A listing of local community groups and events.

The Langley Advance is changing its Community Links formats. Community groups must resend their calendar listings, many of which have not been updated for a few years. Ways to submit information: email news@langleyadvance.com, fax to 604-534-3383. Or submit information through the website www.langleyadvance.com and the Send Us Your News link. You can also mail to: Langley Advance, #112 6375 202nd St., Langley, B.C. V2Y 1N1. Items must be received at least 10 days prior to publication. Items run on a space-available basis, at the discretion of the editor.

Fundraising

Run for the Kids

Free The Children will benefit from a regional run at 9am on March 17 at Mill Lake, Abbotsford. This is the first Run for the Kids event. Everyone welcome. Walk, run or stroll the five kilometres. Prizes. Sign up online through www.runningroom.com.

Clubs/meetings

BC Gov't Retired Employees Association

The Langley/Surrey Branch 1200 will meet at 12:30pm in the Union Hall, 8555 198 St. Members, guests and new members welcome.

CN Pensioners Association

Meets in the Kinsmen Community Centre, 26770 29th Ave., on the first Wednesday of each month at 1pm. Info: Jonn Hanlen, 604-824-0531.

Fraser Valley Estate Planning Council

For professionals from the financial and estate planning fields. At the Eaglequest Golf Course, 7778 152nd St. RSVP and info: LDaschuk@telus.net.

Greater Langley Cycling coalition

The group meets at 7pm on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Township Civic Facility (Nicomekl Room). All welcome. Info: 604-807-8508

Hearts in Motion Walking Club

The club meets at Willowbrook Shopping Centre every morning for indoor exercise and socializing, and is open to anyone. Membership is a nominal amount that goes to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon. Info: Dixie Platt at 604-530-4447.

Langley Elks

Help with community ventures that support children's charities. Join the Langley club which meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at #6 - 4044 200B St. Info: Steve 604-510-4742.

Langley Field Naturalists

The monthly meeting is at 7:15 pm, at the Langley Community Music School, 4899-207 St. The group and Birds on the Bay invite the public to an exploration of Aldergrove Lake Regional Park 9am to noon on March 16. Meet at the central parking lot. Info: langleyfieldnaturalists.org or 604-888-1787.

Langley Kinsmen

1st & 3rd Wed./mo., at Kins-men Hall, 20178 72nd Ave. New members welcome. Info: 604-530-6550.

Langley Kiwanis Club 100

6pm on 2nd & 4th Tues./mo. at Andreas Restaurant, 20227 56th Ave. Info: Don Wiens, 604-533-2424.

Langley Lions Club

Meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 6:30pm Thirsty Penguin (Twin Rinks), 5700 Langley Bypass. Info: Paul, 604-861-8524.

Fpuz

Langley Newcomers and Friends

This non-profit community-minded group is open to women of all ages, and meets at the W.C. Blair Recreation Centre at 7:15pm on the first Tuesday of each month. Info: Cyndy, 604-530-3924 or langleynewcomers@hotmail.com.

Langley Quilters' Guild

The Langley Quilter's Guild meets the fourth Wednesday, monthly (except December), at the George Preston Recreation Centre, 20699 42nd Ave. Meet at noon or 7:15 p.m. New members welcome. First visit free. Info: www.langleyquiltersguild.com.

Mom Time

A free volunteer-run program invites moms to gather Fridays, 10-11:30am at Building 272 in Aldergrove for coffee, snacks and conversation. Children enjoy supervised playtime. Info: Karen edcorkarjo@gmail.com.

Municipal Pension Retirees Ass'n

The monthly meetings are 1:30pm in the Douglas Recreation Centre.

Rotary Club of Langley

The club meets for dinner and a speaker every Thursday at 6:15pm in the Coast Hotel and Convention Centre. Visitors and prospective members welcome to attend. Info: Gary, 604-635-4410 or www.langleyrotary.org.

Soroptimists

Soroptimist International of the Langleys meets 5:30pm on 1st Tuesday each month at Andreas Restaurant. Guests welcome. Info: Vera, 604-534-4991, silangleys@soroptimist.net, or www.soroptimistsoflangley.ca.

Valley Women's Network

The evening chapter meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Sunrise Banquet Centre, 188th Street and Highway 10 at 6:30pm. The group involves business networking, business practices, health, safety and more. $23 for members, $26 non-members, $30 drop-in. Reservations and info: Eleanor, 604-530-7304 or EveningReservations@ValleyWomensNetwork.com.

Walnut Grove Business Association

Info: Laurie@wgba.ca or 604-850-5095.

