West Island community events

AC:]$p> is recruiting singers for its Dec. 6 concert, Bach’s Mass in B minor. Rehearsals will be held Monday nights in Pointe Claire starting in September. All voices welcome. For information call 514-453-0238.



FUNDRAISERS

Bread Basket Lac-St-Louis is holding a community kitchen from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 1 at Sarto Desnoyers Community Centre in Dorval (1335 Lakeshore Dr.). There is a $2 participation fee. Register by calling 514-694-5850.

Steri-Animal will hold a cat and kitten adoption day Aug. 2 from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Global-Pitou, Minou et conpagnons (245F St. John’s Blvd.) in Plaza Pointe Claire. A fee of $5 for nail trimming for cats goes towards sterilization programs and medical expenses. Foster homes and drivers are needed. For more information call 514-938-6150.

Lac St. Louis Tigers will host their first golf tournament July 31 in Ile Perrot. The Tiger Paw Classic is a shot-gun tourney with tee-off at 12:30 p.m. Foursomes available. The fee of $165 per person covers green fees, cart, supper and prizes; proceeds will cover hockey expenses for 2008-’09. Call Chris Sides at 514-697-1568 to register.

A garden tour Aug. 10 will raise funds for NOVA and the West Island Palliative Care Residence. Tickets are $15. For more information call 514-630-4334 or visit www.beaconsfieldgardenclub.ca.

Montreal-West Island Lions Club will host its 10th annual golf tournament Aug. 23 in Kahnawake. Tickets cost $95 and cover green fees, cart, and a roast beef dinner. Proceeds go to the Special Olympics’ West Island sector. To register call 514-695-0700.

Lachine Hospital Foundation is holding its 15th annual golf tournament at Club de Golf Atlantide in Ile Perrot Aug. 27. Tickets cost $175 and include brunch, cart, fees, dinner, and prizes. Former Canadiens’ hockey player Phil Goyette will preside over this event, which will raise funds for geriatric chairs for long-term patients, and a blood pressure monitoring machine. Call 514-637-2351, ext. 5333

Literacy Unlimited is selling $10 raffle tickets at Dix Milles Villages in Pointe Claire (290 Lakeshore Rd.). Proceeds will go to expanding literacy services. Prizes are two Air Canada tickets, a flat screen TV, and a set of irons.

The Lakeshore General Hospital will host a fashion show Sept. 17 at Chateau Vaudreuil. Live Body Art will be featured during cocktail hour at 6 p.m.; the show starts at 7. Entertainment will be provided by recording artist Jacinthe. Tickets are $100 and can be reserved by calling Valerie Cousineau at 514-630-2081.



A fashion show in aid of the West Island Palliative Care Residence will be Held Oct. 1 at Chateau Vaudreuil. Regular tickets are $50, VIP tickets $100, and are selling quickly. Call 514-693-1718 to purchase yours.

Basset Hound Rescue Quebec has joined other animal welfare organizations in listing its homeless pets on-line. Visit www.petfinder.com

Scrabble Friends and Family Challenge raises funds for Frontier College, a non-profit literacy organization. Pick a date, invite friends for a game and donate to the cause. To register call 1-800-555-6523 ext. 335, or visit www.scrabblenightincanada.ca.



SALES

<@Rb>Ste. Anne’s Farmers Market<@$P> is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. On sale -- organic produce, baked goods, honey, cheese, meats, fair trade coffee, ready-to-eat snacks and more. Artisans will display their work. This non-profit citizens’ initiative operates rain or shine in front of City Hall (109 Ste. Anne St). For information call Lise-Anne Briand at 514-457-7244.

SOCIAL EVENTS

SOS Planeteinvites people to try their hand at creating cork boards from recycled wine corks Aug. 2 between 2 and 8 p.m. at the Pierrefonds-Roxboro Eco-Quartier (13 Commercial Centre). Snacks will be served and there will be a draw for two tickets to the Osheaga concert. For information visit www.sosplanete.org.

The 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.



MEETINGS

Kirkland Library Book Club (17100 Hymus Blvd.) meets the first Wednesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. Members are asked to read the featured title, which on Aug. 6 will be Saturday, by Ian McEwan. All welcome. For information call 514-630-2726.

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. For more information 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.

The Networking Club invites people seeking employment to its meetings Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. at Jewish Family Services in Montreal (5151 Cote. St. Catherine Rd., suite 310). Members exchange ideas and information on job search techniques and hear monthly speakers on different topics. Space is limited; register by calling 514-342-0000 ext. 3029.

COURSES

Le musee des maitres et artisans du Quebec in St. Laurent (615 St Croix Ave.) will hold family workshops in engraving on scratchfoam, a reproduction technique, Aug. 2 and 3 at 2 p.m. Register by calling 514-747-7367.

Stewart Hall in Pointe Claire (176 Lakeshore Rd.) is holding flute and violin workshops using the Suzuki method for children from the age of four and a-half, and for adults. Space is limited. There are also openings in classical ballet workshops. Call 514-630-1220 to register.

