January 22

- Ridge Meadows Hospital is looking for volunteers for 2011. Volunteer information sessions will be held at 1 and 2 p.m. Find out if volunteering in healthcare is right for you. For more information, call 604-466-7911 or email rmh.volunteerservices@fraserhealth.ca.

January 22

- Me--o-soprano Susan Platts from the U.K. together with pianist Rena Sharon perform at the Candlelight Series of the Maple Ridge Music Society at 23575 124th Ave. at 8 p.m. Admission is $30. For more information call 604-467-3162.

January 22 and 23

- As part of Gymnastics week Quantum Gymnastics Centre will be doing demonstrations at Haney Place Mall. On Jan. 22 there will be shows at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. that will include club members from the toddlers in the parent and tot classes to the advanced recreational levels. This is an opportunity for all club members to show why they love gymnastics. Following the show there will be a free play area set up so local children can also enjoy participation in gymnastics. The free play are will also be open on Jan. 23 from noon to 4 p.m. Following is information from Gymnastics BC on the National Gymnastics Week. For more information on Quantum’s participation contact June Booth at 604-783-4709.

January 23

- The Pitt Meadows Museum’s first 2011 Museum Sunday program is “Goop” starting at 2 p.m. Visitors are invited to come and make goop and other slimy stuff in any one of a variety of colours. For more information contact the museum at 604-465-4322 or email us at pittmeadowsmuseum@telus.net. The museum is at 12294 Harris Rd.

January 24

- Bluegrass Music Circle will take place at the Bergthorson Academy of Musical Arts 12229 Harris Rd. in Pitt Meadows from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This bi-weekly get-together includes old time fiddle, banjo and mandolin music. Learn about the instruments, about bluegrass/old-time country styles, tunes and etiquette. Bring your own instrument to play along, learn new techniques and share your own skills. These sessions are led by local bluegrass musician Denis LeClerc, founding member of the Alouette River Band. For more information or to reserve a spot, call Rob at 604-467-6613 or 778-230-0543.

January 24

- Fraser Valley Rhodo Club meets at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Heritage Hall at 22279-116th Ave off the Haney Bypass. This small club welcomes new members. Everyone is welcome to join them to hear Garth Wedemire speak about To M.A.R.S and Back.

January 25

- Whonnock Weavers and Spinners Guild will be meeting at Whonnock Lake Centre at 7:30 p.m. We encourage visitors, guests and new or potential members to join us. Besides spinners and weavers, we welcome felters, knitters, basketmakers, and anyone interested in any other fibre arts. For more information, call Marie at 604-462-9059.

January 25

- The Meadowridge Knights are holding their annual general meeting at 7 p.m. at Thomas Haney Secondary. Everyone is welcome.

January 25

- The Maple Ridge Public Library will be offering a four-part series called the Wellness Connection on Tuesdays, Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 8 and 25 at 7 p.m. Wellness Connection is a locally based wellness practitioner group. The first session, Clear Mind, Energi-ed Body will show you how to create balance in your life by exploring your physical and emotional health with personal trainer Kelly O’Halloran and reiki master Pat Bader. Discover how both exercise and reiki healing help to relieve stress in your body and return you to a more healthy and balanced state. For more information, call the Maple Ridge Public Library at 604-467-7417.

January 25

- Have you ever wanted to learn how to knit? Or do you already know how, but want to meet other teen knitters? Then drop by the Maple Ridge Public Library from 6 to 8 p.m. with your yarn and needles for a chance to do both. For beginners, the basics of casting on and knit and purl will be covered. For Grades 8 and up; no registration necessary. For more information, call the Maple Ridge Public Library at 604-467-7417.

January 26

- The Maple Ridge Public Library will be hosting a Mario Kart Tournament from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Test out your racing skills and join us for a chance to win some awesome pri-es. This Wacky Wednesday program is for kids in Grades 5 and up. For more information, call the Maple Ridge Public Library at 604-467-7417.

January 26

- The Maple Ridge Christmas Festival Society is having its annual general meeting at 7 p.m. in the preschool room at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre. The public is invited to attend this meeting and to get involved in this wonderful community event.

January 26

- The Maple Ridge Christmas Festival Society is having its annual general meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. in the preschool room at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre. Everyone is welcome. The public is invited to attend this meeting and to get involved in this wonderful and fantastic community event.

