January 10

• The Earth Day Planning Committee is forging connections between the arts and the environment to highlight Maple Ridge Earth Day’s 2013 theme – “Earth Arts” and lead-up to BC Arts & Culture Week. On Jan. 10, from 7 to 9 p.m., there will be a special event at The ACT to connect artists and arts groups with environmental groups. From there, individuals and groups can work together or on their own to develop interactive or hands-on activities, art, or performances for Earth Day 2013, which is April 20. Cash prizes will be given out for the best fusions of the arts and the environment.

January 10

• Ridge Meadows Ex-Service Women’s Club meets at the Royal Canadian Legion, 12101 224th St. Lunch is at noon and the meeting begins at 1 p.m. Memberships for 2013 are now due.

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 10

• The regular monthly meeting of the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter of HUB: Your Cycling Connection will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the Greenside Room at the Maple Ridge Library.

January 10

• SFU Philosophers’ Cafe meets at The ACT, 11944 Haney Pl. at 7 p.m. This month’s topic: Are we entering a new dark age or going through a transitional time? Are there signs of an emergent vitality that might not be noticed amidst the destruction of old forms?

January 12

• Maple Ridge Art Gallery present Lost and Found, acrylic paintings by Shari Pratt with figurative imagery from the 1940s through the 1960s. The opening reception takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. The art gallery is located at The ACT, 11944 Haney Pl. The show continues from Jan. 12 to Feb. 2.

January 12

• Ridge Meadows Hospice Thrift Store is holding a 50-per-cent off storewide sale (select items may be excluded). The store, located at #3-12011 224th St., is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Info: 604-463-7711

January 12

• Guitarist Daniel Bolshoy will give a recital of Spanish and South American music for the Maple Ridge Music Society at 8 p.m. For tickets and information call 604-467-3162.

January 12 & 13

• Ridge Meadows Search & Rescue holds its annual tree chipping event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at their building, 23598 105th Ave. (next to Planet Ice). Chipping is by donation. Curbside pickup is done by 1st Haney Rovers for a minimum $10 fee. Email name and address to scoutchipping@gmail.com for pickup or call 604-244-2850.

January 15

• Golden Ears Writers presents The Evolution of Publishing with Russ Crossly from 7 to 9 p.m. in the lobby of The ACT, 11944 Haney Pl. Publishing is changing at a dizzying pace. Join the writers group for an evening with Russ Crossley to learn about the evolution of publishing and what the future might hold. International selling author, Russ Crossley writes romance under the name R.G. Hart, mystery-suspense under the name R.G. Crossley, and science fiction and fantasy under his own. With his wife, romance author R.S. Meger, he owns and operates a small press publishing company, 53rd Street Publishing. The company began in April 2011 and now has over one hundred e-book titles and a number of print titles, with more planned in 2012 and 2013. Register for the talk at www.facebook.com/events/205974219527793/ or to Katherine Wagner at citizen@shaw.ca.

January 16

• Teens, here’s the chance to have some input into what happens at the library this year, and earn volunteer work experience hours at the same time. Members of the Student Library Council organize programs for teens, volunteer as reading buddies, and help with other library events. The first meeting will be Wednesday, January 16 at 7 p.m. at the Maple Ridge Library. Ask for an SLC application form at the second floor information desk. Info: Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

January 17

• The Maple Ridge Library will be hosting Long-term Care: Navigating the System on Thursday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. This is the first in a series of informative talks offered by the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows and Katzie Seniors Network on topics important to seniors and their families. Info: Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

January 17

• For anyone whose New Year’s resolution is to overcome their fear of public speaking, delay no longer. Blue Heron ToastMasters welcome the public to see for themselves how much fun it can be to speak in public. Blue Heron ToastMasters meets every Thursday at Pitt Meadows City Hall from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Info: Andrew Thompson at 604-460-0339.

January 18 & 19

• The Wizard of Oz, put on by the musical theatre group of the Bergthorson Academy of Music, is coming to the main stage at The ACT. Performances are on Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 19 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The musical will be performed in concert Jonathan Reichert and the Ridge Meadows Orchestra. Tickets available at The ACT: $12 in advance, four for $40, or $15 at the door.

