Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a late afternoon networking session next week that will give a behind the scenes look at an Aldergrove aerospace automation company.

On Sept. 27, Advanced Integrated Technology (AIT) in Aldergrove is throwing open its doors for the monthly Open Late for Business networking session.

"This is a great, free networking opportunity for chamber members and the Langley business community to participate in," said chamber events coordinator Jaclyn Van Den Berg.

"Bring lots of business cards and stop by any time between 4 and 6:30 p.m. - we would love to see you," Van Den Berg added.

AIT is a leading industrial automation and tooling company delivering turnkey factory integration to the aerospace industry.

Applying lean, right-sized, flexible automation, AIT has successfully installed hundreds of systems worldwide.

In addition to turnkey factory integration, AIT designs, manufacturers, and installs machines and systems for the automated assembly of aerospace structures.

The networking event is being held in their facility at 3168 262nd St.

Although the Thursday afternoon event is free, guests are asked to RSVP ahead for catering purposes.

People can register for either or both networking events by calling the chamber at 604-530-6656, by email at info@langleychamber.com, or online at www.langleychamber.com.

Cash for kids' toys, clothes

In preparation for the grand opening next month, a new non-traditional resale store is needing to buy some stock.

Duncan and Cathy Mussbacher are opening the doors on Once Upon A Child on Oct. 1. They won't, however, be purchasing their stock from the typical wholesalers, but rather from residents of Langley.

Trying something a little different and unique - even in the resale industry - this new shop is geared at reselling gently used clothing, toys, and equipment for children at "great values."

Buy from the community. Sell to the community. Seems like an interesting concept, and it's nice to see someone setting up shop in that strip mall behind Staples that has sat vacant for more than a year.

"Once Upon A Child seemed like a perfect fit, and there is absolutely nothing like it in the area," shared the Mussbachers, who have two kids of their own.

The store is located at 20121 Willowbrook Dr.

They'll be buying items all year long, and won't be requiring appointments but rather paying cash on the spot for the items they deem appropriate for the store.

Envision keeps seniors mobile

Envision Financial has come to the rescue, giving local seniors a significant infusion of cash that's vital to keeping some of the local elderly mobile.

For many seniors, finding affordable and convenient transportation can be a challenge. To address this need in this community, the Langley Senior Resources Society (LSRS) created the outreach transportation program.

However, the funding for the program came to an end earlier this year. That's when the Langley-based Envision credit union stepped up with a $9,000 donation to keep the program running, confirmed Envision spokesperson Susan Byrom.

"The outreach transportation program plays a vital role in the lives of local seniors and when we heard it was at risk, we were happy to lend a hand," she said.

"Our organization is committed to making a meaningful difference in our local communities, and this program fulfills that goal."

The transportation program helps local seniors maintain independence and stay connected in the community. A team of volunteers drives the vehicles and four part-time staff run the program itself.

With concerns around losing B.C.'s taxi savers program, this service is more important than ever, said LSRS executive director Barb Stack.

"Over 25 per cent of seniors living in Langley are unable to drive themselves, and a lack of affordable and appropriate transportation leads to social isolation in seniors," Stack said. "Our outreach transportation program provides rides for seniors using volunteer drivers, allowing seniors to take care of their personal needs, appointments, and errands easily. We are very grateful to Envision Financial for supporting this community program."

BCAA renos celebrated

This past weekend marked the completion of renovations at a retailer in Langley's highly visible Power Centre shopping mall at the intersection of the bypass at 200th Street.

The Langley service centre of BCAA, which originally opened in that location in 2002, held a grand re-opening and 10-year anniversary celebration last Saturday.

I understand there was a pretty good turnout for the party, and someone walked away with some nice-sized BCAA and Husky/Mohawk gift cards.

As a long-time BCAA member (I thinking it's coming up on 30 years ago that I joined when my car broke down on the way to the Abbotsford International Airshow), I feel bad that I wasn't among those in attendance - family obligations and my 30th high school reunion tying up most of my weekend.

But renewal time is coming up quickly, so I'll have to be stop in and check out the made over space.