Groups

- Ridge Meadows Ex-service Women's group will not meet in September. The next meeting is in October.

- Singles walking group 45-plus, Happy Wanderers, meet Saturdays at 9:15 a.m. at Old Rec Hall, Harris and Lougheed, Pitt Meadows, leave at 9:30 a.m., walk in various areas and trails both sides of the river. For more info call 463-8874.

Health

- PMSS is hosting Food Skills for Families, a program for local residents which is free. This program is offered through the Canadian Diabetes Association. There is another session starting October 12 and running to November 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. Interested participants should contact Jacquie Montgomery at 465-7141 or jacqueline_montgomery@sd42.ca.

Volunteers

- The North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association is getting ready for their Fall 2010 Horseback Riding Program. They urgently need volunteers to come forward to help groom and tack horses and to either lead or side walk with riders during their lesson. Horse experience is great but not required. If you enjoy the outdoors, working with wonderful people of all abilities, and love animals, this is the place for you.Two volunteer orientation sessions are scheduled for September. The dates are Sept. 16 or 19. Contact 462-7786 for further information or to sign up for the orientation.

Auditions

- Beauty and the Beast is a Christmas pantomime that needs performers. Auditions will be held for SPECC-tacular Productions. The show is in December, but auditions by appointment only are on September 17, 7 to 10 p.m., and September 19, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Maple Ridge Dance Circle - 12011 - 224 St. Performers must have strong vocal ability, including harmonies, and great comedic timing and instincts. Prepare one musical theatre piece. There will not be an audition pianist so bring suitable backing tracks. Cold reads will be from the script. A group basic dance/movement audition may be required. Auditions require an appointment. To book audition time and if you have any questions contact specctacular@yahoo.ca. Indicate whether you would like to audition on Sept. 17th or Sept. 19th, and for which role.

Library

- The Maple Ridge Public Library is running a series of four Teen Movie Nights on Wednesdays, September 29, October 13, November 3 and December 8 from 6 - 8 p.m. Enjoy a fun evening with a free movie and some popcorn. All movies will be rated PG or PG-13. Register at the 2nd Floor Information Desk of the Maple Ridge Public Library, or call 467-7417 for more information.

- The Maple Ridge Public Library offers Peek-a-Book, an interactive baby storytime for children 0 to 18 months every Monday morning. Sessions are from 10:15 to 10:45 am beginning Monday, September 13 and finishing on November 22. Make reading fun! Start early with baby storytimes. Bring your baby for one-on-one stories, puppets and more! For more information, please call the Maple Ridge Public Library at 604-467-7417.

The Maple Ridge Public Library offers fun and exciting storytimes with You, Me and the Li-bra-ry on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10:15 to 10:45 am beginning September 14 and finishing on December 3. Come prepared for fun, singing and reading! Puppets, books, rhymes and songs will enchant you and your child. All ages are welcome. Please note that there is no storytime on Friday, September 17.

September 4

- Do you have Maple Ridge's tallest sunflower? Or one with the biggest head? Bring it to the Haney Farmers Market at 10:30 a.m. Two categories! Two prizes! Garibaldi Art Club has painting demonstrations all morning. Rob Kroeker, Graham and Carly entertain. Memorial Peace Park on 224th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

September 5

- There is a sunflower contest at the Osprey Village Farmers Market. They have children's and adult's categories, prizes in each. Judging on the grassy knoll at 1. Take in a floral demonstration by Verde Flower and Plant Design at 1:30. Osprey Village is at the south end of Bonson Road in Pitt Meadows.

September 7

- Hell With The Bell Breakfast: Join the retired teachers of SD42 who will be celebrating the first day of school at the HWTB buffet breakfast at the Maple Ridge Seniors Activity Centre at 10 a.m. on Tuesday Sept. 7. The centre is located at 12150 224th Street, Maple Ridge. At the breakfast, news of upcoming events for the 2010-2011 year will be shared. The cost of the breakfast is $10. Newly retired teachers can attend for free. Please RSVP to Don Sears at 464-3886 or donsears@telus.net.

September 7

- Maple Ridge Choral Society begins a New Season of Song with registration on Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and first practice from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Haney Presbyterian Church at 11858 216th Street in Maple Ridge. All voices welcome. Contacts: Dennis at 465-8038 or Jerry at 463-0760.

September 7

- The 14th Annual Zajac Women's Golf Tournament will be held at Meadow Gardens Golf Course at 19675 Meadow Gardens Way in Pitt Meadows. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Zajac Ranch for Children. The entry fee is $250 per golfer and includes green fee, power cart, tee gift, breakfast, lunch and banquet dinner. Contact Parisa at 739-0444 or info@zajac.com for more information.

