North York

 
 
Thursday, April 24

THE HOME SECURITY Academy offers a free, evening workshop on crime prevention and safety, organized by Toronto Police Service and 33 Division, Toronto Real Estate Board; 1400 Don Mills Rd., auditorium, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Call 416-808-3336.

Friday, April 25

COMMUNITY CLOTHING SALE of gently used clothing, accessories and household items, St. Matthew the Apostle Anglican Church, 80 George Henry Blvd., 7 to 9 p.m.

'Queen For a Day' performed at Brookview Middle School, 4505 Jane St. Gloria Surage plays Shirley Mackenzie, as she struggles with household chores, taking care of her family and her friend. The shows run tonight and tomorrow, 8 p.m., Sunday 6 p.m. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Call 416-843 1170.

Saturday, April 26

SPRING SPRINT 2008 for brain tumour support services, research and education, Sunnybrook Park, Sports Pavilion, Leslie Street and Eglinton Avenue, 5-km walk or run: 9 a.m. check in, 10 a.m. start time. The event goes rain or shine. Visit www.braintumour.ca to learn how you can get involved.

CARIBBEAN CULTURAL EVENING, Gems And Friends Steelpan Orchestra, The Church of St. David, 1796 Lawrence Ave. W., 7 p.m. Tickets $20. Children 12 and under $10. Proceeds to Friends Charities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the St. David's Community Outreach Ministry. Call 416-249-4681 or 647-296-0947.

YOUTH BASKETBALL LESSONS, seven weeks for children ages five to 14, all skill levels, Don Valley Junior High School, 3100 Don Mills Rd., 3 p.m. Call 416-222-0211 to register. Space is limited.

ALL THE KING'S Voices present 'Spring, The Sweet Spring,' Willowdale United Church, 349 Kenneth Ave., doors open 7:30 p.m., concert 8 p.m., Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 416-225-2255.

ANNUAL SPRING SALE, Nearly New Shop at Lansing United Church, 49 Bogert Ave., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event also includes a yard sale and pie sale. Call 416-221-1722.

GREATER TORONTO WATER Garden and Horticultural Society monthly meeting, Toronto Botanical Gardens, 777 Lawrence Ave. E., 1 p.m. Speaker: Sam Rollock, topic: getting the pond ready in spring. Call 416-438-4862 or e-mail bimlidoehler@hotmail.com.

GERANIUM, PELAGONIUM AND FUCHSIA Society of Ontario holds its next meeting at The Toronto Botanical Gardens, 777 Lawrence Ave., 1:30 to 4 p.m.

INDOOR SOCCER LESSONS, five weeks, for boys and girls aged three to 12, all skill levels, Don Valley Junior High School, 3100 Don Mills Rd. Call 416-222-0211 to register. Space is limited.

LAWRENCE PARK COMMUNITY Church, 2180 Bayview Ave., presents 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,' 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets: adults $20, children 12 and under $10. Call 416-289-1551 for tickets.

WELLNESS SEMINAR FOR polio survivors, North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St., 10 a.m., guest speakers. Call 416-284-7248.

HAVENBROOK TENNIS CLUB hosts open house, first round robin of the season, Havenbrook Park, Shaughnessy and Havenbrook boulevards, 9 a.m. to noon. Call 416-502-1480 to register.

ANNUAL WHEELS SALE and free bike safety inspection and prizes, organized by The Henry Farm Community Association and Skiis and Biikes Don Mills Store, buy and sell Bikes, scooters, roller blades, wagons, roller skates and more, 10 a.m. to noon. Havenbrook Park, Henry Farm Tennis Club, Don Mills Road and Sheppard Avenue. Cash only. Call 416-493-9390 or 416-495-9780.

Sunday, April 27

BACKS IN MOTION run-walk, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, 6100 Leslie St., 9 a.m., draw, prizes, food, post-care. Open to all ages and levels. On-site washrooms, change facilities, parking. Register in advance at www.runningfree.com or call 416-482-234, ext. 588. On-site registration begins 7 a.m. Proceeds benefit chiropractic education and research.

NORTH YORK SENIOR Walkers, Earl Bales Park. Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue, 9 a.m., meet at community centre. Visit www.northyorkseniorwalkers.com for maps and driving directions or call 416-241-2932.

Monday, April 28

ONTARIO GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, Toronto Branch meeting, North York Memorial Community Hall, 5110 Yonge St., 7:30 p.m., burgandy room. Topic: genealogy and genetics with guest speaker Ken Ackles. Visit www.torontofamilyhistory.org call 416-733-2608.

Volunteers

PUBLIC SORTING DAY, volunteers needed to help the Daily Bread Food Bank sort donated food collected during the recent spring food drive. Bring your family and friends, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 416-203-0050 to register.

