West Island community notes!

Lakeshore Association of Artists will hold its 50th annual exposition and sale on the grounds of Stewart Hall in Pointe Claire (176 Lakeshore Rd.) on Sept. 6 and 7. Over 50 artists will exhibit their works; one-third of proceeds from sales go to the West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped. There will be a tea room and door prizes. A shuttle bus will depart from Plaza Pointe Claire on St. John’s Blvd. both days at 10 a.m.



Dorval Library (1401 Lakeshore Dr.) will show works by artist Alain Brazeau from Sept. 1 to 30. Call 514-630-4000 for information.

La Maison Valois in Dorion (331 St. Charles Ave.) will be the site of an exhibition and sale of paintings and sculpture by 14 local artists until Sept. 7. Toi et Moi may be viewed Wed. through Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thurs. and Fri, 10 to 8; and Mon., Sept. 2 from 7:30 to 9:30. For information call 514-453-6860.

Kirkland Library (17100 Hymus Blvd.) will showcase works by Lakeshore Artist Association member Renee Mizgala until Aug. 29. From Sept. 3 to 17 Marlene Kristian will present photographs by her late husband Frank, an internationally known photographer. The vernissage will be Sept. 7 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. For information call 514-630-2726.

La Palette Art Gallery in Beaurepaire (480 Beaconsfield Blvd.) is holding an exhibition of works by renowned Canadian artists Jean-Paul Riopelle and Alfred Pellan until Aug. 30. Visitors can also purchase signed, limited edition prints and lithographs. For information call 514-695-0192 or visit www.lapaletteartgallery.com.

Galerie de la Ville in Dollard des Ormeaux invites professional and semi-professional artists to participate in an in-gallery project Sept. 6 to Oct. 11. The theme is Flights of Fancy: the Imaginary Canadian Stamp Collection. Register following an information session Aug. 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. For full details call 514-684-1012 ext. 298.

An exhibition of pochoir prints on hand-fashioned paper made from plants will be held at Café Suisse in Ste. Anne de Bellevue (53A Ste. Anne St.) until Oct. 5. Meet artist Betty Ryan Marok at the vernissage Aug. 31 from 2 to 5 p.m. For information call 450-451-0582.

Café Suisse in Ste. Anne de Bellevue is introducing Sunday afternoon demonstrations of portrait painting in oil (model needed). Participants of all ages can also create their own T-shirt from 2 to 5; supplies available. Proceeds go to Action jeunesse de l’ouest de l’ile. For details call 514-708-1270 or visit philippevaugeois@hotmail.com.

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.

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.



@ST:PERFORMANCE

Montreal Theatre Ensemble, a dynamic young company which was founded by John Abbott College graduates, will present Mice and Men Tues. to Sun. from Aug. 28 to Sept. 13 in the Casgrain Theatre in Ste. Anne de Bellevue (21275 Lakeshore Rd.). For reservations for matinee or evening shows call 514-515-9140.

Lakeshore Light Opera is looking for singers for its upcoming production of The Gondoliers. An open house will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Pointe Claire (233 Ste. Claire Ave.), Sept. 2 at 8 p.m., followed by auditions on Sept. 5 for principal roles and the chorus. For details call 514-804-4900 or visit www.llo.org.

Lakeshore Players auditions for the fall production of Norm Foster’s Self Help will be held Sept. 2 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Sarto Desnoyers Centre in Dorval (1335 Lakeshore Dr.). For details visit www.lakeshoreplayersdorval.org.

Montreal Welsh Male Choir and the award-winning Maesteg Gleeman Male Voice Choir from Wales will perform a joint concert Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s United Church in Pointe Claire (98 Aurora Ave.). Tickets at $15 each may be purchased at the door but it is advised to reserve by calling 514-693-1186 or 514-426-7137. Proceeds go to church projects.

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.

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

School supplies (pencils, copy books, lunch boxes, etc.) are being accepted at Pierrefonds and Roxboro libraries until the end of August. They will be donated to the borough’s students in need. For information call 514-620-4181.

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.

Winners Walk of Hope in aid of ovarian cancer research and treatment will be held Sept. 7 at Mt. Royal Park in Montreal. Register at 9 a.m.; walk until noon. Registration fee is $25, or free if under age 15. Fees are waived for participants who raise $100 or more. For info call 1-877-413-7970 ext. 232 or visit www.winnerswalkofhope.ca.

