CLUBS AND GROUPS

There's an Athletes in Action soccer camp for kids ages 7 to 12 from July 5 to 9 (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) at Brandrith Park, Tsawwassen. All levels of experience welcome, $110 (family rates available) To register: 604-943-6148 or office@tsawwassenalliance.org.

A Reach Summer Preschool Program for children of all abilities goes from July 5 to 30. Morning or afternoon sessions from Monday to Friday. Register for as many sessions as you like. Cost is $15 per session. Located at 3-3800-72nd St. Ladner. To register call 604-946-6622 ext. 308.

There will be drop-in computer training during the month of July at the Tsawwassen Library. Wired Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. are on: July 7 - Internet Basics, July 14 - Beyond the Basics and July 21 - E-mail Basics. Call 604-943-2271 for more information.

The Tsawwassen Library puppeteers offer a charming theatre experience to children and accompanying adults alike. Drop in to enjoy a different story every second Thursday of the month. July's tale is Borreguita and the Coyote, a Mexican tale about a little lamb who uses her clever wiles to keep a coyote from eating her up. The show is on Thursday, July 8 from 3:30 to 4 p.m.

Baby Time - Read, Sing and Talk to Me! returns to the Delta libraries beginning the first full week of July. Introduce your newborn to 23-month-old baby to a world of children's literature, song, rhyme and rhythm. For program dates and times, check out www.fvrl.ca.

The second annual Delta Community Animal Expo is set for Sunday, July 11 at Memorial Park in Ladner from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It's a fun and educational event for the whole family including the furry ones. There will be entertainment, face painting, raffles, BBQ and various animal group exhibitors.

The Tsawwassen Ladies' Classic Golf Tournament will be held Monday, July 12 with registration at 7 a.m. There's a $75 entry fee and pre-registration takes place on July 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information call Diane at 604-803-2957, Lois at 604-943-8196 or Cata at 604-535-7979.

Does your son or daughter have a favourite stuffed animal? Have your child bring "Teddy" or "Fuzzy" to your local Delta library to register for the Stuffed Animal Pet Parade happening at Storytime on August 12 at both Ladner Pioneer Library (2 to 3 p.m.) and Tsawwassen Library (11 a.m. to noon). Space is limited. Registration is required and begins July 2. This program is aimed at children ages 2- to 5-years-old.

Would you like to practice your English skills in a social setting? The Tsawwassen Library invites new members to drop by every Friday morning to share ideas, meet people from your community with similar interests and practice English. For more information about this free program, visit or call 604-943-2271.

A Pregnancy Loss Support Group meets on the first Thursday of every other month in 2010 (Aug., Oct., Dec.) at 7 p.m. at 202-1624-56th St. Open to women who have experienced an early pregnancy loss to meet other women who have had a similar experience. Please do RSVP to confirm location, which may change based on the number of people attending. RSVP: Wendy Frasca, wendyfrasca@telus.net, 604-649-8843.

The Knitting Sisters Group makes hats, scarves, laprobes, slippers, and baby items to donate to cancer patients, sick children, homeless and other worthy causes. Drop-in sessions at McKee House are on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. If you would like to help knit/crochet; donate yarn; or be a sponsor contact Alice at 604-946-3060 or agisborne@dccnet.com. Visit www.user.dccnet.com/agisborne for more information.

Reach Developmental Preschools in Ladner and North Delta are accepting registration for their fall programs. Reach preschool provides learning experiences that encourage each child to reach their full potential. All teachers are ECE and special needs certified. To register or for more information call 604-946-6622 ext. 308.

Ambassador Toastmasters meets from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Fireside Room in the Tsawwassen Alliance Church

4951-12th Ave. Contact Vera at 604-943-4782 or veradtm@telus.net for more information.

The Tsawwassen Tuesday Ladies Golf Club welcomes new members. Play Tuesday mornings until October. For more information call Rita at 604-535-0932 or Sandi at 604-943-4075.

The Tsawwassen Early Bird Golf Club for men over 55 years has membership openings. The group plays twice weekly Mondays and Thursdays until Oct. 18. Membership is $40, which includes windup luncheon. Call Rod at 604-943-7984 for more information or pick up a registration form at the Tsawwassen Golf Club pro shop.

Male volunteers urgently needed for Hospice Cottage Thrift Store in Tsawwassen. Day and evening shifts available. Call Sandy at 604-948-0660 ext. 333.

The DYSL Discoveries Thrift Store, 1308-56th St., Tsawwassen, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Visit www.dyslsociety.com.

The South Fraser Gogos meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to hear what groups of Canadian grandmothers are doing to help African grandmothers left to look after their orphaned grandchildren on little to no resources. For more information contact Jesse Pringle at 604-946-1012 or gogojess@telus.net.

