Community notes: West Island style

ART EXHIBITS

Stewart Hall in Pointe-Claire (176 Lakeshore Dr.) presents exposition Maple Syrup Time until March 30. For more information, call 514-630-1220.

Roxboro Library is looking for artists interested in exhibiting their artwork. Call Julie Rémillard-Bélanger at 514-684-8247 for an appointment.

Miniature Enthusiasts of Montreal will be hosting its 28th Annual Dollhouse and Miniature Show on March 29 and 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Holiday Inn Pointe Claire (6700 Trans Canada Highway). For more information call 514-684-4537.

Enjoy bright and cheerful graphic works by Ray Lengelé, the artist who brightens up your mornings through his illustrations for Kellogg’s cereals at the Kirkland Library (17,100 Hymus Blvd) from until March 31. For information call 514-630-2726.

Galerie de la Ville (12001 de Salaberry Blvd.) presents until March 16 an exhibition of oil paintings and hydrastone sculpture by artist Milena Scala, "Inside/Outside.

Stewart Hall Art Gallery in Pointe Claire (176 Lakeshore Rd.) presents Yonder: entre ici et là –Edmund Alleyn, an exhibition produced by le Centre d'exposition Circa, until March 16. Info: 514-630-1285.

Galerie de la Ville in Dollard des Ormeaux (12001 de Salaberry Blvd.) 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.

Exhibition call for artists 2008, submission period until July 30. Exhibition will be from Sept. 10 to Oct. 12. Title: Flights of Fancy; The Imaginary Canadian Stamp Collection. For exhibition details, rules and submission forms, visit www.Dollardartcentre.com

PERFORMANCE

Groupe Imagir presents the exhibition Picture Clear water, from March 14 to 16 on Centennial Hall (288 Beaconsfield Blvd, Beaconsfield). The exhibition displays works of young people conscious of the rich environment of the Saint-Lawrence and Lake Saint-Louis, and of the protection of their fauna and flora. For more information, call 514- 402-6809.

Open auditions for students aged 17 – 25 are to be held on March 18 from 6:30 – 9:30 for the West Island Student Theatre Association’s “Salute to the Music of Disney” Cabaret. Show dates are June 14th and 15th. For information e-mail Chelsea or Erin at wistac@gmail.com

Altera Vitae Productions presents ‘night, Mother March 19 to 30 at Mainline Theatre (3997 St. Laurent Blvd.) Reservations: 514 823-8823 or tickets@alteravitae.com or www.alteravitae.com.

Dollard-des-Ormeaux and the Montreal Council for the arts present Sonatas for piano and violin on March 14 at 7:30 pm. in the Banquet Hall of the Dollard-des-Ormeaux Community Centre (12001 de Salaberry). Hélène Collerette and Dominique Morel, both chamber music lovers, will present an evening of sonatas around Mozart, Debussy and Brahms. Admission is free. For more information, call 514-684-1012 ext. 402 or 210.

Hudson Music Club presents Cole Porter's Anything Goes, directed by Randy Davies on March 14, 15, 16, 22, 28 and 29 at Le Grand Théâtre: Cité des Jeunes (400 St. Charles Rd., Vaudreuil-Dorion). For more information, call 514-848-9696 or visit www.hudsonstlazare.com

Infinitheatre presents the Canadian première of Trevor Ferguson's "Zarathustra said some things, No?" Directed by Guy Sprung on March 18 and 30, at Théâtre La Chapelle (3700 St. Dominique). Reservation: 514-843-7738 or billetterie@lachapelle.org

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7110 Newman Blvd, LaSalle) presents an evening of inspiring words and music to commemorate the life of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m.



Becket Players present the hilariously Way-off Broadway production ‘The case of the Immortal Corpse,’ a classic whodunit, that will leave the audience laughing long after the show is over. Tickets for the 2008 season are currently on sale at the Dollard des Ormeaux Civic Centre box office at the price of $25. The box office is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until May 10. Tickets can also be purchased at show time. Shows run every Friday and Saturday from April 19 to May 10. For more information, check www.becketplayers.ca or call 514-979-3029.