Fifth Annual Golf Classic will be hosted by Literacy Unlimited on Sept. 8, International Literacy Day. The tournament will be held at the Whitlock Golf and Country Club in Hudson and will feature prizes, brunch, a raffle, silent auction, dinner, and more. For information and to register call 514-880-7157 or visit www.literacyunlimited.ca.

West Island Community Shares will be the recipient of proceeds from the annual spaghetti luncheon hosted by the TD Bank Financial Group. The fundraiser will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Vieux Four restaurant in Kirkland (3636 St. Charles Blvd.). Highlights include kids’ games and a car wash. Tickets at $10 each can be purchased at local TD branches or at the event. For info call 514-695-8694.

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 Jacynthe. Tickets are $100 and can be reserved by calling 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. 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.

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.

Wills and estate planning is the topic of a seminar for seniors Aug. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Pointe Claire Library (100 Douglas Shand Ave.). Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited; to register call 514-694-5850.

Dollard des Ormeaux Water Polo is holding team try-outs at Cedar Park Pool in Pointe Claire (22 Robinsdale Ave.), for girls Aug. 28; boys Aug. 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. both days. Rain date is Aug. 30. `Registration will be at the D.d.O. Aquatic Centre (12001 de Salaberry Blvd.), Sept. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m., and on the 6th from noon to 4. Call 514-684-0070 for details.

West Island Diabetes Association meets Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the West Island Volunteer Bureau in Dorval (750 Dawson Ave.). Speaker is pharmacist Myrna Kram, whose topic will be Updates on Diabetes Drugs. People with diabetes, family, and friends welcome. Call 514-630-2225 ext. 5339 for information.

Pierrefonds Library will introduce a monthly English reading club for adults starting Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. The French club meets beginning Sept. 22 at 1:30. To register call 514-620-4181.

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 for breakfast and many social activities. All are welcome. For more information, call 514-685-2717.

DDO Toastmasters, 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, 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.

Art classes in a variety of media will get underway this fall in Dorval. Residents can register following the Dorval Artists Association’s general meeting Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. at Sarto Desnoyers Centre 1335 Lakeshore Dr.). Registration for non-residents begins Sept. 4. For information call 514-633-4000.

West Island Women’s Centre in Pointe Claire (70 Belmont Ave.) is holding registration for its fall courses Sept. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m., and from 7 to 8. Programs get under way on the 15th and include Creative Writing, Eco-Art for moms and three-year-olds, Intermediate Pilates, and more. Call 514-695-8529 for info or visit www.wiwc.ca.

Traditional Rustic Chair Building course with Kim Vergil will be held Sept. 13, 14, 20, and 21 at Morgan Arboretum in Ste. Anne de Bellevue. For information call 514-457-7081 or visit www.kimcreations.net.

Pointe Claire CPR is holding a course in Heartsaver/AED Sept. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. For information call Micheline at 514-630-1214.

Mini Med School at the Montreal Children’s Hospital still has a few places for classes starting Sept. 10. Health experts will speak about leukemia, genomics, asthma and more. The cost is $60 for adults, $30 for students and seniors. For information and to register call 514-412-4307 or visit www.thechildren.com.

Stewart Hall in Pointe Claire (176 Lakeshore Rd.) is holding registration for residents in flute, violin, and other workshops Sept. 2 and 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. An info session on classical ballet courses will be held on the 2nd from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration for the general public starts on the 5th. Call 514-630-1220 to register or visit www.villepointeclaire.qc.ca.

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.

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.

Cricket Estate Learning Centre in Senneville (250 St. Anne St.) is introducing community karate on Tues. and Wed. evenings and Sat. mornings. Sessions in meditation practice will also be offered. For information call 514-457-0323.

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.

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.

W.I. CALACS (13800 Pierrefonds Blvd.) is looking for female volunteers age 18 and over. The centre, which offers support to victims of sexual abuse, needs recruits to help with fundraisers, public relations, clerical work, and more. Info sessions will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 27 in French, Aug. 28 in English. There will be free training sessions Sept. 6 and 13.

Marathon Oasis of Montreal is in need of volunteers for its Sept. 14 race at the Olympic Stadium. Volunteers will receive a complementary T-shirt, lunch, a chance to win prizes, and an invitation to the VIP tent. Call 514-879-1027 or visit www.marathonoasisdemontreal.com.

Lighthouse, Children and Families is looking for bilingual or English speaking volunteers for its respite in-home program for families in Beaconsfield who are caring for children with life-threatening illnesses. The next training session is in September. For information call Emma at 514-787-8817.

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 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.