Community notices: West Island style

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES



Church of the Resurrection, Valois (99 Mount Pleasant, Pointe Claire) invites children of all ages to Come and Hear the Christmas Story on Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. For more information, call 514-697-1910.

Fairview Alliance Church in Dollard des Ormeaux (220 Hyman Dr.) is holding several Holiday services: on Dec. 23, Christmas Extravangaza at 7 p.m., on Dec. 24, Candle Light Service at 6 p.m. , and on Dec. 31, Watch Night Family Fellowship at 10 p.m.

St. George's Church (23 Perrault, Ste. Anne de Bellevue) organizes a Christmas Eve candle-light Service on Dec. 24, at 9:30 p.m. For more information, call 514-457-6934.

Until Dec. 24, Laurentian Bank is putting its West Island branches at the disposal of the food drive so that they can be used as official drop-off points for non-perishable foods and money. Donors can also make online contributions at www.laurentianbank.ca.

Christmas Eve candle light service (full choir) at St. George's Church (23 Perrault St., in Ste. Anne de Bellevue) on Dec. 24 at 9:30 p.m. For more information, call 514-457-6934.

Word of Mouth Singles is hosting its Third annual Mix, Mingle, and Munch 'N' Dance Christmas, Chanukah and Festivus at FIRM Club Lounge in Dorval (2362 Hymus Blvd.), on Dec. 26 at 7 p.m. For information and reservations, call 514-421-1672.

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 85/90 in Lachine (3015 Henri Dunant) will Celebrate New Year's Eve on Dec. 31 starting at 8 p.m. $25 includes buffet. For reservations and information, call 514-637-8002.

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 51 in Pointe Claire will Celebrate New Year's Eve on Dec. 31 starting at 8 p.m. ($20). Music by Tommy Fernandez. For reservations and information, call 514-695-6965, 514 694-5374 or 514-684-5040.



The Teapot (2901 St. Joseph Blvd.) invites you to come and celebrate the New Year in style with a luncheon on Jan. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring out your gowns and suits to kick off the new season. To sign up, come see us in the office. For more information, call 514-637-5627.

Stewart Hall in Pointe Claire (176 Lakeshore Rd.) presents an exhibition of nativity scenes from around the world until Jan. 13 from the collection of St. Joseph Oratory. Discover Christmas crèches from all over the world. For more information, call 514-630-1220.

The Dorval Library (1401 Lakeshore Dr.) is kicking off its 15th annual “Food for Fines” campaign to help Dorval families in need during the holiday season.

During the month of December, members returning late library materials can pay their fines with non-perishable food items. The exchange does not apply to any videos or DVDs. For more information, call 514-633-4170.

West Island Lions Club Christmas fruit cakes and cherry cakes are now available for delivery. For more information, call 514-620-2367.

Morgan Arboretum Christmas tree sale will run as long as supplies last, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pines Cottage Gatehouse in Ste. Anne de Bellevue (150 des Pins). For more information, call 514-398-7811.

West Island Assistance Fund in Roxboro is collecting non-perishable food. West Islanders are invited to drop items off from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. at these local car dealer locations: Mercedes Benz Canada, Acura Gabriel, Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Mazda 2-20,Volkswagen, Civic Honda, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia Gabriel, Mitsubishi Gabriel (in Dollard des Ormeaux), and Desjardins Ford Lincoln in Roxboro.



ART EXHIBITS

Monopoli, Galerie d’architecture presents an exhibition featuring six imaginary and fascinating installations created by six pairs of architect-writers until Jan. 13, 2008 at the Dorval Cultural Centre (1401 Lakeshore Drive). For more information, call 514-633-4170.

Galerie de la Ville in Dollard des Ormeaux (12001 de Salaberry) invites professional and semi-professional artists who wish to be considered for exhibitions in the year 2009 to visit www.dollardartcentre.com for exhibition details, rules and submission forms.

Galerie de Ville presents an exhibition of mixed media works, The Time for Answers, by artist Alain Salesse until Dec. 23. For more information, call 514-684-1012 ext. 298.

Galerie Pierre Seguin will launch its fifth annual tribute to women fighting breast cancer through an art exhibition called Hommage that gathers 32 professional artists and members of the West Island Dragon Boat Team in a joint effort to raise money for the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, on Dec. 23. For more information, call 514-453-9530 or 1-877-453-9530.

