Boutique thrift

• Ridge Meadows Thrift Store has opened a new boutique section with clothing, shoes, and handbags with name brands like Gap, Le Chateau, Nine West, Bill Blass, Tristan, and Guess. The thrift store is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The thrift store is located at #3-12011 224 Street ( behind Haney Sewing and Sound). Info: 604-463-7711

Pitt Meadows Library

• One-on-One Computer Help runs every Monday until Nov. 26, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Need help setting up an email account or formatting a word document? Staff can offer one-on-one help for some of those tougher problems we all encounter. Call the library at 604-465-4113 or drop by to register.

• Babytime runs every Tuesday until Nov. 27 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Come for a unique drop-in program for babies, newborn to 23 months. Introduce baby to the wonderful world of children’s literature, song, rhyme, and rhythm.

• Family Games Night at the library runs every Wednesday until Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. A variety of board games will be set out around the library for everyone to use. Anyone can bring their own board games to share. The more the merrier.

KEEPS fundraising

• Pacific Parkland Foundation and Kanaka Education and Environment Partnership (KEEPS) are competing for a grant of $100,000 to $150,000 from the Aviva Community Fund to build the Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre, and they need votes to make it happen. To vote for the KEEPS grant, go to www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf13552.

November 22

• The Chamber of Commerce serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows is holding a business summit and trade show at Meadow Gardens Golf Club from 4 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 or $5 with any donation of non-perishable food for the Friends In Need Food Bank. The keynote speaker is Naomi Yamamoto. Info: 604-466-3366 or chrissy@ridgemeadowschamber.com

November 22

• Nearly Neil and The Solitary Band will be at The ACT. Tickets are available at The ACT in person, at www.theactmapleridge.org, or by phone at 604-476-2787.

November 22

• Afraid of speaking in public? Join ToastMasters. It has something to offer for everyone, from gaining confidence to helping people think on their feet to improving on speaking skills. Blue Heron Toastmasters meets every Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Pitt Meadows City Hall. Info: Andrew Thompson 604-460-0339.

November 23

• Dr. Gabor Mate will be at the Maple Ridge Baptist Church, 22155 Lougheed Hwy. talking about The Biology of Loss: What Happens When Attachments are Impaired and How to Foster Resilience. Seats can be reserved online at www.sd42.ca/parentworkshop with the $25 attendance fee to be paid by cash at the door. For seat reservation after Nov. 16 or for further information, contact rmecd@shaw.ca. Refreshments will be provided.

November 24

• The Ridge Meadows Seniors Society is hosting a Winter Warmup Saturday Night Social from 7 to 10 p.m. in the lounge of the seniors centre, 12150 224th St. Tickets are $4 and are available at the reception desk. No minors are allowed.

November 24 & 25

• Thomas Haney Secondary is hosting its annual Arts and Crafts Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. There will be about 100 crafters. Admission is $2. No strollers are allowed on the sales floor. Free daycare is provided. The school is at 23000 116th Ave.

November 24

• The public is being asked to support the Friends In Need Food Bank at Maple Meadows Chiropractic. On Nov. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon, anyone who brings 10 or more items for the food bank will get a chiropractic adjustment. Call their office at 604-465-1711 to schedule an appointment.

November 24

• Give what you can, take what you need: The Hive’s sixth free Children’s Clothing Exchange will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gym at Eric Langton Elementary, 12138 Edge St. The exchange day is made more festive with the provision of free hotdogs and juice courtesy of Kiwanis; free coffee and Timbits courtesy of Tim Hortons; free popcorn courtesy of Envision Financial (all while supplies last), as well as a free story time hosted by the Maple Ridge Library. Donations of clean, gently used clothing can be dropped off in the lobby of Eric Langton Elementary until Nov. 16 or contact the Hive to arrange for pickup. For more information or to volunteer, email hiveclothingexchange@gmail.com or call Cat 778-867-7949 or Lynne 778-868-8766.

November 24

• Mother Mary’s Healing Circle is holding a fair at the Pitt Meadows Heritage Hall, 12460 Harris Rd. with readings and healings. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is a fundraiser for the Friends In Need Food Bank. Food donations will be collected. Info: Theresa Dupuis at 604-466-1927.

