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   REGULAR MEETINGS

Fredericton NB -- Parent Chat. An informal, welcoming support group for parents of adopted children at any stage of the process. Susann McFadzen, 457-1866, Children's Bridge. Moncton NB -- Adoptive Moms Support Group.   Third Thursday. Informal, drop-in support group for moms of adopted children, and moms-to-be. 7-9 pm. Jennifer O'Leary, 506-853-7268, Children's Bridge. Saint John NB -- Saint John Adoptive Parents Assn. Second Tuesday (exc. July/Aug.), at 7 pm, Grace Presbyterian Church, 101 Coburg St. For pre- and post-adoption support; domestic/international adoption. Jenn Gerrits, 506-659-2499. Montréal -- China Care - Children's Playgroup.   Every other Saturday. Exposes adopted Chinese children to their roots (language, food, arts and crafts) in a fun environment. McGill Univ., 3480 McTavish St., 1:30-3 pm. Grace and Olivia. Belleville ON -- Adoption Support Group.   Second Thursday. 363 Dundas St. W., through Hastings CAS. Marie Ann Lammers, 613-398-7509. Toronto -- FACE Support Group. Last Wednesday. Families of Adopted Children from Eastern Europe meet at family homes. Information, speakers and social events with our children. Louise LaRocca, 416-484-4588. Toronto -- Families in Adoption. Last Sunday of Jan., Mar, May, Sept., Nov.; July picnic. Informal support for pre-adoptive and adoptive parents, local and international adoption. Activities for children. Rosedale United Church, 159 Roxborough Dr., east of Mt. Pleasant. Pat Fenton, 416-964-0042. Toronto -- "On Our Own" Single Parenting Group. Fourth Thursday. For those who choose single parenthood through adoption or donor gametes. Infertility treatments; adoption process; life of a child with one parent. Infertility Support Program. 6-8 pm, 8th floor, Women's Health Centre, 790 Bay St. (at College). Jan Silverman, 416-351-3721. Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, Alliston -- "How to Adopt" seminars.   Twice a month. Dates, locations at ACO. Adoptive parents and professionals discuss options, costs, homestudies for local or international adoption. $85/family. Patricia Convery, Adoption Council of Ontario, 416-482-0021, www.adoption.on.ca Burlington ON -- Belonging. Last Monday. Compass Point Bible Church, 2501 Eaglesfield Dr. For adoptive parents. Janice McDonald, Burlington, 905-332-9469. Burlington ON -- Parent Support Group. Third Tuesday. 7-9 pm. Meet other adoptive parents. Lynn Mighton, Children's Bridge. Kitchener ON -- Adoptive Parents Talk. Fourth Monday. Informal get-togethers for all adoptive parents. Discuss the challenges of adopting and parenting adopted children. 7 pm, 2nd floor, Zehr's Laurentian Power Centre, 750 Ottawa St., S., Kitchener. Stephanie Morgan, Post Adoption Coordinator, 519-622-8373, Children's Bridge. London ON -- Coffee Talk. Second Wednesday. Share adoption and parenting ideas with parents of children adopted from abroad. 7:30 pm, Symposium Café, 620 Richmond St. Kim Jones, 519-652-9574, Children's Bridge. London ON -- London Coalition of Adoptive Families. Third Tuesday, except July and August. At London-Middlesex Children's Aid Society, 1680 Oxford St. Summer family picnic. Always looking for new members. Paula Schuck. Ottawa -- Ottawa Parent Group. Monthly on a Wednesday, Sept.-May. Informal group for adoptive parents, 7-9 pm, Children's Bridge Office, 1400 Clyde Ave., #221. Cathy Murphy, 613-226-2112, Children's Bridge. Ottawa -- Waiting Parents Group. Last Thursday of the month. For singles and couples at all stages of adoption. Kate MacLellan, Open Door Society of Ottawa, 613-749-6315. Sudbury ON -- Sudbury Adoption Support Group. Second Wednesday, except July and August. 111 Elm St., 7-9pm. Must be 18 to join. Esther, 705-969-7152. Timmins ON -- Sharing Post Adoption Issues.   