TOO GOOD TO MISS

For nonprofit, charity or fundraising events in Hamilton and area. Deadline is two weeks prior to publication. Submit your Too Good To Miss events on our website. Just click on Event Listings at thespec.com. If you have any difficulties or questions pleas

VOLUNTEERS

Donate Blood, Save a Life, Dec. 8, 8 a.m. to noon, Burlington Blood Donor Clinic, 1250 Brant St., Burlington. Also Dec. 8, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Must be 17 or older. 226-448-7300 The Circle of Friends for Newcomers (Hamilton) is looking for new members to sit on its board. The Circle of Friends has been providing services for refugees and immigrants since 1980. Information about the organization can be found at circleoffriends.ca or email Anisa Malik, circleof_friends@bellnet.ca Volunteers are needed for our

dining program, providing transportation and assistance to individuals so they can interact with peers and enjoy a meal together, Tuesdays 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at either Idlewyld Manor or St. Joseph’s Centre for Ambulatory Health Services. 529-0700 or Janis.Doran@von.ca

VON Hamilton volunteer opportunities for people who wish to deliver meals, provide rides to seniors for medical appointments or visit with people in their homes to brighten their days. If you have a couple of hours per week to spend with someone, contact 529-0700 or voncsshamilton@von.ca.

YWCA Hamilton’s Seniors Peer

Connector Volunteers is recruiting volunteers 55+ to provide friendly home visits to isolated seniors in Hamilton. A two-hour visit once a week can help seniors increase their social interactions and community participation. Info: Shannon: 522-9922, ext. 316 or shanley@ywcahamilton.org

YWCA Good Beginnings is looking for volunteers. Mother and infant volunteer assistance program provides residents of Hamilton and surrounding area with free in-home support for mothers who experience challenges adjusting after giving birth, feel overwhelmed or are at risk of postpartum depression. 522-9922, ext. 310.

Cancer Assistance Program is looking for volunteer drivers in the Greater Region of Hamilton for its Transportation Program. teamlead@cancerassist.ca or 383-9797, ext. 102

SELF-HELP/WELLNESS

Refuge Recovery, Dec. 10, 6 p.m. De La Sol Yoga Studios, 430 York Blvd. Recovering addicts who use Buddhist principles to fully heal from their addictions. Email: refugerecoveryhamilton@gmail.com Hamilton Prenatal Nutrition

Project, Dec. 12, 13, 14, 1 to 3 p.m. Multiple venues. Free. For dates, times, locations, 546-3550 or hamilton.ca/PrenatalGroups

Friends in Grief weekly drop-in, Dec. 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Village of Wentworth Heights, 1620 Upper Wentworth. Relief, The Unspoken Emotion: What do you do when death is a relief? 318-0059 St. James Anglican Church Community Coat Drive, now to March 18, 2018. Clean coats, boots and sweaters wanted for men, women and children in need in the Hamilton area. Deliver to St. James Anglican Church, 137 Melville St., Dundas. Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to noon. 627-1424 Mental Health Rights Coalition, #103 — 100 Main St. E. Need to talk about mental health or addiction issues? Peer Support 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. 545-2525 or mentalhealthrights.ca

Depression, anxiety, fears and panic attacks. Recovery Canada has a program that will help. Weekly meetings available. 304-6802 or visit recoverycanada.org

MEETINGS

Dundas Turtle Watch, Dec. 11, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Rd. W. Free talk, Hamilton Naturalist Club turtle watcher Caroline Baker, on helping to protect, save, rescue and educate people about reptiles at risk. 637-7136 Speed-meet Different Beliefs, Dec. 10, 2 to 4 p.m., register by Dec. 9. Ask questions to people of different faith and belief backgrounds at this Speed Networking event, First Unitarian Church, 170 Dundurn St. S. 517-2310

Valley Town Toastmasters, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Dundas Town Hall, lower level, 60 Main St., Dundas. Topic: Christmas Party for toastmasters members. valleytowntoastmasters.com

FUN TIMES

Barton Street Christmas Market, Dec. 8, starting at 4 p.m., Canadian Serbian Community Centre, 1415 Barton St. E. Flamborough Holiday Village, Dec. 8 to 23, starting at 4 p.m., festive, family-friendly activities for all ages, 1079 Highway 8. flamholidayvillage@gmail.com

Trivia Night, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. Dundas Legion, 280 King St. W., Dundas. 627-7221

Christmas Music Night, Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 345 Highway 8, Stoney Creek.

