CLUBS AND GROUPS

Inspire Ability - Celebrate the Child is set for Saturday, Oct. 2, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Tsawwassen Alliance Church, 4951-12th Ave., Tsawwassen. A fun event for children and families, with entertainment, a ventriloquist, inspirational speaker, door prizes, silent auction and more. Proceeds go to services for disabled children in the Dominican Republic via International Child Care, and to the Reach Child and Youth Development Society campaign Building for Children Together. Admission costs $5 for children, $15 for adults and $35 for families. Tickets available at the door or at Reach Child and Youth Development Society at 3-3800-72nd St., Ladner.

There will be a wills and estate planning session with notary public Dan Boisvert At All Saints Church Hall, 4755 Arthur Dr., Ladner, on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon. By donation only.

Are you tired of auto settings and point and shoot photography? Then join us on Saturday, Oct. 2 and take control of your camera. The Delta Museum & Archives will be hosting a digital photography workshop with instructor Ron Long, who was a professional photographer at Simon Fraser University for 36 years. Learn valuable tips and take digital pictures that will impress your friends. Cost is $30/person. For further information, visit www.deltamuseum.ca or call 604-946-9322 to register.

The Lower Mainland members of the Western Front Association Pacific Coast Branch will be gathering on Sunday, Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. in the Wine Room of the River House Restaurant, 5825-60th Ave. The WFA is an organization dedicated to educating the public in the history of the Great War with particular reference to the Western Front, 1914-1918. We perpetuate the memory, courage and comradeship of all those on all sides who served their countries in France and Flanders and their own countries.

Do you or a loved one live with chronic pain? The Ladner Pioneer Library partners with the Centre on Aging at the University of Victoria to bring you a free six-session workshop for persons experiencing chronic pain conditions. It runs Mondays (except Oct. 11), from Oct. 4 to Nov. 15 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Ladner Pioneer Library. To register, call the Centre on Aging at 1-866-902-3767 or e-mail Robert Toews at rtoews@eastlink.ca. Family members and friends are welcome.

Join the Delta Nature group at Cammidge House on Thanksgiving Monday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Our presenter, Markus Merkens, will give his presentation Introducing our park wetland engineer...the beaver. He will give information on basic beaver taxonomy, ecology, physiology and population dynamics. Everyone is welcome and there is no cost. For further information, contact Joanne at 604- 946-2240.

Calling all former Kinsmen. The K-40 Club of Ladner and Tsawwassen invite you to join us for our monthly dinner meetings. We meet 10 times during the year, including four ladies' nights. Come on out for good times and fellowship. Next meeting: Oct. 13 at Kinsmen House, Ladner at 6 p.m. For further information call Bill at 604-943-8240 or Doug at 604-943-7972.

Ladner United Church presents two presentations from Dr. Gabor Mate. Kids in Chaos is on Friday, Oct. 15 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission by donation. The Stress/Disease Connection and Addictions is on Saturday, Oct. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $90 for adults, $75 for students and seniors. For more information or to reserve a space call Wendy by Oct. 1 at 604-946-6254 or visit www.ladnerunited.org.

Special Olympics B.C. Delta is in urgent need of head coaches for five-pin bowling, swimming, basketball programs and weight lifting conditioning sessions. These programs begin in October and more info can be found at www.sobcdelta.blogspot.com. Or e-mail to sobcdelta@hotmail.com for more information. Our enthusiastic and dedicated athletes make this a very rewarding volunteer opportunity.

On Thursday, Oct. 21 the Delta Museum & Archives will be presenting Perils of Plastic at the Tsawwassen Arts Centre, a series of short films and photos that document what it's like on an island of toothbrushes, cigarette lighters, combs and other swirling garbage. Tickets are $10.00 per person; pre-registration is recommended and tickets can be purchased by calling the Delta Museum & Archives at 604-946-9322.

Supportive Care - for people with cancer or other life-threatening or progressive illness; Caregivers' Group, Cancer Group, Relaxation Group (drop-in Tuesdays at 10 a.m.), Early Alzheimer's Group, Bereavement Walking Group (drop-in Wednesdays at 10 a.m.) and Grief Groups. Call the Centre for Supportive Care located at 4631 Clarence Taylor Crescent, Ladner at 604-948-0660 for more information and to register.