Kirkland Library (17100 Hymus Blvd.) presents photographs by Darroch Robertson and Rita Paul as well as decorative candles by Fiona Robertson until Dec. 30. For information and opening hours during the holidays call the library at 514-630-2726.

Roxboro Library (110 Cartier St.): artist Louise Beaudoin will exhibit her paintings until Dec. 31. For more information, call 514-684-8247.

Artist Dianne Brazeau will be showing her paintings at the Dorval library (1401 Lakeshore Drive) until Dec. 31, and Francine Hamel Denneny will be showing hers at the Dorval City Hall (60 Martin Ave.) until Dec. 31.

Pointe Claire Cultural Centre, Stewart Hall (176 Lakeshore) presents a mini exhibition of pottery by Claycrafters until Jan. 27.

Hudson Artists are exhibiting every weekend until New Year's eve at 407 Main Rd. in Hudson. Ten per cent of the proceeds will be going to Nova in Hudson. For more information, call 450-458-1444 or 514-945-7300.



PERFORMANCE

Hudson Village Theatre (28 Wharf Road, Hudson) presents The Emperor's New Clothes by Melanie Doerr until Jan. 6, 2008. Tickets: $17. Box Office: 450-458-5361.



SOCIAL EVENTS



West Island Citizen Advocacy will be holding a series of community kitchens as part of the Bread Basket Project on Dec. 19: Beaconsfield United Church (202 Woodside, Beaconsfield) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Dec. 21: St. John Fisher Church (120 Summerhill, Pointe-Claire) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The kitchens are free and open to anyone who would like to cook healthy, economical meals in a fun and Informative environment. For more information, call 514-694-5850.

Volunteer West Island in Ste. Anne de Bellevue (1 de l’Église St.) will have its next Senior’s Café on Dec. 19. Also the next session of Tai Chi for seniors will start on Jan.15 at the same address. Registration: 514-457-5445 ex. 231 (Jan.10).

Singles Breakfast and Dinner Club meets on Sundays for breakfast and conversation from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. at the Topaze Restaurant (317 St. John's Blvd., in Plaza Pointe Claire). For more information, call 514-421-8799.

Senior men's bridge meets on Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cedar Park United Church in Pointe Claire (204 Lakeview Ave). No partner required. For information, call 514-697-6082.

Catholic Community Services (CCS), a Bilingual 50+ drop-in social group in Pierrefonds (8652 Basswood) meets on Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. for movement to music, breakfast and great conversation. For more information, call Diane Doonan 514-770-8416.



MEETINGS



Weight Loss Club is challenging you with an eight-week program advising proper nutrition and exercise. Meet once a week and be involved in a fun, motivating group. Competition starts on Jan. 7, 2008. Cash prize to the winner. Registration: 514-242-6865.

To promote family literacy and the value of reading with our children, the Dorval Library (1401 Lakeshore Dr.) is inviting its members to participate in the Third Annual Family Reading Challenge from Dec. 27 to Jan. 25, 2008. Families will receive Reading Logbooks to record their daily reading time. Everything counts: from newspapers, to homework reading, to bedtime stories. A coupon for a draw is awarded for every two hours read. The more you read, the greater your chance to win. For more information, call 514-633-4170.

The West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped (WIAIH) presents the 50th Anniversary Speakers’ Series, Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, co-founder of the Blue Planet Project, and best-selling author, on Jan. 23, 2008, at 7 p.m.; at Days Inn Montreal Airport (4545 Côte-Vertu Ouest). For more information, call 514-694-7090, ext. 26

Beaconsfield Rug Hooking Guild meets every Monday (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) from September to May to hook and exchange ideas on traditional Rug hooking at Centennial Hall (288 Beaconsfield Blvd.). Courses available. For more information, call Denise 514-695-7177.

Teja's Animal refuge needs warm blankets and comforters to keep the animals warm this winter. For information and to donate your discarded items, call 514-630-1993.

Pointe Claire Toastmasters, open to all interested in the Toastmasters program, meets Wednesday evenings at St. John’s United Church Hall in Pointe Claire (98 Aurora Ave.). For more information, call 514-697-4728.

Low Vision Self-Help Association meets at 1:15 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Church of St. John the Baptist (233 Ste. Claire in Pointe Claire). For more information, call 514-697-3852 or 514-630-6978.

One Parent Families Association meets every Saturday for breakfast, and many social activities. All are welcome. For more information, call 514-685-2717.

Do you want to learn to communicate your ideas more effectively and meet other singles at the same time? 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.

