WEDNESDAY,

DEC. 17

Minnekhada Park Association meeting and Christmas social at 7 p.m. in the Minnekhada lodge. Information: Jeremy at 604-520-6442.

Women Helping Others (WHO) meets from 10 a.m. to noon at Dogwood Pavilion, 624 Poirier St. in Coquitlam. Widows and single women over 50 welcome. Information: 604-936-0517.

Citysoup.ca computer workshops to be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Coquitlam Innovation Centre, 1207 Pinetree Way. Workshops geared to a variety of skill levels. Sessions are free but registration is required. Information: 604-927-4386.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18

Port Coquitlam Heritage and Cultural Society presents its monthly heritage night with a theme of "Steamers, Dreamers and Empresses: The CPR 2816" from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Leigh Square Community Arts Village. Information: 604-927-7611.

Northeast Coquitlam Ratepayers Association meets at 7 p.m. in Victoria Hall, at the corner of Victoria Drive and Soball Street. Information: 604-941-2462.

FRIDAY, DEC. 19

Port Moody Station Museum CPR holiday tea starting at 8 p.m. at the foot of Queens Street. Admission is free and displays, entertainment, hot apple cider and crafts will be available until 9:15 p.m., when the train arrives.

Reed Point Marina, Burrard Yacht Club and local power squadrons present the annual Santa ships sailing the Kona Kai Christmas ship, set to arrive at the Rocky Point Park dock. Donations will be accepted for the SHARE Food Bank, and event will feature hot chocolate and a chance to meet the jolly old elf.

Central Coquitlam Pensioners Branch 108 weekly social bingo at 1 p.m. in the Mike Butler Room at Dogwood Pavilion. There are 15 games, and pots range from $5 to $25. New players welcome. Information: Catherine at 604-937-7537.

The Crossroads Hospice Society hosts a free weekly walking group for the bereaved from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Participants are asked to meet at the Port Moody Social Recreation Centre next to City Hall. Registration: Sue at 604-949-2274.

Port Moody Public Library and SHARE Family and Community Services Society hosts a free English practice group for informal language practice from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the ParkLane Room. Information: Julie Sutherland at 604-936-3900, Local 185.

SATURDAY, DEC. 20

Trinity United Church free Christmas community dinner at the church, 2211 Prairie Ave. in Port Coquitlam. All singles, couples and families are invited for a meal. Doors open at 5 p.m., and dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m.

Reed Point Marina, Burrard Yacht Club and local power squadrons present the annual Santa ships sailing the Kona Kai Christmas ship, which will cruise along the inner harbour from Reed Point to Rocky Point and surrounding shorelines. Local residents are encouraged to flash their house lights as ships sail past.

Terry Fox Library continues its series of drop-in story times for preschoolers and their families from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at 2470 Mary Hill Rd. The 30-minute session includes songs, fingerplays, flannel stories and books. Drop-in program is free. Information: 604-927-7999.

Planet Organic hosts chakra and aura analysis with Maryjane from Rainbow Power from noon to 5 p.m. Fee is $40 and registration is required. The store is located at 2755 Lougheed Hwy. Information: 604-552-2799.

Save-On-Foods hosts Global TV reporter Mike McCardell for a signing for his new book, Getting to the Bubble: Finding Magic Amid the Urban Roar, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Pinetree Village, 2991 Lougheed Hwy.

SUNDAY, DEC. 21

Coquitlam Art Club meets from 1 to 4 p.m. in Dogwood Pavilion, 624 Poirier St. in Coquitlam. Annual membership $10; experienced and novice artists welcome. Info: Soni at 604-469-8712.

MONDAY, DEC. 22

SHARE hosts a drop-in support group for transsexual and transgendered individuals in the Tri-Cities at 2615 Clarke St. in Port Moody from 6 to 9 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 23

Lincoln Toastmasters meets from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, 1379 Laurier Ave. in Port Coquitlam. New members welcome. Information: www.lincolntm.com or Sam at 604-942-0696.