November 24

• Maple Ridge Christmas Festival Committee is hosting its first Ladies Shopping Fundraiser Event from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St. Attendees will have the opportunity to shop at vendors such as Art Knapp, Avon, Epicure, Elite Essentials, NV Creations, Mary Kay, Arbonne, The Gift Box Boutique, Body by Vi, Hanky Panky, and Andrea Walker Photography. Along with shopping, ladies will also get to enjoy a fashion show at 3 p.m. hosted by Art Knapps.

November 24

• The Hive at Eric Langton Elementary is organizing a free clothing exchange from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the third year volunteers are organizing the twice-annual Free Children’s Clothing Exchange Volunteers collect clean, gently used children’s clothing. Because of the popularity of the event, it is being moved to the school’s gym this year. Eric Langton Elementary is at 12138 Edge St. The exchange day includes free hotdogs and juice courtesy of Kiwanis, free coffee and Timbits courtesy of Tim Hortons, free popcorn courtesy of Envision Financial – all while supplies last – as well as a storytime hosted by the Maple Ridge Library.

November 24

• The public is invited to attend a free workshop on financial planning and wealth preservation in the Pitt Meadows Library meeting room from 2 to 3:30 p.m. To register, call Paul King 604-807-1227, or email paul.king@f55f.com.

November 25

• Alouette Field Naturalists will be visiting Cliff Falls. Meet at 228th Street and Lougheed Hwy. at 9:30 a.m. Info: Allison at 604-463-3902.

November 25

• An afternoon of music and inspiration with Denise Hagan takes place in the main theatre of Burnett Fellowship Church, 20639 123rd Ave. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the concert runs from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets at the door $10 for concertgoers 16 and younger, and $20 for adults.

November 25

• Whonnock Weavers hold their 32nd annual open house and sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Whonnock Lake Centre, 27871 113th Ave.

November 25

• Maple Ridge Archery Club is holding a turkey shoot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the beef barn at the Albion Fairgrounds at 105th Avenue and Lougheed Highway. com. There will be a concession and door prizes. Info: mapleridgearchery@gmail.com.

November 25

• Katie’s Place is doing Pet Photos with Santa at Bosley’s in Maple Ridge, 22745 Dewdney Trunk Rd. The photos are by donation and all the funds raised go directly to the care of the animals. Come to visit Santa Claus between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. with your BFF (best furry friend). Santa welcomes them all, from dogs to cats to hamsters to horses to lizards. The funds raised by Pet Photos with Santa are critical to the shelter’s operation.

November 25

• The Pitt Meadows Museum Sunday will be a Christmas candle making event. Come out and dip some mini tapers or roll a beeswax candle and decorate it for the festive season. Museum Sundays run from 2 to 4 p.m. with admission by donation and donations keep the programming going. For more information, call the museum at 604-465-4322 or email pittmeadowsmuseum@telus.net.

November 26

• Seniors Network presents Building Community Connections from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St. Building Community Connections focuses on social connection as a powerful tool to keep older adults safe from abuse and neglect. The workshop includes a presentation on types of mistreatment and strategies for getting help; brainstorming of local community resources; and discussion of a short video showing a fictional story of isolation and elder abuse. This is a free event, however registration is required. Call Heather at 604-786-7404 or email htreleaven@shaw.ca to register.Refreshments will be provided.

November 26

• Pitt Polder Preservation Society will hold its annual general meeting at 6:45 p.m. in the Pitt Meadows Library, #200-12099 Harris Rd. Everyone is welcome.

November 26

• Golden Ears Movie Series (GEMS) at The ACT presents Monsieur Lazhar starring Mohamed Felleg, Sophie Nelisse, and Emilien Neron. At a Montreal public grade school, an Algerian immigrant is hired to replace a popular teacher who committed suicide in her classroom. While helping his students deal with their grief, his own recent loss is revealed. GEMS is presented in cooperation with Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival that promotes Canadian and international cinema in communities across Canada. Single tickets are $11, three-film packages are $27, and the full six-movie season is $50. The films are at 7:30 on the main stage at The ACT. The other films are: The Kid with a Bike (Jan. 28), Edwin Boyd: Citizen Gangster (Feb. 25), The Iron Lady (March 25).

