In the Community

Real estate has long been thought of as a solid investment.

Coquitlam's annual French affair is looking for some helpers. Festival du Bois is scheduled for the weekend of March 5 and 6, and organizers are looking for volunteers for those days as well as for set-up and take-down on March 4 and 7 respectively.

Family Literacy Day is a national initiative that takes place every year on Jan. 27 to encourage families to spend 15 minutes a day to read or practise a literacy activity together.

Odyssey of the Mind BC is recruiting volunteer tournament judges for its 2011 tournament dates. Odyssey of the Mind is a school-based international program that promotes creative problem solving for students from kindergarten through college.

Tri-Cities Caregivers Connections is offering a five-week program of education and support for caregivers.

Baby's First Year (formerly known as Moms and Babes) is one of the most popular programs at Coquitlam's Place Maillardville community centre.

Coquitlam Foundation is looking to give out about $50,000 in 2011 The Coquitlam Foundation is now accepting applications from qualified individuals and organizations for grants, bursaries and scholarships.

Friday, Jan. 21 SO LONG, CHARLEY Stage 43's popular production of the musical comedy Charley's Aunt wraps this weekend at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m.

Teens and young women vying for a chance to show off their beauty and talent on a national stage can audition at Coquitlam Centre mall next week. Miss World Canada is holding auditions Saturday, Jan.

The Coquitlam Optimist Club is offering $450 in prizes and an opportunity to win a $2,500 scholarship in Optimist International's 2011 essay contest. The essay contest is open to students under 19 years of age as of Dec. 31, 2010.