West Island community events

ART EXHIBITS Galerie Ouest in Ste. Anne de Bellevue (37 St. Thomas St.) will hold an exhibition of paintings by Caroline Ostiguy and Susan Handrigan until June 18. The vernissage is June 13 at 6 p.m. From June 19 through July 3 the gallery will showcase watercolours, pen, and ink drawings from the Sheldon Phillips Collection. 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.

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. The First Ste.Anne de Bellevue Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival will be held on June 14. Free registration. For more information, call Tom Levitt, 514-457-0323.

Dollard Artists Association will hold an exhibition and sale at Marche de l’ouest (11600 de Salaberry Blvd.), June 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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 will be exhibiting and selling their artwork until April 2009 at Meubles Signature ( 121 route 342) in Pointe Fortune.



PERFORMANCE

Baie d’Urfé summer concert series gets under way June 12 at 7:30 p.m. with a performance by the Kirkland Concert Band. This free concert will be held in Fritz Park, or in case of poor weather in the Red Barn. Bring a lawn chair. For more information call 514-457-5324.

West Island Student Theatre Association, a musical theatre group for 17 to 25-year-olds, will present the cabaret A Salute to the Music of Disney at Karnak Shriners’ Hall in Dollard des Ormeaux (3350 Sources Blvd.). The dates are June 14 at 2 and 7 p.m. and June 15 at 2. For tickets and more information call 514-636-4603 or 514-333-3325.

Kirkland Concert Band will perform in Harris Park (corner of Brunswick and Henri D’aoust) June 18 at 7:30 p.m. All welcome; bring a lawn chair. Call 514-428-0292 for information.

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 this week with the musical All Grown Up. Travel by train and back from Montreal or the Beaconsfield station on June 21 for the 2 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.

The 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-along 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

Comedian Joey Elias will perform a benefit for the Face a Face Listening and Intervention Centre in Montreal at the Ernie Butler Comedy Nest in the Pepsi Forum June 12 at 8:30 p.m. To reserve $12 tickets call 514-934-4546.

The Lakeshore General Hospital Duck Race will be held at 7 p.m. on June 14. The annual benefit for the LGH Foundation is being held in collaboration with the Ste. Anne de Bellevue Street Festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and features pony rides (proceeds to the LGH), inflatable games, a petting zoo, music, face painting, sidewalk sales, and more.

A car wash will be held by Valois United Church beavers, cubs, and scouts June 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Plaza Pointe Claire parking lot (St. John’s Blvd. and Donegani Ave.)

Quebec Rabbit Rescue will hold a rabbit adoption day at Global-Pitou, Minou et compagnons in Plaza Pointe Claire (245 St. John’s Blvd.) on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nail trimming will be available for bunnies and guinea pigs, with a $10 donation going towards medical care for abandoned rabbits. For information visit www.secourslapins.org.

Teapot 50 Plus Centre in Lachine (2901 St. Joseph Blvd.) will hold its annual variety show June 18 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10, with proceeds earmarked for programs and activities aimed at enhancing seniors’ quality of life. Refreshments will be served. Call Amanda at 514-637-5627 for information.

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.

SALES

St. John’s United Church will hold a rummage sale June 11 from 10 a.m. to noon (98 Aurora Ave.) in Pointe Claire. Clothing, books, free coffee. For information call 514-697-6459.

La Maison des jeunes de Pierrefonds will hold its annual giant garage sale at 13665 Pierrefonds Blvd. June 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. To participate and reserve a table, visit La Maison (4855 Sources Blvd.) from Tues. to Sat., 2:30 to 9 p.m. Or call 514-683-4164 for more details.

SOCIAL EVENTS

The YMCA (230 Brunswick Blvd.) in Pointe Claire will mark its 20th anniversary June 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an open house and a wide range of activities for the whole family. Visitors are invited to go for a swim; a barbecue lunch will be available.

Beaconsfield Garden Club will visit four gardens on the South Shore June 14. The bus leaves the library (303 Beaconsfield Blvd.) at 8 a.m. Tickets, at $65, include lunch. For reservations call Christina at 514-630-7523.

Cedar Park Heights Pool in Pointe Claire (22 Robinsdale Ave.) will hold an open house and registration June 14 from noon to 8 p.m. and June 15 from 2 to 8 p.m. All welcome. For details visit www.cedarparkpool.ca.

A Startin’ Summer Picnic will be held at Dorval Library (1401 Lakeshore Dr.) June 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. Families are invited to bring supper and a picnic blanket. The Lakeshore Concert Band will perform, and there will be face-painting, storytelling, and complimentary dessert. In case of rain activities move to the cultural centre (1335 Lakeshore Dr.) For details call 514-633-4170.

The Greenwood Centre in Hudson (245 Main Rd.) is now 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.

MEETINGS

The Beaconsfield Citizens’ Association will hold its annual general meeting June 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the recreation centre (1974 City Lane). For information call Karin at 514-694-5024.

MiB West Island, a networking organization for businesswomen, will hold its monthly meeting June 16 at 7 p.m. at Loblaw’s Atelier in Pierrefonds (4849 St. John’s Blvd.) The evening’s topic will be ‘Are you positioned for success?’ with speaker Shari Reinhart. Potential members are also invited to monthly Meet-Greet-Eat luncheons at 55 Brunswick Blvd. For information call 514-684-9081.

Beaconsfield Environmental Advisory Committee is holding a public info session June 18 at 7 p.m. at Lord Reading Yacht Club (260 Beaconsfield Blvd.) The meeting will focus on organic gardening techniques -- preventing and correcting white grub infestations, maintaining a healthy, pesticide-free lawn, and related issues. All welcome.

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 encouragement and 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 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.

Christian Home Educators is sponsoring a free homeschooling information session and brunch June 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Church of the Nazarene (455 Spring Garden Rd.) in Dollard des Ormeaux. Call 514-696-9149 for details.

Go Green Hudson is holding the first in a series of environmental seminars June 16 at 7:30 p.m. at St. James Church (642 Main Rd.). Speakers will be NDP leader Jack Layton and MP Thomas Mulcair, who will discuss ‘Environmental Issues in Canada: a Political Perspective.’ An open forum follows. For more information call Lisa Savage at 450-458-7606.

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.

Literacy Unlimited, offers a public scribe service which addresses the needs of adults who struggle with low literacy. This free service is designed to help people who have difficulty reading official documents, filling out forms, and writing or proof-reading. Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m., at John Rennie High School (501 St. John's Blvd.) in Pointe-Claire. For more information, call 514-694-0007.

Pointe Claire CPR is holding a course in Basic Life Support June 16 from 6 to 10 p.m. For information, or details about other life-saving courses being held this month, call Micheline at 514-630-1214.



SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

Emmanuel Christian School will hold graduation ceremonies June 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Westview Bible Church (16789 Pierrefonds Blvd.).

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 at 7:30 p.m. For more information call 514-697-8802.

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

The YMCA’s Youth Work Co-operative invites 13 to 17-year-olds to learn about starting their own business in an innovative new summer program. Info sessions will be held June 11 and 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. For details call David at 514-630-9622 ext. 324.

The Dorval Skatepark opens June 13 at the Sarto Desnoyers Centre (1335 Lakeshore Dr.) From 4 to 7 p.m., kids between the ages of 11 and 17 are invited to watch professional skaters demonstrate their skills. There will also be live music, a hot dog BBQ, and prizes. For information call Gat Leon at 514-633-4000 at the

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.

The 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. Call 514-630-1219 for more information.



The 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.

The 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.

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

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.