January 26

- A financial literacy workshop for older adults will be held from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society at 12150 224th St. The B.C. Centre for Elder Advocacy & Support is offering this free workshop for older adults 55+. There will be a talk about powers of attorney, shared bank accounts, recogni-ing and responding to abuse of one’s money, and resources in the community for help. For more information, or to register, contact the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Kat-ie Seniors Network 604-786-7404 or email htreleaven@shaw.ca.

January 26

- Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association is presenting their monthly free business-to-business event, hosted by Canvas Hair Salon at 22316 Dewdney Trunk Rd. between 5:30 and 7 p.m. Discussion topics are the downtown safety program and security patrols, events/promotions for 2011, and any topics brought up by members concerning downtown. All BIA members and interested guests are welcome to this informal meet and greet. Refreshments are provided. Please call 604-467-2420 or inquiries@downtownmapleridge.ca and RSVP today.

January 26

- Kanaka Open mic/stage features local recording artist Cory Hawthorne. You can find us every Wednesday 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Kanaka Creek Coffee, #101-24155 102nd Ave. in Maple Ridge. For information, call 604-463-6727.

January 27

- A free open house organi-ed by the Pitt Meadows Senior Advisory Committee will be held at the seniors lounge at 1 p.m. at the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre at 12017 Harris Rd. Free coffee, tea, snacks, and conversation.

January 27

- Come to the Maple Ridge Public Library from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for Family Literacy Day and help us celebrate adults and children reading and learning together. This year’s theme is Play for Literacy. Playing games that encourage literacy and numeracy, such as board games, card games and word games, is a great way for parents and children to practice their literacy skills and have fun. For more information, call the Maple Ridge Public Library at 604-467-7417.

January 28

- The Chamber of Commerce serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows will hold its annual general meeting from noon to 2 p.m. at the Pitt Meadows Golf Club. Tickets are $35+HST.

January 28

- 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. Our next meeting is Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. For information and meeting location call Don at 604-329-9760 or Art at 604-462-9813.

January 29

- Pub Nite at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Centre will be a Celtic Ceilidh. There will be beer, wine, and other refreshments, and the entertainment will be provided by Nigel Tucker and Lonnie Harrison. No minors allowed. Admission is $3 and the event runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

January 30

- Alouette Field Naturalists will go to Blackie’s Spit, White Rock, for over-wintering seabirds. Contact Duanne for more information at 604-463-8743.

January 30

- To show their support in the fight against Al-heimer’s, people all across B.C. will be walking on in the Investors Group Walk for Memories, in support of the Al-heimer Society of B.C. The walk is held in 20 communities around the province in January during the national Al-heimer Awareness Month. The Tri-Cities, Burnaby, New Westminster, and Ridge Meadows walk is taking place at the Port Moody Recreation Complex in the Wellness Room at 300 Ioco Road in Port Moody with registration starting at 11:45 a.m. and the walk starting at 1 p.m. To register, go to www.walkformemories.com or call 604-941-4697 or 604-681-6530.

January 31

- The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities and Easter Seals is holding an information session in the Alouette Room at the Maple Ridge Library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This session is an opportunity to learn more about how Easter Seals helps children with disabilities in your community and to find out how to get involved as team captain, participant or volunteer in the Money Mart Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay on June 18-19, 2011. Current team captains and interested Maple Ridge residents are invited to come to this free event. RSVP to Christine at crobb@lionsbc.ca or by phone at 604-873-1865

Bereavement groups

- Are you having a hard time coping with the death of a loved one? You are not alone. The Ridge Meadows Hospice Society is offering an eight-week bereavement support program once a week starting in February. They also planning a six-week bereavement support group for children aged nine to 13. For more information on any of their programs, call the society’s resource centre at 604-463-7722.

February 1

- The next Garibaldi Art Club meeting is at 7 p.m. in the craft room, third floor of the Maple Ridge Arts Centre. Members will be discussing plans for the spring show to be held April 8 to 10. Members interested in hanging paintings in the library Feb. 1 to 28, please contact Enid Dal-iel at 604-466-6488. G.A.C. membership is $50 or $40 for seniors. New members welcome.

February 1

- Volunteer Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows, the local volunteer centre, is hosting an information session open to the public from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Alouette Room of the Maple Ridge Library. Come find out about volunteer opportunities with more than 60 organi-ations. Contact asingh@comservice.bc.ca or 604-467-6911 ext. 230 to register for this free event.