You've Gotta Have Friends

The community group encourages inclusion for all people and is located at 20510 Fraser Hwy. (McBurney Lane). Info: 604-534-6546 or www.youvegottahavefriends.ca.

Ongoing activities:Drop in: Monday and Friday, 2-4pm.Out and About Coffee with Friends: Mondays, 2pm at various locations. Call the office.Coffee with Friends: 2-3pm each Monday in March at the Village Coffee & Tea House in Fort Langley.Supper Club: Call office for location.Girl Talk: women gather to socialize at various locations. Call the office.

Seniors

Brookswood Seniors

Bridge/pool/crib, etc. Tues. & Thurs. 10am-3pm; chess on Mon., 7-9pm, bingo/whist Fri. eves. At 19899 36th Ave. New members welcome. Regular activities: call 604-530-4232, line dancing: 534-0299, chess: 530-4693, duplicate bridge: 856-7170, Paws2Dance: 534-6841, bingo: 534-2250.

Council of Senior Citizens Organizations

The advocacy group works to improve the lives of seniors. Seniors groups or associations wishing to affiliate or individuals wanting to be members can contact Ernie Bayer, 604-576-9734, fax 604-576-9733, or ecbayer2@gmail.com.

Food and Friends

Langley Meals on Wheels has a program for seniors (55+) to share a nutritious lunch along with socializing and guest speakers. Lunch costs $5. RSVP in advance to the number listed. 11:30am-1pm

Aldergrove

ù Bob's Bar n' Grill, 27083 Fraser Hwy.: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday of the month. RSVP: 604-857-7725

ù Otter Co-Op: 3600 248 St.: 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. RSVP: 604-607-6923

Brookswood

ù Brookswood Seniors Centre, 19899 36th Ave.: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. RSVP: 604-590-3888

Fort Langley

ù Parish of St. George Church, 9160 Church St.: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. RSVP: 604-888-7782

Langley City

ù Choo Choo's Restaurant, 20550 Fraser Hwy.: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. RSVP: 604-514-2940

ù Yanaki Sushi, 20477 Fraser Hwy.: 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. RSVP: 604-514-2940

ù Flourishing Chinese Restaurant, 20472 Fraser Hwy.: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. RSVP: 604-514-2940

Walnut Grove

ù Langley Gardens Retirement Community, 8888 202 St: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. RSVP: 604-888-0228

Willowbrook/Willoughby

ù Renaissance Retirement Residence, 6676 203 St.: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. RSVP: 604-539-0571

Volunteers needed for the various gatherings - about two to three hours twice per month. Contact Langley Meals on Wheels, 604-533-1679 or shannon@langleymealsonwheels.com.

Seniors housing counselling

The Langley Seniors Resource Centre has help with housing options in Langley. Drop in Wednesdays 1:30-3:30pm or make an appointment. Info: 604 530-3020, ext 319.

Downsizing workshop

This free session is open to the public. Learn about downsizing options in housing 1:30-3pm on March 13 at the Langley Seniors' Resource Centre, 20605 51B Ave. Drop-ins welcome but advance registration appreciated at 604-530-3020.

Langley Seniors Resource Soci-ety

20605 51B Ave., 604-530-3020

Information and referral services: Transportation and shopping assistance, housing and government program counsellors, Coffee and Connecting support group, a weekly social, and the Telephone Buddy Program. We will come to your home or building and provide information on what is available.

Sharing and Caring Socials (1-2:30pm, $4 drop-in fee) on the first three Tuesdays of the monthMarch 14: Mike Jones and a mix of old and newMarch 21: Evelyn Flynn and Easter craftsCoffee and Connecting: a support group for seniors starting over is every Tuesday, 10-11am.

Flying Solo for 55-plus solos meets Tuesdays at 10am.

Seniors produceSeniors can get a bag of fruits and vegetables on the first Tuesday of the month for $5. The program is through Langley Meals on Wheels in cooperation with Langley City, Fraser Health, the Langley Seniors Resource Centre and the Seniors Community Action Table. Pick up is at Douglas Recreation Centre and the Langley Seniors Resource Centre. Delivery available for those unable to pick up. Book: Rec centre, 604-514-2865 or seniors centre, 604-530-3020.

Seniors grocery shuttle

The Langley Seniors' Resource Centre has teamed with Price Smart Foods to offer a free shuttle bus between the Marketplace IGA parking lot and the grocery store on Fraser Highway each Friday. Runs are at 9, 9:45, 10:45 and 11:45am with return trips at 9:45am, 10, 11 and noon. Info: 604-530-3020.

