West Island community events

ART EXHIBITS Galerie Ouest in Ste. Anne de Bellevue (37 St. Thomas St.) will showcase watercolours, pen, and ink drawings from the Sheldon Phillips Collection until July 3. The shores of Lake St. Louis are the setting of many of the works in the exhibit; vernissage is June 20. For more information visit www.galerieouest.ca or www.arthursheldonphillips.com. Ste. Anne de Bellevue Art Expo will be held until Sept. 1. Artists will exhibit on the boardwalk, and in stores along the main street. Professional and amateur artists wanted. For more information, call Tom Levitt, 514-457-0323. Ile Bizard Library (500 de l’Eglise Ave.) will host Dreaming in Colour, a solo show and sale featuring watercolours by Krysia Gallien until June 30. Call 514-695-7950 for information. Roxboro Library (110 Cartier Ave.) will hold a solo show featuring works by Heather Cowper until June 30. Dorval artist Lois Holst will display her work at Dorval City Hall (60 Martin Ave.) until June 30. Artist of the Month at Dorval Library (1401 Lakeshore Dr.) is Maciejka Voss of the Dorval Artists’ Association. The exhibit continues until June 30. Lake of Two Mountains Artists Association members will be exhibiting their artwork until July 31 at Meubles Signature (121 route 342) in Pointe Fortune. Hours: Mon.-Wed. from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thu. and Fri. from 10 to 9, Sat. from 10 to 5 and Sun., 11 to 5. Members will also be selling their work until Apr. 2009. Sidewalk Chalk Art Brigade is an intergenerational project open to all. For details call the Cricket Estate Learning Centre at 514-457-0323. The centre is also introducing a papermaking workshop; call for details. PERFORMANCE Kirkland Concert Band performs June 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Harris Park (corner Brunswick and Henri Daoust). Bring a lawn chair. All welcome. For information call 514-457-0292. Spirit of New Orleans is the theme of a free jazz concert featuring Chris Hunter and his band June 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the garden of the Dollard des Ormeaux Civic Centre (12001 de Salaberry Blvd.) In case of rain the concert moves to the banquet hall. For details call 514-684-1012, ext. 210/402. Christian Hip Hop Extravaganza will be held on the grounds of St. James Church in Hudson (462 Main Rd.) on June 20 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Headliner is hip-hop artist Manafest. Highlights include breakdancing lessons and skateboarding. Tickets are $12 and will be sold at the door. For further information call Kelly Babbage at 514-445-6386. Hudson Village Theatre’s 16th summer season opens June 21 with the musical All Grown Up. Travel by train and back from Montreal or the Beaconsfield station for the 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. performance. Tickets at $50 each include fare, the play, snacks, a beverage, and entertainment by a Dixieland band. Contact escapadesentrain@amt.qc.ca or call 514-287-7866. Generation Big Band will salute the Tin Pan Alley when it kicks off Dorval’s free summer concerts June 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Pine Beach Park. In case of rain the concert moves to Sarto Desnoyers Centre (1335 Lakeshore Dr.) The series, sponsored by Novartis Pharma Canada, will also feature reggae, pop, and country music until Aug. 18. Bring a chair, or rent one for $1. Thursday night theatre performances are also getting under way. Call for details at 514-633-4170. West Island Readers Electric (WIRE) will host readings by local writers and friends June 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Café Aurora (552 Beaconsfield Blvd.) There will be an open mike period. For details call 514-671-9941. Battle of the Bands fourth annual competition will be held June 27 at 6 p.m. at Centennial Hall (288 Beaconsfield Blvd.). For more information, or to sign up your band for this all-genre musical showcase call Kate Holland at 514-428-4531. Lakeshore Light Opera will host its summer sing-alongs beginning July 8 at 8 p.m. with G&S’s Ruddigore. The six-part series will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Pointe Claire (233 Ste. Claire Ave.) Scores provided; all welcome. Call 514-804-4900 for info.