February 1

- The Maple Ridge Public Library offers the second of a four-part Wellness Connection Series: Mindful Eating. Understanding what to eat goes hand in hand with understanding the emotions that sometimes drive our eating habits. Becoming aware of our emotions and discovering what it is we are truly “hungry” for empowers us to eat more mindfully. Join registered holistic nutritionist Val MacDonald and registered professional counsellor Kelli Gabel for an evening of self discovery. The program begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call the Maple Ridge Public Library at 604-467-7417.

February 2

- Family Games Nights at the Pitt Meadows Library runs from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The library presents family games night on the first Wednesday of the month. There will be a variety of board games set up for everyone to use along with light refreshments.

February 3

- The Maple Ridge Better Breathers Club will hold its monthly meeting in the Fraser Room of the Maple Ridge Library from 12 to 2 p.m. This club is a support group for people with chronc lung conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and COPD. Family and caretakers are welcome. For more information call Heidi at 604-466-1633 or Jean at 604-467-1320.

February 5 & 6

- Maple Ridge Mountain Festival Society presents the fourth annual Spirit of Wood Festival at the ACT Maple Ridge. Events and activities at this year’s family-friendly festival include Spirit Wood – an evening music & dance production, featuring the Arts Umbrella, a Lumber Jack Pancake Breakfast, the Wood Art Showcase & Sale – featuring local and regional wood artists and crafters, kids’ wood-themed make-&-take activities, live entertainment including Winds of Heaven, a new documentary film about B.C. artist Emily Carr, and much more. For Spirit of Wood tickets or more info on the entire festival, contact the ACT box office at 604-476-2787 or visit www.theactmapleridge.org/spiritofwood.

February 5

- St. Patrick’s School will hold its 17th annual Trivia Night and Auction starting at 6:30 p.m. at the school, located at 22589 121st Ave. in Maple Ridge. Tickets are $25 and include a late night burger meal, live and silent auction, door pri-es, 50/50 draw, cash bar, various games throughout the evening and trivia, trivia, and more trivia. Contact the school office for tickets and information at 604-467-1571.

February 5

- During the University of the Fraser Valley Faculty Show at the Maple Ridge Art Gallery, the gallery will also be hosting a lecture by Dr. Aleksandra Id-ior, a distinguished art history lecturer from the Visual Arts Department of the UFV. Her lecture “Come Dance with me – Reflections on Late Medieval Imagery of the Dance of Death” will take place at 12:30 p.m. Her theme will be explored in both contemporary and medieval contexts, demonstrating how the ‘dance of death’ contains elements of subversive humour amidst an otherwise grave and macabre subject. The gallery is located at the ACT at 11944 Haney Place.

February 6

- Alouette Field Naturalists travel to Derby Reach Park. Meet at Tim Horton’s at the corner of Lougheed Highway and Dewdney Trunk Road at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call Alison at 604-463-3902.

February 8

- The Maple Ridge Public Library offers the third of a four-part Wellness Connection Series: Create a Joyful Life. Join holistic life coach Brenda Wallace and yoga therapist Teri Nagy for an inspiring and relaxing evening. Learn how to connect mind, body and spirit with yoga breathing and meditative exercises. Identify long-term goals and short-term tasks to achieve life balance. Leave feeling empowered to incorporate these changes into your life. The program begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call the Maple Ridge Public Library at 604-467-7417.

February 8

- Whonnock Weavers and Spinners Guild will be meeting at Whonnock Lake Centre on at 7:30 p.m. We encourage visitors, guests, and new or potential members to join us. Besides spinners and weavers, we welcome felters, knitters, basket makers, and anyone interested in any other fibre arts. For more information, please call Marie at 604-462-9059.

February 8

- A Celtic session will run in the main lobby of the ACT with Nigel Tucker and his friends from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come out and bring your instruments if you wish to participate, join in the singing, or just enjoy the music and request a song.

February 10

- Alouette Field Naturalists hold thier monthly meeting in the craft room of the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre at 12150 224th St. at 7:30 p.m.

February 11

- Pitt Meadows seniors are holding a Valentine’s party at the Seniors Lounge in the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre at 12027 Harris Rd. at 1 p.m. Tickets are $3.50 For more info, drop by the seniors lounge or call 604-465-2476.