Ladner Business Association weekly meetings have moved to the Royal Canadian Legion #61, 4896 Delta St., Ladner. All members and those interested in our local business community - see you Thursdays at 8 a.m.

The Ladner Hub, 200-5000 Bridge St., Ladner, hosts the following: Drop in Programs Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m., Mother Goose on Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m., infant massage on Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m., infant signing on Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m. and Pebble Hill Elementary Drop in every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for more info call Umerath at 604-946-3933.

The Canadian Federation of University Women South Delta meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at Royal Oaks Clubhouse, 1100-56th St. at 7:15 p.m. With monthly guest speakers and interest groups, the Club is dedicated to the promotion of education & improvement of the status of women. New members are always welcome. Call Cheryl at 604-943-4634 or Anna at 604-943-0042.

The Delta Stamp Club meets every second and fourth Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. at the Tsawwassen Library. New members are always welcome. Call 604-940-3803 for more information.

Do you want to be a speaker people listen to? Do you want your presentations to be strong and convincing? Do you want to fill a room with laughter, and move a crowd to tears? Do you want to participate and learn in a supportive club atmosphere? Then join Deltones Toastmasters in Ladner every second and fourth Wednesday from 7:15 to 9 p.m. at the Fraser Health Unit (beside Delta municipal hall). Call David at 604-946-4048 for more information or visit deltonestoastmasters.ca.

Are you new to Canada and a youth looking to succeed in school, work and life? YOUTH-CAN! - a free program in Surrey and Delta is now accepting referrals. If you are between the ages of 15-25 and have lived in Canada for five years or less and are a permanent resident of Canada or awaiting permanent resident status, YOUTH-CAN! staff will support and train you to help you reach your goals. For more information call 604-501-6850 or e-mail youthcan@options.bc.ca.

Delta Potters are accepting new members. To register for the coming year contact Carole Clancey at 604-943-5987. For more information visit deltapotters.com.

Learn techniques of meditation and mindfulness which have been handed down through generations with teacher Lama Tsultrum every Wednesday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at 120 North Tsawwassen Dr., Delta. The class is good for beginners to advanced. Call 604-943-1182 to sign up. There is limited seating.

Stories at Sharkey's is a support group for writers and storytellers. Any genre, fiction or non-fiction, poetry. Everyone welcome. It's at Sharkey's Restaurant on the third Thursday of the month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. For more information, e-mail info@agentstory.net.

Gateway Society, Services for Persons with Autism has been providing outreach and residential services to adults and children throughout the province for 31 years from our base in Ladner. The group is looking for volunteers to sit on its Board of Directors. Accounting, business, legal or fundraising experience would be particularly valuable. Contact Barbara Baydala at 604-946-0401 for further information.

Delta Deas Rowing Club is offering interested youths and adults an opportunity to learn to row. This is your chance to try a great sport. For more information call 604-946-3074 or visit www.deltadeas.com.

Free Parent Support group: Parent Support Circles are a free, bi-weekly, confidential parent gathering with a focus on parenting children with ADHD or behaviour challenges. They are led by trained facilitators and held every second Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Reach Child and Youth Development Society, 3- 3800-72nd St., Ladner (off Hwy 10). To register call Lisa at 604-946-6622 ext.342 or e-mail lisaw@reachdevelopment.org or call Bella at 604-569-3110 or e-mail at office@parentsupportbc.ca.

The Tsawwassen Writing Group meets every second and fourth Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Tsawwassen Library. Admission is free. Limited seating. For more information call Belle Curd at 604-948-5441.

Want to improve your communication skills? Be more effective in meetings?

Get your point across more concisely? Then come visit the Ambassadors Club and learn how membership can help you succeed. The group meets at the Tsawwassen Alliance Church, 4951-12th Ave., Tsawwassen in the Fireside Room Every first, second and third Tuesday of each month at 7:15 p.m. For more information, contact Donna Makelki at: 604-948-5443 or dmakelki@telus.net.

Moments for Moms, a morning out for moms in the community to be encouraged as a parent, meets at the South Delta Baptist Church every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Contact South Delta Baptist Church at 604-943-8244 to attend. For more information contact Donna Makelki at 604-948-5443 or dmakelki@telus.net.

The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Beach Grove Golf Club.

The Canadian Cancer Society is in need of volunteer drivers in the Ladner/Tsawwassen area to take cancer patients to and from their cancer treatments in Vancouver and Surrey. We reimburse for mileage. You must provide a drivers abstract and have proof of insurance to apply. For more information contact Linda Kelly at lkelly@bc.cancer.ca or by phone at 604-533-1668.

Abreast in a Boat is the world's first breast cancer survivor dragon boat team. The group is dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness and demonstrating that there is life after diagnosis. The group is always looking for new members. If you would like more information visit www.abreastinaboat.com or e-mail Bunny at newmembers@abreastinaboat.com.

