EVENT HAS ITS ROOTS IN FRENCH GRAPE HARVEST

The traditional la vendange, or harvest experience, is happening at the Township 7 Winery on Oct. 30.

The grapes are now ready for crush, and organizers encourage everyone to come out and assist with the annual Grape Stomp on Sunday.

"Enjoy a fun afternoon and get your feet wet in the winemaking process, said Lori Pike-Raffan, with Township 7.

This was traditionally done in France as the "pigeage à pied" or "treading grapes by foot" in order to better extract colour, flavour, and tannin from the fermenting juice; all to the accompaniment of accordion music.

"We won't have accordion music, but will have live music by our house band, We Play for Wine, as well as children's activities, and new fall wine releases," she said. "Come with a team or join one of ours."

Admission is by donation with proceeds in support of Critter Care Wildlife Society. Find out about the work of this Langley animal shelter at www.crittercarewildlife.org.

Guests are welcome to bring a picnic or purchase from a charcuterie-style menu.

There will be a fire to keep warm by and activities to keep the blood flowing. Events run 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The grape stomp is noon to 5 p.m., with the competition element feautring teams of six people from 2-3 p.m.

Anyone planning to take part must RSVP to Gail, mailto: gail@township7.com.

Participants can wear old runners or stomp in bare feet. The Monster Mash is for the kid of all ages. Dress in costume and take part in pumpkin decorating and colouring.

BIG SHOES TO FILL

Since its launch, a book by a member of a local Rotary Club has really taken off.

Man Shoes, The Journey to Becoming a Better Man, Husband and Father is rated five stars on Amazon and is into its second printing. The book by Tom Watson is endorsed by Rick Hansen, Peter Legge, Focus on The Family, and many, many more.

Watson has been invited for interviews in Portland, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, Tampa, Sacremento while touring the United States. He has appeared on TV and radio across Canada since the book was released in May.

A member of the Rotary Club of Langley Sunrise, Watson is donating a portion of book sales to Rotary International.

It is a true story about young Tommy who lived in uncaring foster homes before he was rescued by the Watson family. It is the personal account of someone who overcame five years of suffering as an abused child, growing up to become a father who planned his own suicide after losing his wife to cancer.

"This book was actually a journal for my boys," Watson explained. "I had no intention of writing a book."

He was inspired to write about his life after suffering a stroke seven years ago.

GET READY TO SWEAT

Soul Sweat in Fort Langley is an all ages dance event at the Fort Langley Community Hall Nov. 3.

"I've been to many dances in Fort Langley and it seems that almost immediately after the first few measures of music the dance floor is covered. It's not necessarily couples dancing either but very often people in group dancing," said Kim Brandt, one of the organizers with Suzanne Northcott.

They hope to turn this into a monthly gathering. Admission is $10 at the door and people should bring their own non-alcoholic beverages.

"We encourage you to dress in layers," she added. Once the dancing starts, people may need to start peeling off those layers.

The event starts at 7: 30 p.m. with optional meditation, then dancing 8-10 p.m. More information is at http: //dancefortlangley.wordpress.com/ or call Brandt at 778-552-7579.

DECLUTTER

The HGTV show Consumed is looking for Lower Mainland families to have their lives decluttered.

Filming starts November 2011 and the show has been picked up for another season. Find out more at www. papernyentertainment.com.