November 27

• Maple Ridge Concert Band presents their winter concert entitled “Traditions” at 7:30 p.m. in the main stage theatre of the ACT. A traditional reading of T’Was the Night Before Christmas is guaranteed to warm your heart and the musical selections will gently usher in the festive season and send you home humming a favourite tune. Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $11.25 for seniors (55-plus). Tickets are available by calling 604-476-2787, www.theactmapleridge.org, or at The ACT ticket centre.

November 27

• Ridge Meadows Autism Information and Support group welcomes Perry Bateson of Yuen’s Family Martial Arts to provide information on bully-proofing your special-needs child. The group meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living. Bateson will be at the meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information or to RSVP: Tracy.Hewgill@rmacl.org or 604-467-8700 ext. 119.

November 28

• Ridge Meadows College and the Community Literacy Committee are co-hosting a free workshop on preventing identity theft presented by Vancity volunteers from 7 to 9 p.m. Participants can expect to learn about various theft schemes and how to protect yourself. To register for this informative, hands-on workshop, call 604-466-6555 ext. 203, fax 604-463-5437 or email rmc@sd42.ca. This workshop will be held at Riverside Centre, 20575 Thorne Ave.

November 28

• The Salvation Army Caring Place will be hosting its first annual Dignity Breakfast with keynote speaker Dr. Peter Legge of Canada Wide Media Ltd. The event is at the Maple Ridge ACT from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Tickets are $50 and are available by calling Amelia Norrie at 604-463-8296 ext. 106 or email amelia.norrie@caringplace.ca.

November 30

• Hominum Fraser Valley, an informal discussion and support group to help gay, bisexual, and questioning, meets at 7:30 p.m. For information and meeting location, call Art at 604-462-9813 or Don at 604-329-9760.

December 1

• The fourth annual Christmas Market, put on by the Maple Ridge Downtown Business Improvement Association, takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. in conjunction with the Christmas in the Park and the Santa Claus Parade. The event is held in the covered area on the north side of Memorial Peace Park.

December 1

• A comical take on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, put on by Monster Theatre and written by and featuring Ryan Gladstone and Tara Travis (from Maple Ridge), will be at The ACT at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $13 and are on sale now at The ACT Ticket Centre, by calling 604-476-2787, or visitng www.theactmapleridge.org.

December 2

• Alouette Field Naturalists are visiting Pipers Spit at Burnaby Lake. Meet at Harris Road and Dewdney Trunk Road at 9:30 a.m. Info: Ken at 604-831-9079

December 2

• The 10th anniversary of a Country Christmas Benefit Concert for Meals on Wheels, presented by Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services, is on from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The show is produced by Rob Hess. Tickets are on sale now at The ACT. All tickets are $14. There will be a silent auction in the foyer from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (no concert ticket needed) as a fundraiser for the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services. Info: 604-467-6911, ext. 206.

December 3

• Golden Ears Gogos are hosting an African-themed dinner in the cafeteria at Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary, 10445 245th St. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. for $20 per person. Contact a Gogos member or rclancaster@shaw.ca or lindaking7@gmail.com to purchase a ticket. Tickets must be pre-purchased. Bring cash or a cheque for the silent auction. All profits go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation to support grandmothers in Africa caring for their grandchildren.

December 4

• The Holy Wow Poets’ Christmas Show takes palce at The ACT at 7 p.m. There will be a Christmas poetry recital and poets and spectators are welcome. Bring a non-perishable item for the food bank.

December 6

• A Seniors Helping Seniors meeting takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St.

December 8

• Marv Jones Honda is hosting a fundraiser for the Friends in Need Food Bank from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be a silent auction with all proceeds going to the food bank, pictures with Santa, facepainting, and crafts for the kids, and food. Marv Jones Honda at 20611 Lougheed Hwy. will also be accepting donations for the food bank for the weeks leading up to Christmas before and after the event as well.