FUNDRAISERS Jewelry party in aid of the SPCA will be held June 19 and 20 at the PBCA Hall in Dorval (1510 Herron Rd.) Love, Montreal and De L’Au Dela will be selling their unique handmade pieces between 5 and 10 p.m. (cash only). Free refreshments. Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada invites participants to walk, cycle, or rollerblade in its 13th annual Heel ‘n Wheel-a-thon, June 21 at the Gilles Villeneuve Racetrack. Highlights include games, a BBQ, music, and prizes. For pledge forms and info visit www.ccfc.ca or call 514-342-0666.

SOCIAL EVENTS Greenwood Centre in Hudson (245 Main Rd.) is open Sundays until Labour Day. Experience home and garden tours, as well as poetry readings, an art workshop, harp recital, quilting demonstration, and more, in an historic setting overlooking Lake of Two Mountains. For details call 450-458-5396 or visit www.greenwood-centre-hudson.org. Word of Mouth Singles will hold Summer’s Here – Mix, Mingle, and Munch dance party June 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Topaze Lounge in Plaza Pointe Claire (317 St. John’s Blvd.) Live music with Jetblack; appetizer buffet until 8:30. Cash bar. Tickets in advance are $15, or $20 at the door. For information and reservations call Elliot at 514-421-1672. <@Rb>St. Michael and All Angels Church in Pierrefonds (15556 Cabot St.) will hold an outdoor service June 29 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a BBQ lunch. Friends welcome. Word of Mouth Singles will hold a Canada Day Mix ‘n Mingle BBQ and dance party at La Cabane Bar and Grill (8305 Cote de Liesse) in St. Laurent starting at 5:30 p.m. The band Runaway will perform. Tickets are $25 at the door or $20 in advance if paid by June 26 (includes $10 food/beverage coupons). Call Elliot at 514-421-1672 for details.

MEETINGS Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Lakeshore chapter will meet June 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Nickel’s in Pointe Claire (6300 Trans Canada Hwy). Call 514-694-6201 for info. Nordic Walking Adventure Excursion Club will meet each Monday from 7 to 7:30 p.m., July 7 through 28 at Morgan Arboretum (Dale Field) in Ste Anne de Bellevue. To purchase poles and for information, call Janice Burdon, 514-458-2531. MiB West Island, a networking organization for businesswomen, invites potential members to monthly Meet-Greet-Eat luncheons at 55 Brunswick Blvd. For information call 514-684-9081. English Writers Association West Island is looking for aspiring writers for a new group starting up in Pierrefonds. During regular meetings, members will explore publishing and other resources in an atmosphere of mutual support. For information call 514-624-0378. The Weight Loss Club meets weekly in the West Island for challenging and fun activities. To learn more about a new eight-week program (with a cash prize for the winner) and free consultation call 514-242-6865. West Island Italian Seniors’ Club invites new members to join the group for a variety of activities Wednesday nights in Pierrefonds. For details call Maria at 514-833-4809. Catholic Community Services (CCS), a bilingual 50+ drop-in social group in Pierrefonds (8652 Basswood St.) meets on Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. for movement to music, breakfast and conversation. For more information, call Diane Doonan at 514-770-8416. One Parent Families Association meets every Saturday through the summer for breakfast and many social activities. All are welcome. For more information, call 514-685-2717. DDO Toastmasters, a public speaking group to build confidence and improve your career, meets Mondays at 7:30 p.m., at Sunnybrooke Chalet (100 Cadman St.). For more information, call Pat at 514-684-9626. Dorval City Toastmasters Club meets at Sarto Desnoyers Community Centre in Dorval (1355 Lakeshore Dr.), on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 514-696-5973. Pointe Claire Toastmasters, open to all interested in the Toastmasters program, meets Wednesday evenings at St. John’s United Church in Pointe Claire (98 Aurora Ave). For more information, call 514-697-4728. Singled Out Toastmasters meets the second and fourth Friday of each month at the West Island YMCA in Pointe Claire (230 Brunswick Blvd.) from 7:10 to 9:10 p.m. For more information, call 514-213-0446.