DOWNSVIEW PARK OFFERS volunteer opportunities for a wide range of activities, special events, educational programming, tree planting and park beautification projects. Visit www.downsviewpark.ca or call 416-952-2222.

ORIOLE COMMUNITY SERVICES Association seeks volunteer members for its board of directors. Background in policy and/or strategic planning, fundraising, accounting or law are required. Call 416-496-9562 or e-mail oriolecsa@yahoo.ca.

BERNARD BETEL CENTRE for Creative Living seeks at-home respite volunteers to give family caregivers a break. One to two hours a week during the day. Call 416-225-2112, ext. 127 or e-mail naomiz@betelcentre.org.

NORTH YORK SENIORS CENTRE seeks friendly visitors to spend time with a senior in the community one hour each week. E-mail volunteer@nyseniors.org or call 416-733-4111.

FREE INCOME TAX clinic for those 55 years and older, North York Seniors Centre, 210 Hendon Blvd. Call 416-733-4111 for an appointment.

CARING CANINE DOCTOR Dogs seek volunteers to bring their friendly dogs to visit patients, children with special needs and elders. Visit www.caringcanine.ca/volunteer.html for details.

DISTRESS CENTRES OF TORONTO need volunteers to answer calls. Comprehensive training in telephone support, crisis intervention and suicide prevention offered. Visit www.torontodistresscentre.com or call 416-486-3180.

ALLIANCE HOSPICE SEEKS visiting volunteers, complementary therapy volunteers are needed to comfort and support terminally ill clients and their families in their homes. Training program now underway, active seniors are welcome. Call Louise at 416-385-8885, ext. 25 or e-mail lleblanc@alliancehospice.ca.

VISITING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to spend time with residents at Baycrest's Jewish Home for the Aged, three hours a week; Baycrest Community Day Centre seeks Yiddish speaking volunteers to run Tuesday morning discussion group. Call 416-785-2500, ext. 2572 for details on both opportunities.

OSTEOPOROSIS CANADA, TORONTO Chapter offers volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in public speaking and education, event planning or volunteer development, call 416-696-2663, ext. 275.

FAMILY SERVICE ASSOCIATION of Toronto is looking for volunteers to support the working advisory committee for Friends of New Directions. If you are a marketing specialist, a policy and/or strategic planning advisor or a family law lawyer and passionate about women's issues and understand the challenges they face in dealing with the loss of a partner, contact Mindy Khu at 416-595-9230, ext. 234 or e-mail mindykh@fsatoronto.com.

MEALS ON WHEELS seeks volunteers, drivers and runners to assist in the delivery of meals between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Mileage compensated for drivers; training and orientation provided. Call 416-225-6041, ext. 21.

ST. GEORGE'S ADULT literacy program needs volunteer tutors to help with reading and writing skills three hours per week. Call Adela at 416-484-3736.

Announcements

NOT SO YOUNG Club for Seniors meets every Thursday, Pine Ridge Church, 39 Knox Ave., 1 to 4 p.m. Crafts, cards, knitting and social time. New members welcome. Call 416-749-4220.

TAP DANCE CLASSES by Goulding Community Tap Dancers with beginner and intermediate level sessions for adults and seniors are offered Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Goulding Community Centre, 45 Goulding Ave. Call 416-497-7852.

REGISTRATION FOR BANBURY Kids programs, morning, afternoon and after school, Banbury Community Centre, 120 Banbury Rd. Programs include adult and tot playgroups, arts and crafts, gym, cooking, music, Whimz live animals, tennis, sportball and Mad Science. Call 416-391-2439.

FREE CAREER AND employment services for women, including assessments for skilled trades and apprenticeship, individual and group settings available. Two North York locations. Call 416-787-1769.

NORTH YORK COMMUNITY House offers community outreach programs that include newcomer training, English classes, women's circle, cooking and discussion group, arts and crafts, and fitness. Programs are offered in several different languages, Lawrence Square Mall, 700 Lawrence Ave. W., Suite 226. Call 416-784-0920.

WOMEN OF ALL ages are invited to join The Toronto Accolades, a four-part a cappella singing group to sing away the winter blues. The group meets Thursdays, Earl Bales Community Centre, 4169 Bathurst St., 7:15 p.m. Call Ellyn at 416-281-7925.

THE CHORALAIRS OF North York seek new members, rehearsals Tuesdays 8:15 to 10 p.m., Earl Bales Park Community Centre, 4169 Bathurst St. Call 416-631-0029.

SENIORS TABLE TENNIS, North York Seniors Centre, Active Living Centre, 21 Hendon Ave., Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. Call Mimi at 416-733-4111.

MALE SINGERS WANTED, Toronto Northern Lights, an a cappella and barbershop chorus, auditions on Mondays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Willowdale Baptist Church, 15 Olive Ave. Visit www.northernlightschorus.com.

