage a realistic assessment of the role driving plays in our lives and how we can ensure we drive safely as we age. The workshop will be held at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St. from 10 to 11: 30 a.m. The event is free but participants should register by calling Heather at 604-786-7404 or emailing htreleaven@shaw. ca.

SEPTEMBER 27

. Rock.It Boy Entertainment presents Abra Cadabra, a tribute to the music of ABBA at The ACT. Tickets can be bought by calling 604-4762787, by going to www. theactmapleridge.org, or by going to the box office at The ACT in person. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7: 30 p.m. Info: www. rockitboy.com

SEPTEMBER 27

. Learn all about Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and how they work. The ABCs of RESPs takes place at the Maple Ridge Library at 7 p.m. Local financial planner Jeffry Frison will explain beneficiary requirements, contributions and withdrawals, and options for when a beneficiary doesn't end up going to school. Info: Maple Ridge Library at 604467-7417.

SEPTEMBER 27

. Blue Heron Toastmasters meets every Thursday from 7: 30 to 9: 30 p.m. at Pitt Meadows City hall. Info: Andrew Thompson at 604460-0339.

SEPTEMBER 27

. The Chamber of Commerce serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows is hosting a Blogging for Business workshop by the Social Chicks. Members are free and non-members are $10. Info: 604463-3366 or chrissy@ridgemeadowschamber.com.

ART SHOW

. Love, Decay, Repair, an exhibit of hand-hooked rugs and surface design work by Michelle Sirois-Silver, opened at the Maple Ridge Art Gallery on Saturday, Sept. 8. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sirois-Silver explores the parallels between her fibre art work and the natural world, as she evokes the passage of decay, repair, and renewal. On Sept. 29 from 2 to 3 p.m., Sirois-Silver will present a slide presentation and talk about the creative process behind her work.

JAPANESE SCHOOL

. Maple Ridge Japanese Language School is accepting new students. Space is available in their elementary classes with small class sizes and Japanese teachers. Classes include language skills and cultural activities. Classes are at the Maple Ridge Library in the Fraser Room on Saturday mornings from 10: 15 a.m. to 12: 15 p.m. Info and registration: Susan at 604-465-2894.

CYTHERA THRIFT STORE

. Cythera Thrift Store has volunteer opportunities for weekend retail cashiers. Shifts are one hour in duration. Full training and support provided. Call Shelley at 604-467-4671. Net proceeds support women and children fleeing abuse.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

. The Canadian Red Cross health equipment short-term loan program in Maple Ridge needs volunteers. The depot is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12: 30 to 4 p.m. This program lends out basic types of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, and bathroom aids. A medical referral is required for equipment loan. The Maple Ridge office is located at #5-11435 201A St. and can be reached at 604-465-5050.

CRISIS LINE

. The Fraser Health Crisis Line is recruiting volunteers to provide assistance to people in the region who are experiencing emotional distress. No previous experience is needed as extensive training and on-going support is provided. Anyone interested in learning more about this challenging and rewarding experience, visit the website at www.options.bc.ca and follow the link for the crisis line.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

. Volunteers needed to be mentors for newcomers to Canada. Settlement Mentoring is looking for volunteers who can act as a community guide and resource person. The time commitment is two to three hours once a week for three to six months. Contact Immigrant Settlement Services of B.C. (Maple Ridge) at 778-284-7026, ext. 1582 or smentoring.mr@ issbc.org.

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