COURSES Stewart Hall (176 Lakeshore Rd.) in Pointe Claire is organizing summer cultural workshops for all ages. Registration is under way. Explore arts, dance, ballet, pottery, yoga, languages and more; inquire about kids’ day camps. Call 514-630-1220. Le Trait d’union Employment Centre in Pointe Claire (189 Hymus Blvd., suite 201) is offering free job search services, including workshops on interview and job search techniques, CV preparation, and job bank and internet access. Drop in or schedule an appointment at 514-426-9508. The Cricket Estate Learning Centre (250 Senneville Rd.) is launching Aqua Karate, a combination of swimming and karate. Wednesday sessions from 7 to 8:30 p.m. are free and open to all. Call 514-457-0323 for details.

SCHOOL NOTEBOOK Beaconsfield High School Alumni Association is planning a 50th anniversary Reunion Thanksgiving weekend '08 at BHS (250 Beaurepaire Dr.). Register at beaconsfieldhighschool.ca to receive updates. The planning committee welcomes participants at its meetings the last Wednesday of the month (June 25) at 7:30 p.m. For more information call 514-697-8802. <@Rb>Queen of Angels Academy<@$P> Foundation is looking for a permanent, part-time co-ordinator to organize activities, do bookkeeping, prepare the newsletter, and work on charity events. Bilingualism and computer knowledge are among required skills. Deadline to apply is June 25 at 4 p.m. Send a letter of intent and CV to Margaret Buzas, QAA, 100 Bouchard Ave. Dorval, H9S 1A7. For more info call 514-636-0900. Dorval Elementary School is planning a fall fair in October and is looking for artisans to take part. If interested call the co-ordinator at 514-636-7773. Beaconsfield Creative Preschool, a non-profit bilingual preschool for three and four-year-olds, has ongoing registration for September in the Windermere Chalet (303 Sherbrooke St.). For more information, call Cynthia at 514-693-5665. Coolbrooke Park Preschool in Dollard des Ormeaux (260 Spring Garden Rd.) offers a bilingual program for three and four-year-olds and is taking registration for the 2008-2009 school year. For more information call 514-684-1062 or 514-421-7565. Dorval Elementary Pre-Kindergarten offers a bilingual, structured program which prepares children for kindergarten. For 2009, reserve now and place your name on a list. For more information, call 514-947-7899. Dorval Preschool Cooperative (1335 Lakeshore Dr.) offers classes for three and four-year-olds. For information on registering, fees, tuitions, and programs, call 514-631-9394. Jardin d'enfants Beechwood in Roxboro (116 Cartier Ave.) is taking registration for September. Bilingual programs for children age two to five are available. For more information, call 514-684-5087. Pat Roberts Centre in Ste. Geneviève (16167 Gouin Blvd.) offers a specialized preschool program for children from birth to five years of age with special needs. A formal diagnosis is not required. Registration is ongoing. For more information, call 514-696-5144.

JUST FOR KIDS Christian day camp starts July 28 at St. George’s Church in Ste. Anne de Bellevue (23 Perrault St.) Call 514-457-6934 for information. Dollard des Ormeaux Library (12001 de Salaberry Blvd.) is launching Laugh Out Loud, a summer reading program for children age 12 and under. Registration is also under way for free story-time activities for children ages two through 12. Call 514-684-1496 for details. YMCA’s summer day camp offers young participants a wide range of activities, including team sports, co-operative games, arts and crafts, and outings. To register call Andrew Borelli at 514-630-9622. Pointe Claire Library (68 Prince Edward Ave.) will host a program called Mysterious Concoctions, June 25 from 1 to 2 p.m. Children from the ages of seven to 12 will have fun exploring the fundamentals of science. Free for members. Story Hour for four to eight-year-olds, and Family Story Hour run June 27 to Aug. 22. Call 514-630-1219 for more information. Story Hour gets under way Fridays from June 27 through Aug. 22 at Pointe Claire Central Library (100 Douglas Shand Ave.) for three to five-year-olds and six to eight-year-olds. Call 514-630-1218, ext. 1624 for details. YMCA’s summer Explorers program for 12 to 17-year-olds will be held from June 30 to Aug. 22. Activities include team-oriented workshops, sports (soccer, swimming, basketball, bowling), trips to La Ronde and the Old Port, and more. Space is limited. Call 514-630-9864 ext. 344 for further details. Children’s Story Hour will be held at Café Swiss in Ste. Anne de Bellevue (53a Ste. Anne St.) June 20 from 9 to 10 a.m. Free activity with milk and cookies. For more information, call 514- 674-2233. Family Resource Centre (4855 Sources Blvd.) in Pierrefonds is currently offering the following programs to children: Friendship and Feelings, Social Skills, and Study and Organizational Skills. For more information, call 514-685-5912. Mother Goose Rhyme Time is a fun-filled hour for parents and infants (0-four years old): sharing nursery rhymes, songs and stories Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at Riverdale Community Learning Centre in room 259 (5060 Sources Blvd), Pierrefonds. For more information and registration call 514-937-2180.