FUNDRAISERS

CASA Cares annual Charity Fashion Show, the largest in scale of all the John Molson School of Business events, will take place on March 13 at Le theatre l’OLYMPIA de Montreal (1004 St-Catherine Est). Benefiting the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation, the show unites the business, fashion, and non- profit sectors for this local cause. A pre-cocktail will be held at 7pm and the show will start at 8:30pm.

The 122e Marie-Reine-de-la-Paix Scouts are keeping the Easter Baskets tradition, which consists of collecting non-perishable food and money to help the poorest in our community. We are counting on your generosity in order to make of this event a success. On March 15 the Scouts will ring at your doorbell to collect food and money: We will also welcome all goods and donations at the Fond de Dépannage de L’Ouest de l’Ile (23 Commerciale St., Roxboro). Be generous.

Lakeshore Civitan Club will be hosting a St. Paddy’s day event at The Topaze Bar, Pointe Claire Shopping Center, on March 16 from 4 p.m. onwards. Irish Stew will be served at $2. per bowl, all proceeds of which will go towards providing Easter food baskets for needy families in the West Island. Prize draws, proceeds of which will also go towards the Easter baskets, will take place during the event. Prizes include a hockey goal stick signed by Huet and an autographed Alouettes football.



Le Nichoir is looking for items to auction at its annual benefit dinner and auction, For the Birds. For those auction lovers who would like to attend and support a good conservation cause, there is a limited quantity of tickets available. Call Le Nichoir at 450-458-2809.

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Quebec launches its annual Show Your Heart campaign to raise awareness of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. During February, Heart Month, many fundraising activities will be organized all around the province. To make a donation or to become a volunteer, call the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Quebec, at 514-636-4599 or visit our web site www.heartandstroke.qc.ca.

SALES



Cedar Park United Church in Pointe-Claire (204 Lakeview Ave.) is holding an Eco-Artisan Fair from 9-3 on March 15 with Fair Trade and environmentally-friendly products, handmade crafts, fabric, craft supplies and lunch room. For more information, call 514-695-3337.

Ste. Anne de Bellevue’s farmers’ market runs until May 10 every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the basement of the Anglican Church (23 Perreault St, entrance on St. George and Maple). You will be able to buy organic meat, fresh artisan bread, baked goods, honey, organic goat’s cheese, jams, preserves, Ethiopian enjara rolls and other goods, coffee and sweet treats. For more information, call 514-457-7244 or e-mail marchesainteanne@yahoo.ca.

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.



SOCIAL EVENTS

Christ Church (455 Church St, Beaconsfield) will be hosting a Lenten lunch March 12 from 11:30 am – 1 p.m. A homemade hearty soup, bread, cheese and dessert, tea/coffee or juice will be served for $6. All money made from these meals by Christ Church will be used to support the World Relief Development Fund.

West Island writers and friend invite you to celebrate spring and world poetry day by an evening of readings on March 20, from 7-9 p.m. at Café Aurora, 552 Beaconsfield Blvd (south of Highway 20, west of Woodlands exit).

Lacrosse is a fast, safe and exciting sport for boys and girls, six years and older. As a game, it is unparalleled in developing speed, skill, intelligence, fitness, endurance and dexterity. West Island Lacrosse Association invites players to register on March 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Bob Birnie Arena (Pointe-Claire). For more information, call 514-626-2446 or visit www.wila.ca



Ste Anne- de- Bellevue Community offers Karate and Meditation Dojo on Wednesday from 8-9:30 pm. Make your body savage and your mind refined. Express your fighting spirit in a context of harmony with others. A special welcome to the elderly and the handicapped. Voluntary contribution. Info: Tom Levitt 514-457-0323.

Sugaring off time at the Morgan Arboretum on March 16 and on March 23 from 12 until 4 p.m. Come take a stroll through the maple grove, visit our sugar shack and watch maple syrup being made the traditional way. For more information, call 514-398-7811.



Poetry “Open Mike” Night is offered at the Dollard des Ormeaux Public Library on March 13 at 7 p.m. as part of Poetry Month. Calling all local poets! Come and recite your own poetry or just sit back and enjoy the ambience of the evening while listening to your peers recite theirs. For information and registration, call 514 684-1496. Admission is free.