February 12 and 26

- The Family Caregiver Series provides an opportunity for residents to learn effective ways to care for a person with Al-heimer’s disease or a related dementia. Participants will learn about dementia, practical coping strategies, and early planning. The two sessions – each runs five hours – are designed for family and friends who are caring for a person with dementia. The series runs on the two Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Grand Salon Room of Greystone Manor, 11657 Ritchie Ave. A light lunch will be provided. Cost is just $35 with payment due at the first session. Seats are limited so pre-registration is encouraged. For more information and to register, call 604-298-0780 or email dleclair@al-heimerbc.org. Topics to be covered include: understanding dementia, understanding communication, understanding behaviour, planning for the future, and self-care for caregivers.

February 12

- Ridge Meadows Hospice Society is hosting an Evening of Romance pasta dinner fundraiser at Golden Eagle Golf Club on Saturday, Feb. 12. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. There will be music, dancing, a silent auction and golf fun with a golf pri-e package. Tickets are $25 each and are available by calling 604-463-7722.

February 12

- The Friends In Need Food Bank is presenting a major fundraising and fun event, celebrating Chinese New Year’s “Year of the Rabbit.” The event will be held at the Pitt Meadows Heritage Hall at 12460 Harris Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner, a Chinese buffet, served at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and include a Chinese dinner and an exciting evening filled with live entertainment, live and silent auction and much more. Special ticket price: $350 full table of 16. For tickets call 604-466-3663.

February 13

- Alouette Field Naturalists travel to Rocky Point Park in Port Moody. Meet at Harris Road and Dewdney at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call Joan at 604-460-6415.

February 15

- The Maple Ridge Public Library offers the fourth of a four-part Wellness Connection Series: Shake Off Limiting Beliefs and Dance Your Way to Health. The ‘secret to life’ if belief, says Dr. Bruce Lipton, author of Biology of Belief. You’ll be introduced to a simple process called PSYCH-K, which allows you to determine whether the beliefs you hold are limiting you, or empowering you. You will also sample nia, a transformational movement practice that releases stress and helps you feel alive. Join PSYCH- K facilitator Sandra Wallin, and nia instructor Sharolyn Wand-ura to get moving and be inspired. The program begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call the Maple Ridge Public Library at 604-467-7417.

February 16 to 19

- Meadowridge School will stage the first full-scale British Columbia school production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. To book tickets, call the school at 604-467-4444 or come to the school in person from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (8 p.m. on performance days). Tickets can also be purchased on online at www.meadowridge.bc.ca. Tickets are from $10 to $12.

February 16

- The Pitt Meadows Book Club invites you to join them in a discussion of Miriam Toews’ book A Complicated Kindness. This will take place at the Feb. 16 meeting. Drop by the Pitt Meadows Library to pick up a Book Club copy of this title. The Pitt Meadows Book Club meets at 7 p.m. in the meeting room at the Pitt Meadows Library at 12047 Harris Rd.

February 21

- The Haney Farmers Market is holding its annual general meeting at 7 p.m. in the lounge of St. Andrew’s Haney United Church at 222nd Street and Dewdney Trunk Road. Sweet treats will be served around 6:30 p.m.

March 2

- Family Games Nights at the Pitt Meadows Library runs from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The library presents family games night on the first Wednesday of the month. There will be a variety of board games set up for everyone to use along with light refreshments.

March 8

- Whonnock Weavers and Spinners Guild will be meeting at Whonnock Lake Centre on at 7:30 p.m. We encourage visitors, guests, and new or potential members to join us. Besides spinners and weavers, we welcome felters, knitters, basket makers, and anyone interested in any other fibre arts. For more information, please call Marie at 604-462-9059.

March 8

- A Celtic session will run in the main lobby of the ACT with Nigel Tucker and his friends from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come out and bring your instruments if you wish to participate, join in the singing, or just enjoy the music and request a song.

April 6

- Family Games Nights at the Pitt Meadows Library runs from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The library presents family games night on the first Wednesday of the month. There will be a variety of board games set up for everyone to use along with light refreshments.

April 12

- A Celtic session will run in the main lobby of the ACT with Nigel Tucker and his friends from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come out and bring your instruments if you wish to participate, join in the singing, or just enjoy the music and request a song.