Karaoke, with Annette and Corrie, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. Branch 163 Legion, 435 Limeridge Rd. E. 385-3733

Friendship Club, Wednesdays shuffleboard; Thursdays euchre, 1 to 4 p.m. Mountain Arena, 25 Hester St. Tea and friendship. Take elevator to second floor. Accessible

Euchre, Fridays, 7:30 p.m. Burkholder United Church, 465 Mohawk Rd. E. Prizes, refreshments, $2.

Jammers, Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. Branch 58 Legion, 1180 Barton St. E.

Progressive Cribbage, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. Branch 163 Legion, 435 Limeridge Rd. E. $5. 387-4515

Tai Chi My Style, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to noon, 947 Rymal Rd. E. Free, easy flowing and practical at your own pace. Sundays, rain or shine.

527-7255

Ronnie and the Corvairs, Dec. 9, 7 p.m. Branch 551 Legion, 79 Hamilton St., Waterdown. 689-6112

Catch the Ace, Dec. 9, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Branch 551 Legion, 79 Hamilton St. N., Waterdown. Join Habitat Hamilton at our fundraiser. 689-6112

Euchre, Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Branch 622, Legion, 12 King St. E., Stoney Creek. $2. 662-4171

Karaoke with Dorrie, Saturdays, 8 p.m. Branch 622, Legion, 12 King St. E., Stoney Creek. 662-4171

Stoney Creek Jammers, Tuesdays, 6:30 to 10 p.m. Branch 622 Legion, 12 King St. E., Stoney Creek. 662-4171

GOOD FOOD Festive Christmas Turkey Dinner,

Dec. 8, 5 p.m. Church of the Ascension, 64 Forest Ave. 5 p.m. meet and greet; Dinner 6 p.m. Must reserve: $20/person. Vegetarian option. Entertainment: Flanders and Swann Tribute Duo. 527-3505, ascensionchurch.ca

Ham and Turkey Roll, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. 447 Wing, 3210 Homestead Dr. 289-280-0157

Cookie Walk, Dec. 9, 9 a.m. Rockton United Church, 745 Old Hwy 8, Flamborough. Christmas Dinner, Dec. 9, 6 p.m. Apostolic Holiness Church of Jesus Christ, 40 Empress Ave. Cost $5 per person, $15 for family of 4. 383-2987

Jammin’ Breakfast, Dec. 9, 8 to 11 a.m. Bowlman United Church, 880 Garner Rd. E., Ancaster. $10. Bring your own musical talent and join the fun. 648-6943

Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 10, 8 a.m. to noon, Dundas Legion, 280 King St. W., Dundas. Bring the kids and grandkids, don’t forget your wish list. Cost $5 PP, or $20 for family of five. 627-7221 Loonie Lunch, Dec. 13, noon to 1:30 p.m. St. Andrew’s United Church, 479 Upper Paradise Rd. Nutritious lunch for a loonie or donation. 389-7666

Community Lunch, Dec. 13, noon to 1 p.m. Church of the Resurrection, 435 Mohawk Rd. W. Delicious and nutritious lunch served Wednesdays. Donations appreciated.

Fish and Chips, Dec. 8, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Fish ($9) or Chicken ($8), and chip dinner, Dundas Legion, 280 King St. W., Dundas. Eat in or Take out. 627-7221

Fish Fry, 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Branch 622 Legion, 12 King St. E., Stoney Creek. $10, chicken strips available, dessert $2 extra. 662-4171

Fish Fry, Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m. $5.75 to $10. Branch 163 Legion, 435 Limeridge Rd. Open Mic Night with Annette and Corrie, 7:30 p.m. 387-4515

WALKS/RUNS/RIDES

Lady Hamilton Club walking tour, Friday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m., downtown Hamilton 1.5 km walk focusing on historical sites. Meet at Visitors Centre, 28 James St. N.

MISCELLANEOUS

Winter Lights at the Rock, Dec. 8, 10, 5 to 8:30 p.m. David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden, 1185 York Blvd. The RBG Rock Garden awakens the spirit of winter, explore multicultural traditions and activities. $10. 527-1157

Escarpment Train Show, Dec. 9, 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden, 1185 York Blvd. RBG’s newest train experience takes you on a journey through four seasons of Canadian landscapes. Pre-registration required: 527-1157

JUNIOR DATEBOOK

Brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Dec. 9, 10, 10 a.m. to noon, Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington. Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet and then a day’s activities. Pre-registration required. Adults $45, child (4 to 12 years) $25, child (1 to 3 years), $6. 527-1157

Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 9, 9:30 a.m. The Salvation Army Meadowlands Church, 187 Stone Church Rd., Ancaster. Games crafts, music and a visit and photo with Santa. Wheelchair accessible. 304-0602 Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 9, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Millgrove Community Centre, 855 Millgrove Side Rd., Flamborough. Crafts and family activities. Email: flamboroughkinclub@hotmail.com Mark and Wendy’s Breakfast with

Santa, Dec. 9, 8 a.m. to noon. Binbrook Fairgrounds, 2600 Regional Rd. 56, Glanbrook. Donate new toys to McMaster Children’s Hospital or donate gently used items to Good Shepherd. Purchase tickets: markandwendybws.com

Math Quest, Dec. 9, 2:30 p.m. Waterdown Library, 163 Dundas St. E., Waterdown. Pull a quest from the kiosk, work together to complete the quest, get your passport stamped and earn a prize. 546-3200

Christmas Fun for Kids, Dec. 10, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., MacNab Street Presbyterian Church, 116 MacNab St. S. Free puppet performance followed by lunch, face painting, cookie decorating, games and more.

MUSEUMS/GALLERIES

Eat Drink and be “Mary”, Dec. 9, 12 to 4 p.m., Battlefield House Museum, 77 King St. W., Stoney Creek. Adults $7, senior/youth $6, children $5, family $20. 662-8458 Nelles Manor Christmas Tours, Dec. 9, 10, 1 to 4 p.m. Nelles Manor Museum, 126 Main St. W., Grimsby. Children $10, Adults $15. Family $30. Refreshments included. Canned goods accepted for charity. Door prizes. 289-696-5664. No pre-registration Victorian Christmas Delights,

Historic Cooking Workshop, Dec. 9 and 10, 9 a.m. to noon. Dundurn National Historic Site, 610 York Blvd. Suitable for ages 14 years and older. $50 PP. Pre-registration required. 546-2872

Made in Dundas Christmas, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dundas Museum and Archives, 139 Park St. W., Dundas. Pictures with Santa, scavenger hunts, craft-making, and more. Free. 627-7412

Live Steamers Day, Dec. 10, noon to 4 p.m. Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology, 900 Woodward Ave. A day of trains inside the 1913 Electric Pump-House. Adults: $7, Seniors/Youth: $6, Children: $5, Infants: Free, Family: $20. 546-4797 ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, Dec. 9 and 16, 5 to 9 p.m. Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Rd., Flamborough. Warmth of the season through music, food samples, fireworks and Father Christmas. Adults $11, seniors/disabled $10, children $6.50. 525-2181 Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum, Exhibit: From The Ark, Ancaster 150, To Dec. 23, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. 64 Sulphur Springs Rd. Admission rates apply. 648-8144 or hamilton.ca/fieldcote

SENIORS

HARRRP offers a variety of programs at no cost for older adults 55+. Mondays 1 p.m., carpet bowling; Tuesdays 10 a.m. line dancing, 12:30 p.m. Texas Hold’em Poker, 2 p.m. ceramics and 6:30 p.m. art classes. Info: 544-0050 or harrrp.ca

Mindful Barre and Bands, Dec. 8, 1 to 2 p.m. St. Joseph’s Villa, 56 Governor’s Rd., Dundas. An aquatic fitness class using resistance bands, closed loop resistance bands and barre fitness. No registration required. $6 class. 627-3541

Dundas 55+ Group registration for Winter Programs: Bone Builders, Line Dancing, Singing for Fun, Yoga, Cardio Dance-Gentle. Registration: Dec. 12, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre. Classes start week of Jan. 8, cost $20 to $30 for 10 weeks. woodsideh@gmail.com or 627-7930 Free Wellness/Fitness Class, Thursdays, 2 to 3 p.m. Church of Christ, 321 East 27th St. YWCA instructor teaches healthy living and easy flowing Pilates. 745-5076 Stay Well Program, Dec. 8, 11, to 11:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s Healthcare, 100 West 5th St., group exercise class designed for older adults or those with chronic health conditions. Classes focus on increasing muscular strength, endurance, cardiovascular health, balance and co-ordination. Free. 522-1155 Tai Chi Fitness, Dec. 8, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. S.I.M. Gym, St. Joseph’s Villa, 56 Governor’s Rd. Dundas. $4 or free for members. Class also runs Mondays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 627-3541 Sit and Be Fit, Dec. 8, 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. S.I.M. Gym, St. Joseph’s Villa, 56 Governor’s Rd., Dundas. $4 or free for members. Classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 627-3541