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 85/90 (3015 Henri Dunant St., Lachine) is holding its St. Patrick's Day evening on March 15 at 5 p.m. Corned Beef and Cabbage. Bernadette Short Irish Dancers will entertain. Music by DJ Donald Smith. $15. For more information call, 514-637-8002.

Le Carrefour des Aînés de Pierrefonds (14068 Gouin Blvd., Pierrefonds) holds several activities. On March 19, St. Patrick dinner from 6 to 11 p.m., bring your wine; and on March 26, Military Whist from 7:30 to 10 p.m. For information on tickets, call 514-624-1449.

Pointe Claire Library (100 Douglas-Shand Ave.) presents "The Montreal Storytellers Guild", a dynamic group of talented storytellers who will celebrate traditional and contemporary Quebec folklore on March 26 at 7 p.m. For more information, call 514-630-1218.

Exercise your brain at the Senior mens bridge on tuesdays at 1 p.m. at the Cedar Park United Church, Pointe Claire. No partner required. For information, call 514-697-6082.

Dorval Museum of Local History and Heritage (1850 Lakeshore Drive in Dorval) presents Focus, an exhibit of photography and optical instruments from the 19th and 20th centuries, until April 27. Call the Museum at 514 633-4314 to confirm opening hours.

Beaconsfield Newcomers Club (288 Beaconsfield Blvd, Beaconsfield), 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



MEETINGS

Prime Time, a division of the Cummings Centre presents SAGEING, a group discussion with Henny Feldman on successful aging and graceful eldering, on March 12 – 26, from 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Hampton Inn and Suites (1900 TransCanada Highway). Cost $40 for three sessions. For information, call 514-342-1234 ext. 7255.

Pat Webster, the owner of the Glen Villa Gardens in North Hatley, and an experienced gardener will give a presentation on how to develop your own personal relationship with nature, today March 12 at 7 p.m. at the Beaconsfield library annex (303 Beaconsfield Blvd). For more information, go to www.glenvillagardens.com. The meeting will take place Free for members and $5 for the guests.

Side Door Coffee House hosted y Plain Folk offers an evening of musical entertainment the second Friday of every month. This month's show, featuring Jon Brooks and Crossing North will take place on March 14 at 8 p.m. in St. David's Parish Hall (12450 Gascon St. Pierrefonds). $7. For more information, call 514 633-1128 or www.sidedoorcoffeehouse.com

Family Campers and RVers are planning their 2008 camping season and are seeking new members. The next meeting of the West Island Questers Chapter will be held on March 16 at 3 p.m. at the Venture Sailing Club in Pointe Claire (90 Lakeshore Road). All campers and RVers are invited to attend. For more information, call 514 631-5122.

West Island Student Theatre Association (WISTA) holds open auditions for its "Salute to the Music of Disney" Cabaret, for students aged 17 – 25 on March 18 from 6:30 – 9:30. Show dates are June 14 and 15. For more information e-mail Chelsea or Erin at wistac@gmail.com

Dorval Historical Society invites its members and friends to a conference on March 19, at 7:30 p.m., at the Sarto-Desnoyers Community Centre (1335 Lakeshore Dr.) The theme of the conference will be “The evolution of the school system in Dorval since its foundation.” For more information, call 514-633-4278.

Shaare Zedek Men's Club Breakfast Lectures (5305 Rosedale Ave., corner Chester) presents "September 6th And the Glory of Israel", on March 23 with Joe King at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 514-484-1122.

Pierrefonds Library presents the conference “Venise: Cité médiévale en péril” (in French). The activity will be held on March 26 at 7:30 p.m. with Daniel Bédard. For registration: 514-620-4181.

Riverside Friendship League (RFL) is a recreational, mixed softball league for adults over the age of 25. Come on out and make new friends. Registration is now taking place and a general meeting will be held at the Hymus Brasserie on March 15 at 2 p.m. for all those interested. For more information, call 514-631-6827 or visit groups.msn.com/RFLSoftball

St. Paul's Anglican Church in Lachine (379-44th Ave.) is holding its St. Patrick's Day Supper on March 14 at 6:30 p.m. For tickets and information, call 514-634-1965.