December 9

• Katie’s Place is doing Pet Photos with Santa at Bosley’s in Maple Ridge, 22745 Dewdney Trunk Rd. The photos are by donation and all the funds raised go directly to the care of the animals. Come to visit Santa Claus between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. with your BFF (best furry friend). Santa welcomes them all, from dogs to cats to hamsters to horses to lizards. The funds raised by Pet Photos with Santa are critical to the shelter’s operation.

December 11 to 15

• Sleeping Beauty pantomime, a SPECC-tacular Productions Theatre Group presentation brings humour, song, and dance to The ACT. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 15, showtimes are at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets: adults $22.50, seniors and kids $20, or four-pack at $75. The ACT accepts Visa and Mastercard for telephone orders. Call the ACT Ticket Centre at 604-476-2787 or go to www.theactmapleridge.org/buy-tickets.

December 13

• SFU Philosophers’ Cafe meets at The ACT, 11944 Haney Pl. at 7 p.m. This month’s topic: “What is mental health anyway? Bad brain chemistry, genetic predisposition, personal choice?” Moderator will be Larry Green. This event is co-sponsored by the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council. Everyone is welcome. Registration and experience are not required.

December 18

• Golden Ears Writers Club holds its monthly lobby night at The ACT from 7 to 9 p.m. This month blogger Andrea Walker will talk about demystifying blogging. The lobby nights are free for any writers aged 18 and older. Info: Katherine at 604-467-7198 or facebook.com/goldenearswriters.

January 10

• A Seniors Helping Seniors meeting takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St.

January 28

• The Golden Ears Movie Series (GEMS) at The ACT present The Kid with a Bike starring Thomas Doret, Cécile de France, Jérémie Renier. Abandoned by his father, a young boy is left in a state-run youth farm. In a random act of kindness, the town hairdresser agrees to foster him on weekends. GEMS is presented in cooperation with Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival that promotes Canadian and international cinema in communities across Canada. Single tickets are $11, three-film packages are $27, and the full six-movie season is $50. The films are at 7:30 on the main stage at The ACT. The other films are: Edwin Boyd: Citizen Gangster (Feb. 25), The Iron Lady (March 25).

February 7

• A Seniors Helping Seniors meeting takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St.

February 25

• The Golden Ears Movie Series (GEMS) at The ACT present Edwin Boyd: Citizen Gangster starring Scott Speedman, Kelly Reilly, and Kevin Durand.Second World War vet Eddie Boyd is torn between providing for his young family and an unfulfilled dream of becoming a Hollywood star. He discovers a way to do both, but his dream leads him down a path of danger and tragedy. GEMS is presented in cooperation with Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival that promotes Canadian and international cinema in communities across Canada. Single tickets are $11, three-film packages are $27, and the full six-movie season is $50. The films are at 7:30 on the main stage at The ACT. The last film in the series is The Iron Lady (March 25).

March 7

• A Seniors Helping Seniors meeting takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St.

March 25

• The Golden Ears Movie Series (GEMS) at The ACT presents The Iron Lady starring Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, and Richard E. Grant. An elderly Margaret Thatcher talks to the imagined presence of her recently deceased husband as she struggles to come to terms with his death while scenes from her past life, from girlhood to British prime minister, intervene.. GEMS is presented in cooperation with Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival that promotes Canadian and international cinema in communities across Canada. Single tickets are $11, three-film packages are $27, and the full six-movie season is $50. The film is at 7:30 on the main stage at The ACT.

April 4

• A Seniors Helping Seniors meeting takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St.

May 2

• A Seniors Helping Seniors meeting takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St.

June 6

• A Seniors Helping Seniors meeting takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St. There’s no meetings in July or August.

Volunteers

• Katie’s Place animal shelter needs volunteers, particularly cleaners for Fridays and Sundays. However, any schedule can be accommodated. Help out some messy but grateful and loving little critters. Info: 604-463-7917 or volunteeratkatiesplace@shaw.ca.

• Special Olympics needs volunteers to be coaches and assistant coaches for various sports. They also need a newsletter writer-editor, and a fun basics coordinator who trains athletes in basic skills. Info: a.caughy@gmail.com.