Winter Public Education Series

Langley Lodge offers free monthly education lectures at 7pm at the lodge, 5451-204th St. The March 19 lecture is on taxes, estate planning, income splitting and more. Free street parking. RSVP to Dayna, 604-532-4241 or ddriscoll@langleylodge.org.

Support

Mental Health Family Support and Respite Program

This program offers support for families and caregivers of a family member with severe mental illness (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, and Bipolar disorder). The group meets Mondays 7-8:30pm in Langley. Info: Hardeep, 604-574-1976.

Fraser Valley Transplant Network

The group for people who have had transplants and their families meets at the Township Civic Facility, 20338 65th Ave. with speakers from B.C. Transplant. Info: Charlie or Diane, 604-533-3352.

Arthritis self-management program

The six-week program meets Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m. to March 20 at the Fraser Arthritis Centre, #101, 5501 204th St. Cost: $25 (family member or friend can attend for $10). Register: 604-714-5550.

Al-Anon Family Groups

If someone else's drinking is affecting you, AFG can help. Info: 604-688-1716, langleyafg@shaw.ca or www.bcyukon-al-anon.org.

Alano Club of Langley

A social club for people in recovery, open 365 days a year, 11am-3pm and 7-10pm. Drop in for a cup of coffee or a game of pool at 20433 Douglas Cres. Info: 604-532-9280.

Alateen

The group supports young people recovering from the effects of living with problem drinking in a family member or friend. Ages 10 and up. The group meets at the Township Civic Facility, 20338 65th Ave. Info: 604-688-1716.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Call Alcoholics Anonymous at the Langley intergroup office, 604-533-2600. Answering machine after hours. Tues. eves. at George Preston Recreation Centre, 20699 42nd Ave., 8:30pm. Info: 604-434-3933 or 604-533-2600.

Alzheimer Society of B.C.

Support, information and education about Alzheimer's and related dementias available at #102 - 20316 56 Ave. Info: 604-533-5277.

Support group pilot project

A pilot program allows caregivers to be part of a support group using free teleconferences. The eight sessions take place March 15 to May 10 on Friday afternoons. Intended for those who can't get to meetings due to distance or other barriers. Participants use a toll-free number. Sign up and info: Jan Robson, 604-742-4935 or alzheimerbc.org.

Arthritis Support Group, Langley

3rd Mon./mo., 1:30-3:30pm, Lang-ley Seniors Centre. Info: 604-532-9671.

Epilepsy support group

The Centre for Epilepsy in British Columbia invited parents, families, friends and anyone affected by epilepsy to a meeting 7-8:30pm on the last Wednesday of the month at the Township Civic Facility, 20338 65th Ave. Get resources and information. No meetings over Christmas and summer. Info: 1-888-9SEIZURE or www.epilepsy.ca.

FASD adoptive and foster parents

Monthly support group meetings for those with children who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Info: Jamie, 604-530-5917.

Fibromyalgia Well-Spring Foundation

The support group meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month in the Murrayville Library at 12:30pm. Info: www.fibromyalgiawellspringfoundation.org.

Friendly Amputees of the Fraser Valley

A support group for people with amputations and their family and friends meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 2420 Montrose Ave., Abbotsford. Info: friendlyamputees@shaw.ca, members.shaw.ca/friendlyamputees or call 778-278-4222 or 779-278-4333(TDD).

Gamblers Anonymous Group

Is gambling a problem for you or someone you know? Help is available. Call Gamblers Anonymous, 604-878-6535.

Health Equipment Loan Program

HELP, a Canadian Red Cross program, needs volunteers for its equipment loan service. Looking for people who can spare three hours a week to work in the depot in Port Kells. Info: Wendy, 604-513-3935 or 604-881-1113.

Hominum

The Hominum Fraser Valley chapter is a support and discussion group to help gay, bi- or questioning men. It meets the last Friday of each month. The next meeting is March 29. Info: Don, 604-329-9760, or Art, 604-462-9813.

Langley Community Services

5339 207th St. Offering addiction services, child and family programs, and immigrant and multicultural programs. Info: 604-534-7921 or www.lcss.ca.

Langley Stroke Recovery

Support group for stroke survivors. Meets Wed., 11am-2pm, Walnut Grove Community Centre, 8889 Walnut Grove Dr. Info: Marilyn, 604-882-4672.

Learning Disabilities Association

The Fraser South chapter offers one-on-one tutoring for youth ages six-14 with learning disabilities in literacy, math, social skills, and keyboarding. Affordable program fees; some subsidies available. Info: 604-591-5156 or www.ldafs.org.

Meals on Wheels

Langley Meals on Wheels has hot meals weekdays and frozen meals available weekends for seniors, the disabled and sick people unable to cook for themselves. Info: info@langleymealsonwheels.com or 604-533-1679.

