Book offers accident advice, support

The author of a book on automobile accidents visits Abbotsford this Saturday, Jan. 13.

Jill Franklin, the author of Auto Accident Survivor’s Guide for British Columbia, will be on hand at the Clearbrook Save-on-Foods (32700 South Fraser Way) from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The book is aimed at reducing the number of traffic collisions this year and minimizing the effects when they do occur.

It also covers the medical-legal-insurance system in B.C.

“You can’t rely on the ‘system’ to work for you. You need to know what to expect at every step along the way so you get good medical care and rehab treatment, and the benefits and compensation you’re entitled to,” Franklin said.

Talk on stem cells

Neurophysiologist Christian Drapeau from Los Angeles visits Abbotsford on Monday, Jan. 15 to give a presentation about stem cells, stem cell research and stem cell enhancement.

The free presentation runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Columbia Bible College, 2940 Clearbrook Rd. (Registration is from 6 to 7 p.m.)

Drapeau’s prime interest is in finding new ways to address nerve disorders. He addresses questions such as:

n Is there more than one type of stem cell?

n Do we need stem cells?

n What do stem cells do in our body?

For more information, call Joanne Giesbrecht at 604-855-1013.

Step-family support

The Family Education Program at Abbotsford Community Services offers a Blended Families program, starting Feb. 1.

The six-week course looks at the pitfalls and potentials of step-family living, the stepchild’s needs and the roles of the parents.

Sessions take place every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. until March 8. Those interested are asked to register early, due to limited spaces. Call Yvonne Blank at 604-859-7681 (local 220) or Shannon (local 242).

Network news

The Abbotsford chapter of the Valley Women’s Network holds its monthly luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at the ABC restaurant (32080 Marshall Rd.).

The event runs from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Cost is $15 for members, $17 for non-members. This month’s guest speaker is Wendy Creelman from In Motion. She shares tips to get moving and the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Reservations are required by calling Frieda de Haan at 604-850-7472 or e-mail peppe@shaw.ca.

Brits meet for lunch

The Brit Club meets at 11:30 a.m. three times a month for lunch.

The group meets the first Tuesday of every month at the Abbotsford Legion, the third Wednesday at Sea Lovers and the fourth Saturday of every month at Milestones.

The next lunch is Wednesday, Jan. 17. For more information, call Ivy or Roy at 604-854-5941.

Time for CHAT

A support group meets Monday, Jan. 15 for those who have a loved one with a mental illness.

CHAT meets the first and third Mondays of every month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Abby House (2676 Gladys Ave.). For more information, call 604-825-9531.

Back to their roots

The Abbotsford Genealogical Society holds its annual general meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at Clearbrook Library (32320 George Ferguson Way).

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit the website www.abbygs.ca.

Cancer support

The Abbotsford Prostate Cancer and Support Group holds its monthly meeting on Thursday, Jan. 18 at Peace Lutheran Church (corner of Ware and Marshall).

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. For more details, call 604-856-5863 or 604-858-1826.

Retired workers meet

The Probus Club of Abbotsford holds its monthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 15 at 9:15 a.m.

The club offers fellowship and other benefits to retired men and women. It is not a service club.

Contact Don at 604-853-0418 for more information, including location.

In good health

Clearbrook Health Alert, a seniors’ program, runs every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Matsqui Recreation Centre.

The program includes exercise; speakers; neck and shoulder massage; monthly pot-luck lunches; and blood-pressure, pulse and weight checks.

Drop-in fee is $1. For more details, call Vilma Plett at 604-853-5081.

For stroke survivors

Abbotsford Stroke Recovery Club meets every Monday at Central Heights Church (1661 McCallum Rd.) from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The club works with stroke survivors and their caregivers. Members do 30 minutes of exercise and play games, listen to speakers, watch videos and more.

For more information, call Devinder at 604-852-5722.

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