Beaconsfield rug hooking group meets every Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until May to hook and exchange ideas about traditional rug hooking at Centennial Hall (288 Beaconsfield Blvd). Courses are also offered. For more information, call 514-695-7177.

Lakeshore Coin Club meets every Tuesday of the month, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., until May, at Stewart Hall (176 Lakeshore Rd.). For more information, call Michael Joffre 514-843-3365 or email michaeljoffre@videotron.ca

Lakeshore Creative Stitchery Guild meets from September through May, weekly, on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Noel Legault Center (245 Lakeshore, Pointe Claire). For more information, call 514-620-3417.

Dorval City Toastmasters Club meets at Sarto Desnoyers Community Centre in Dorval (1355 Lakeshore), on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 514-696-5973.

Beaconsfield Newcomers Club (288 Beaconsfield Blvd.), a social group for women new to the West Island, meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Hall in Beaconsfield (288 Beaconsfield Blvd). For more information, call 514-671-0707 or visit www.westisland.ca



FUNDRAISERS

Become a proud owner of a hockey stick autographed by Yvan Cournoyer, former NHL Montreal Canadiens captain, and spokesperson for Quebec Lung Association's Holiday Ice 2007, on e-bay. Collected funds will be used towards research, education, and services to prevent lung disease. For more information, call 514-287-7400 ext. 228.



SALES

Union Church's Boutique "24" in Ste Anne de Bellevue (24 Maple Ave.) opens every Thursday from 12 to 4 p.m., but will be closed from Dec. 20 over Christmas, and will reopen Jan. 17. For more information, call 514-457-5819.

Clothing Shoppe at Beaconsfield United Church (202 Woodside Road) is open. Fantastic prices on used, good quality clothing every Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, call 514-695-0600.

Notre Dame de Lorette church (33 Lussier St., Pincourt) holds in the basement a clothing sale for the entire family, every Wednesday, from 9 to 11 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 514-453-8612.



JUST FOR KIDS

Jardin d'enfants Beechwood in Roxboro (116 Cartier) offers a morning program for children two to five years old: Science, music, arts, cooking, gym and fieldtrips. Bilingual. For more information, call 514-684-5087.

West Island YMCA (230 Brunswick, Pointe Claire) offers a program: Y-Pod, for children 10 to 12 year olds, who can benefit from learning, how to better transition into High-School. Join on Fridays, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Family Resource Center (4855 Sources Blvd., Pierrefonds) is currently offering these programs to children: Friendship and Feelings Social Skills, and Study and Organizational Skills. For more information, call 514-685-5912.

Preschool is available for the three and four-year-olds in Dorval at Sarto Desnoyers Community Center (1335 Lakeshore, Dorval). Registration is on. For more information, call 514-631-9394.

Dorval Elementary Pre-Kindergarten offers a bilingual, structured program that prepares children for their kindergarten year. For 2008/2009, reserve now and place your name on a list. You are under no obligation. For more information, call 514-947-7899.



SCHOOL NOTEBOOK



Emmanuel Christian School Christmas holidays are from Dec. 24 to Jan 7 inclusively. The staff and administration at Emmanuel Christian School wish you a blessed and joyful holiday season.



Coolbrooke Park Preschool (260 Spring Garden Rd., Dollard des Ormeaux) offers an outstanding bilingual program for three and four-year-olds. A few spots are still available for the 2007-2008 school year. For information, call 514-421-7565 or 514-684-1062.

The Pat Roberts Centre in Ste Geneviève (16167 Gouin Blvd.) offers a specialized preschool program for children from birth to five years old with special needs, but a formal diagnosis is not required. Registration is ongoing. For more information, call 514-696-5144.

Macdonald High Open House introduced lots of new students to our wonderful school. The Science Fair was incredible and well attended. The Canwest Spelling Bee is taking off, participants welcome. The Grad "Snowflake Ball" is Friday.



COURSES



Friends for Mental Health offer Art Therapy Workshops for caregivers on Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. and to 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 514-636-6885.

Pointe-Claire CPR gives the following courses: HeartSaver/AED on Jan. 7 (English), and Jan. 21 (French) from 6 to 10 p.m.; Early Child Care and First Aid on Jan. 9, 16, and 23 from 7 to 10 p.m.; Basic Life Support on Jan. 28 from 6 to 10 p.m.; Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid and CPR Level C on Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, from 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, call 514-630 1226.

