Mental health committee

The Mental Health Advisory Committee meets the third Wednesday of each month (Jan. 16) in the multi-purpose room at the Health Centre, 45470 Menholm Ave., from 11: 30 a.m. to 1: 30 p.m. Family members and mental health clients are welcome. New members needed. Phone Barb Lock at 604-795-7049.

Seniors tea

Chilliwack Senior Peer Counsellors, at 45938 Wellington Ave., hosts a seniors tea the third Thursday of every month (Jan. 17) from 2 to 3: 30 p.m. for seniors to meet volunteers and learn about the program. No cost, but call 604-793-7204 to confirm attendance.

MS help

The MS Society of Canada hosts a self-help group the third Thursday of every month (Jan. 17) from 11: 30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the conference room at Decades, at 45846 Wellington Ave. The society also hosts a family members support group for caregivers and family members of those affected by MS on the third Saturday of every month (Jan. 19) from 9: 30 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, at 8871 School St.

Square dancing

The Chilliwack Rythm Reel-ers Square and Round Dance Club has begun new classes at Atchelitz Hall on Lickman Road. The first night includes a spaghetti dinner at 6 p.m., with dancing starting at 7 p.m. Beginners classes last 90 minutes. Dancing on Jan. 21 and 28 is free, including the first night's dinner. After that, the cost is $6 per person per night. Those under 19 years of age are half-price. Those interested can drop in on a Monday evening and watch the square dancing. For more information, contact either 604-823-7323 or 604-794-7138.

Relatives Raising Relatives

A new support group for grandparents and other relatives raising children- Relatives Raising Relatives- meets monthly, alternating days and evenings. This is an opportunity for peer support as well as education. The group meets at Chilliwack Community Services, at 7112 Vedder Rd. The next meeting is on Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon, featuring a social worker from the regional MCFD, Kalbir Chahal, who will be coming to Chilliwack to discuss a booklet she is developing for children being raised by relatives.

The book will help children understand kinship care and assist them in exploring their feeling about being in kinship care. Child minding can be provided on site if interested participants provide notification by the preceding Mondays. For more information call Cassandra at 604793-7210.

Seniors bus trips

The Chilliwack & District Senior Resources Society has a full slate of upcoming bus trips including: a trip to see the musical comedy Boeing-Boeing at the Stanley Theatre Jan. 30; a trip to see the Harlem Globetrotters in Abbotsford on Feb. 15; a visit to the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle on Feb. 20; and a trip to Seattle's Great Wall Mall and Ikea on Feb. 25. Bus trips open to members of the Chilliwack Senior Resources Society. Register early to reserve your place. Call 604793-9979 for details.

Chwk Library Book Club

The Chilliwack Library Book Club meets the fourth Wednesday of each month (Jan. 23) at 7 p.m. New members are welcome at any time. For more information please contact the Chilliwack Library at 604-792-1941.

Fibromyalgia meetings

Fibromyalgia Well Spring Foundation meets the fourth Wednesday of every month (Jan. 23) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lynnwood Retirement Residence, at 9168 Corbould St. For more information call 1-800-567-8998.

Yarrow book club

The Yarrow Library Book Club continues this fall. The club will gather the third Thursday of every month (Jan. 24) from 6: 30 to 7: 45 p.m. to discuss the books they've read. Join Yarrow Library staff for lively discussions of selected titles. Chosen books will change monthly and copies are provided by the library. New members are welcome.

LGBT meeting

HOMINUM Fraser Valley Chapter-a support and discussion group to help gay, bi-sexual and questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated or single-meets on the last Friday of every month (Jan. 25) at 7: 30 p.m. For information and location, please call Art at 604-462-9813 or Don at 604-329-9760.

Transforming trauma

The Chilliwack Hospice Society hosts a workshop by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky about a practical and holistic approach to self-sustainability called Transforming Trauma: How to do this work and Not Completely Lose Our Minds. The workshop runs Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. Cost is $90. Visit www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or call 604-391-SHOW for tickets. Visit http: //traumastewardship.com

Tea and Dance

Wanda's Tea Dance, sponsored by the Senior Resources Society, takes place the last Monday of each month (Jan. 28) from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lions' Hall, at 45580 Spa-dina Ave. Music by Sweetwater. Refreshments and door prizes. Tickets are $6.

Conquer cancer

Team Burritt hosts a dinner fundraiser and silent auction for the Ride to Conquer Cancer Jan. 31 at Rustica's Restaurant, at 9339 Main St.

Community events

Tickets are $45 per person, with $20 going directly to Ride to Conquer Cancer/ Team Burritt. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 604-858-7239 or emailing team.burritt@shaw. ca. For more information about the team visit. www. conquercancer.ca/goto/ teamburritt2013.

Grief programs offered

The Chilliwack Bereavement Support Society offers grief programs for parents, spouses and adult children. The programs allow participants to share stories, support each other and learn about how to deal with grief following the death of a loved one. The Parents' Grief Network meets every second Sunday afternoon. The spouses and partners network meets every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. For details and more information on these and other services call 604-793-7239.

Help needed

Ann Davis Transition Society would appreciate volunteer help. For information or to pick up applications, contact Ericka Meyer at 9046 Young Rd.

Peer counsellors needed

Chilliwack Senior Peer Con-sellors are desparately looking for volunteers to visit isolated seniors in the Chilliwack/Sardis area. If you enjoy visiting with and talking to seniors, you could help these wonderful pioneers. Please phone 604-793-7204 and leave your name and number and we will get back to you to register you and answer any questions you may have.

Métis employment programs

The Fraser Valley Métis Association offers youth employment courses in first aid, grant-writing, foodsafe, traffic control, forklift training, lock-out/tag-out and WHIMIS world host. Programs are free and open to Métis between the ages of 15 and 30. Visit www.fvma.ca.

Youth wanted

Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services Society is accepting referrals for aboriginal youth to be part of a mentorship program. If you or someone you know could benefit from spending quality time with an "Auntie" or "Uncle," learning about traditional practices and having fun, contact the community development worker in Chilliwack at 604-858-0113 or julia.mccaffrey@xyolhemeylh.bc.ca.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Included are community events in Chilliwack, hosted or sponsored by non-profit groups. To include your event, contact reporter Tyler Olsen by e-mail at tolsen@chilliwacktimes.com, fax to 604-792-9300 or call 604-792-9117.