THE SOCIETY OF SINGERS, a four-part non-auditioned choir that performs for seniors, seeks members. Rehearsals run Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m., Blythwood Baptist Church, 80 Blythwood Rd. Call Ed Gilmore at 416-783-9490.

HUNGARIAN WRITING AND friendship circle invites new members. Group meets Wednesdays and the first and third Saturdays of the month, 2 to 4 p.m. both days, Barbara Frum Library, 20 Covington Rd. Call 416-785-8456.

JAMAICAN CANADIAN ASSOCIATION settlement and adaptation program assists new Canadians with housing, jobs, resume writing, education, training, help with forms and applications, advocacy, referrals. All services are free. Contact Peaches Stone at 416-746-5772, ext. 245 or e-mail pstone@jcassoc.org.

CHURCH OF THE Ascension badminton club welcomes new members, 33 Overland Dr., Mondays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Call 416-444-5350.

ST. CECILIA SINGERS, a chamber choir singing church music from Victorian to Messiaen, invites singers in all voice parts to audition. Rehearsals are Sundays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 255 Finch Ave. W. Call 647-378-4096 or e-mail phillipsdandk@yahoo.com.

WILLOWDALE NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION is seeking new members, no charge to join. The area is bounded by Steeles and Finch avenues, Leslie Street and Hwy. 404. Contact David Slotnick at dslotnick@rogers.com or call 416-726-6722.

NORTH YORK SENIORS Centre runs its annual Entertainment Book fundraiser, hundreds of deals and discounts, including dining, movie tickets, rental car, hotel stays, attractions and vacation discounts. Call 416-733-4111.

NORTHVIEW GROUP OF ARTISTS invites new members, group meets Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Edithvale Community Centre, 7 Edithvale Dr. Cost is $75 for the season. Call 416-223-9997.

THE YONGE STREET Singers is looking for young male voices for a new, a cappella-style chorus. Group meets Mondays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Willowdale Baptist Church, 15 Olive St. Visit www.yongestreetsingers.com.

FREE CAREER AND employment services for women, two North York locations. Call 416-787-1769.

VARIOUS COMPUTER CLASSES for adults 55 years and older, Bathurst Jewish Cultural Centre. Visit www.bjccseniorsonline.ca to view courses or call 416-636-1880.

Ongoing

AL-ANON FAMILY Groups offers mutual support for anyone who has been affected by someone else's drinking. Weekly meetings. 416-410-3809 or visit www.Al-AnonFamilyGroups.org to find a location close to you.

COMMUNITY ACTION RESOURCE Centre provides newcomer settlement services in Spanish, Italian, Dari, Pashto, Urdu and Hindi, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1652 Keele St. Call 416-652-2273.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR parents or relatives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons, third Wednesday of each month, Beth David Synagogue Reference Library, 55 Yeomans Rd., 7:30 p.m. Call 416-633-5500. All calls confidential.

THE ANTIBES AWARENESS Through Movement committee hosts Feldenkrais classes Mondays at the Antibes Community Centre, 140 Antibes Dr., 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. Call 416-665-9050.

FRIDAY NIGHT LADIES Auxiliary dinner, The Royal Canadian Legion, Wilson Branch 527, 948 Sheppard Ave. W., 6 p.m., a different meal each Friday, $7. Enter through rear of the building. Call 416-633-0345.

PLAY SHUFFLEBOARD AT the North York Seniors Centre, 21 Hendon Ave., Thursday evenings. Call 416-733-4111.

DON MILLS NETWORKING Group meets the third Thursday of every month at Anthony's Grill, 1090 Don Mills Rd., 9 to 10 a.m. No membership fee, food and beverage at the cost of the member. E-mail donmillsnetworking@gmail.com.

PUBLIC SPEAKING CLUB, Hoggs Hollow Toastmasters, every other Wednesday, noon to 1 p.m., 4141 Yonge St. Call Marvin at 416-222-8130, ext. 232.

JOKERS CLUB MEETS the fourth Wednesday of the month, 7:15 p.m., Antibes Community Centre, 140 Antibes Dr. Share jokes, play games to help keep the mind sharp. Call Irv Helpert at 416-661-2541.

ADULT SUPPORT GROUP by Learning Disabilities Association, Toronto District chapter, every second Monday. Call 416-229-1680 to book an intake interview.

DONATE YOUR CAR and help Epilepsy Ontario. Free tow up to $200 and minimum charitable receipt for $60. Visit www.epilepsyontario.org or call 1-800-463-1119.

NAR-ANON FAMILY group weekly meetings for those affected by someone's drug use. Visit www.naranonontario.com or call the helpline at 416-239-0096.

PEOPLE CONCERNED ABOUT someone's drinking is asked to call Al-Anon at 416-410-3809.