Mondou Pet Store in Roxboro (11387 Gouin Blvd) holds its Cat adoption day on March 15 from noon to 4 p.m. and every other 2 Saturdays till summer. For more information, call 514-684-3223.

Bread Basket Lac-Saint-Louis presents a series of community kitchens on the following dates and at the following locations. The community kitchens are free and open to the community at large. For more information or to register, please call 514-694-5850. On March 14: Ensemble (2840 St. Charles Blvd.), from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. On March 17: Volunteer West Island (1 de l'Église, Ste Anne de Bellevue), from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On March 19: Beaconsfield United Church (202 Woodside), from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pointe Claire Library (100 Douglas-Shand Ave.) offers workshop for beginners "Photoshop: Tips and Techniques" with Frederic Hore, on March 19 at 7 p.m. For more information, call 514-630-1218.

Pointe Claire Library (100 Douglas-Shand Ave.) invites you to the Computer Club on March 25, at 7-9 p.m. For more information, call 514-630-1218.

You are invited to meet a cartoonist at Roxboro Library (110 Cartier) on March 26 at 4:30 p.m. This activity is in French. Places are limited.

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada invites you to participate in the 14th edition of the Super Cities WALK for MS. The event will take place in Dollard des Ormeaux on April 27. The provincial goal this year is to bring out 7,550 WALKers and to raise $1,380,000, which will be used to finance research and services for people who have multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families. Sign up online by visiting www.supercitieswalk.com, or call 514-849-7591.



WOWCATS is welcoming new members of all ages for its Spring review of Rodgers & Hammerstein. They rehearse on Sundays at 2 p.m. Chalet at Parc Aumais, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. For information, call 514 425-5767.

Singles Breakfast and Dinner Club meets on Sundays for breakfast and conversation from 9-10.30 a.m. at the Topaze Restaurant (317 St. John's Road), in the Plaza Pointe Claire. They also hold monthly dinner/dances and other activities. For more information, call 514-421-8799.

Batshaw Youth and Family Centres are looking for a foster home for 10-year-old Ann, presently living in a group home. Ann is charming but can be quick to anger, which stems from a history of rejection, however she is getting professional help for that. For more information, call Batshaw Homes for Children at 514-932-7161 ext. 338.



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). For more information, call Pat at 514-684-9626.

Looking for unique birthday or Mother's Day gifts? Have you dreamed of working at home to make some extra money? Then this event is for you. Come and see consultants from home businesses such as Epicure Selections, Usbourne Books, Stampin'Up, PartyLite and Discovery Toys. Buy hand-made crafts, such as paintings, baby items, pottery, wooden crafts and much more from our many artisans. Have a light lunch at our cafe. Enjoy home-made baked goods and sandwiches at reasonable prices. Try your luck and buy a ticket to win great prizes! Bring your friends and spend the day with us. For more information call Kathy at 514-633-0635.

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.

Lakeshore Coin Club meets every third Tuesday of the month, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. until May at Stewart Hall in Pointe Claire (176 Lakeshore Rd.) Guests are welcome. For more information, call 514 843-3365.

West Island Quilters Guild meets at the Church of the Resurrection (99 Mount Pleasant, Pointe Claire) on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. New members are welcome. For more information, call Beverly 514-697-4961.

Parish of Corpus Christi, comprising the towns of Baie d'Urfé, Ste. Anne de Bellevue and Senneville is celebrating its 50th anniversary with special masses on March 9 and April 13 at 10 a.m. For more information, call 514-457-5326.

West Island HSSC offers a diabetic clinic. You can consult nutritionists and nurses for Type 2 Diabetes at the CLSC Lac St. Louis. For information, call 514-697-4111, ext. 1339.



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.

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 7:10-9:10 p.m. For more information, call 514-213-0446.

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 Dr.), on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 514-696-5973.



SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

Beaconsfield Creative Preschool in Beaconsfield (303 Sherbrooke) a non-profit bilingual preschool for three and four year olds is holding an open house/registration for our afternoon September 2008 programs. Please join us from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on March 10. For more information, call 514-693-5665.