Nar Anon

For people with family or friends who are addicted. The group meets every Tuesday at 7:30pm at Bethany-Newton United Church, 60th Avenue and 148th Street. Info: nar-anoncbregion.org.

Osteoporosis Canada

The Langley branch meets monthly at 1pm in the Langley Seniors' Resource Centre, 20605 51B Ave. Everyone welcome. Info: 604-534-4924.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly

The non-profit weight-loss support group has 14 chapters around Langley with morning and evening meetings. Info: Lynda, 604-856-8014.

One on one tutoring

Help for children six to 14 who struggle with reading, comprehension, spelling or writing is available from the Learning Disabilities Association. Partial subsidies available for low income families. Obtain a free reading assessment by calling the association at 604-591-5156. Info: call that number or go to www.ldafs.org.

Volunteers

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters Langley is looking for Aldergrove residents to be in-school mentors. Must be 19 or older. Info: www.bbbslangley.com/aldergrove or 604-535-5055.

Canadian Cancer Society

Volunteers required in the Willowbrook office. Training provided. Info: 604-533-1668 or langley@bc.cancer.ca.

Conversation Circles

New English speakers are invited to friendly, supportive social gatherings to practice conversation skills. The circles are run by volunteers and are usually in public libraries. Langley Literacy Now and the libraries have free volunteer training. To volunteer, contact Ada, ada.con@fvrl.bc.ca.

Drivers needed

The Canadian Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers to take patients to and from appointments at the Surrey, Vancouver and Abbotsford cancer centres. Mileage reimbursed. Flexible scheduling. Training provided. Info: Linda Kelly, 604-533-1668, ext. 226 or lkelly@bc.cancer.ca.

C.A.R.E.S.

A no-kill cat shelter in Langley has openings for volunteers to assist in feeding and care of sheltered cats. Info: Carol, 604-202-0713.

Fibromyalgia Well Spring

The group is looking for volunteers for its downtown Langley office and thrift shop. Info: 778-278-3697.

Voluntees needed

The Ishtar Transition Housing Society is looking for donation room volunteers. Training provided. Flexible daytime shifts. Info: Debbie, 604-534-1011 or debbie@ishtarsociety.org.

Hospice training

Langley Hospice Certificate Training Program for those wishing to volunteer or are interested in the subject is 10-session program cthat overs issues on life and death, as well as grief and loss and related skills. Info or registration: Fernande at 604-530-1115.

Langley Literacy Association

The group meets monthly at the City of Langley Library. New members welcome. Info: Kim Davison, 604-514-2855. The group helps the Langley Christmas Bureau with the Wrap-a-Read program.

Langley Meals on Wheels

Volunteer drivers needed for Walnut Grove and Fort Langley routes. The commitment is two hours per week, once a week, 11am-1pm. Info: 604-533-1679.

Langley Seniors' Resource Centre

Volunteer drivers, shoppers and friendly visitors wanted for seniors. Registration: Janice, 604-530-3020 ext. 302.

Pacific Assistance Dogs Society

Puppy raisers train dogs to assist people with disabilities other than blindness. Info: 604-527-0556.

Patti Dale Animal Shelter

The shelter is seeking volunteers to help homeless animals. Opportunities include walking dogs, TLC for cats, website work, photography, fundraising and fostering. Info: 604-857-5055, or www.lapsbc.petfinders.com.

Helpers needed

Penny Pinchers Thrift Store needs volunteers for various shifts Monday through Saturday. The store raises funds for Langley Memorial Hospital. A weekly four hour commitment is requested. Training provided. Apply at the store, 20251 56th Ave. Online options: www.fraserhealth.ca or email VolunteerResourcesLMH@frserhealth.ca.

People with Pets

Visit residents in Langley Lodge seniors home. Pets must have up-to-date medical exams and vaccinations. Info: Helen Kirby, 604-532-4200, ext. 4138.

PRDA

Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities offers equestrian therapy. No experience necessary to volunteer. Training includes preparing horses for lessons, leading horses, and side-walking during lessons. Volunteers also needed for fundraising, special events, facility and ground maintenance, barn help, and office work. Info: Bill or Judi, 604-530-8717. PRDA is at 1088 208 St.

Small Aninal Rescue Society

SARS needs volunteers urgently for its facility in Aldergrove. Volunteers can also help with rabbit socialization and grooming. Students can earn volunteer credit. Info: Muriel, 604-530-3297 or (cell) 604-306-5775.

Fraser Health Crisis Line

Volunteers needed to assist people in the community experiencing emotional distress. No previous experience is needed. Training and on-going support are provided. Information package are at Options Community Services, 9815 140th St. Info: www.options.bc.ca.