April 12

- Whonnock Weavers and Spinners Guild will be meeting at Whonnock Lake Centre on at 7:30 p.m. We encourage visitors, guests, and new or potential members to join us. Besides spinners and weavers, we welcome felters, knitters, basket makers, and anyone interested in any other fibre arts. For more information, please call Marie at 604-462-9059.

April 13

- Special Spring Stories and crafts from 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Pitt Meadows Library. Some stories, some crafts, and fun for the whole family! Drop in, no registration required.

April 21

- All Aboard For Kindergarten Special at the Pitt Meadows Library from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m. There will be a special guest and a marathon read-aloud of some of the 100 Best Books for Kindergarten. Drop in, leave when you have to. No registrationrequired.

May 10

- Whonnock Weavers and Spinners Guild will be meeting at Whonnock Lake Centre on at 7:30 p.m. We encourage visitors, guests, and new or potential members to join us. Besides spinners and weavers, we welcome felters, knitters, basket makers, and anyone interested in any other fibre arts. For more information, please call Marie at 604-462-9059.

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 604-463-7917 or email volunteeratkatiesplace@shaw.ca.

- The Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon needs help in our Heart Month Campaign in February. They are looking for volunteers to canvass in their neighbourhood to raise awareness and collect funds for research and health promotion initiatives. Time commitment is two to four hours in the month of February. To volunteer, call 604-472-0045 or email: door_tri@hsf.bc.ca.

- Ridge Meadows Hospice Thrift Store requires volunteers to sort, price, and stock shelves. For more information, call 604-463-7711.

- What does one hour of your time mean to us? Everything! Cythera Thrift Store has volunteer opportunities for weekend retail cashiers. Shifts are one hour in duration. Full training and support provided. Please call Shelley at 604-467-4671. Net proceeds support women and children who are fleeing abuse.

- The Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program – Short Term Loans in Maple Ridge needs volunteers. The depot is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:30 to 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 St. and they can be reached at 604-465-5050.

- The North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association is well into their winter 2010 horseback riding program. They still need volunteers to come forward to help groom and tack the horses and to 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. Contact their office at 604-462-7786 for further information or to sign up for their orientation.

- The Fraser Health Crisis Line is recruiting volunteers to provide assistance to people in the region who are experiencing emotional distress. No previous experience is needed as extensive training and on-going support is provided. If you’re interested in learning more about this challenging and rewarding experience, pick up an information package at Options Community Services 9815 140th St., Surrey or email claudiak@scss.ca.

MAPLE RIDGE MULTICULTURAL CANADA DAY COMMITTEE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

- The Maple Ridge Multicultural Canada Day Committee welcomes volunteers to join the committee and get in on the planning for the party in Memorial Peace Park on July 1st. The Committee meets once a month until Canada Day and is pleased to invite anyone interested in helping to plan the event. Some of the positions available include committee chair, committee secretary, volunteer coordinator, entertainment coordinator, active demonstrations coordinator, food coordinator, promotions coordinator, funding/sponsorship coordinator, and logistics and equipment/bookings coordinator. The meetings are currently set to take place on Tuesdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 15, March 15, April 19, May 17, June 21, and a wrap-up meeting on July 19.

Groups

- Overeaters Anonymous meets every Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. and every Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Alouette Room, Maple Ridge Library. Drop in or call 604-878-4575 for more information. No dues or fees and no diets or weigh-ins. We are a fellowship. Newcomers welcome.

Groups

- Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday except holidays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. in the library at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Centre at 12150 224 St, Maple Ridge. For more info contact Elma at 604-463-4831 or violetpt@telus.net.

Groups

- 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., and walk in various areas and trails both sides of the river. For more info call 604-463-8874.

Groups

- The Blue Heron Toastmasters meets every Thursday at Pitt Meadows City Hall from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Are you interested in learning public speaking, effective communication, leadership skills or how to run a meeting? Come and join us as our guest in a fun and supportive atmosphere of self paced learning. For more information, contact Bob Garnett at rgarnett@telus.net or 604-460-0035 or Andrew Thompson at ansthom@aol.com at 604-460-0339.

Groups

- Bring your wee one, aged birth to five, and join us every Tuesday at the Whonnock Lake Centre from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for playtime, songs and crafts. Come meet others, have fun and connect with your wee one! There is a $2/family drop-in charge. Coffee and tea available for adults, please bring a peanut free snack for your little ones. For more information please contact Kirsten at 604-466-6880 or kirsten.mah@shaw.ca.