GAVEL AND GLASS Toastmasters club meets Thursdays, 6:45 to 9 p.m., St. Mark's Church, 1 Greenland Rd. Visit www.gavelnglass.on.ca.

PEOPLE PROVIDING RESPITE care for families can contact www.respiteservices.com for information, services and more.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR stroke survivors hosted by Stroke Recovery Network. Call 1-888-540-6666 for location.

TORONTO FAMILY HISTORY Centre, 24 Ferrand Dr., offers a collection of resources for those interested in researching family history. Appointments necessary to reserve microfilm readers. Call 416-422-5480, ext. 301.

NEW BEGINNINGS sessions for those who are divorced, separated or widowed, 3377 Bayview Ave. Call 416-222-1101, ext. 107.

It's Happening runs Wednesdays in The North York Mirror and covers Thursday until the following Wednesday. Items from local, non-profit organizations should be submitted two weeks prior to the event. Please include all necessary information, including the exact address, street name and number, postal code and nearest intersection. Submissions cannot be taken over the phone, but can be e-mailed to nycalendar@insidetoronto.com.

 

Around Town

Saturday, April 19

ANNUAL CANADA LIFE CN Tower Climb for World Wildlife Canada, CN Tower, 301 Front St., W., 6 to 10 a.m. Visit wwf.ca/cntower or call 416-484-7700 for more information.

Wednesday, April 23

FREE PUBLIC LECTURE on Karma, Lillian H. Smith Library, 239 College St., 6:15 p.m. Hosted by The Canadian Meditation Centres. Call 416-539-0234; visit www.mantrameditation.ca for more information.

Saturday, April 26

THE JAPAN FOUNDATION presents 'Infinite Echoes from Japan,' ensemble performs traditional dance and songs, incorporating Western elements. Group touring country to commemorate 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan. Glenn Gould Studio, CBC Broadcasting Centre, 250 Front St., W., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., admission $30, seniors and students $20. Call 416-205-5555 for information.

Monday, April 28

CANADIAN PENSIONERS CONCERNED hold their 39th annual general meeting, Metro Hall, 55 John St., Room 308, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., includes lunch, $10 payable at the door, speaker: Prof. Paul Williams, topic, importance of home and community care. Screening of Dr. Mark Nowaczynski's National Film Board documentary House Calls. Confirm your attendance by calling 416-368 5222 or by e-mail at mailto:info@canpension.ca before April 22.

TORONTO POLICE SERVICE hosts community forum to discuss crime and safety issues, Metro Hall, 55 John St., Room 308, 6:30 to 9 p.m. If you would like to participate in the discussion, but cannot attend the meeting, visit www.torontopolice.on.ca and visit the Have Your Say section to post your opinion.

Wednesday, April 30

LES VOIX DU Coeur, French community vocal ensemble presents two-night cabaret show, tonight and tomorrow, LULA Lounge, 1585 Dundas St., W. Tickets : $15, A la carte menu. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., showtime 7:30 p.m. For more information call 905-883-7951 or e-mail pierre.denis7@sympatico.ca

Volunteers

THE SURVIVOR SUPPORT program is seeking volunteers to serve as lay grief counsellors. Prospective volunteers will have counselling experience or have been impacted by suicide or a homicide, with at least two years since the loss. Interested participants should contact the Distress Centre of Toronto at 416-595-1716 or e-mail alex@torontodistresscentre.com or visit www.torontodistresscentre.com for details.

SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH severe combined immunodeficiency disease commonly referred to as the Bubble Boy disease. The Canadian Immunodeficiency Society seeks volunteers for a special friend program operated at Toronto Hospital for Sick Children. Potential volunteers will be required to complete a comprehensive application, orientation and training process. Call 416-964-3434 or e-mail contactus@cisociety.com for details.

TROMBONE, SAXOPHONE and trumpet players wanted by the Global Poverty Relief Foundation. Volunteer musicians needed for fundraising projects through live performances and CD recordings for poverty relief programs. Contact Andrew today at 416-712-2555.

MUSICAL PERFORMERS WANTED to participate in Toronto General Hospital's Music for Heart and Soul in the cardiac wing. Any genre welcome; school choirs also encouraged. The program runs year-round Thursday and Sunday afternoons. For details, e-mail ivetka.vasil@uhn.on.ca or call 416-340-4115.

WELLSPOUSE AND WELLPARTNER Support Group for those in a relationship with a chronically ill spouse or partner. The group meets the first Tuesday evening of each month, Business Building, 305-250 Dundas St. W. E-mail wellspouse_toronto@yahoo.com.

Ongoing

PHOTOGRAPHS, CLOTHING AND old sewing machines will be on hand at an exhibition of Toronto's garment industry, 'A Common Thread' is on display at Market Gallery, 95 Front St., E., until mid-June. Visit www.toronto.ca/culture/arts-services.htm for more information.