September 8

- Maple Ridge Parkinson's Support Group meets from 1-3 p.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre. This meeting is open to all persons with Parkinson's, their caregivers, families, and friends. For more information contact: Megan Benoit 465-6374 or e-mail megan2008@shaw.ca.

September 8

- The next General Meeting of the Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society will be at 7 p.m. in the Fraser Room of Maple Ridge Library. Everyone is welcome. There will be a slide presentation about experiences in nature our members have had over the summer. For more information, contact KEEPS at 462-8643.

September 9

- The Asante Centre for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome will be hosting an information booth at the Haney Place Mall for an International FASD Awareness Day celebration. Check your knowledge and learn about alcohol's effect on the fetus. Enter to win a prize. They will be serving free samples of a mocktail.

September 9

- The Alouette Field Naturalists hold their monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior's Centre, 12150 - 224th Street. All welcome. Call Duanne at 463-8743.

September 9

- Seniors Connect meeting at 9 a.m. in the seniors centre, 12150 - 224 St. Meetings on the first Thursday of each month.

September 10

- New Creations Art Gallery & Studios, 22409 McIntosh Ave., hosts an opening reception from 5-8 p.m. for a new exhibit featuring the paintings of mother and daughter Lea Sevcov and Dorothy Sevcov, and the carvings of Lynn McIntosh. Lea and Dorothy are both accomplished painters who work in a variety of media and whose works run the gamut from realistic landscapes to abstracts. The show is supplemented by Lynn's unique and original carvings. The show will run from Sept. 1 to 30.

September 11

- A garage sale will be held to benefit Cops for Cancer from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 11650 - 193 St. in Pitt Meadows.

September 11

- Haney Farmers Market celebrates tomatoes with a cooking demonstration presented by chef Nathan Hyam at 10:30. Take the taste test. Taste what vine ripened means. See the varieties of heirlooms available. The market is overflowing with freshly picked fruit and produce from our own Fraser Valley and the Okanagan. Memorial Peace Park on 224th St.

September 11

- The people of St. George's Anglican Church want to hear the stories of its neighbours. Come for a hot dog barbecue between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

September 11

- Join Family Education and Support Centre and the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies at the Diversity Health Fair on Saturday, September 11th, 2010 at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Centre (12150 - 224th Street) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can learn about healthy cooking and lifestyles, take part in fitness classes, tap their foot to ethnic music, watch cultural dancers, speak with health care professionals or sample ethnic foods. Come out and enjoy! To learn more, call Angie at 476-2447 or email angie@hipstrategic.com.

September 12

- This is the second to last market at Osprey Village. Come down and fill out the survey. Tell what you want for 2011. While you are here, learn about heritage tomatoes, take the taste test - see what vine ripened means. Join in on our community Fitness at the Market. Osprey Village Farmers Market is at the south end of Bonson Road in Pitt Meadows from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

September 13

- The Alouette Field Naturalists attend the Treefest held at the Riverview Hospital Grounds, 2601 Lougheed Highway in Coquitlam. Meet at 10:30 a.m. at Harris and Dewdney to carpool. Call Joan at 460-6415.

September 14

- Whonnock Weavers and Spinners Guild will be meeting at Whonnock Lake Centre at 7:30 p.m. Visitors, guests, and new or potential members are always welcome to join us. For more information, call Marie Slessor at 462-9059.

September 14

- The Whonnock Wee Ones playgroup is starting up for the new year. Drop in on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.at the Whonnock Lake Centre (27871-113 Ave.) for free play, crafts, songs and fun. Newborns to preschool age welcome, $2 donation/family. Contact Kirsten Mah at 466-6880 for more information.

September 15

- The Maple Ridge Health Unit is hosting a Kindergarten Booster Fair at the Health Unit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be displays, door prizes and more. This is a drop-in event. For more information contact the Health Unit at 476-7000.

September 15

- Westview Secondary wants to expand their current sports program in the upcoming school year, so that more students can play sports. The school is appealing to parent volunteers to help manage teams, drive to events or just be at the gym during practices. This will allow our coaches to have more time to coach. No experience is necessary. If you are interested, please be our guest at dinner Wednesday, Sept 15 at 6.30 p.m. at the school. Any amount of volunteer time you have will make a big difference in the life of our students. Email your response or questions to wsspac@yahoo.com.

September 18-19

- Art in the Swamp is from 10 a.m. to 4:48 p.m. at 25812 Dewdney Trunk Rd. Art by Margaret Cook, Cindi Hoflin, Bev Peacock, Scott Schell, Claire Louise Stephen and Rik Watson and others. Part proceeds go to the food bank. No admission.

September 18

- The Maple Ridge Public Library celebrates Eid from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Eid marks the end of Ramadan on the Muslim calendar. This celebration is a time for coming together as a community, and renewing friendships and family ties. Learn about another culture, see calligraphy demonstrations, taste delicious food and have a good time. Bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank. Hosted by the Islamic Society of Ridge Meadows.