SUNDAY, DEC. 28

Coquitlam Farmers Market Society winter market will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Port Moody Recreation Complex, 300 Ioco Rd. Offerings include fresh produce, baked goods, preserves, crafts, pottery, natural body products and floral arrangements. Information: www.makebakegrow.ca.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31

Société francophone de Maillardville kicks off the 100th birthday of Maillardville with a concert by Blackthorn and Mauvais Sort starting at 9 p.m. at Maillard Middle, 1300 Rochester Ave. Tickets are $25 and include party favours. Information: 604-936-0039.

Women Helping Others (WHO) meets from 10 a.m. to noon at Dogwood Pavilion, 624 Poirier St. in Coquitlam. Widows and single women over 50 welcome. Info: 604-936-0517.

ONGOING

SHARE Family and Community Services Society is looking for volunteers to wrap gifts at Coquitlam Centre throughout the holiday season until Dec. 24. A variety of time slots are available and need to be filled at the gift-wrap station and Christmas tree. Information: 604-209-0666.

Tri-City Newcomers Club meets on the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. All women, not just those who are new to the area, are welcome to attend. Information: Wendy at 604-468-2423 or tricities_newcomers@yahoo.ca.

Al-Anon meets Mondays at 1 p.m., Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at noon at Como Lake United Church, 535 Marmont St. Another chapter meets Wednesday nights from 8 to 9 p.m. in the basement of St. Andrew's Church, 2318 St. Johns St. in Port Moody. Info: 604-688-1716 or 604-461-6991.

Alzheimer Society of B.C. hosts caregiver support groups for those grappling with the debilitating disease. The Coquitlam group meets the last Wednesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m., and the Port Coquitlam group meets the second Thursday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. A Chinese-speaking support group is held the first Thursday of the month from 2 to 4 p.m. Information: 604-298-0711.

Cameron Centre hosts free, drop-in English conversation classes for intermediate to advanced level speakers, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday at 9523 Cameron St. Information: CCEnglishCorner@gmail.com or Sarah at 604-630-9236.

Central Coquitlam Pensioners (New Age Seniors) Branch 108 meets on the first Wednesday of each month in the Centennial Room at Dogwood Pavilion. Meetings feature speakers on topics of interest to members. Membership is $10 per year. Information: Roy Hartman at 604-939-0303. Group also holds a social bingo in the Mike Butler Room of Dogwood Pavilion each Friday at 1 p.m. There are 15 games. The cost is five cents per card per game, and pots range from $5 to $25. New players welcome. Information: Catherine Clout at 604-937-7537.

City of Coquitlam leisure and parks is looking for volunteers who are fluent in both English and either Cantonese, Mandarin or Korean, who could also teach basic computer skills. For more information, call Laurie at 604-927-6963.

Coast Mental Health is looking for volunteer program assistants, including social recreation group leaders and one-to-one workers, to work with clients in transitional forensics homes at Riverview Hospital. Information: 604-675-2313 or www.coastfoundation.com.

Como Lake Quilters meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Como Lake United Church. The informal group meets to work on individual projects and share talents. Visitors and prospective members welcome. Info: Joy at 604-466-9992 or Jo-Ann at 604-941-4869.

Connexus BNI meets regularly in Coquitlam, and has openings for new members. For information, including meeting dates, call 778-242-0957.

Coquitlam Art Club meets every second and fourth Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Glen Pine Pavilion, and every first and third Sunday at 1 p.m. at Dogwood Pavilion. Club is open to those 50 and older. Information: Sonia at 604-469-8712.

Coquitlam Area Gogos meets monthly to find ways to help African grandmothers raising AIDS orphans. You don't have to be a grandmother to join. Info: Bev at 778-216-0499.

Coquitlam Lawn Bowling Club is looking for new members to take part at the lanes behind Dogwood Pavilion, 624 Poirier St. Information: Ann at 604-939-8976.

Council of Senior Citizens Organizations is an advocacy group devoted to improving the quality of life for all seniors. For more information, contact Ernie Bayer at 604-576-9734 or ecbayer@shaw.ca.