Babytime at the library

• Bring your baby to the Maple Ridge Public Library for one-on-one Peek-a-Book baby storytimes each Monday from Jan. 7 through May 13, from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. This program is for children zero to 18 months. Info: Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

Storytime at the library

• Storytimes begin at the Maple Ridge Library with You, Me and the Li-bra-ry. Children of all ages and their caregivers will enjoy puppets, books, rhymes and more. Storytimes run Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays starting Jan. 8 through May 24 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Come prepared for fun, singing, and reading. Info: Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

Call for artists

• Maple Ridge Art Gallery, The Reach Gallery Museum, the Abbotsford Arts Council, and the Mission Arts Council are calling visual artists living in the Fraser Valley to submit artwork to the second Fraser Valley Regional Biennale. The art exhibition will be hosted by The Reach, Maple Ridge Art Gallery, and regional arts councils in the summer of 2013 to present a wide range of artwork that reveals the diversity of visual art practices local to the Fraser Valley. Submissions in all mediums will be accepted until March 29 including painting, drawing, installation, photography, sculpture, printmaking, video, film, and applied arts. Applications are available for download at thereach.ca, abbotsfordartscouncil.org, or any of the participating organizations’ websites.

Spiritual care needed

• Ridge Meadows Hospital is looking for spiritual-care volunteers to support the residents of Baillie House. They are now accepting pre-registration for their upcoming training. Sessions are Tuesday afternoons, beginning Jan. 22 and run for six weeks. Contact Alan Anderson at 604-476-7888 ext. 552700 or email Alan.Anderson@fraserhealth.ca to register.

Donations needed

• Twice In A Lifetime is a program for students looking to purchase a good quality once-worn graduation dress. Thomas Haney Secondary is offering grads this opportunity to shop consignment over a two-day period on Jan. 26 and 27 at the Greg Moore Youth Centre, multi-purpose room from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. The school will be accepting consignment dresses to sell for this event. For more information on this event, contact Yvonne Murray at THSS at 604-463-2001.

Hospital lottery

• A trip worth $8,400 to a remote fishing lodge for two on the British Columbia coastline is the prize in the second annual Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation lottery. Tickets are $10 each or $25 for three, and theyare available at the Billy Miner Pub and Alehouse, Witch of Endor Liquor Store, the Office Liquor Store, and at the Outpost Liquor Store. The trip must be used between June 18 and July 16.

January 19

• There will be a free artist presentation at 11 a.m. by Shari Pratt, who currently has an exhibit at the Maple Ridge Art Gallery entitled Lost and Found. The show runs from Jan. 12 to Feb. 2.

January 19

• A pub night will be held at Samz Neighborhood Pub at 19267 Lougheed Hwy., Pitt Meadows, at 6 p.m. to benefit Cathy Emmerson’s work in Rwanda. Tickets are $20 and buys a burger (beef, veggie or chicken), a choice of side, and a beer. There will also be a silent auction, prize raffle, and a 50-50 draw.

January 21

• Pitt Meadows Garden Club is inviting members and anyone interested to its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. The guest speaker is Heather Feund and the topic is making a garden. The garden club meets at the Pitt Meadows Community Hall, adjacent to Community Church at the corner Harris and Ford roads. Drop-in fee is $2 for non-members.

January 22

• World Film series begins at the Maple Ridge Library with Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring, a Korean movie from 2003. World Film nights run every Tuesday until Feb. 26 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. For more information, call the Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

January 23

• Maple Ridge Library will be holding an information session on eBooks and eReaders at 7 p.m. Learn about the variety of eReaders available, how they work and how to download free library books. Info: Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

January 23

• Maple Ridge Public Library begins its Social Networking Series with Facebook at 2 p.m. This program is ideal for those that are new to social media. Learn how to join Facebook and what is needed to do to keep personal information safe. Info: Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

January 24

• Maple Ridge Library presents Introduction to Microsoft Word on at 2 p.m. Learn how to create new documents and edit existing ones. Bring your questions and have them answered. Registration required. Info: Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

January 24 & 26

• Emerald Pig Theatrical Society is holding auditions for Bard on the Bandstand 2013: MacBeth – A Midsummer Nightmare. The play will run July 18 to 20 at Spirit Square, Pitt Meadows with a July 21 matinee, and July 25 to 27 at Memorial Peace Park, Maple Ridge with a matinee on July 28. The director is Cathie Young. Audition dates are: Thursday, Jan. 24 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre, arts workshop, and Saturday, Jan. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre, preschool room. Notes: Some male roles may be cast as women. There are non-speaking roles for “ demon” children. We are also looking for highland dancers and pipers. Contact Cathie Young at lark2rising@gmail.com for an appointment.

January 25

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

January 26

• Maple Ridge Library celebrates Family Literacy Day from 2 to 4 p.m. Come to the library for an afternoon of games, contests, fun and prizes. All ages welcome. Info: Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

January 26

• Family Literacy Day takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Maple Ridge Public Library. Families of all ages are invited to take part in an amazing literacy race at the library. Try your hand at four interactive stations: puzzles, a drum circle, reading-writing, and physical movement. Get a passport stamped at each station to be eligible for a prize draw. There will also be a teen area, information booths from local service agencies, spin-the-wheel (prize every time), refreshments, storytelling, and a wrapup performance by musician and multi-instrumentalist Boris Sichon. This is a free event.