• Ridge Meadows Hospice Thrift Store requires volunteers to sort, price, and stock shelves. The thrift store has extended its hours and is now open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Info: 604-463-7711.

• What does one hour of your time mean to us? Everything! 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.

• 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, on a donation basis, for up to three months. 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.

• The North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association needs volunteers to come forward to help groom and tack up horses and to either lead or side walk with the riders during their lessons. Horse experience is fabulous but not required. This is the place for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, working with wonderful people of all abilities, and loves animals. Potential volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. For information or to sign up for the orientation, call 604-462-7786.

• 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 their website at www.options.bc.ca and follow the link for the crisis line.

• Volunteers are 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.

Groups

• A support group for widowed and divorced women aged 55 and older meets the last Friday of the month from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church Hall, 23500 Dewdney Trunk Rd. They hold social activities, van outings, presentations about seniors concerns, and grief counselling. Info: Rose at 604-467-8319 or Lil at 604-463-4703.

Groups

• Golden Ears Thrift holds a thrift sale every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with household items, clothing, and jewelry. The church is at 22165 Dewdney Trunk Rd.

Groups

• Grumpy Grandmas’ social group has an overflowing activity list. Join them for weekly coffee, cards, games, movies, and overnight get-a-ways. No, they are not grumpy, rather they are a happy group of ladies who have lots of laughs. Their monthly meeting takes place the first Friday of every month. Info: Maureen at 604-476-9794 or Sue at 604-459-8089.

Groups

• The Pitt Meadows Community Choir will be practising on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the Pitt Meadows Heritage Church (corner of Harris and Ford roads in Pitt Meadows). Info: Kirsteen McLean at 778-866-0871 or info@vocalessence.ca.

Groups

• Beginner Hawaiian dance lessons for seniors (55-plus) will be held for a minimal cost of $1 for interested community members. Info: Diana at 604-465-5722.

Groups

• English Corner, a group for people with intermediate or advanced English skills, meets regularly to provide the opportunity to meet new people from around the world and learn English. They meet Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at 117-19041 Ford Rd. (in the centre of the housing co-op complex) in Pitt Meadows, on Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Maple Ridge Library’s Greenside Room, and on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Maple Ridge Library’s Alouette Room. There is no fee or sign-up.

Groups

• If you are single and over 55 and would like to get out and enjoy B.C. Trails and walks in various Lower Mainland locations, get on the list for free two-hour walks every Saturday morning. Info: eileenanne70@hotmail.com. No cost to join group, no meetings.

Groups

• Hominum Fraser Valley Chapter is an informal discussion and support group to help gay, bisexual, and questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated, or single. They meet on the last Friday of every month. For information and meeting location, call Art at 604-462-9813 or Don at 604-329-9860.

Groups

• The Council of Senior Citizens Organizations (COSCO) is an advocacy group devoted to improving the quality of life for all seniors. Seniors’ organizations wishing to be affiliated or individuals who want to be members should contact Ernie Bayer at 604-576-9734 or ecbayer@shaw.ca.

Groups

• For information about emergency planning, visit www.mapleridge.ca and www.pittmeadows.bc.ca and click on visitors/emergency services/municipal emergency program for information. Or contact Barb Morgan, ESS director at 604-467-7301 or bmorgan@mapleridge.ca.

Groups

• The Stride to Thrive is a walking group that meets at Jerry Sulina Park for a one-hour walk on the dike every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Meet in the parking lot by the large notice board, rain or shine. This group, sponsored by Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services, is for women of all ages whose lives or the lives of family and friends have been affected by cancer. Info: stridetothrive@hotmail.com.

Groups

• Maple Ridge Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) is a group of moms who have children from birth to kindergarten age. They meet on a regular basis for learning, laughter, support, and encouragement in a casual setting. They meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. at Maple Ridge Christian Reformed Church, 20245 Dewdney Trunk Rd. Childcare is provided. Info: Jill at 604-466-5948.

Groups

• Overeaters Anonymous meets every Wednesday evening from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Andrew Church, 22165 Dewdney Trunk Rd. Use the back door entrance. Their membership incudes anorexics, bulimics, binge eaters, and overeaters. No dues or fees and no diets or weigh-ins. They are a fellowship. Newcomers welcome. Info: 604-878-4575.

