The BMO Vancouver Marathon seeks 4,000 volunteers for more than 30 kinds of positions, leading up to the 2012 Vancouver marathon and half-marathon on May 6. People have until April 25 to register. Get T-shirts, incentives and more. For details and to register see www.bmovanmarathon.ca.

Get up and go

Lifetime Learning Centre presents Get Up & Go sponsored by Fraser Health Authority, a gentle fitness program to help participants retain balance and strength to live independently. The sessions run Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 12: 45 p.m. at 32444 Seventh Ave., Mission. Call 6048200220 for details.

Riding lessons for Métis

CMA and FVMA offer free horse riding lessons to Métis youth aged 10 to 24 years starting March 1 at Three Stirrups Stables (3980 Boundary Rd., Chilliwack). For details, registry form and more contact Stacey_ Inouye@shaw.ca or call Krista Bodner at 1-604-864-1034. Riders will need to purchase their own equestrian riding helmets and heeled boots.

Cultural diversity awards

Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards are March 2 at the Ramada Inn, Abbotsford. For tickets contact abbotsfordcommunityservices.com or Amelia Kennedy at 604-302-9707.

Naked Anabaptist

The Mennonite Faith and Learning Society presents internationally acclaimed British author Stuart Murray, March 2 at 7 p.m., Emmanuel Mennonite Church, 3471 Clearbrook Rd., Abbotsford. Murray is the author of The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith. No charge for this dessert evening but offerings will be taken. Register in advance by email to Ed Janzen at epjlj@shaw.ca or call 604-852-0095.

Family storytimes

Join us for stories, songs, puppets, and more at Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., on Friday, March 2, from 10: 30 -11: 15 a.m. Fun for all ages and stages. For more call the library at 604-826-6610.

Weekly meditation

Have a relaxing evening and learn the path to inner peace at Dorjechang Buddhist Centre's weekly meditation classes, Tuesdays at 7 - 8: 30 p.m., at 106 - 31581 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, or on Thursdays at Legal Grounds Coffee House, 33775 Essendene Ave., 7 - 8: 30 p.m. See more at dorjechang.ca or call 604-853-3738.

Hominum

Hominum Fraser Valley is an informal discussion and support group to help gay, bi-sexual and questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated or single. They meet the last Friday of every month. For meeting location, call Art 604-462-9813 or Don 604-329-9760.

Bottle drive

1st Abbotsford Scouts has a bottle drive on Saturday, March 3. Be on the lookout for uniformed scouts going door-to-door collecting bottles and cans. To arrange pick-up for large donations call 604-309-4850.

Computer basics Drop by Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., on March 3 from 10: 15 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m. and learn mouse and keyboard basics for the extreme beginner. For more information, call the library at 604-826-6610.

Christian singles

Christian Singles meets Saturday nights, doors open at 6 p.m., at 31929 Mercantile Way, Abbotsford. March 3, it's Gerrit Shutte; March 17, St. Patrick's Day party, March 24, skating at noon. Call 604-824-8587, 6045040494.

Parkinson's support

The Abbotsford Parkinson's Support Group is meeting on Monday, March 5 at the Matsqui Recreation Centre, 3106 Clearbrook Rd. at 2 p.m. The speaker is Gary Schroeder, a well-known local businessman on "Are You Paying Too Much Tax." His presentation will include practical tips on completing your income tax forms. Family and guests are welcome to attend. Call Gary at 604-308-8691 or Betty at 604-853-0382 for more..

Mission Book Club

Join us for treats and great company on Monday, March 5 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave. For more information, call the library at 604-826-6610.

Lifetime learning

Terry Hackett of Correctional Services Canada will recount his experiences in Afghanistan while mentoring and training local correctional officials on Tuesday, March 6. Ray and Millie Silver, elders of the Sumas First Nation, will visit on Thursday, March 8 with a presentation on the history, culture and issues affecting their people. Learning Plus classes for seniors run Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre, 2499 McMillan Rd. Fee is $5 per class, plus entrance to the ARC. Call 604-302-1685 or visit www.learningplus.ca.

Spanish lessons in Mission

Mission Community Services offers Spanish lessons for beginners and intermediate, from March 6 to April 25, from 7 - 9 p.m. at 33179 Second Ave. Cost is $125, preregister at 604-826-3634.

Immigrant skills connect

A free information session for skilled immigrants is on March 6, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Community Futures, 31726 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford. Call 604-866-0257.

Baby stories

Drop by Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., for an interactive storytime with books, songs and more on Tuesday, March 6 from 10: 30 a.m. to 11 a.m. For babies up to 24 months and caregiver. For details call the library at 604-826-6610.

Aromatherapy lesson

Come by the Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., on March 7 from 7 p.m. to 8: 30 p.m. to hear registered aromatherapist Norma Smith speak about the healing elements of essential oils. No registration needed, call 604-826-6610 for details.

Museum AGM

MSA Museum Society AGM is March 8, at 7 p.m. at 2313 Ware St., Abbotsford, for all society members and anyone else interested. Also election of new board of directors. Call 604-853-0313 for more.

Fun-fest for food bank

The online Family Fun Fest fundraiser for the Abbotsford Food Bank is on until March 9. Cost is $20 to see on-line entertainment with comic Leland Klassen, Josh Hyslop, Brook Harris, Bobs & LoLo. Prizes daily from March 1 to March 9, grand prize West Jet tickets. Call food bank at 604-864-9162 for details and tickets. See www.NSFFF.com.

CFV retirees meet

Central Fraser Valley branch of the Federal Retirees meets March 9 at 10: 30 a.m. in the Abbotsford Rec. Centre, with guest speaker Dennis Shepit on how to save money by being environmentally sensitive. Call Gary at 6048209179.

Pancakes galore

Come to the pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 10 at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 8469 Cedar St. Mission from 9 a.m. to 10: 30 am. Cost is by donation and all are welcome.

Manga manga

Lovers of manga and anime, join us for contests, crafts, fun Japanese food, manga talk and lots of anime at Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., on March 10 from 2: 30 p.m. to 4: 30 p.m. Anime with a TV14 rating will be shown, for ages 12 to 18. For more call the library at 604-826-6610.

Hospital auxiliary help

The auxiliary to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital seeks enthusiastic people interested in volunteering in several areas of the hospital. Contact Anne Galts at 604-852-6822.

Arthritis support group

Abbotsford Mission Arthritis Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 6: 30 - 8: 30 p.m. at Abbotsford Church of the Nazarene 2390 McMillan Rd., Abbotsford. Share information, education and support. Everyone welcome. Call Terry Davies at 604-853-8138 or email koipond@telus.net for details.

To list an event hosted or sponsored by a non-profit group in Abbotsford or Mission, upload it directly to our website: abbotsfordtimes.com, or send an e-mail with a succinct, 75-word description of the event including day, date, time and address to events@abbotsfordtimes.com, or drop off at 30887 Peardonville Rd, Abbotsford.