North Langley Langley Little League Softball & Baseball – Register Now!   Online registration for the following North Langley programs starts NOW for spring 2012.     Girls aged 5-19 can be registered at NLSoftball.ca for Rep B and House league Softball programs in Willoughby, Walnut Grove, and Fort Langley.      Youths aged 4-18 can register at NLBaseball.ca for House league Baseball programs in Walnut Grove, Fort Langley, and Willoughby (to 80th Avenue).   Uniforms are provided, and the programs include tournaments, player clinics and access to indoor batting cage!  Join the fun - register now!   01/31/2012

New Condos In Langley BC, NEW 1 BR CONDO, NEW 2 BR CONDO, NEW STUDIO CONDO ATHENRY GATE PRESENTATION CENTRE IN LANGLEY BC NEW CONDO ATHENRY GATE PRESENTATION CENTER IN YORKSON NEIGHBOURHOOD LANGLEY BC NEAR WALNUT GROVE AND NEW STUDIO CONDO ATHENRY GATE PRESENTATION CENTRE IN LANGLEY BC A community of European-inspired condos that are as sophisticated as they are affordable. Set in Willoughby, in the heart of Langley, Athenry Gate (ATH-IN-RYE) is poised to become the premier development in this growing neighbourhood. Boasting top tier craftsmanship and European styling, each home at Athenry Gate will be built with superior attention to both functionality and form. NEW 1 BR CONDO, NEW 2 BR CONDO, NEW STUDIO CONDO ATHENRY GATE PRESENTATION CENTRE IN LANGLEY BC http://www.athenrygate.com/ho... 01/28/2012

Langley’s International Festival – Multicultural Gala – Jan 28   The second annual Multicultural Gala, hosted by Langley’s International Festival Society, is being held at the Sunrise Banquet and Conference Centre on January 28th, 2012. This will be a dinner and awards celebration, highlighting the best of the past year!   Langley’s International Festival Society is a registered non-profit society, whose volunteers are committed to building “multiculturalism through community and family events”.   Nominations are still being accepted for the diversity awards at www.internationalfestival.ca.    Get your vote in now for: Spirit of Cultural Diversity Ambassador of Diversity Innovative Projects   Tickets for the Gala are $55 per person (includes HST). Get your tickets online or call 604-514... 01/26/2012

Speechless Sunday in Langley BC – The Pool is NOT a Pond!   A “paddling” of ducks - it seems that every year we have a few more mallard ducks that stop by to visit.  As the weather gets colder, our salt-water pool and bird feeders start to look very attractive to them – much to our dog’s dismay!    The pictures are taken just one day apart – what a difference a day can make in our winter landscape!  Couldn't get too close or they would take off...(Santa didn't come thru with the fancy zoom lens this Christmas!)       No matter what the season, it’s always interesting in Langley, BC. To make Langley your next home, please give me a call and let me make your property dreams a reality!     01/14/2012

Have You Received Your 2012 Property Assessment?   Most homeowners in British Columbia have now received their 2012 Property Assessment Notice.  The Property Assessment Notice indicates property classification, an estimate of property value, and the property-owner’s potential entitlement to exemptions from taxation.   If you have not yet received your Notice of Assessment, then it is recommended you contact BC Assessments immediately, as the deadline for filing a Notice of Complaint is January 31, 2012.   As property values are generally determined by sales in your area as of the previous July 1, it is important to contact your local assessment office if you have any concerns or questions.  Additional Information, Forms and Frequently Asked Questions regarding property assessments can b... 01/12/2012

7th Annual Bras for a Cause "Mardi Bras" Gala!    Soroptimist International of the Langleys is hosting its annual Bras for a Cause event again this year. The “Mardi Bras” Gala will be held March 3 at the Coast Hotel & Convention Centre in Langley, BC. This exciting event will include dinner, entertainment, a lively “live” auction and a (not so) silent auction.    Bras for a Cause has already raised more than $312,000 and is striving for the $400,000 mark! Beneficiaries of Mardi Bras include the BC Cancer Foundation (Expanded Breast Cancer Care Clinic) and Ovarian Cancer Canada “Knowledge is Power" Programs.   Theme bras are submitted along with a minimum $100 donation. In past years, Michael Bublé, Sarah McLachlan, Bill Clinton, Pierce Brosnan, the Vancouver Canucks and the BC Lions ha... 01/10/2012