Groups

• Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday except holidays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. in the library at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Centre at 12150 224th St., Maple Ridge. Info: Elma at 604-463-4831 or violetpt@telus.net.

Groups

• Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets at 7 p.m. every Wednesday at the Pitt Meadows Heritage Hall, 12460 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows. Don’t hesitate to call for information. Info: Rena at 604-460-1398 or Eloise at 604-465-7316.

Groups

• Singles walking group 45-plus, Happy Wanderers, meets Saturdays at 9:15 a.m. at Pitt Meadows Heritage Hall on Lougheed Highway, Pitt Meadows. Leave at 9:30 a.m. and walk in various areas and along trails on both sides of the river. Info: 604-463-8874.

Groups

• The Blue Heron Toastmasters meets every Thursday at Pitt Meadows City hall from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Anyone interested in learning public speaking, effective communication, leadership skills, or how to run a meeting, can come and join the group as a guest in a fun and supportive atmosphere of self-paced learning. Info: Bob Garnett at rgarnett@telus.net or 604-460-0035 or Andrew Thompson at ansthom@aol.com at 604-460-0339.

Groups

• Debtors Anonymous meets Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Church, 22165 Dewdney Trunk Rd. Park and enter from the back of the building through the door marked with the big sign. Hope and recovery for debtors, compulsive spenders, and underearners. Info: mapleridge@debtorsanonymous.ca or John at 604-928-9697.

Groups

• Co-dependence Anonymous can help those desiring healthy and loving relationships. Meetings are Mondays at 7:30 p.m. at the One Way Club Society, 22270 North Ave. in Maple Ridge. Info: 604-836-1217.

Groups

• Ridge Meadows Hospice Society is hosting meat draws at the Jolly Coachman Pub, 19167 Ford Rd. in Pitt Meadows every Saturday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. All proceeds go to support the hospice society programs.

Groups

• Bring your wee one, aged birth to five years old every Tuesday to the Whonnock Lake Centre from 9 to 11 a.m. for playtime, songs and crafts. Come meet others, have fun and connect with your wee one. There is a $2/family drop-in charge. Coffee and tea available for adults, bring a peanut-free snack for your little ones. Info: Kirsten at 604-466-6880 or kirsten.mah@shaw.ca.

Groups

• A new Toastmasters club meets at the Sprott-Shaw campus, 204-20395 Lougheed Hwy. in Maple Ridge on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. Learn public speaking and leadership skills. Info: Elmer Thiessen 604-460-0660.

Groups

• Positively Speaking Toastmasters meets every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Maple Ridge Municipal Hall council chambers. Info: 604-463-5519.

Groups

• Ladies’ Coffee and More mornings where ladies come to share and build friendships, do crafts, and have refreshments, meet at Grace Community Church, 12240 Harris Rd. from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays. Free and no registration required. Info: Lois at 604-941-3543 or Jayne at 604-465-6897.

Groups

• Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can leave those with the disease, and their care partners, feeling isolated. The non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. offers support groups for early-stage parients and family caregivers that meet monthly. The groups offer practical tips, a supportive environment, and a chance to learn from others in similar circumstances. For information on meeting times and locations, call 604-298-0780 or 604-298-0782, or email dleclair@alzheimerbc.org. Info: www.alzheimerbc.org.

Groups

• 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 (reading, writing, speaking) and cultural activities (origami, games). 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.

Groups

• Golden Ears Writers Critique Group meets the first and third Fridays of the month from 1:45 to 4:45 p.m. in the Maple Ridge Library (upstairs). Adult writers of all levels and abilities welcome. Bring copies of writing for critique (800 to 1,000 words) or just drop in to find out what they are about. Info: www.facebook.com/goldenearswriters. Organizers ask that participants RSVP to educationwatch@gmail.com or on their Facebook page.

Groups

• Moms of Young Children Connect – a group of moms who have young children that meet on a regular basis for learning, laughter, support, and encouragement in a casual setting. Have a hot cup of coffee, socialize, and be inspired. They meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 9:15 to 11 a.m. at Burnett Fellowship Church, 20639 123rd Ave. Child care is provided at $1 per child per visit. Info: www.momsofyoungchildren.com.