SUPPORT GROUPS Self-Help Against Depression provides professional guidance by phone to people who suffer from mild to moderate anxiety or depression. Leave a message at 514-684-9896. Inquiries are also welcome about the non-profit organization’s Buddy Connections project. Breast cancer survivors are invited to join the West Island Dragons for camaraderie, exercise, and fun. Training sessions for the dragon boat racing team are under way at the Pointe Claire Canoe Club. For details visit www.westislanddragons.com or contact westislanddragons@hotmail.com. The West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped (111 Donegani Ave., Pointe Claire) operates a resource centre where parents and educators can find materials and information on children with special needs. Topics range from family life to advocacy to integration. Call 514-694-7090 for more details. Obesity Incorporated (O.B.C.T.) is a charitable organization dealing with Obesity Syndrome. It provides counselling and activities such as Walking Connections. To find an indoor or outdoor walking companion in your neighbourhood, call 514-684-4409. West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped (WIAIH) in Pointe Claire hosts a coffee break to exchange ideas with other parents and learn about resources on the first Tuesday of the month from 9:30 to11:30 a.m. (111 Donegani Ave.). For more information, call 514-694-7090 ext. 14. Family Life Centre offers short-term professional counselling for those who cannot otherwise afford it. They offer individual, couple or family counselling to anglophone West Island residents. Call and leave a message at 514-630-7794.

VOLUNTEERS ANEB Quebec offers support to people with eating disorders. Bilingual volunteers are being sought to man a help line two evenings per month. Training provided. Call Corinne at 514-630-0907 for information. Hudson Meals on Wheels needs volunteers who would be available to cook once a month. For information call Louise Wibe at 450-458-7862 or Alec Whyte at 450-458-2418. West Island Citizen Advocacy is looking for the following volunteer advocates: A 45-year-old woman in Dorval who has a four-year-old autistic son needs a female volunteer to be her companion. She enjoys baking and needlepoint. Call Mimi at 514-631-9151. A 66-year-old Lachine woman in a wheelchair needs a volunteer who could become her friend. She enjoys playing cards and crossword puzzles. Call Mimi at 514-631-9151.

An 81-year-old woman (with car) in Roxboro needs someone to accompany her on weekly banking and shopping errands. Call Yolande at 514-694-5850. A seniors’ residence in Beaconsfield is looking for an advocate to participate in activities (board games, cards, etc). Call Yolande at 514-694-5850. Seniors in a residence in Pierrefonds would like an advocate to join them monthly for board games, arts and crafts, etc. Call Helene at 514-694-5850. A Pierrefonds seniors’ residence is seeking someone who speaks Mandarin to translate for their Chinese residents and accompany them to medical appointments. Call Helene or Nellie at 514-694-5850. A senior woman in Pointe Claire would benefit from a volunteer to help with errands. Call Cat at 514-694-5850. A Pierrefonds woman with MS would is seeking a female volunteer for companionship and to accompany her on outings. Call Cat at 514-694-5850. Volunteer mentors 55 plus are needed to share their business experience with individuals seeking employment or a new career. Contact Orit Sheck at the Ometz social service agency for info at 514-345-2645, ext. 6417. Volunteer West Island matches people with diverse volunteer opportunities that suit their interests, availability and aspirations. For more information, visit www.cabvwi.org or call 514-457-5445.