Emmanuel Christian School:The Annual Sports Banquet will be held on March 28. We are pleased to have Ms. Heather White as the guest speaker this year.

Coolbrooke Park Preschool in Dollard des Ormeaux (260 Spring Garden Road), offers an outstanding bilingual program for 3 and 4 year olds. Now registering for the 2008-2009 school year. For information call 514-421-7565 or 514-684-1062.

Dorval Preschool Co-op is offering a Preschool for three and four year olds at Sarto Desnoyers Community Center (1335 Lakeshore, Dorval). 2008-2009 registration has started. Open House/Information Session held on March 19 from 7-8 p.m. For more information, call 514-631-9394.

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

Beaconsfield Creative Preschool, a non-profit bilingual preschool for three and four year olds has ongoing registration for September. We are located in the Windermere Chalet at 303 Sherbrooke Street, behind Sherwood Forest School. For further information, call Cynthia: 514-693-5665.

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, but a formal diagnosis is not required. Registration is ongoing. For more information, call 514-696-5144.

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 field trips. Bilingual. For more information, call 514-684-5087.

MICHELANGELO Language School in Florence, Italy is a private language school for foreigners. It has been 20 years these educational trips to Florence, Italy are being organized. This year’s trip will take place from: May 31 to June 28, 2008, or June 28 to July 26, 2008, or July 5 to August 2, 2008 (4 weeks with 80 hours of lessons). For more information, call 514-488-1778 or e-mail: studyitalian@hotmail.com. Deadline to register is March 31.



COURSES



Certified CPR and First Aid courses: March 16 in English at the Saint Lazare Community Centre (1301 du Bois St., St Lazare). $50 for CPR or $75 for First Aid and CPR. For information visit www.saintlazare911.com and call to register: 450- 455-5824.

West Island Citizen Advocacy in Pointe-Claire (68 Prince Edward) is offering the following courses on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to noon. March 28: Running on Empty; How to prevent burnout and cope with stress, presented by Dawn Cruchet BN, M Ed, CT. April 4, 11, & 18; Building better relationships, How to improve relationships with others, presented by Suzanne Desparois, psychologist.



AWISH (Arthritis West Island) proposes Evening courses, Managing Arthritis, Fibromyalgia & CFS at 750 Dawson Ave. in Dorval, every Tuesday, as of March 11(10 week session), from 7-9 p.m. $60 Mmbrs / $75 Non-mmbrs. To register call: 514-631-3288.

Admission to Concordia University’s Senior Non-Credit Program for spring and summer sessions begin on March 17. Canadian citizens and landed immigrants, (permanent residents), aged 55 and over, pay a considerably reduced fee per undergraduate course in the Faculty of Arts and Science. For information and an appointment, call 514-848-2424, ext. 3893.

Jazz Workshop for Beginners on Mondays, from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. at Phoenix Bar (72 Ste Anne Street, Ste. Anne de Bellevue). Beginners play with more experienced musicians before a responsive audience. Free activity. For more information, call Tom Levitt: 514-457-0323.

Beginners Computing" is offering workshops on how to operate a computer. These sessions are for the 50+ generation who want helpful information on computer basics and practice. Workshops are offered on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at St. John's United Church in Pointe Claire (98 Aurora Ave.). For more information and registration, call 514-631-1456.



Pointe-Claire CPR gives the following courses: HeartSaver/AED on April 7 from 6-10 p.m., Emergency First Aid course (Heart and Stroke Foundation) on March 19 & 26 from 6-10 p.m., Basic Life Support on March 15 from 12-4 p.m., and March 24 from 6-10 p.m., and Early Child Care and First Aid on March 17, 24, April 7, 14, and 21 from 7- 10 p.m. For more information, call 514 630 1214.

Friends for Mental Health (750 Dawson Ave.) offers training for families with a loved one affected by Borderline Personality Disorder, in English every Wednesday from 2-4:30 p.m., and in French every Tuesday from 6:30-9 p.m.; and Art Therapy Workshops for caregivers every Monday from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. For registration and information, call

514-636-6885.