Groups

•The Tri-City Singles Social Club welcomes members from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. The group provides the opportunity for single men and women over 40 to meet new friends and socialize in a variety of settings. They meet the third Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Call Darline at (604) 466 0017 for the meeting location and more information.

Groups

• 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 ongoing support is provided. If you are interested in learning more about this challenging and rewarding opportunity, go to www.options.bc.ca and follow the link for the Crisis Line. Next training starts soon.

Groups

• Celebrate Recovery Ridge-Meadows, a faith-based recovery program, meets every Friday St. George’s Anglican Church, 23500 Dewdney Trunk Rd. in Maple Ridge with dinner from 6 to 7 p.m., a general meeting with teaching, testimony, or guest speaker from 7 to 8 p.m. men’s and women’s share groups from 8 to 9 p.m. This program is sponsored by the Ridge Meadows Ministerial Association. It exists to serve the community of Ridge Meadows, to provide a safe place where people from all walks of life can share their experiences to give hope and encouragement to one another. Info: email carolkeating@shaw.ca, call 604-377-3575, or go to www.celebraterecovery.ca.

Groups

• Maple Ridge Lupus Support Group meets every third Friday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Fraser View Community Centre, 22610 116th Ave. Info: Diana at 604-465-4466.

Clubs

• Ridge Meadows Chess Club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m. at The ACT. Info: Chris at 604-467-2426 or cbdickson@telus.net.

Music

• Do you play music or love to listen? Come to Kanaka Coffee open mic event, an acoustic evening, open to musicians and audiwence alike at Kanaka Creek Coffee, 101-24155 102nd Ave. every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Music

• Come join the Bergthorson Academy of Musical Arts’ Bluegrass Circle led by the local legend Denis Leclerc. Bring your banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, upright bass, or vocal harmonies on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Pitt Meadows location of the Bergthorson Academy, 12229 Harris Rd. Info: Rob at 778-230-0543 or info@bergthorson.com.

Music

• Calling all drummers: The Maple Ridge Concert Band needs percussionists. They practise on Tuesday nights in the Maple Ridge Secondary band room from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Info: Brian Northam at 604-220-7499 or 604-463-4637.

Donations needed

• Ridge Meadows Hospital is looking for donations of current, used paperbacks in good condition for patients and residents at the hospital – no hardcover books. Donations can be dropped off at the volunteer resources office Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Info: rmhvolunteerservices@fraserhealth.ca.

Fundraiser

• The Maple Ridge Lions Club holds three local meat draws weekly: By Bailey’s and the Witch of Endor on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Sundays 3 to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays at the Fox’s Reach from 3 to 5 p.m.

Women’s English group

• The Community Literacy Committee has opened a drop-in office where anyone can come for help with literacy issues. People can ask for help to fill out an application or government form or to have their language levels assessed to be matched with a tutor. They will also be able to offer access to free learning software on the computers provided to the committee by the CEED Centre’s computer access program. They are also looking for donations of good quality children’s books for families to encourage reading at home and high interest magazines for adults to offer an informal lending library. A free Women’s English Group runs every Tuesday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This group will give women with basic English skills an opportunity to meet over coffee and learn English with a trained TESL tutor.

Maple Ridge Museum

• The Dewdney-Alouette Railway Society holds an open house in the basement of the Maple Ridge Museum the last Sunday of the month. The group has built models depicting Hammond, Port Haney, and Ruskin as they were during the 1930s. The open house runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at the museum, 22520 116th Ave.

Maple Ridge Choral Society

• The Maple Ridge Choral Society Choir starts a new season of song. Registration and rehearsal take place at St. Paul’s Church, 12145 Laity St. All singers are welcome. Info: Dennis: 604-465-8038 or Jerry at 604-463-0760.

Ridge Meadows Hospice Society

• Ridge Meadows Hospice Society requires visiting volunteers. Their next training session will begin in February. Call the society office to register or to learn more about how to volunteer at 604-463-7722 or visit their website www.ridgemeadowshospicesociety.com.

