WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 19

SHARE Family & Community Services Society hosts an alcohol and drug education session, from 7 to 8: 30 p.m. on the second floor of 2615 Clarke St. in Port Moody. The topic will be "Alcohol: how dependence develops, controlled using and effects on pregnant women." This program is open to everyone and is designed for those who have an alcohol or drug problem or those concerned about their use, as well as those affected by the use of others. Registration is not required for this drop-in program, which runs each Wednesday through Nov. 28. Info: 604-936-3900.

Tri City Potters gather at 7 p.m. for their first meeting of the season. Activities include gatherings, shows, presentions and more to inspire those interested in clay. Meetings are held at Port Moody Secondary, 300 Albert St. on the third Wednesday of each month. Info: www.tricitypotters.ca.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 20

City of Port Moody hosts a daytime creative writing group, beginning Sept. 20, 9: 30 a.m. to noon, until early December, at Kyle Centre, 125 Kyle St. The fee is between $90 to $110 per semester. Info: Julie at info@beaconlit.com.

Tri-Cities Literacy Committee hosts the Community Learning Fair to celebrate National Essential Skills Day, 2: 30 to 7: 30 p.m. at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam. Participants can create a free essential skills toolkit. Info: 604-787-4607, or email bmancell@ sd43.bc.ca.

Northeast Coquitlam Ratepayers hold their annual general meeting, 7 p.m. at Victoria Hall, 3435 Victoria Drive, Coquitlam. Glen Pine Pavilion Seniors Community Centre reps will be on hand to discuss possible programs at Victoria Hall. New Burke Mountain residents are welcome. Info: Jim at 604-941-2260.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21

Terry Fox Library hosts Babytime for Babies up to 12 months and their caregivers, Sept. 21 to Oct. 12 from 10: 15 to 10: 40 a.m. This is a free program, so registration is recommended. Info at 604-927-7999.

Tri-City Singles Social Club welcomes new members for its meeting, 7 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, 2513 Clark St., Port Moody. The club offers an opportunity for single men and women over 40 to meet new friends and enjoy local events. Membership is $20 a year. Info: Louise 604-941-8897 or Darline 6044660017.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22

The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup comes to Noons Creek Hatchery and the Shoreline Trail, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Port Moody Rec Centre. Volunteers welcome. For info: portmoodyecologicalsociety@ hotmail.com.

Partici-Paint , a mural project from the City of Port Coquitlam's Teens Against Graffiti, invites the public to help transform a PoCo soccer portable, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Minnekhada Middle, 1390 Laurier Ave. Volunteers are invited to dress for the weather and to wear clothing they don't mind getting a little paint on. For more info, call 6049272393 or 604-927-7981.

Blanket BC hosts Hike for the Homeless, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Minnekhada Park, Quarry Rd. Coquitlam. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets and a suggested donation of $20 in support of Hope for Freedom Society, which helps people transition from life on the street. All nonperishable food items will be donated to SHARE Society's Food Bank.

Cedar Drive Elementary holds a car wash and bake sale from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Prairie Service station, 1976 Prairie Ave, Port Coquitlam. Donations go to support Grade 5 camp.

A 20th Anniversary event with charity BBQ, crafts and games for kids is being held noon to 5 p.m. at Tri-City Paint and Decorating Centre, 500-1970 Oxford Connector, Port Coquitlam. Food donations of non-perishable food for SHARE Family & Community Services will be accepted.

Port Coquitlam Heritage and Cultural Society presents a Diamond Jubilee Tea, in celebration of the Queen's 60 years, 2 to 4 p.m. at Wilson Centre, 2150 Wilson Ave. in Port Coquitlam. Refreshments and goodies served. Seating is limited for this free event with tickets available at Wilson Centre service desk. Info: 604-927-8403 or pocoheritage1@ gmail.com.

Salsa and Latin Dance Nights at Evergreen Cultural Centre is open to everyone.

Social, fun and fresh atmosphere to learn and practice Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cha-cha-cha, Cumbia and more. Cost: $10 at the door. Info: 604-725-4654 or 6048082311.

ONGOING

Parent Support Services of BC offers free weekly parent and grandparent support circles across the Lower Mainland led by trained facilitators.

Learn new ways to nurture your child through discussing parenting techniques, challenges and stresses, and receiving support. Info: www.parentsupportbc.ca or 604-669-1616.

Parents Without Partners is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization devoted to the interests of single parents and their children. Single parents who are separated, divorced, widowed or never married are eligible to join. Orientation meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7: 30 p.m. at Poirier Community Centre, 630 Poirier St. in Coquitlam. Info: 604-945-2407.

Pinetree Friendship Circle , for women of all ages, invites new members for free activities at Pinetree Community Centre, 1260 Pinetree Way. Coquitlam, every Saturday 10: 30 a.m. to noon in Room 4. Info: catnut2@excite.com.

Pocomo Hiking Club meets Saturdays at 9: 30 a.m. for hikes throughout the Lower Mainland. Information: pocomohiking@hotmail.com.

PoCoMo Youth Services Society is looking for youths between 12 and 18 who want to make a difference in the community. Information: Jerome Bouvier at 6042516449 or jerome@jeromeinspires.com.

Poirier Youth Centre offers youth between 11 and 18 a place to hang out, downstairs from the Poirier Community Centre. Ping pong, Internet, music and PlayStation available. Drop-in is free. Information: 604-933-6035.

events@thenownews.com