Canadian Mental Health Association Delta Branch offers free, facilitated family support meetings for family and friends supporting a person living with a mental illness. The group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Delta Hospital Education Conference Room, 5800 Mountain View Blvd., Ladner. Call 604-943-1878.

Canadian Mental Health Association Delta Branch offers free, facilitated support meetings for people with Depression/Bi-Polar or with symptoms. The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at 14-1835-56th St., Tsawwassen (CMHA Delta Branch office). Call 604-943-1878.

Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, a non-profit international women's organization, is accepting new members. We are of all ages and our motto is "Life Learning and Friendship." Call Elenor at 604-943-2868 or Dede at 604-946-3119 if you're interested in joining.

If you like a good read and a lively discussion, the Book Ends are welcoming new members to their monthly book club meeting. Meeting held the second Thursday of the month. Call Hanna for details at 604-940-1264.

An RAOB GLE Buffaloes group has formed locally and is looking for new and old members. Contact Jeff at 604-946-4794 for more information.

Ladner Early Child Development Hub, 205-5000 Bridge St., hosts the following:

Drop in programs Monday to Friday from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:45 p.m. Mother Goose on Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m. Mom's Group on Mondays from 12:30 to 2:45 p.m. Nobody's Perfect on Oct. 16 to Nov. 20. Call 604-946-3933 for details.

Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary is accepting volunteer applications. Be a part of this highly skilled group of men and women that provides a service to the community by performing marine search and rescue. All new members are provided with in-depth training and all abilities are welcome. Visit deltasar.bc.ca for more information.

Ladner Girl Guides is looking for energetic, fun-loving women (19+) to be leaders and mentors in one of our many units. Meetings are one to three hours a week on various nights of the week. Some planning may be required at certain times of the year as well as the completion of two training modules.

Contact Paula at paulamc98@msn.com or visit www.bc-girlguides.org.

The Canadian Cancer Society Volunteer Driver program in Ladner/Tsawwassen is in need of more volunteer drivers to take patients to and from their treatment. Training and dispatch are provided. Time commitments are flexible. If you are interested in further information contact Linda Kelly, practical support co-ordinator at 604-533-1668 ext. 305 or e-mail lkelly@bc.cancer.ca.

Do you want to learn the art of public speaking and leadership skills with a fun, safe and supportive group for $8 per month? Tsawwassen's own Ambassadors Toastmasters Club has been serving the community for 10 years doing just that. Join us on the first and third Tuesday of each month at our new location: Tsawwassen Public Library, 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Contact Godfrey Nash, VP public relations, 604-948-9996, e-mail: godfrey@ambassadorstoastmasters.org. Visit www.AmbassadorsToastmasters.org for more information.

A Pregnancy Loss Support Group meets on the first Thursday of every other month in 2010 (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.

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 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.

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

McKee Seniors Recreation Centre will have a Harvest Ball on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 5 to 10 p.m. It costs $18 for members and $20 for guests. Dance only costs $9. Music by Rosario. Call 604-946-1411. Tickets available at the customer service desk.

ElderCollege Delta's fall 2010 semester begins on Oct. 1. There are still spaces available in many of the classes, including music, science, literature, party bridge, movies and using your laptop for digital photography. Visit the KinVillage website and click on the ElderCollege link for a complete list of courses. Alternatively, for further information, e-mail eldercollegedelta@kinvillage.org or phone 604-943-0262. ElderCollege Delta is your community college, open to all 50 years and older, providing an opportunity for learning in a stimulating yet relaxing atmosphere.

There will be a fifth anniversary dinner and dance at the McKee Seniors Recreation Centre in Ladner on Friday, Oct. 29 from 5 to 10 p.m. Members: $12, guests: $14. Tickets are at the customer service desk. Call 604-946-1411.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Delta Idol Karaoke Competition is back at the Tsawwassen Legion for a fourth edition. Qualifying nights are Sept. 30 (7:30 p.m.) and the finals are set for Oct. 2 (8 p.m.) Contestants can enter for $5. Call 604-943-0232 for more information.