Crossroads Hospice Society hosts a free walking group for the bereaved, Fridays from 10:30 to noon. Group meets at the Port Moody Social Recreation Centre, next to City Hall at Ioco Road and Newport Drive. Hospice volunteers will be present on the free walk through Rocky Point Park or Orchard Beach, and the end destination at a local coffee shop. Everyone welcome to join the group, but organizers request that newcomers register by calling Sue Malcolm at the society at 604-949-2274.

Debtors Anonymous meets regularly to offer hope and recovery to debtors, compulsive spenders and under-earners. Information: 604-878-3328 or www.debtorsanonymous.org.

Developmental Disabilities Association offers free pickup of gently used houseware items, including dishes, toys and books. Information: 604-273-4332.

Dizzy Chicks Cycling Club offers weekly road rides for women in the Tri-Cities on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. New riders welcome. Information: www.dizzychicks.com.

Fraser Pacific Rose Society meets at 7:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month at Dogwood Pavilion. Information: 604-931-5120.

Lincoln Toastmasters meet Tuesdays (except the first Tuesday of the month) at 7:30 p.m. at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, 1379 Laurier Ave. in PoCo. Information: Sam at 604-942-0696 or www.lincolntm.com.

Maillardville Community Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at ABC Country Restaurant at Lougheed Highway and Schoolhouse Street. Information: 604-464-1808.

Maillardville Residents' Association meets the first Wednesday of each month at Place Maillardville, 1200 Cartier Ave., Coquitlam. Information: 604-931-5650.

MOSAIC kindness club needs host volunteers to help newcomers adjust to Canadian life. Commitment is for two hours a week for 13 weeks. Information: 604-254-9626.

Mundy Mudthudders offers an informal, co-ed, walking and hiking group for one-hour walks in local parks at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and 6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. Mapbooks provided and walks held rain or shine. Cost is $30. Info: 604-945-4374.

North Fraser Alzheimer Resource Centre offers monthly caregiver support groups in Coquitlam and PoCo. Information: 604-298-0780.

Parents Without Partners is an non-profit, non-sectarian organization devoted to the interests of single parents and their children. Single parents who are separated, divorced, widowed or never married are eligible to join. Orientation meetings for new members are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Poirier Community Centre, 630 Poirier St. Information: 604-945-2407.

Pinetree Friendship Circle, for women of all ages, invites new members for free activities at Pinetree Community Centre, 1260 Pinetree Way, every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Room 4. Info: catnut2@excite.com.

PoCoMo Hiking Club meets Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. for hikes throughout the Lower Mainland. Info: pocomohiking@hotmail.com.

PoCoMo Youth Services Society is looking for youths between 12 and 18 who want to make a difference in the community. Information: Jerome Bouvier at 604-251-6449 or jerome@jeromeinspires.com.

Poirier Youth Centre offers youth between 11 and 18 a place to hang out, downstairs from the Poirier Community Centre. Ping pong, Internet, music and PlayStation 2 available. Drop-in is free. Information: 604-933-6035.

Port Coquitlam Community Band meets Wednesday evenings at Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary, 1335 Dominion Ave. New members and all levels are welcome. Information: 604-785-9672 or dsmaxwell@hotmail.com.

Port Coquitlam Stroke Recovery Club meets Mondays at 11:30 a.m. at Wilson Centre. Those who have had a stroke, and their caregivers, are welcome. Information: 604-942-2334.

Recreation Unlimited Volleyball Club offers weekly recreational volleyball on Wednesdays from 8 to 10 p.m. at Hillcrest Middle, 2161 Regan Ave. in Coquitlam. Beginners are welcome, and the club also organizes hikes, movie nights and dinners. Information: Gary at 604-469-6389 or gary4now@shaw.ca.

Rocky Point Toastmasters meets Mondays at 7:15 p.m. at Port Moody City Hall, 100 Newport Dr. Information: 604-506-1037.