Third Tuesday. For all in the adoption constellation. Lark Ritchie, 705-235-8121 x7515. Winnipeg -- MAPS (Manitoba Adoptive Parents Support). Second Wednesday. South Winnipeg Family Information Centre, Lower Level, 800 Point Rd. For meeting times call MAPS co-coordinator Sue Brook, 204-231-3014. British Columbia -- Adoptive Families Assn. of BC gives monthly meeting dates and times for B.C. support groups, including AFABC support groups. SPECIAL EVENTS IN 2009 May 30, 2009, Mississauga ON -- Workshop "Race and Transracial Adoption", with Lisa Marie Rollins. By Children's Bridge. How thinking about oneself as black, Asian or Latin American has its own particular struggles for adopted children. Practical ways for parents to address racial identity in their children's lives. 2-4:30 pm. Holiday Inn Select Mississauga, Trudeau Room, 2656 Argentia Rd. $40 (Children's Bridge members); $50 (non-members). Register by May 8, 2009: Donna Paonessa, 905-226-2112, Children's Bridge. May 31, 2009, Ottawa ON -- Workshop "Race and Transracial Adoption", with Lisa Marie Rollins. By Children's Bridge. How thinking about oneself as black, Asian or Latin American has its own particular struggles for adopted children. Practical ways for parents to address racial identity in their children's lives. 1:30-3:30 pm. Royal Ottawa Hospital Auditorium, 1145 Carling Ave. $40 (Children's Bridge members); $50 (non-members). Register by May 8, 2009: Cathy Murphy, 613-226-2112, Children's Bridge. June 6, 2009, Toronto -- Seminar for Extended Family and Friends of Adoptive Family. For grandparents, aunts and uncles, other family members, friends. Positive adoption language; how to answer questions; adjustments of internationally adopted children; understanding open adoption relationships; growing up adopted. 1:30-4 pm. $50/person. Refreshments. Location provided on registration. Sofie Stergianis, Adoption Resources, 416-483-0003, www.adoptioneducation.ca June 7, 2009, Tecumseh ON -- "The Art of Waiting". Workshop for approved adoptive applicants. includes domestic and international adoption. Your adoption profile; adoption resource exchange; plan to meet agencies, birth family, foster families, orphanage directors. 1-4:30 pm. St. Gregory's Teen Action Centre, 13731 St. Gregory's Road, Tecumseh (from E.C. Row & 401: Take Manning Road North, past light at Tecumseh Rd; Right turn at St. Gregory's Road). $30 per person includes refreshments and materials. Pre-register by May 29, 2009. For all Ontario residents. Presented by Adoption Basics - Steps to Family, www.adoptionbasics.ca. Arlene E. Klie, BSW, RSW, Approved Adoption Practitioner, Box 193, Kingsville ON N9Y 2E9, 519-733-0991, aklie@adoptionbasics.ca. Aug. 12-15, 2009, Columbus OH -- 2009 NACAC Conference, "Family Connections: Roots of Success". NACAC's 35th annual conference. Hyatt Regency Columbus. North American Council on Adoptable Children, info@nacac.org, www.nacac.org. For details see article Canadian adoption advocates win NACAC awards. To list your event for free, email Robin Hilborn, helper@familyhelper.net Past Events in Adoption [Archived events] 2008 July 2008, China -- China Heritage Tour for Families with Children Adopted from China, offered by the Toronto District School Board Continuing Education Department, in partnership with Qiaoban [China Overseas Exchange Association] in China. 13-day program for students and families to connect with the culture, language and history of China. Visits to Shanghai, Kunming, Lijian, Guangzhou, Xian and Chengdu. Families pay for air fare and a program fee. Expenses subsidized by Qiaoban. Jolly Yang, Toronto District School Board, jolly.yang@tdsb.on.ca July 18-20, 2008, Chicago -- 2008 KAAN 10th annual Conference, "Celebrating Ten Years of Community Building. Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network, www.kaanet.com July 31-Aug. 2, 2008, Ottawa -- 2008 NACAC Conference. NACAC's 34th annual conference. Westin Ottawa. North American Council on Adoptable Children, info@nacac.org, www.nacac.org Sept. 25, 2008, Mississauga ON -- Adoption Discussion Forum on how best to support people touched by adoption in Peel and Halton Regions. Child Development Resource Connection Peel, 75 Watline, Unit 103, Mississauga L4Z 3E5. RSVP: Lexi Deece-Cassidy. See event listing at AdoptOntario, www.adoptontario.ca/events.aspx Sept. 28, 2008, Toronto -- Seminar on Adopting from China, by agency Open Arms to International Adoption. 1 p.m., Mooredale House, 146 Crescent Road, east of Rosedale Subway. Free. Open Arms Event List Sept. 28, 2008, Ottawa -- Adoption seminar. Speaker: Mary Adele Blair, MSW, RSW, Approved Private Adoption Practitioner for the Ministry of Children & Youth Services. 1:30-3:30pm, Greenboro Community Centre. Ottawa Adoption Connections, 613-825-2332, adeleblair@rogers.com, www.ottawaadoptionconnections.com. RSVP: Kim, 613-868-1339, iaac.ottawa@gmail.com Oct. 4, 2008, Windsor ON -- Adoption Information Seminar. Answering your questions on all types of adoption; chance to meet local adoptive families. 10 am - 3:30 pm. Green Acres Optimist Teen Action Centre, 13731 St. Gregory's Road, Tecumseh ON (east end of Windsor, from E.C. Row & 401; take Manning Road N. past light at Tecumseh Rd; right turn at St. Gregory's Road; Teen Centre is at four-way stop). $15. Light lunch. Pre-register by Sept. 24, 2008. Arlene E. Klie, BSW, RSW, Approved Adoption Practitioner, Box 193, Kingsville ON N9Y 2E9, 519-733-0991, aklie@adoptionbasics.ca. See Adoption Basics - Steps to Family, www.adoptionbasics.ca Oct. 15, 2008, Vancouver, BC -- Adoption and Foster Parenting Information Session (includes Waiting Child Session) by Adoptive Families Association of BC. 7-9 p.m. Free. Location provided upon registration. Register at: AFABC, info@bcadoption.com Oct. 18, 2008, Toronto -- Seminar on Talking to Children about Adoption. Learn ways to empower children (adoptees) to answer questions about adoption. As well, learn how to respond to the questions of children of family and friends, including neighbours and classmates. 1:30-4:30 pm. $70. Sofie Stergianis, Adoption Resources, 416-483-0003, www.adoptioneducation.ca Oct. 25, 2008, Burnaby BC -- One-day workshops on Adoption 101, cross-cultural adoption, and building skills for transracial parenting, presented by Adoptive Families Association of BC. At AFABC offices, 200-7342 Winston Street, Burnaby. Call to register: AFABC, 604-320-7330, info@bcadoption.com. For more workshops, see bcadoption.com/site_page.asp?pageid=297 Oct. 25, 2008, Toronto -- "Adoption in the Community", Ontario Adoption Conference. Held twice a year by the Adoption Council of Ontario in conjunction with the Adoption Resource Exchange on the next day, Sunday. 8:30-4:30; registration at 8 a.m. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, 225 Front St. W. Keynote speaker: Jennie Painter, on "Building and Maintaining Open Adoption Relationships". For adoptive and pre-adoptive parents, professionals and others. Choice of workshops; panel discussion; refreshments. Adoption agency displays; books for sale; Family Helper display table. $100 early registration by Sept. 26, then $120/person. Executive Director Pat Convery, ACO, 416-482-0021. See event listing at AdoptOntario, www.adoptontario.ca/events.aspx Oct. 26, 2008, Toronto -- Adoption Resource Exchange (A.R.E.): videos and agency displays of Ontario children waiting for adoption, by Ontario Children's Aid Societies and Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Also at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 9-4, 416-585-8000. Free. Oct. 25-26, 2008, Mississauga ON -- AdopTALK - Two-Day Adoption Parenting Workshop, by Children's Bridge. Pre-register by Oct. 10. To register, contact Darlene Catton or download a flyer from Children's Bridge - AdopTalk Dates. Nov. 1, 2008, Piscataway NJ -- New Jersey's 27th Annual "Let's Talk Adoption" Conference. 