January 27

• Trying by Joanna Glass, directed by Simon Challenger, will open at The ACT on May 7. Auditions are being held on Jan. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Pitt Meadows Rec Centre, Arts Workshop. Info: Simon at: schallenger@shaw.ca for details.

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).

January 29

• Maple Ridge Library presents The Motorcycle Diaries, an Argentinian film from 2004, as part of its World Film series at 6 p.m. The series runs every Tuesday until Feb. 26. 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. For more information, call the Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

January 30

• Kids in grades 4 and up are invited to the Wacky Wednesday: Card-Making Workshop at the Maple Ridge Library at 3:30 p.m. Get creative and make your own Valentines’ Day cards! Registration required. Info: Maple Ridge Public Library at 604-467-7417.

January 30 to February 6

• Sightlines Theatre at Thomas Haney Secondary presents the timeless musical classic You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown! Shows are Jan. 30, Feb 5, and Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. and Jan. 31, Feb. 1, and Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 and can be reserved for pickup by calling 604-463-2001. The theatre is at Thomas Haney Secondary, 23000 116th Ave.

January 31 to February 14

• Maple Ridge Library will be offering a three-part Computer Basics course on Thursdays from Jan. 31 to Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. Over three consecutive weeks, this gentle introduction to the computer will cover fundamental skills, including how to turn a computer on and off, use a mouse, master the keyboard and more. Registration required. Info: Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417

February 5

• Maple Ridge Library presents Memoirs of a Geisha, a Japanese film from 2005 as part of its World Film series at 6 p.m. The series runs every Tuesday until Feb. 26. 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. For more information, call the Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

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 12

• Maple Ridge Library presents Life is Beautiful, an Italian film from 1998, as part of it World Film series at 6 p.m The series runs every Tuesday until Feb. 26. 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.For more information, call the Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

February 14

• The regular monthly meeting of The Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter of HUB: Your Cycling Connection will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the Greenside Room at the Maple Ridge Library.

February 19

• Maple Ridge Library presents Eat Drink Man Woman, a Taiwanese film from 1994, as part of its World Film series at 6 p.m. The series runs every Tuesday until Feb. 26 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. For more information, call the Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

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).

February 26

• Maple Ridge Library presents Babette’s Feast, a Danish film from 1987, as part of its World Film series at 6 p.m. The series runs every Tuesday until Feb. 26 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. For more information, call the Maple Ridge Library at 604-467-7417.

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 14

• The regular monthly meeting of The Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter of HUB: Your Cycling Connection will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the Greenside Room at the Maple Ridge Library.

March 15

• The Chamber of Commerce serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows is holding its business excellence awards at Meadow Gardens Golf Club. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Info: 604-463-3366.

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.

April 11

• The regular monthly meeting of The Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter of HUB: Your Cycling Connection will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the Greenside Room at the Maple Ridge Library.

May 2

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

May 9

• The regular monthly meeting of The Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter of HUB: Your Cycling Connection will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the Greenside Room at the Maple Ridge Library.

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.

June 13

• The regular monthly meeting of The Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter of HUB: Your Cycling Connection will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the Greenside Room at the Maple Ridge Library.

July 11

• The regular monthly meeting of The Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter of HUB: Your Cycling Connection will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the Greenside Room at the Maple Ridge Library.

August 8

• The regular monthly meeting of The Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter of HUB: Your Cycling Connection will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the Greenside Room at the Maple Ridge Library.

September 12

• The regular monthly meeting of The Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter of HUB: Your Cycling Connection will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the Greenside Room at the Maple Ridge Library.

October 10

• The regular monthly meeting of The Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter of HUB: Your Cycling Connection will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the Greenside Room at the Maple Ridge Library.

November 14

• The regular monthly meeting of The Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter of HUB: Your Cycling Connection will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the Greenside Room at the Maple Ridge Library.

December 12

• The regular monthly meeting of The Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter of HUB: Your Cycling Connection will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the Greenside Room at the Maple Ridge Library.

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

• The multiple sclerosis self-help group for Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, Hope & Balance, meets the second Thursday of each month at Willow Manor, 12275 224th St. from 2:15 to 3:45 p.m. Info: Greg at 604-895-8202 or turnbull27@shaw.ca.

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.

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 monthly support groups for early-stage patients and family caregivers. 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.

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 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.

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.

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