Pitt Meadows Library Book Club

• The Pitt Meadows Library Book Club meets the third Wednesday of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Drop in and join a discussion about the monthly book choice. The group chooses a book every month. Registration appreciated. Info: 604-465-4113.

Games night at Pitt Meadows Library

• The Pitt Meadows Library holds a games night every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. There’s a variety of board games set up and light refreshments will be served. Participants can bring their own board games.

Student Library Council

• Student Library Council members organize programs for teens, volunteer as reading buddies, and help with other library events. In doing so, they earn volunteer work experience hours. The council meets the third Wednesday of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Application forms are available at the second floor information desk at the Maple Ridge Library.

Philosophers’ Cafe

• The Student Library Council runs a philosophers’ cafe on the first Wednesday of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Maple Ridge Library where they discuss weighty issues.

Pitt Meadows Community Choir

• Pitt Meadows Community Choir meets at the Pitt Meadows Heritage Church at the corner of Ford and Harris roads every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Registration remains open until Feb. 8. No experience necessary. Info: Kirsteen McLean at 778-866-0871.

Bereavement

• Do you know a child who has experienced the death of a loved one? The Ridge Meadows Hospice Society is offering a six-week Children’s Bereavement Support Group. Info: 604-463-7722.

Hospice society

• Ridge Meadows Hospice Society requires visiting volunteers. Their next training session will begin in February. To register or to learn more about how to volunteer, call the society office at 604-463-7722 or visit their website at www.ridgemeadowshospicesociety.com.

Seniors Variety Plus

• The Maple Ridge Seniors Variety Plus is conducting a membership drive. Anyone interested in being part of a musical comedy group is welcome to join – it’s not necessary to be a great singer, dancer, or actor. The seniors variety plus group put on shows twice a year at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre. Info: Mae at 604-459-9709 or Gwen at 604-476-9306.

Japanese language school

• Maple Ridge Japanese Language School is now accepting registration for new students. To ensure small class sizes, limited space is available. Classes are taught by Japanese teachers and include language skills – reading, writing, and speaking – and cultural activities like origami and games. Classes are held 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 or Karen at 604-465-0612.

Family Games Night

• Pitt Meadows Library hosts family game nights every Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be a variety of board games set up for everyone to use and some light refreshments. Bring board games to share. The new library is at #200-12099 Harris Rd.

World film series

• World Films series begins at the Maple Ridge Public Library and runs Tuesdays, Oct. 9 through Nov. 20 starting at 6 p.m. Bring your friends and spend a relaxing evening at the library with a must-see film. The Friends of the Library will sell refreshments at intermission. N.B. There is no film on Oct. 16.

Tri-Hard Walkers

• The Tri-Hard Walkers is a walking group that meets at Haney Place Mall at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for an outside walk. This group is for men and women of all ages and abilities who would like to meet new friends and enjoy the benefits of regular walking. It’s a fun and simple way to participate in regular physical activity and improve your health. The group is sponsored by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and there is a $10 annual membership fee. Info: Beverley 467-9407 or meet them inside the mall near Kin’s Market and Purdys at 8:20 a.m.

Volunteers needed

• The North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association is now preparing for their fall 2012 horseback riding program. They need volunteers to come forward to help groom and tack their horses and to lead or side walk with riders during their lesson. Horse experience is great but not required. This is the place for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, working with wonderful people of all abilities, and loves animals. A volunteer orientation session will be held on Sept. 9 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The fall session began on Sept. 17.

Babytime

• Peek-a-Book runs at the Maple Ridge Library from Mondays, Sept. 10 to Nov. 26 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Make reading fun by bringing baby for one-on-one stories, puppets and more. For children 0 to 18 months.

Storytime

• You, Me and the Li-bra-ry runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from Sept. 11 to Dec. 14 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Puppets, books, rhymes and songs with enchant you and your child. All ages welcome. Note: The library will be closed on Friday, Sept. 14.

Child bereavement group

• Do you know a child who has experienced the death of a loved one? Ridge Meadows Hospice Society is offering a six-week Children’s Bereavement Support Group. Info: 604-463-7722.