Community events: West Island style

Pointe Claire library invites three to seven year-old to Christmas story hour and songs, on Dec. 12 from 7-8 p.m. at the Valois branch (68 Prince Edward Ave.) For more information, call 514 630-1218 ex. 1624.

Mimosa Wind Ensemble organizes a Christmas concert at Dorval-Strathmore United Church (310 Brookhaven, corner Carson), on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, call 514 631-9879.

Lachine Concert Band organizes a free Christmas Concert for the Lachine Food Drive, on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m., at Theatre of Guy Descary Cultural Complex in Lachine (2901 St. Joseph). Non perishable items will be appreciated.

Lakeshore Chamber Music Society presents its Christmas concert featuring Maneli Pirzadeh on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Union Church (24 Maple Ave., Ste Anne de Bellevue). For more information, call 514 457-5756 or 514 457-5280.

The City of Beaconsfield presents its annual Holiday Concert on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. in Centennial Park (288 Beaconsfield blvd.) The concert features singer Kerry-Anne Kutz and the McGill Conservatory Youth choir. Entrance is free but donations are accepted for the West Island Women's shelter. For more information, call 514 428-4480.

WOWCATS (Way Out West Choral And Theatrical Society) will present A Grinchy Christmas on Dec. 15 at Beaconsfield High School (250 Beaurepaire Drive), at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. For tickets or information, call 514 425-5767. Non perishable food is welcome.

St. George's Church in Ste. Anne de Bellevue (23 Perrault St.) presents a Christmas Sing-Along, on Dec. 16, at 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 514 457-6934.

Melodia Choir presents a Christmas concert, Merrily We Sing, on Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m., at Lakeside Heights Baptist Church in Pointe Claire (275 Braebrook east of St. John's Blvd)

For tickets and information: 514 630-4328 or 514 631-6533.

Lakeshore Concert Band will present a Children’s Christmas Concert "Twas The Night Before Christmas” at Cedar Park United Church in Pointe Claire (205 Lakeview Ave.), on Dec.16 at 2 p.m. Admission: donation at the door. For more information, call 514 428-0636.

The Montreal Welsh Male Choir presents “Memories of Christmas”, on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m., at Summerlea United Church in Lachine, (225 50th Ave.) Tickets: $10. For more information, call 514 634-2651.

Cedar Park United Church Choir presents the Cantata, "Holy Night of Miracles" as part of the traditional carol service on Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m., at Cedar Park United Church in Pointe Claire (204 Lakeview). For more information, call 514 695-3337.

Dollard des Ormeaux Library (12001 De Salaberry Blvd.) will be collecting non-perishable food as well as wrapped presents, until Dec. 18. Please indicate the gender and age group it would be most suitable for. Donations will be forwarded to local charities. For more information, call 514 684-1496.

Charles Dickens’ classic story, “A Christmas Carol” is coming alive at Cedar United Church (204 Lakeview Ave., Pointe Claire) on Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. A free-will offering will be collected for “Grandmothers to Grandmothers”, an initiative of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. For more information, call 514 567-3447.

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, CandleLight 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 3rd 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 8 p.m. $25 includes buffet. For Reservation and information, call 514 637-8002.

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

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 and 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 chemin des Pins). For more information, call 514 398-7811.

Fonds du dépannage 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



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 gather 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. 10 per cent of our proceeds will be going to Nova in Hudson. For more information, call 450 458-1444 or 514 945-7300.



PERFORMANCE

John Abbott College presents the Pulitzer Prize winning play by Kauffman and Hart, "You Can't Take It With You", on Dec. 15. For more information, call 514 457-2447.

Duo harpists Lori Gemmell of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra and Jennifer Swartz of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra present concert Harps by Candlelight, on Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of St. Columba by-the-Lake (11 Rodney Ave., Pointe Claire). For more information, call 514 364-3027 or 514 697-8015.

Cunninghams Pub in Ste Anne de Bellevue (75 Ste Annes) is very proud to host a great Celtic duo, Solstice, releasing their 3rd CD on Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. For more information, call 514 457-0080.



SOCIAL EVENTS

West Island Citizen Advocacy will be holding a series of community kitchens as part of the Bread Basket Project on Dec. 14: Ensemble (2840 St. Charles Blvd., Kirkland) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Dec. 17: Volunteer West Island (1 de l'Église, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 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.

Royal Canadian Legion, branch 245, hosts Turkey supper and dance ($10.) on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m., at 575 Jean-Marie Landry, in Dorval. For more information, call 514 631-5786 or 514 626-7910.

The Red Barn in Baie d'Urfé (20609 Lakeshore Rd) organizes English Country Dancing on Dec. 16 at from 2- 4.30 p.m. Cost $7. New dancers welcome. Info: 514 457-3350.

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 1-4 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

Montreal West Horticultural Society hosts Smith Bros Florists who will demonstrate how they make their seasonal masterpieces today Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Montreal West Town (50 Westminster S.).