9:15 am - 4:45 pm, Rutgers University, Busch Campus. Keynote: "Twelve Things the World Needs to Know About Adoption" by Adam Pertman. Concerned Persons for Adoption, 973-625-5628, conference08@cpfanj.org Nov. 2, 2008, Cambridge ON -- International Adoption Information Seminar. 1-3 pm, Holiday Inn Cambridge, 200 Holiday Inn Dr. Learn about the international adoption process, and the programs of Kids Link and Saint Anne adoption agencies. Free. Sue Hayhow, Imagine Adoption, 519-623-5437, 1-877-323-5437, admin@imagineadoption.ca Nov. 7, 2008, Burnaby, BC -- "Common Threads" For and About Adoptees. 4:30 pm, Meet & Greet Dinner, for adoptees of all ages; 7-9:30 pm, Common Threads, for everyone: Alvin Law, keynote speaker; highlights of AFABC's new video, Colourful Lives; presentations from adoptees. $15 adults, $10 youth and seniors, tickets from Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby, BC V5G 2J3, 604-205-3000. Presented by the Adoptive Families Association of BC Nov. 12, 2008, Hamilton ON -- Building the Bonds of Attachment with Dan Hughes Ph.D. For parents, foster caregivers, childcare workers, social workers and psychologists. 9 am-4:30pm, Carmens, 1520 Stone Church Road Hamilton L8W 3P9. Register before Oct. 20: $85/person, $135/couple; afterward $100/person, $150/couple. Includes lunch. 1-866-347-0041, office@salem.on.ca. Adoption Council of Ontario. See event listing at AdoptOntario, www.adoptontario.ca/events.aspx Nov. 15, 2008, Ottawa -- Voices in Adoption Event. University of Ottawa's Alumni Auditorium, 10 a.m. Film: "A Place Between: The Story of an Adoption", lunch, panel discussion. $30 ($25 for students). Sarah Pedersen, Adoption Council of Canada. Details and registration form at www.adoption.ca/NewsAndEvents.html Nov. 16, 2008, Ottawa -- 2008 Adoption Panel, presented by Children's Bridge. 1-4 pm, Royal Ottawa Hospital Auditorium, 1145 Carling Ave. Panel of three adult adoptees and one birth mother: Jasmine Bent, Jared Rehberg, Tatiana Sotindjo and Shelley Ibbotson. Panelists share their personal thoughts. $45 members, $55 non-members. Pre-Register by Nov. 1. Cathy Murphy, 613-226-2112. See flyer at Children's Bridge. Nov. 17, 2008, Cobourg, ON -- Creating a Place for the Special Children in our Lives. One-day workshop with Daniel A. Hughes Ph.D. 9 am - 4:30 pm, Grace Christian Reform Church, 440 King St. East, Cobourg. $95+tax, includes lunch. Strategies and interventions: understanding and parenting children with trauma/attachment difficulties. For parents, foster parents, childcare workers, social workers and psychologists. (Also: 3-day training workshop for clinicians, Nov. 18-20; 3-day clinical consultation training, Nov. 21-23.) To register: Sandra Webb Counselling, 905-377-1912, sandra@sandrawebbcounselling.com, www.sandrawebbcounselling.com. Dec. 11, 2008, Vancouver BC -- Adoption and Foster Parenting Information Session (includes Waiting Child Session) by Adoptive Families Association of BC. 7-9 p.m. Free. Location: Provided upon registration. Register at: AFABC, info@bcadoption.com 2009 Jan. 23-25, 2009, Oakville, Ont. -- Post-Adoption Training Weekend. Jan. 23 (evening) to Jan. 25 (afternoon). Quality Suites Oakville. The aim is to help adoptive parents to form or expand adoptive parent support groups in their communities, and to provide peer support and connections to provincial, national and international adoption resources and supports. Topics include: Benefits and Types of Support Groups; Leadership Styles; Avoiding Burnout; Group Facilitation; Advocacy Needs in Canada. First 35 registrants, $200, includes training materials, accommodation and meals. Full rate $350. Meals and training only: $100. For all adoptive parents in Ontario. A chance to meet parents who have adopted children recently and long ago, domestically or internationally. Registration: Sarah Pedersen, Program Manager, Adoption Council of Canada. Laura Eggertson, Post-Adoption Consultant, ACC. Feb. 27, 2009, Bradford ON -- Helping Children Build Better Relationships through Attachment-Based Play. St. John's Church, 10th Sdrd and 8th line. Workshop to teach parents techniques to help emotionally settle an adopted or foster child, e.g. Theraplay to help form secure attachments. 