Book club - new members welcome. Meetings are on the last Thursday of the month.

Interesting and current fiction read and discussed. Call Bev at 778-230-8753 for more information.

The Delta Rock and Gem Club meets every third Monday of the month at the South Delta Recreation Centre. Meetings are at 7:30 p.m. There are educational programs and workshops. For more information call 604-943-4568.

Boundary Bay I.O.D.E., a ladies Canadian charity organization, meets the second Tuesday evening each month. New members welcome. For information contact June Langsford at 604-943-2296.

Delta Chess Club welcomes players of all abilities for games on Thursday at 7 p.m. at South Delta Library. Contact Chris Ludwig at 604-275-4762.

SENIORS

A NFLD Downhome Kitchen Party will take place on Saturday July 17 from 5 to 11 p.m. at McKee Seniors Recreation Centre, 5155-47th Ave., Ladner. $18 for members; $20 for guests. Music by Doghouse. Dance only tickets are $9. Call 604-946-1411 for more information.

South Delta Senior's Travel offers a Cloud 9 fireworks and dinner on Wednesday, July 28. It costs $79 for members and $84 for non-members. Tickets at KinVillage Monday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tickets at McKee Centre Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ticket deadline is July 1.

Singles over 60 Friendship Group meets every third Wednesday of the month. If you are on your own, why not join us for fun and friendship. We have lunches, dine out or join our walking group, book club or special events. For more information call Janet at 604-943-4296 or Joe at 604-943-3317.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Canada Day at Kirkland House in Ladner. There will be lots of music, food and activities for the whole family from noon to 5 p.m. Check out all the updates to this very special heritage home.

The Ladner Christian Reformed Church is hosting its annual Canada Day picnic with food, fun and games in the field at Delta Christian School. Kids games begin at 10:30 a.m. Lunch at noon by donation. Everyone welcome.

FUND RAISERS

Emma Lea Farms, 2727 Westham Island Rd., Delta, will be celebrating Canada Day on Thursday, July 1 with strawberries, ice cream and hotdogs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Proceeds will go to the Delta Hospital Foundation. Come join the celebration and support a great cause.

Golf Fore the Cure in support of breast cancer research in B.C. Join us on July 17 at Cove Links Golf Course for nine holes of fun with lots of prizes. The event will be followed by a reception at the Rusty Anchor Pub for more prizes, and a silent auction. For more information or to register, visit

www.golfcanada.ca/golfforethecure or call Jen at 778-558-1104.

ARTS

The seventh annual South Delta Jazz Festival and Workshop runs from July 6 to 10 and features concerts in Ladner and Tsawwwassen. Visit southdeltajazzfestival.com for a complete schedule.

Delta Parks Recreation and Culture is pleased to present our series of free outdoor concerts. Concerts are cancelled in inclement weather. Please bring your own blanket or lawn chair. Upcoming schedule: Tuesday, July 6 at 7 p.m. at Diefenbaker Park: Bossa Boys present Latin Music for Summer Evenings. On Wednesday, July 7, at Memorial Park at 7 p.m., vocalist, pianist and composer Matthew Presidente presents rock piano originals. Visit www.corp.delta.bc.ca for more information.

A semi-formal Latin and Swing and Ballroom dance with a black and white theme with the Grand Star Band with Kenny Rich will be held Saturday, July 10 from

7 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the KinVillage Community Centre, 5430-10th Ave., Tsawwassen

$19 includes: Free foxtrot dance lesson (7 to 8 p.m.), all-night snacks, coffee/tea/lemonade, late-night sandwich and salad buffet. Tickets available at the door. For information or group reservations call Joy at 778-938-5702.

The Delta Music Makers Community Band is looking for all players, but particularly low brass: trombone, baritone horn, French horn and tuba. This 50-piece concert band rehearses at Delta Secondary School, Ladner, on Tuesday evenings, 7:15 to 9:45 p.m. All musicians on any instrument may contact music director Curt Jantzen about joining at cjband@telus.net or 604-946-2309, or assistant music director Margaret Behenna at mbehenna@dccnet.com. High school experience or equivalent is helpful but not required. The Delta Music Makers provide a warm welcome to those who have not picked up their horn for a while. We balance serious rehearsing with lots of fun and socializing.

Men and women are needed for a marching band. Uniform is provided. Contact Don at 604-946-8130.

Upcycling art classes for youth are at DYSL on the first Wednesday of each month from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Upcycling is using items that have been donated. Contact the store at 604-948-0108 to register or drop by the DYSL Discoveries Thrift Store at 1308-56th St., Tsawwassen.

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The Coming Events column is published every Wednesday as a community service. If you have a non-profit event, mail, drop off, fax, or e-mail (events@delta-optimist.com) the details to the Optimist by 3 p.m. Monday. Submissions are subject to space limitations (no phone calls, please).