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.



Pointe Claire CPR will hold a course in CPR Heartsaver/AED Aug. 4 from 6 to 10 p.m. To register, or for information about other courses, call Micheline at 514-630-1214.

The Single Mothers program at the Montreal YWCA offers free assistance to women who want to re-enter the workforce. The course, held in collaboration with Emploi-Quebec, will be held in September. Space is limited; call 514-866-9941 ext. 416.

Free French courses for immigrants under the auspices of the Ministre de l’immigration et des communautes culturelles get under way Sept. 22. Register for part-time, full-time or written courses by calling 514-685-3000, or 514-693-1000.



SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

Whiteside Taylor Preschool in Baie d’Urfe has spaces available in September in its program for two and-a-half-year-olds. Call Alexandra at 514-426-1783 for information.



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.

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 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.

Stewart Hall (176 Lakeshore Rd.) in Pointe Claire is launching Learning Through Play, a cultural bilingual preschool for three and-a-half to five-year-olds. The accent will be on art, drama, and music Mondays through Thursday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. starting in September. Call 514-630-1220 for information.



JUST FOR KIDS

Dollard des Ormeaux Library (12001 de Salaberry Blvd.) still has openings in Laugh Out Loud, a summer reading program for children. Call 514-684-1496 for details.

Laugh Out Loud summer book club at Pierrefonds Library (13555 Pierrefonds Blvd.) is open to children of all ages. The group meets weekly until Aug. 15. For details call 514-620-4181.

A creative writing workshop with Lori Weber will be held at Pointe Claire Library (100 Douglas Shand Ave.) Aug. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. Twelve to 17-year-olds can sign up by calling 514-630-1218 ext. 1624. This activity is free for members, but others may inquire.

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



Bereavement camp is being organized by West Island NOVA for youth undergoing the grieving process. The weekend-long Camp Carousel features support, guidance, and recreational activities. Call 514-695-8335 ext. 115 for information.

Pierrefonds Library has introduced a free new delivery service for housebound readers. For books to you door call 514-620-4181.

<@Rb> AMCAL Family Services<@$P> is looking for a bilingual, part-time developmental assistant. Criteria include advanced experience in fund development, marketing, public relations, and computer skills. For more information or to forward your CV contact hparker@amcal.ca.

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

SOS Planete, an organization which promotes environmental awareness, seeks volunteers for a fundraising event Aug. 2 from 2 to 8 p.m. For details call 514-457-5445 ext. 227.

Volunteers are needed for the BMO financier Summer Provincial Championships Aug. 15 to 17 at the Sportplexe 4 Glaces de Pierrefonds. Call 514-626-6350 or visit www.papierrefonds.com.

Cancer Research Society is seeking volunteers for the 15th annual Rita Steinberg Goldfarb Golf Classic Aug. 25 at the Elm Ridge Golf Club on Ile Bizard. Help will be needed with registration, logistics, assisting at the refreshments stations, and more. Meals and parking are complimentary for volunteers; confirm your participation by Aug. 10 at 514-861-9227 ext. 278.

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.

West Island Citizen Advocacy is looking for volunteer advocates.

A 60-year-old woman in Lachine with health problems needs a companion with whom to socialize, go out for walks and lunch. Call Mimi at 514-631-9151.

An 80-year-old Pointe Claire woman would like someone to take her to the grocery store and pharmacy every few weeks. She also enjoys reading and computer games. Call Mimi at 514-631-9151.

A volunteer is needed to provide a few hours respite care once a week to a family caring for a Dollard des Ormeaux man with health problems. Call Cat at 514-694-5850.

A Dollard senior citizen originally from India is seeking a male volunteer for companionship and to go on social outings. Call cat at 514-694-5850.

A Mandarin-speaking person is needed to teach English to Chinese senior citizens in the Pierrefonds area. Call Helene or Nellie at 514-694-5850.

A mildly intellectually challenged young woman in Roxboro would like a female volunteer to be a role model, and accompany her to movies and on other outings. Call Yolande at 514-694-5850.

A Pierrefonds woman in her 30s who is mildly intellectually disabled would like a female volunteer with whom to share cycling, movies, and other activities Thursdays or weekends. Call Yolande at 514-694-5850.

Seniors in a residence in Roxboro would like an advocate to join them every few weeks for social activities, Bingo and board games. Call Helene 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 is recruiting volunteers from the community. For information call Yolanda at 514-457-5445 ext. 227.

Volunteers are needed evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. for supervision of activities and social interaction at a long-term care hospital for Alzheimer’s patients in Pointe Claire.

West Island Association for the Intellectually handicapped needs someone to work with children with severe intellectual handicaps at day camps in Pointe Claire and Beaconsfield.

Volunteers are needed to help prepare for the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Walk for Heart Sept. 14.

Meals on Wheels need cooks and drivers Tuesday and Thursday mornings once or twice a month.