TLC Pet Adoptions

Langley cat rescue group needs volunteers to foster adult cats and kittens with special needs. Info: 604-856-4866, or email tlcpetadoption@hotmail.com.

Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Ass'n

The non-profit organization provides therapy riding for people with special needs and needs volunteers. VTEA is at 3330 256th St. Info: 604-857-1267, or email info@vtea.ca.

Mentors

The Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services Society is looking for individuals Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal 19 years of age and over who are interested in volunteering as mentors to Aboriginal youth on a weekly-basis. Training provided. Info: Gary, 604-532-3682 or email gary.robin-son@stolonation.bc.ca.

You've Gotta Have Friends

Organization seeks new volunteers of all ages and interests to help another find connections in the Langley community. A belief in the value of each person is essential. Out and About with Friends is a coffee gathering each Monday at 1:30pm at the Mocha Room. Info: Janice or Pat, 604-533-6546.

Youth

Cadets

The Royal Canadian Sea Cadets (open to ages 12-18) meets Tuesdays and Navy League Cadets (open to nine to 12) meets Thursdays at the cadet training centre, 4315 272nd St. Both are 6:15pm. Info: 604-856-3700.

Regiment 1922 of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps welcomes kids 12-18 from Langley and Aldergrove to develop teamwork, leadership, fitness and self-confidence. Call 604-857-2698 or email 1922army@cadets.net.

2277 Seaforth Highlanders

The Army Cadet corps in Langley is for kids 12-18 to teach about leadership, citizenship and personal development. Biathlon team. Regular training is 6:30-9:15pm Tuesdays at Langley Secondary School, 21405 56th Ave. Info: 778-867-2225 or Mary.Ward@cadets.gc.ca. Check out www.seaforthpsc.org.

Other

Blood donor clinics

Call 1-888-2-DONATE to book.

March 12: 1-8pm Murrayville Hall, 21667 48th Ave.

March 16: 10am-5pm Aldergrove Kinsmen Community Centre, 26770 29th Ave.

March 26: 1-8pm Murrayville Hall, 21667 48th Ave.March 31: 9:30am-4:30pm Blacklock Elementary, 5100 206th St.

Women's life and career seminar

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has a course for women who want to explore life and career options. An information session is at 10:30am on March 14 in room 2075 at the Langley campus. The next course runs Sept. 5 to Dec. 20, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9:30am-2:30pm. Info and registration: Elly Morgan 604-599-3431 or elly.morgan@kwantlen.ca.

Salmon friendly gardening

The Langley Environmental Partners Society seminar is 1-4:30pm on March 16. Samples of weed salad available. Experts will provide lots of information. RSVP to http://sfgs.eventbrite.ca as space is limited. Info: www.leps.bc.ca/events.

Weed pull

Everyone is invited to help stop this invasive plant at a weed pull in Campbell Valley Regional Park 9:45am-1pm on March 17. Dress for the weather, wear long pants and sturdy footwear. Bring gardening gloves, water and lunch. Tools and equipment provided. Meet at the McLean Pond parking lot (204th Street and 16th Avenue). After the weed pull take part in a walking tour with Metro Vancouver Parks. Sign up at www.meetup.com/The-Lower-Mainland-Green-Team/events/101799322/.

Nutrition Month

Real Canadian Superstore Langley has a registered dietician instore for the public 3-7pm on March 20. Free.

Female shift workers study

A UBC study about sleep improvement and its role in reducing breast cancer is looking for female shift workers 40-65. Women exposed to light at night during shift work are at increased risk for breast cancer. Info: http://cancerprevent.spph.ubc.ca/research/shiftworkers/. Women interested in signing up can contact Carola Mu¤oz, 604-822-1315, or shiftworkers.cancerprevent@ubc.ca.

BingoThe Langley Lions Club offers bingo every Tuesday at Evergreen Lodge, 5464 203rd St. Doors open at 4pm with Bonanza pre call at 5:30pm, cards sold at 6 and games at 7pm. Concession opens at 5pm.

Meditation classes

The Dorjechang Buddhist Centre hosts weekly classes at Douglas Recreation Centre, Mondays at 7pm. Suggested donation: $10. Info: www.dorjechang.ca or 604-853-3738.

Coffee social

Mingle over coffee and goodies at the Langley Legion, 20570 56th Ave., Tuesday through Friday, 8-11am. (You don't have to be a member to attend.)

Bake sale

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 21 Langley, 20570 56th Ave., has a bake sale on the first Friday of the month, starting at 6pm. Open to the public.