JUST FOR KIDS

For those older children that are eager have fun with games and books, biblio-action is just the right activit. Hosted by Nathalie, it is offered, free of charge, at Dollard des Ormeaux Public Library (12001 de Salaberry), on March 29 at 2:15 p.m. for 8 to 12 years old. Registration is mandatory: 514684-1496.

Children 2 years of age are invited to join Nathalie for stories, songs, fingerplays, feltboards, rhymes and/or puppets at the Dollard des Ormeaux Public Library (12001 de Salaberry) on March 29 at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is mandatory: 514-684-1496.

Pointe Claire Library (100 Douglas-Shand) is holding several activities for kids: on March 15 from 3-4 p.m. 3 to 7 year-olds are invited to "Valois Best Friends Story Hour"; on March 17 9 to 12 year-olds are invited to the Children's Book Club from 4-5 p.m. to discuss "Smith" by Leon Garfield, at the Valois branch (68 Prince-Edward). For more information, call 514-630-1219.

Mother Goose Rhyme Time: a fun-filled hour for parents and infants (0-four years old): sharing the joys of nursery rhymes, songs and stories, in English. Thursdays: 10:30 –11:45 am at Riverdale Community Learning Centre in room 259 (5060 des Sources Blvd). For more information and registration: 514-937-2180.

Pointe Claire Library (100 Douglas Shand) invites three to four year olds every Tuesday until May 13, from 11 a.m. to 11: 45 a.m. to Family Story Hour, and two to four year olds are invited to Valois Branch every Friday until May 16 from 3-3:45 p.m. 4 O' Clock Club meets every Friday until May 16 from 4-4:45 p.m. For more information, call 514-630-1218 # 1624, and 514-630-1219.



SUPPORT GROUPS

Educational and counselling services available year round for mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and social dysfunction. For enquiries, (leave message for call back): 514-684-9896.

Sun Youth organization holds its bike giveaway program, 50 new bicycles to be awarded. Do you know of a young person in the Greater Montreal area who deserves to be rewarded with a new bike, a safety helmet and a reflective windbreaker? Write the following information: the name of the young person, their age, a little family background, and tell us what that young person did that merits a new bike. We also need your name and telephone number so that we may contact you for further information. Please send all submissions to: Sun Youth - Bicycle Committee (4251, St-Urbain, Montreal, QC., H2W 1V6), or by fax: 514-842-5241 or email: bicyclettebike@sunyouthorg.com. Names of candidates can be submitted no later than March 28 and no candidacy will be considered passed that date. Throughout the following months, our bicycle committee will select approximately 50 deserving candidates from the names submitted and they will be honored in a ceremony held at Sun Youth’s headquarters on May 2. For more information call 514-842-6822.

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 for a volunteer to call you back.

One Parent Families Association invites single and divorced parents to breakfasts and activities every Saturday. For more information, call 514-685-2717.



Obesity Incorporated O.B.C.T. is a charitable organization dealing with Obesity Syndrome. We need walkers for two-person teams. For more information, call 514-684-4409 and leave a message for call back.

Friends for Mental Health (750 Dawson) holds a support group every Thursday from 2-4 p.m.

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 9:30-11:30 a.m., at the WIAIH (111 Donegani Ave., 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-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. Members of WIAIH may borrow books and videos. For more information, call 514-694-7090 ex. 14.



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 7-9 p.m. For more information, call 514-695-8335.



VOLUNTEERS

CHSLD Pierrefonds is currently looking for volunteers to help with the many needs of the senior residents who have lost their autonomy. We're looking for people wanting to come for friendly visits, accompany residents to medical appointments, lead activities, work in our boutique, and help residents at mealtime. For more information, call 514 620-1220 ext. 212.

Canadian Cancer Society is actively looking for volunteers from April 2 to 6 to help out with its annual Daffodil Days campaign. We need people who can deliver flowers, sell flowers, or help out in other ways.

To become a volunteer, call Nathalie Lapierre at 514 255-5151, ext. 5122, or e-mail her at nlapierre@quebec.cancer.ca. Help us fight cancer!

