EVENTS

Abbotsford Community Services (ACS) hosts Chai and Chat on Thursday, Nov. 19 to introduce its senior immigrants program. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to noon at Emmanuel Mennonite Church, 3471 Clearbrook Rd.

A session on starting your own business takes place Thursday, Nov. 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Clearbrook Library (32320 George Ferguson Way) with Success Business Services. Register at 604-859-7814.

Malonie Hewstan presents a program on her five weeks of travelling through India. The session is on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave. Register at 604-826-6610.

Gladwin Language Centre (3145 Gladwin Rd.) holds a free public education session called Volunteering for Immigrants on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Speaker is Jane Cooper of Volunteer Abbotsford. Register at 604-854-8160.

Hallmark Communities and Conexions Press host the launch of a book by Melody Goetz called This Small Window: True Stories from Well-Aged People. The event begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19 at Hallmark on the Lake, 31622 Charlotte Ave. Info: 604-853-8993.

Mission Community Credit Union hosts a fundraiser for two animal-welfare organizations – Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center and SAINTS (senior animal sanctuary) – starting Thursday, Nov. 19. Unique and special gift items will be sold next to the credit union every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Dec. 19.

SUPPORT

The MSA Better Breathers Club meets Thursday, Nov. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Cascade Community Church, 35190 Delair Rd.

The Abbotsford Prostate Cancer Support Group meets Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church. Speaker is Dr. Teresa Clarke from the Centre for Integrated Healing in Vancouver. Info: Dale, 604-824-5506.

The Abbotsford Breast Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. Info and location: 604-852-1410.

Living Room – a faith-based support group for people with a mood disorder – meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at Sevenoaks Alliance Church, 2575 Gladwin Rd., in room 101. The meetings run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and are open to those living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other conditions. Info: Alice,604-855-3449.

SOCIAL CLUBS

The Central Valley Naturalists meet Wednesday, Nov. 18 at Abbotsford Middle School, 33231 Bevan Ave. at 7:30 p.m. Provincial apiculturist Dr. Paul van Westendorp will discuss the natural history of bees and the problems they face. Info: Kathy, 604-854-3203.

A free breakfast drop-in takes place every Saturday for dads and their children up to six years old. My Daddy and Me runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at New Beginnings daycare (behind Abbotsford Collegiate at 2329 Crescent Way). Info: abbydads.ca or Ed at 604-850-7303 (local 3404).

SENIORS

Exercise classes for seniors are held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Abbotsford Seniors’ Association hall, 33889 Essendene Ave. from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Info: Pat at 604-850-6615 or Donna at 604-853-5541.

The Abbotsford Seniors’ Association at 33889 Essendene Ave. offers a variety of daily and weekly activities. These include carpet bowling, bridge, crafts, line dancing, ballroom dancing, exercise classes and more.