10 am-3pm, lunch provided. $60; $75/2. Presentation by Lorie Walton, familyfirstplaytherapy@bellnet.ca, 905-775-1620, Family First Play Therapy Centre, www.familyfirstplaytherapy.ca/theraplay03.html Mar. 28, 2009, North York ON -- International Adoption Workshop. North York Memorial Community Hall, Gold Room, North York City Hall, 5110 Yonge St. 10 am-1 pm. Adoption programs in Russia and Kazakhstan. New adoptive families will share their stories and answer questions. $25. Liana Yermakova, Adoption Horizons agency, adoptionhorizons@sympatico.ca, 416-512-7591, www.adoptionhorizons.com March 25-28, 2009, Indianapolis IN -- Conference "Embracing Change to Find Families for Vulnerable Children". Hyatt Regency Indianapolis. For international adoption practitioners. Joint Council on International Children's Services April 4, 2009, Toronto -- International Adoption Educational Seminar: Beyond P.R.I.D.E. Country choices and process; preparing for adoption and travel; meeting your child; food, language, sleeping; medical issues; mixed race adoptions. 1:30-5 pm. $185+tax/couple; $95+tax/single. Resource materials; refreshments. Location provided on registration. Sofie Stergianis, Adoption Resources, 416-483-0003, www.adoptioneducation.ca Apr. 22-26, 2009, Cleveland OH -- American Adoption Congress, 30th Annual National Adoption Conference. Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Cleveland, 1100 Carnegie Ave. www.americanadoptioncongress.org/national_conferences.php Apr. 25, 2009, Toronto -- "A Family For Me!", Ontario Adoption Conference. Held twice a year by the Adoption Council of Ontario in conjunction with the Adoption Resource Exchange (on the next day, Sunday). 8:30-4:30; registration at 8 a.m. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, 225 Front St. W., 416-585-8000. For adoptive and pre-adoptive parents, professionals and others. Choice of workshops; panel discussion; refreshments. Adoption agency displays; books for sale. Executive Director Pat Convery, ACO, 416-482-0021. See event listing at AdoptOntario, www.adoptontario.ca/events.aspx Apr. 26, 2009, Toronto -- Adoption Resource Exchange (A.R.E.): videos and agency displays of Ontario children waiting for adoption, by Ontario Children's Aid Societies and Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 9 am-4 pm, 416-585-8000. Free. April 29, 2009, Windsor/Essex County ON -- "Spring into Adoption". Information evening on domestic and international Adoption, the adoption application, local adoptive families' experiences. Colasanti's Tropical Gardens, 1550 Road 3 East, Kingsville (Highway #3 to Ruthven; right on #34 south; right on Road 3 East). 6-8:30 pm. $10 per person includes resource package. Pre-register by Apr. 22, 2009. For all Ontario residents. Presented by Adoption Basics - Steps to Family, www.adoptionbasics.ca. Arlene E. Klie, BSW, RSW, Approved Adoption Practitioner, Box 193, Kingsville ON N9Y 2E9, 519-733-0991, aklie@adoptionbasics.ca. May 9, 2009, Ottawa -- 15th Annual Birthmothers' Service. 7 pm. Chapel of the Holy Spirit, First United Church/All Saints Anglican Church, Westboro, 347 Richmond Rd. For birthmothers or anyone who wishes to pay tribute to women who have placed their children for adoption, whether by choice or otherwise ... mothers who love and remember their children but are themselves forgotten on the traditional Mother's Day. Sue Taylor, 613-232-1016.

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