The Fondation Humanitas is offering a bilingual course this winter on The Gods of Ancient Greece from Jan. 21 to April 7. Cost: 100$. For more information, call 450-445-8897.

Stewart Hall in Pointe Claire is offering to its residents several cultural workshops, starting the week of Jan. 28, 2008. A brochure will be available and delivered to all residents of Pointe Claire in the beginning of January. Registration starts Jan. 7. For more information, call 514-630-1220.

The West Island Women’s Centre is holding a winter session of courses and activities for women and their preschool children: Prenatal Yoga and Health education (Monday 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.), and Parenting: a time to share and learn (Thursday 1 to 3 p.m.) Registration for new members: Jan. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. $15. Visit www.wiwc.ca for complete winter course list, or call 514-695-8529 on Jan.7 to confirm course availability.

The Dorval School of Ballet offers classical ballet classes for teens Saturdays at 12 p.m., beginning Jan. 12, 2008. Classes are held at Queen of Angels Academy (100 Bouchard Blvd.). Registration at Sarto Desnoyers Community Centre (1335 Lakeshore Dr.) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 514-633-4170.



AWISH (750 Dawson, Suite 103) offers Wednesday exercise class with physiotherapist starting Jan. 16, 2008, from 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Sarto Desnoyers Community Centre, in Dorval. $95 Members / $110 Non-members. For registration, call 514-631-3288.

Friends for Mental Health offer training for families with a loved one affected by Borderline Personality Disorder once a week for 12 weeks at the Elizabeth Russell Centre at 750 Dawson Ave. in Dorval beginning in January 2008. For registration and information, call 514-636-6885.

The Dollard des Ormeaux Seniors Club offers various levels bridge classes to those 55 years and over. If you want to improve your level of play, call 514-684-1012 ext. 209 or 514-748-6212. Classic begin in January at the Dollard de Ormeaux Civic Centre.

Tom Levitt, a 55 year old writer, painter, musician living in Senneville offers free cultural activities such as the Jazz Workshop for Beginners on Mondays 8 to 11 p.m., in Ste. Anne de Bellevue. For more information, call 514-457 0323, or tom.levitt@sympatico.ca.

Literacy Unlimited, a community resource dedicated to the advancement of literacy, can help if you have trouble reading papers or filling out forms. Bring your forms and papers to our clinic every Thursday from 4- to 8 p.m. For more information, call 514-694-0007.



SUPPORT GROUPS

Come support Friends for Mental Health in Dorval (750 Dawson Ave.) every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31. For more information, call 514-636-6885.

The West Island Women’s Centre will be offering an eight-week support group for women this winter to help them deal with and adapt to change. The group will help those who are going through change and transition, whether it be life-altering changes (marriage, childbirth, divorce, etc.) or more subtle changes (shift in personal goals, career, friendships, etc.), to move in a positive direction. Meetings held at the Church of the Resurrection (99 Mount Pleasant Ave., Pointe Claire) on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. beginning on January 22, 2008. For more information, call 514-695-8529.

Are you a parent, a grandparent or a friend of a child with special needs? The West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped (WIAIH) invites you to a much needed Coffee break to exchange ideas with other parents and learn the network of resources on the first Tuesday of the month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the WIAIH (111 Donegani, Pointe Claire). Resource Centre contains valuable material from magazines to videos and DVDs about intellectual handicaps and autism. Come and browse the resource centre Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Members of WIAIH may borrow books and videos. For more information, call 514-694-7090 ext. 14.

In collaboration with Emploi-Québec, the YWCA of Montreal will be offering free assistance through our Single Mothers’ Program to all mothers who would like to join the workforce. The program begins in January 2008 and spaces are limited. To register, please call 514-866-9941 ext. 416.

NOVA West Island Cancer Support Group is offered to anyone who has cancer or those touched by cancer, wishing support, information and coping strategies. The group meets the last Wednesday of each month at Christmas Park School (422 Beaconsfield Blvd, Beaconsfield) from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 514-695-8335.

West Island CALACS offers free services to women who have been sexually assaulted. For more information, call 514-620-4333.



VOLUNTEERS



Volunteer West Island matches you with diverse volunteer opportunities that suit your interests, availability and aspirations. See listing below. For more information, see www.cabvwi.org or call 514-457-5445.

Lachine Civitan Club is looking for new members. If you have some time to volunteer and would like to help make a difference in the community, call 514-626-1355, or 514-631-8669.