West Island community events!

Kirkland Library (17100 Hymus Blvd.) will showcase works by Lakeshore Artist Association member Renee Mizgala from Aug. 12 to 29. Meet the artist at the vernissage Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. For information call 514-630-2726.

Café Suisse in Ste. Anne de Bellevue (53A Ste. Anne St.) will hold an exhibition of original prints by Claude Aimee Villeneuve until Aug. 15. The theme of the show: a celebration of our feline friends. For more information call 514-457-0323.

Stewart Hall Gallery in Pointe Claire (176 Lakeshore Rd.) is presenting States of Materiality until Aug. 24. This innovative exhibit features works by contemporary sculptors Michel Goulet, Karilee Fuglem, and Douglas Scholes Mon. through Sun. from 1 to 5 p.m., and Mon. & Wed. from 7 to 9. Call 514-630-1254 for details.

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. For more information, call Tom Levitt, 514-457-0323.

Dorval City Hall (60 Martin Ave.) will display the works of artist Monic Fournier until Sept. 2. Call 514-633-4000 for information.

Artists of the Month at Dorval Library (1401 Lakeshore Dr.) are Nga Nguyen and Carol Noel. The exhibition runs to Sept. 2. For details call 514-633-4000.

Miniatures exhibition will be held at the Dorval Cultural Centre (1401 Lakeshore Dr.) from Aug. 13 to 27. Meet the 30 local participating artists at the vernissage of Small is Beautiful on the 13th from 7 to 9 p.m. Gallery hours are Mon. to Thurs. from1 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m., and Fri., 1 to 5.

Dorval Museum of Local History (1850 Lakeshore Dr.) will hold an exhibition entitled Horsepower until Aug. 31. Revisit the past through photos and memorabilia Thurs. through Sun. from 1 to 5 p.m.



PERFORMANCE

Kirkland Concert Band will perform two free concerts this month, on Aug. 6 at Kirkland Park (corner Beacon Rd. and Kirkland Blvd.), and Aug. 13 at Canvin Park (Andre Brunet St. and Cambridge Rd.). Bring a chair. For details call 514-457-6987.

Stewart Hall in Pointe Claire (176 Lakeshore Rd.) will host a tour of its historic property Aug 13 at 6:30 p.m. It will be followed by a swing concert featuring the Moonlight Girls at 8. Bring a chair or rent one for $2. Call 514-630-1220 for information.

Cafe Swiss Jazz Project in Ste. Anne de Bellevue (53A Ste. Anne St) will hold free live shows Thursdays from 9:30 to 11 p.m. The concerts grew out of recent jazz workshop for beginners. For information call Sharon Allaway at 514-956-2289.

Summer Sundays series in Centennial Park (288 Beaconsfield Blvd.) will host a performance entitled Beethoven by the Beach, featuring a senior ensemble from the West Island Symphony Youth Orchestra Aug. 10 from 3 to 4 p.m. In case of rain the concert moves to the recreation centre (1974 City Lane). Call 514-428-4480 for details.

Sunset concert series at Centennial Park (288 Beaconsfield Blvd.) continues Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m. with the blues band Bharath and His Rhythm Four. In case of rain the free performance moves to the recreation centre (1974 City Lane). For information call 514-426-4480.



Road Scholars featuring traditional music, original tunes and more will present a free concert at Pine Beach Park on Lakeshore Dr. in Dorval Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Bring a chair or rent one for $1. In case of rain this free event moves to the Sarto Desnoyers Centre (1335 Lakeshore Dr.) For more information call 514-633-4170.

Mr. Mute will entertain and make objects come alive through his touch in a free presentation Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. in Pine Beach Park on Lakeshore Dr., Dorval. Bring a chair or rent one for $1. In case of rain this show for all ages moves to the cultural centre (1401 Lakeshore). Call 514-633-4170 for details.

Spectrum vocal ensemble is holding auditions for tenors and basses with vocal experience. The 22-voice chorus sings pop, jazz, Broadway, and ballads and will rehearse at Beaurepaire United Church beginning in September. For more information call 450-458-2296.

West Island Student Theatre Association is holding auditions Aug. 10 from 7 to 10 p.m. for its October production of You Are the One That I Want. Rehearsals start Aug. 17. For more information 17 to 25-year-olds can contact Erin or Craig at wistac@gmail.com.

Montreal Public Poetry Festival Sept. 26-28 is now accepting applications. The deadline is Aug. 29. For more information visit www.publicpoetry.wordpress.com.

<@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.

Word of Mouth Singles will host a mid-summer Mix and Mingle Dance Party Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club in Dorval (1350 Lakeshore Dr.) Tickets are $20 and include snacks. There will be a cash bar. For information and to reserve call Elliot at 514-421-1672.

Word of Mouth Singles will hold a wine-making session Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. at Vin Go Winemaking Centre at Marche de l’ouest in Dollard des Ormeaux. The workshop will be followed by dinner at Au Vieux Duluth (3610 St. John’s Blvd.) at 6 p.m. Reserve for both, or for the dinner or workshop only by calling 514-369-9290 or 541-421-1672. Save $5 by registering before Aug. 10.

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.

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.

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

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.

Dollard des Ormeaux Library invites participants in its Summer Reading Book Club to two bilingual circus-style shows Aug. 20 at 2:30 and 6:45 p.m. Continental Drift Theatre will entertain. Receive a free pass by presenting your notebook at the library (12001 de Salaberrry Blvd.). For info call 514-684-1496.

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.

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



West Island Mission’s Back to School program provides food and essential supplies to local underprivileged students. Volunteers are needed to assist with transportation, registration and telephone tasks, and more for a fundraising event Aug. 16. For information visit www.marlene.gallant@hotmail.com.

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.