With the focus on fun, the Ron Nielson Fall Golf Classic returns to

Point Roberts Golf and Country Club on Oct. 1 A two-man team, best ball tournament for all skill levels, with great prizes and fabulous food, making this the social event of the fall. Book your team today by calling Bill Steele at 1-888-698-2817 or Keith Pollock at 1-360-945-0758. Further details at www.PointRobertsGolfCourse.com.

UBC (Vancouver and Okanagan) will be presenting information on entrance requirements, faculty requirements, admission procedures, application guidelines etc. on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in the South Delta Secondary theatre. All families in Ladner and Tsawwassen are invited.

Tsawwassen United Church has a fall fair on Saturday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 693-53rd St. (across from the high school). There will be baking, crafts, pies, Grannies Attic, food and much more.

The Delta Chamber of Commerce's Hats Off To Excellence Awards Gala is set for Friday, Nov. 19 at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn. Register at www.deltachamber.ca.

FUND RAISERS

The Delta Amateur Radio Society will be holding their third annual ComFest fundraising event on Oct. 2 and 3. On Oct. 2, there's a dinner at the Sundance Banquet Hall. Cost is $30 per person and includes dinner, door prizes. On Oct. 3 there w ill be a swap meet at the South Delta Rec. Centre. Doors open at 10 a.m. to the public. Admission is $3. All details can be found at www.deltaamateurradio.com.

Join in on the fun as United Entertainers Society host a Burger, Beverage & Storytelling evening at the Ladner Legion, 4896 Delta St. (upstairs) on Wednesday, Oct. 20. Eating from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and storytelling from 8 to 10 p.m. $15 per person, advance tickets only, no tickets at the door. Limited to 70 people. For tickets call Vann at 604-946-9224 or Joyce at 604-943-9459. Help the United Entertainers raise funds for their upcoming productions, so we can give back to the community.

A Ceilidh (barn dance) with music and entertainment by the Doghouse folk band is set for Saturday, Oct. 23 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the Ladner Community Centre. Tickets (only in advance) cost $16 per person. Contact pedwards7@cs.com or call 604-940-0844. Proceeds donated to Delta Hospital.

ARTS

Delta Arts Council is pleased to present the new season of the Young People's Concert Series set to kick off on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tsawwassen Arts Centre. The program showcases a variety of local talented and creative singer-songwriters performing some of their original works of pop, blues, contemporary, folk, and jazz. Come support the arts in our community. Tickets are $8. For more info, call 604-943-9787.

The South Delta Artists' Guild is showcasing their artists, both founding and current; by hosting an art show and sale that celebrates their 35th anniversary. These art works may be enjoyed until Oct. 24 at the Tsawwassen Longhouse Gallery located on the SE corner of 18th Avenue and 56th Street. Visit from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. For information on upcoming shows and workshops visit southdeltaartistsguild.com.

The Sidekick Players present Jacques Plante and the Parkdale Knitting League by Paul McLaughlin, Wednesday to Saturday only until Oct. 2 at the Tsawwassen Arts Centre. Also available, to be raffled off, a signed NY Rangers jersey by Andy Bathgate (the player that shot the puck into Plante's face that started it all), tickets to Giants games and a signed book, Jacques Plante, the Man Who Changed the Face of Hockey. Seating is limited so reserve by calling 604-288-2415. Adults: $18, seniors/students $15. Bistro seating.

Kinvillage Community Center is now booking vendors for their 11th Annual

Christmas and Family Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more info or to book a table e-mail Jodi at thepeacefulchild@gmail.com or call 604-948-2820.

The Delta Arts Council is hosting: artShots, a Juried Exhibiton of Photographic Art at the Tsawwassen Arts Centre. This year digital colour, monochrome and creative photos can be entered online by adults and youths up to Grade 12. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top photos. The closing date is Oct. 1; for details: deltaartscouncil.ca.

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

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).