Take a tour and find out about L' Équipe Entreprise in Dorval (750 Dawson Av.), on Dec.13 at 1p.m.; a non-profit organization offering social re-integration through work activities to people with mental illness. For more information, call 514 636-1081.



The Centre Holistique (46-3B Ste-Anne) in Pointe Claire Village is hosting an Open House on Dec. 15 from 2-6 p.m. Reenergize and Distress before The Holiday Buzz begins. Join For an Open Holiday Yoga, Meditation Class. Kindly bring one non-perishable food item and / or $5 donation for The West Island Resource Center. For more information, call 514 836-5578.



Steri-Animal is holding a cat/kitten adoption clinic at the Global-Pitou (245F St. Jean Blvd.), on Dec. 15 from noon to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 514 859-9008.

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. Register before Dec. 17 and receive a free consultation. Registration: 514 242-6865.

Pointe Claire library's Computer Club will meet on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. at 100 Douglas Shand For more information, call 514 630-1218.

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 3rd 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 Avenue). 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 7:10-9:10 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 Steward 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 chemin Bord du Lac), on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 514 696-5973.

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



FUNDRAISERS



The Centre Holistique Om West holds a Yoga Open House on Dec.15 from 2-6 p.m. at the Centre (46-3 Ste-Anne street in the Pointe-Claire Village), to benefit the West Island Community Resource Centre (WICRC). Suggested donation of $5. or non-perishable food, visitors will be treated to a hot beverage and a 45-minute yoga class. For more information, call 514 836-5578.

Become a proud owner of a hockey stick autographed by Yvan Cournoyer, former NHL Montreal Canadiens captain, and spoke-person 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

The Side Door Coffee House offers an evening of musical entertainment the second Friday of every month. This month's show will take place on Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. in St. David's Parish Hall in Pierrefonds (12450 Gascon). For more information, call 514 633-1128.



Union Church's Boutique "24" in Ste Anne de Bellevue (24 Maple Ave.) opens every Thursday from 12-4 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 -11 a.m. 1-3 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. For more information, call 514-453-8612.



JUST FOR KIDS



Mother Goose Rhyme Time offers a fun filled hour for parents and infants (0-4 yrs): sharing the joys of nursery rhymes, songs and stories, until Dec. 13 in English, on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Riverdale Community Learning Centre (5060 Sources Blvd. / Gouin, room 259). For more information/registration, call Margaret Nicolai: 514 932-5363.

Pointe Claire Public Library (100 Douglas-Shand, Pointe Claire) invites 4 to 9 year-old to Stories and a craft, every Friday until Dec. 14 from 4-4:45 p.m. For more information, call 514 630-1219.

Dorval Library (1401 Lakeshore Drive) invites children (ages 4 to 8) to a puppet workshop which will be given in French at 1 p.m. and at 3 p.m. in English at the Library on Dec. 15 ($3) and on Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. children are invited to a puppet show in French "Les Trois Voeux" ($5). For more information, call 514 633-4170.

A Puppet show in French for children 1 year and older: "Coco la tête à chapeaux" will be presented on Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. at Kirkland Sports Complex (16950 Hymus Blvd). ($4) For Tickets and information, call 514 630-2719.

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 4-6 p.m.

Family Resource Center (4855 Des Sources, 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 3 and 4 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 which 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 presents Elementary Christmas Concert today Dec. 12 at 1:30p.m. in the gym. All parents and grand-parents welcome. Over 1645 boxes of oranges and grapefruits were distributed last week as part of our citrus fundraiser. Thanks to all who supported the school.

The Dorval Elementary Home and School Association will be having its annual Christmas Basket Drive for Dorval Families in need until Dec. 18. We will be collecting non-perishable goods, toys and money donations would be greatly appreciated. We are also looking for donations of hats, mitts, gloves, scarves and socks to be donated to 'Dans la Rue'.

A big Thank You to all our co-coordinators/volunteers.

The Pat Roberts Centre in Ste Geneviève (16 167 Gouin Blvd.) offers a specialized preschool program for children from birth to 5 years 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



Pointe-Claire CPR gives the following courses: HeartSaver/AED on Jan. 7 (English), and Jan. 21 (French) from 6-10 p.m.; and Early Child Care and First Aid on Jan. 9, 16, and 23 from 7-10 p.m. For more information, call 514 630 1226.

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 7:30-9:30 p.m.), and Parenting: a time to share and learn (Thursday 1-3 p.m.) Registration for new members: Jan. 8 from 1-3 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. $15. Visit www.wiwc.ca for complete winter course list, or call 514 695-8529 on Jan.7 to confirm course availability.



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 8-11 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- 8 p.m. For more information, call 514 694-0007.



SUPPORT GROUPS

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 9:30-11:30 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-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.

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

West Island CALACS offers free services to women 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.