No registration necessary. For more information, please call the Maple Ridge Public Library at 604-467-7417.

September 18

- The Maple Ridge Adopt-A-Block Society will be holding its annual TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup at 10 a.m. at Maple Ridge Park. They will supply vests, bags, grabbers and gloves, so grab your family and come on out. Theywill be meeting at the picnic tables. If you have any questions call 463-9699 or e-mail adoptablock@telus.net.

September 19

- The 30th annual Terry Fox Run for cancer research will take place at the Hammond Community Centre. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and the run begins at 10 a.m.

September 20

- Valley Women's Network Ridge Meadows Chapter. Come to the first meeting of the year at new location, Maple Ridge Library (Fraser Room). Speaker: Sue Clement. Topic: Referral Networking. Build your business connections and network, while enjoying a fully catered dinner. Event starts at 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information or to reserve contact vwnridgemeadows@telus.net or 764-8877. Members $20, non-members $23. Reservations required.

September 21

- Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services has its AGM at the Rainbow Club, 11907 - 228th Street, at 3:30 p.m. All interested parties are invited to attend.

September 24

- The HOMINUM Fraser Valley Chapter is a support and discussion group to help gay, bi-sexual and questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated or single. Its next meeting is at 7:30 p.m. For information and location, call Art at 604-462-9813 or Don at 604-329-9760.

September 29

- The Maple Ridge Public Library is hosting the third annual Chocolate Festival from 4 - 5 p.m. Bring your sweet tooth and enjoy an hour of fun filled chocolate activities and games. This Wacky Wednesday program is for kids in grades 5 and up. Register at the 2nd Floor Information Desk, or call the Maple Ridge Public Library for more information.

Volunteers

- Katie's Place animal shelter needs volunteers, particularly cleaners for Fridays and Sundays right now. However, Katie's Place can accommodate any schedule. Help out some messy but grateful and loving little critters. Call 463-7917 or e-mail volunteeratkatiesplace@shaw.ca for more information.

Volunteers

- Ridge Meadows Hospice Thrift Store requires volunteers to sort, price and stock shelves. For more information, call 463-7711.

- Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program - Short Term Loans in Maple Ridge has had to reduce their hours of operation due to a volunteer shortage. Effective immediately, the depot will be open Monday/Wednesday and Friday from 12:30 - 4 p.m. This program provides the loan of basic types of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches and bathroom aids, on a donation basis, for up to three months. A medical referral is required for equipment loan. The Maple Ridge office is located at #5 - 11435 201A Street; phone 465-5050.

- Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Service is looking for volunteers for the Seniors Outreach and Home Support Program. They need volunteer drivers, handymen or handywomen, and volunteer visitors. Call Diana at 467-6911, ext. 232 for more info.

Groups

- Overeaters Anonymous meets every Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. in the Alouette Room, Maple Ridge Library. Drop in or call 878-4575 for more information. No dues or fees. Newcomers welcome.

Reunion

- MRSS Class of 1980 - 30-year reunion is being held Aug. 28 at Maple Ridge Equestrian Center - Ranch Bar and Grill. Contact Janice at ajhazell@shaw.ca for more details and to RSVP.

Groups

- Blue Heron Toastmasters is a brand new club that meets each Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Pitt Meadows City Hall. Guests and new members always welcome. Contact Ardine - 460-0660 or Elmer - 838-4301.

Music

- Merv Tremblay and Silverado host an open jam session with a meat draw every Sunday, 3:30-7:30 p.m. at Houstons Bar at 21525 Dewdney Trunk Rd. For more details, call Merv at 820-7666.

Library

- Hey kids, did you know that Reading Rocks? That's the message your local public library is sending when you join this year's Summer Reading Club. Public libraries across B.C. will rock out to the sound of kids reading, playing and learning all summer long. Registration for Summer Reading Club starts at the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows libraries. Everyone who joins the Summer Reading Club will be given a colourful reading record and a bookmark. Visit the library regularly and collect stickers for your record book. At the end of the summer you may receive a medal for your efforts. Enjoy cool programs and contests throughout July and August. There are lots of prizes to be won. For more information about this year's Summer Reading Club, visit or phone the Maple Ridge Public Library at 467-7417, or the Pitt Meadows Library at 465-4113.

Music

- Kanaka Creek 'open mic/stage' has a new start and end time. It now takes place every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Kanaka Creek Coffee #101-24155-102nd Ave. (just off 240th/Lougheed, right at 102nd) and is an acoustic-only evening, open to musicians and audience alike.

Clubs

- Ridge Meadows Chess Club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 5 p.m. at The ACT. Contact Chris at 467-2426 or e-mail cbdickson@telus.net.