Groups

- The Hominum Fraser Valley chapter is a support and discussion group to help gay, bi-sexual or questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated or single. We meet on the last Friday of the month. For information and meeting location call Don at 604-329-9760 or Art at 604-462-9813.

Pitt Meadows Library

- The Mumble Jumble Storytimes will take place every Tuesday from Jan. 25 to April 12 (except March 22) from 11 to 11:30 a.m., and Thursday from Jan. 27 to April 14 (except March 24) from 11 to 11:30 a.m. The same program will run on both days and include a little bit of this and a little bit of that: stories, singing, dancing, puppets – and lots of fun and laughter for kids of all ages and stages. Drop in, no registration required.

- Family Games Nights at the Pitt Meadows Library on Feb. 2, March 2, April 6 from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Come join us for family games nights on the first Wednesday of the month. There will be a variety of board games set up for everyone to use along with light refreshments.

NB: French storytime begins Jan. 28/11

- Help to pass the dreary winter days by bringing the kids to the Pitt Meadows Library. French Storytimes will be held at 10:15 a.m. every Friday from Jan. 28 to June 24. Kids of all ages and stages can enjoy a variety of stories, rhymes,and songs at our weekly storytimes. This is an excellent way to prepare your children for French immersion. The storytimes are free and do not require registration.

NB: dates: March 2, 9, 15, 23, reg. by Feb.9

- Kids’ Book Club at the Pitt Meadows Library will run on Wednesdays, March 2, 9, 16, and 23, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. For children in Grades 4 to 7. Bored? Nothing to do after school? Come to the library to talk about a great book and have a snack. Bring a friend, or meet some new ones. For information, call the library at 604-465-4113. Register for this program and drop by the library to pick up your book starting Feb. 9.

Maple Ridge Library

Baby storytimes: January 10 to May 16

- The Maple Ridge Public Library is offering Peek-a-Book, a special baby storytime for babies 0-18 months. Bring your baby for one-on-one stories, puppets and more! Peek-a-Book runs every Monday from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. beginning Jan. 10 and finishing on May 16. Parents are invited to stay and visit with other parents and babies at the end of each program. Note that the library will be closed on Monday, April 25. For more information, call the Maple Ridge Public Library at 604-467-7417.

Winter storytimes: January 11 – May 27

- The Maple Ridge Public Library starts off winter storytimes with You, Me and the Li-bra-ry Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. beginning Jan. 11 and finishing May 27. Come prepared for fun, singing and reading! Puppets, books, rhymes and songs will enchant you and your child. All ages welcome. Note that the library will be closed on Friday, April 22. For more information, please call the Maple Ridge Public Library at 604-467-7417.

Clubs

- Ridge Meadows Chess Club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m. at The ACT. For more information, contact Chris at 604-467-2426 or e-mail cbdickson@telus.net.

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 604-820-7666.

Music

- Do you play music or love to listen? Come to Kanaka Coffee “Open mic/stage,” an acoustic evening, open to musicians and audience alike. It’s a really good way to spend a couple of hours. You’ll find us at Kanaka Creek Coffee at #101 - 24155 102nd Ave. every Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Environment

- A

Arts

Maple Ridge Gallery

- The Maple Ridge Art Gallery will be featuring work from the University of the Fraser Visual Arts Faculty from Jan. 15 to Feb. 12. The gallery is located at the ACT at 11944 Haney Place. The show will have a strong contemporary edge and will feature artists working in a wide range of mediums including painting, mixed media, photography and video. A reception will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2-4 p.m. All are welcome. Students contemplating an art career can come out to look at the show and meet faculty members, some of whom will be attending the opening. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.theactmapleridge.org/gallery or contact Barbara Duncan 604-476-4240, barbarad@mract.org.

February 5

- During the UFV Faculty Show at the Maple Ridge Art Gallery, the gallery will also be hosting a lecture by Dr. Aleksandra Id-ior, a distinguished art history lecturer from the Visual Arts Department of the UFV. Her lecture Come Dance with me – Reflections on Late Medieval Imagery of the Dance of Death will take place at 12:30 p.m. Her theme will be explored in both contemporary and medieval contexts, demonstrating how the ‘dance of death’ contains elements of subversive humour amidst an otherwise grave and macabre subject. The gallery is located at the ACT at 11944 Haney Place.