If you are a compassionate, sincere person who could give one or more hours per week towards improving the quality of someone's life, the 'Moving Ahead' program of Douglas (Mental Health University Institute) would welcome you. A few individuals who suffer from mental illness and who reside in our foster homes in Pierrefonds would greatly benefit from the regular visit of a friend to help them break their isolation. They are shy and gentle individuals. You do not need any experience. For more information without obligation, please call us at 514-761-6131 #4106.



Héma-Québec is currently recruiting volunteers for the annual blood drives in the West Island Area. Join the network of people in your area who provide volunteer support to Héma Québec by doing various tasks related to blood donation. Among other things, volunteers at blood drives welcome donors, guide them toward the various steps in the blood donation process, and serve snacks. No experience is necessary as Héma Québec trains and supervises its teams of volunteers. For more information or to sign up, call 1-888-666-4362, ext. 162, or visit

www.hema-quebec.qc.ca

Volunteer Community Mediation, a group of trained volunteers working through the West-Island YMCA, helps people resolve their neighbourhood disputes and interpersonal conflicts. To access the free service, call 514-630-9864, ext. 323, and leave a confidential message. Find more information at www.mediationpointeclaire.com.



Volunteer Instructor needed for seniors computer workshops. Good for person with community skills. Call Bruce at 514-631-1456.

West Island Assistance Fund is presently looking for four or five experienced bilingual individuals for telemarketing work, a few hours a week for four weeks. The work is easy and can be done from home. Experience will be favoured. For more information, call 514-683-0456.

Literacy Unlimited, a community resource dedicated to the advancement of literacy, is looking for a volunteer treasurer to serve on its Board of Directors. Requirements include a financial background (experience with QuickBooks accounting software an asset), and availability of a few hours a week (mostly worked from home). Training will be provided, for more details please call 514-694-0007.

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.

WOMEN'S EVENT

Moms and Tots’ playgroup (0-5 years old) meet Wednesday mornings until June 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Baie d'Urfe at the Red Barn (20609 Lakeshore Rd). Arts and Crafts, circle time with songs, coffee and more, $1 suggested donation per visit to cover craft supplies. For more information, call 514-457-9831.

Montreal Lakeshore University Women's Club is offering two $ 2000 scholarships to female university students, residents of the West Island, who are enrolled in a Quebec university in undergraduate or graduate studies for the academic year 2008-2009. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and solid academic standing and be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. For further information and applications, contact the MLUWC Scholarship Committee at 514-695-2502, or email barbara.barclay@concordia.ca, or visit the MLUWC website at: www.mluwc.com

YWCA Montreal is looking for artistic and creative women (60 +) interested in becoming involved in a new intergenerational project starting soon! This new YWCA program is designed to counter the stereotypical socialization of young girls aged 6 to 9 years old, through the production of stories, puppets, theatre, etc.

YWCA of Montreal will be offering free assistance through our Single Mothers’ Program to all who would like to join the workforce. To register, please call 514-866-9941 ext. 416.

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

Mom in Business networking organization holds a meeting on March 13 from 7-9 p.m. at Loblaws Atelier on the 2nd floor (4849 St. Jean blvd). Guest Speaker Julia Di Nardo, Psychotherapist will present the mini workshop "Using your Strengths to Network Effectively." $15 For more information, visit www.mibconnections.com

The West Island Women’s Centre, an agency supported by Centraide, organizes this new activity for immigrant women living in the West Island. “Making New Connections” is a free 8-week activity offered on Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. beginning on March 20 at the Harpell Centre (60 St. Pierre, Ste Anne de Bellevue). Designed specifically for women who have recently arrived in Canada, the program will cover a number of topics including employment, the Quebec school system, health care, transportation, parenting, and activities and services available on the West Island. Participants will receive practical information and share their experiences. Free childcare for pre-school-aged children will be provided. For more information, call 514-695-8529.

Montreal City Voices of Harmony, a Women's a cappella chorus invites all women who love to sing to come visit us. Rehearsals: Wednesday from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at First Christian Reform Church (52 Joseph Paiement, Dollard des Ormeaux). For more information, call 514-685-3924.