August 28

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

August 29

- The Maple Ridge Public Library will hold the Summer Reading Club grand finale at 3 p.m. at the Memorial Peace Park Bandstand. Children who have completed their reading record will receive a medal. Come to the park and enjoy snacks, music, a book swap, and the interactive performances of Mr. I. as he gets everyone singing, dancing, and playing instruments. For more information, call 467-7417. In case of rain, this program will re-locate to the Fraser Room in the library.

August 29

- It's Doggy Days at the Haney Farmers Market. Dog Fashion Sho- at 10:30 a.m., featuring Accessories by Kolleen. A parade of dogs around the bandstand at 11 a.m. There's a People's Choice Award, come and vote. And don't forget we have food and vegetables, too. Lots of it at this bountiful time of summer. Haney Farmers Market at Memorial Peace Park on 224th, from 9 - 2 every Saturday.

August 29

- A free, fun summer's end "Super Sleuth Kids' Party" featuring a spy theme with games, crafts, stories, snacks and more will take place at Grace Community Church at 12240 Harris Road in Pitt Meadows from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information and/or to pre-register call Lois at 941-3543.

September 3

- The Better Breathers Club will be holding its first meeting after the summer break from 12p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Fraser Room of the Public Library. Cari Hoffmann from Fraser Health Authority will be there to guide us through the booklet "My Voice: Advance Care Plan."

September 5

- Girl Guides is taking registrations for Sparks, Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders, Rangers and adult women volunteers for the fall on Sept. 5th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Haney Farmers' Market on 224th in Maple Ridge, and on Sept. 9th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Heritage Hall in Pitt Meadows. For more info, call 1-800-565-8111.

See more on Page 33

September 5

- Ridge Meadows Special Olympics will kick off its fall season with registration at Haney Place Mall, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bowling, one of the most popular sports, is looking for more participants, as is the floor hockey team. Curling, speed skating, and weightlifting are other fall-winter training athletes can participate in. Then, there is the swimming pool and the various classes and involvement.

BC Special Olympics have provided opportunities for over 50 years in the province for challenged individuals to participate in over 30 sports. Ridge Meadows have sent many persons to the provincial, national, and even international games over the years, and are proud of their athletes' accomplishments.

September 7

- The Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission NDP will once again be holding a Labour Day picnic at the Hayward Lake Recreation area off Dewdney Trunk Road from about noon until 5 p.m. All welcome. There will be refreshments served, but bring your own plates and cutlery to reduce waste.

- September 8

Retired teachers: Celebrate the first day of school and toast retirement by joining us at the RMRTA's Hell With the Bell Breakfast at 10 a.m. in the Seniors' Activity Centre. 12150 - 224th St. in Maple Ridge. Buffet is $10. Please contact Don Sears by noon Sept. 4th at 817-6402 or donsears@telus.net for reservations.

September 9

- Attention, kids. You've done all that reading for the Summer Reading Club. No- don't forget to pick up your medal. At 7 p.m., the Pitt Meadows Library is hosting a medal ceremony for all those readers who filled in their reading records and collected all seven stickers over the summer. Preschoolers in the Read-to-Me Club who have filled in their records, the library has special ribbons for you too. There will be refreshments. There will be medals. There might even be entertainment and more prizes. The only way to find out is to come to the library.

September 10

- Seniors Connect Group organized by the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society at 9 a.m. in the library at the seniors centre which is located at 12150 224 St. in Maple Ridge. For more information, contact Molly at 465-4299. After September, this group will run the first Thursday of the month up to and including Dec. 3.

September 10

- Opening reception for a ne- sho- at the Ne- Creations Art Gallery "Something Old, Something Ne- - Watercolour Paintings by Kathy Nay: a selection of waterscapes, landscapes, florals and architectural structures, all featuring strong light and dark contrasts, and a limited palette that gives the work a sense of colour harmony." The sho- will run to the end of September. Everyone is welcome to attend the opening reception on from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays. The studio is located at 22409 McIntosh Ave., Maple Ridge (off 224th St., entrance is facing the park, behind Jim's Pizza).

September 10

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

September 12 & 13

- The annual Art in the Park events takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of Meadowridge School, 12224 - 240th St., Maple Ridge (just north of Dewdney Trunk Road.) Works by artists will include watercolours, oils, acrylic paintings, pottery, garden art, jewelry and more. Music and food available. The sho- will go on rain or shine. Visit www.ArtintheParkMapleRidge.com or call 462-8380.

September 12 and 13

- Katie's Place animal shelter is holding a huge garage and craft sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the shelter at 10255 Jackson Rd. in Maple Ridge. All proceeds go to the animals. On-street parking is available. Please call 463-7917 for more information and to donate salable items (pick-up may be possible). Items must not be left at the shelter without prior arrangements.

September 13

- The Alouette Field Naturalists travel to the Malcolm Knapp UBC Forest. Meet at the forest gate at the end of Silver Valley Road at 10 a.m. Call Joan at 460-6415.

September 15

- Maple Ridge Choral Society is beginning a ne- season of song and will be holding its registration on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Haney Presbyterian Church on 216th Avenue. The first practice will be on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at the same location. The Maple Ridge Choral Society is comprised of a 50-member choir: All voices welcome, tenors and basses needed. For more information, contact Dennis at 465-8038 or Jerry at 463-0760.