SARA Society (Sexual Assault Recovery Anonymous) offers teen and adult support programs, literature and public education in the Lower Mainland. Info: 604-584-2626, sarasociety@telus.net or www.sarasociety.net.

Sasamat Outdoor Centre is looking for entertainers for its adult lunch and dinner programs. Those interested are asked to submit a website or MySpace address to linda@sasamat.org, or to call 604-939-2268.

Scouts francophones is looking for leaders. This fulfilling volunteer position includes opportunities for personal growth, adventure, travel and practicum hours. Information: Monique at 604-936-3624.

Special Olympics B.C., Coquitlam branch, needs volunteers to help run sporting programs and events. Information: 604-644-8439.

Suite 'E' LifeDrawing Group meets each Tuesday night until June from 6:50 to 9:50 at the Joseph Howe Room of the Poirier Community Centre, 630 Poirier St. Coquitlam. See www.myartclub.com for details, or call Myda at 604-469-1911 for info.

SUCCESS is looking for volunteers for its host program, which helps new immigrants adapt to Canadian society. Information: Shirley at 604-936-5900.

Terry Fox Library hosts free story times for children ages two to six and their families at different times throughout the week each month at 2470 Mary Hill Rd., Port Coquitlam. Information: 604-927-7999.

Toastmasters' Crystal Clear Speakers meet every second Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at 1111 Austin Ave. in Coquitlam. New members welcome. Information: 604-941-0191.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) invites new members to experience friendly group support for weight loss. There are a number of chapters in the Tri-Cities area. Information: Gail at 604-941-0699 or www.tops.org.

TRICEPS (Tri-Cities Early Psychosis Support) non-profit support group, which provides help and education to parents, spouses and siblings of individuals diagnosed with psychosis, meets the second Wednesday of each month in the Parklane Room of Eagle Ridge Hospital from 7 to 9 p.m.

Tri-Cities Caregivers' Support Group meets the second and fourth Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at Dogwood Pavilion, 624 Poirier St., Coquitlam. Information: Mildred at 604-469-1640.

Tri-City Family Place in Port Coquitlam drop-in program for parents and caregivers of children under six years is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 2062 Manning Ave. Information: 604-945-0048.

Tri-City Men's Resource Centre hosts the Dads Make a Difference drop-in program every Wednesday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 2062 Manning Ave. in PoCo. The drop-in is free and kids are welcome. Information: Patricia at 604-908-6345 or www.tcmrc.net.

Tri-City Newcomers Club meets on the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. All women, not just those who are new to the area, are welcome to attend. Information: Wendy at 604-468-2423 or tricities_newcomers@yahoo.ca.

Tri-City Singles Social Club offers people 40 and older a chance to get together and enjoy activities like walking, theatre, dining, biking, bowling, kayaking, weekend trips and more. Membership is $10 per year. Information: 604-472-0016 or tri-cityclub@hotmail.com.

Tri-City Women's Resource Society offers an empowering mothers parenting group at various times throughout the year. Participation in the educational group is free, and child care and transportation subsidies are available. Registration is required. Info: 604-941-7111, Ext. 106.

Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition, Tri-Cities committee, meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Coquitlam Public Library's City Centre branch, 3001 Burlington Dr. Information: John at 604-469-0361.

Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter needs volunteers for its 24-hour rape crisis line and shelter for battered women. Free training provided. Information: 604-872-8212.

Westcoast Harmony Chorus is seeking energetic, motivated women who love to sing. Attend a Wednesday night rehearsal to hear this award-winning, four-part harmony chorus with members from all over the Lower Mainland. Information: 604-596-6735.

Wild West Cancan Dancers, registered as Golden Spike Days Cancan Dancers Society, is accepting new members, including dancers, non-dancers and anyone in between. Information: www.wildwestcancan.ca.

Women Helping Others (WHO) meets from 10 a.m. to noon at Dogwood Pavilion, 624 Poirier St. in Coquitlam. Widows and single women over 50 welcome. Info: 604-936-0517.