September 19

- St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 12145 Laity St., is holding a fall fair with a community yard sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games, bake table, food and more. Tables rent for $15. Call 467-4343 for more details.

September 26

- Katie's Place animal shelter is having an open house at the shelter at 10255 Jackson Rd. in Maple Ridge between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to celebrate our first anniversary in our ne- facility. The cats and volunteers look forward to welcoming you and showing you around. On-street parking is available.

October 1

- Seniors Connect Group organized by the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society at 9 a.m. in the library at the seniors centre which is located at 12150 224 St. in Maple Ridge. For more information, contact Molly at 465-4299.

October 11

- Have-A-Go Day put on by Golden Ears Winter Club and B.C. Wheelchair Sports for people in wheelchairs to try curling. $25 to come and try it out. The event takes place from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

October 28

- Come to the Pitt Meadows Library for a special Halloween storytime. We'll bre- up a fe- not-so-scary stories, blend in silly songs and rhymes, add some lively puppets and season with lots of laughs. For all ages. Come in costume and get a treat! Halloween storytime is from 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. No registration required. The library is located at 12047 Harris Rd.

November 2

- Fall and injury prevention clinic at the Ridge Meadows Seniors' Society at 12150 224 St. in Maple Ridge. Please register for this free clinic by leaving your name and telephone number at the reception desk at 467-4993. You can also register at the Ridge Meadows Seniors' Society Wellness Clinic on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon starting Sept. 15.

November 5

- Seniors Connect Group organized by the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society at 9 a.m. in the library at the seniors centre which is located at 12150 224 St. in Maple Ridge. For more information, contact Molly at 465-4299.

December 3

- Seniors Connect Group organized by the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society at 9 a.m. in the library at the seniors centre which is located at 12150 224 St. in Maple Ridge. For more information, contact Molly at 465-4299.

December 9

- Winter Tales at the Pitt Meadows Library: Gather the family round for a warm and festive evening of stories, songs and puppets for the holiday season. Suitable for all ages. No registration required. Winter Tales will run from 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The library is located at 12047 Harris Rd.

Walking

- The Happy Wanderers Singles Walking Club for those 45 and older meet Saturdays at 9:15 a.m. at the old Pitt Meadows rec hall on Harris Road. E-mail happywanderers45@yahoo.ca or call 463-8874.

Health

- The Canadian Red Cross is currently recruiting volunteers for the ne- Maple Ridge Medical Equipment Loan Service Depot. Available positions include client service, data entry and equipment maintenance. Training is provided for all positions. The depot is located at #5 - 11435 201A Street and is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:30 to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Hilary at 709-6681 or stop by the depot to speak with a volunteer.

Environment

- The Maple Ridge Adopt-A-Block society is looking for your help in making Maple Ridge the cleanest community in B.C. We are looking for dedicated volunteers to adopt their streets and/or assist in community cleanups. To find out if your block has been adopted or for more information call 463-9699.

Caregivers

- Caregivers meet at the seniors centre, 12150 - 224 St., every Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. If you are in this kind of position and feel you need support, drop by or call 467-4593.

Health

- A relaxation and therapeutic support group will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at 22554 Lougheed Hwy.

Food Bank

- The Meado- Ridge Food Bank operates out of the Pitt Meadows United Church at 12109 Harris Rd. on Saturdays from 9 a.m. - noon. Donations can be dropped off or pick up can be arranged by calling Debbie Shepherd at 463-0994.

Volunteers

- The North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association needs volunteers. If you love being around horses and enjoy assisting people with special needs the association has a tailor-made volunteer job for you. NFTRA is located in Maple Ridge and needs volunteers to help disabled riders, most of whom are children, receive their unique therapy. Needed are people to groom, tack, handle the horses and act as support people for riders with disabilities. They provide free training and offer Therapeutic Riding Assistant courses and certification. Check out the website at www.nftra.ca and contact the office at 462-7786 if you have any time to spare.

Clubs

- Ridge Meadows Chess Club is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 5 p.m. at The Ridge Cafe, 170-22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd. (Across the park from the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre.) Everyone welcome. Contact Chris at 467-2426 or e-mail cbdickson@telus.net.

Groups

- Maple Ridge Lupus Support Group meets on the third Thursday of the month except in July and August, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fraservie- centre, 22610 - 116 Ave. Call Pat Jones at 467-9430 for more details.

Addictions

- If you are being affected by a loved one's drug addiction, NAR-ANON Family Support Group meets Tuesdays 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Lion's Den, 12479 Harris Rd., Pitt Meadows. For info contact Cheryl at 465-0872.

- If you kne- that it was within your power to make yourself happier, would you? Alouette Addictions Services is starting a ne- group, Happiness 101 on Friday's 10 to 11:30 a.m. No registration is required. For more information on this group or any other free and confidential services, call Karen 467-5179.

Health

- Come join other expectant parents in exploring the wonders and benefits of breastfeeding. This prenatal breastfeeding class is facilitated by a Public Health Nurse every third Wednesday of each month between 6-7 p.m. Location: Maple Ridge Health Unit 400 - 22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd. Pre-registration is preferred. Call 476-7000. Drop-ins are welcome.

Groups

- Gone Hooking is a traditional rug hooking group that meets every Tuesday at the Lion's Den in Pitt Meadows from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Visitors welcome. Beginner classes available. For further information call 463-0043 or freda33@telus.net.