Market Report – Langley, BC – Dec 2011 – A Home for You at the Right Price!   The Township of Langley and the City of Langley contain wonderful opportunities for buyers to purchase residential detached homes at price points that compare very favourably to other cities in Metro Vancouver.  Just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Langley is one of the best kept secrets in the Lower Mainland!     With many acres of parkland, abundant farms and a vibrant arts community – coupled with a robust downtown core of business and industry - Langley has charms that few can resist.  Known for its wonderful wineries and considered the “Horse Capital of BC”, it’s not surprising that property values in “the Langleys” have increased substantially year-over-year.        According to the Fraser Valley Rea... 01/08/2012

Langley Schools Kindergarten Registration Day – January 16, 2012   Advance notice of the Registration Day for all Langley children who will be five years old by Dec 31, 2012.  Children born in 2007 will be eligible for the Kindergarten program beginning Sept 4, 2012.    The following documents are required: ·        Proof of age (child’s Birth Certificate) ·        Parental proof of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status ·        Proof of residence (such as utility bill, lease/rental agreement, parent’s driver’s license)   For details regarding registration times for the school in your neighbourhood, please visit the local school’s website. Use the School Locator to find the nearest school to your home. 12/30/2011

Montessori Information Night – Langley BC – Jan 5, 2012   The Montessori philosophy is intended to foster the fulfillment of the highest potential in children - spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual.  This supportive approach often results in outcomes reflecting a high level of academic achievement.   Find out how the Montessori approach can bring out the best in your child (Kindergarten to Grade 5) by attending this free information session at the Uplands Montessori School, 4471- 207A Street.  The session is on Jan 5 from 6:30-8:00pm.   12/27/2011

Township of Langley – Community Centre & Fitness Centre Holiday Hours   Yes, even though it’s the time of year where we tend to overindulge – the Township of Langley has a number of Fitness Centres to help burn off those extra holiday calories!   The Community Centres also host Holiday Camps and Day Camps at this time of year – register online at RecExpress.ca.   Here are the Township of Langley facilities and operating hours:   Aldergrove Kinsmen Community Centre 26770-29th Ave, Aldergrove  604.856.2899 Open daily 8:30am-4:30pm (to 6:30pm Dec 27-Dec 30) Closed Dec 25, Dec 26, Jan 1   W.C. Blair Recreation Centre 22200 Fraser Hwy, Langley 604.533.6170 (Note – although the pool is closed for maintenance until Jan 2, the Fitness Centre remains open) Open daily 8:00am-4:30pm (to 6:30pm Dec... 12/21/2011

 Newlands Golf and Country Club has a number of special events at this time of year.  Of course, there is always golfing at the 18-hole, par 72 Championship course – as well as on the Executive course – a big “plus” with the mild winters of southern BC.    Newlands also has wonderful restaurants – Mr. A’s Patio and Newlands Bar & Grill.  And the Sunday Brunch is something to be experienced – a favourite place for us to hold those special family gatherings (and overlooking the gorgeous 18th green).   This year, Newlands is also hosting a number of seasonal Christmas events: ·        21st Annual Festival of Trees – running through Dec 25 – cast your vote for your favourite (proceeds to benefit the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation) ·        Saturday Luncheons (11:30am-2:00pm) - Buffet ... 12/20/2011

December’s Season of Celebrations & Sharing - Breakfast With Santa at Krause Berry Farms   The annual Breakfast With Santa at Krause Berry Farms is hosted in memory of Liz Krause. All proceeds from the ‘by donation’ event go to breast cancer research.   Delicious fluffy pancakes are offered, along with berry syrup (from the farm!).  Breakfast With Santa is on Sunday, December 18, from 11:00am to 2:00pm.   Have the kids bring letters to Santa and post them at the farm!   http://www.krauseberryfarms.com/index.php   Krause Berry Farms is located at 6179 - 248th Street in Langley   12/16/2011

December’s Season of Celebrations & Sharing – Langley Christmas Bureau Benefit Concert!   The Christian Life Assembly is hosting their Annual Langley Christmas Bureau Benefit Concert on Friday, December 16 at 7:30pm.     Featured performances include: Langley First Capital Barbershop Chorus Langley Children’s Choir Langley Ukulele Ensemble Synchromesh Quartet 2011 Langley Christmas Mixed Chorus Langley Christian High School Senior Jazz Band   Admission is $20 for adults; $15 for seniors and students; by donation for children 12 and under. All net proceeds go to support the Langley Christmas Bureau (all performers are donating their services!)   Christian Life Assembly is located at 21277- 56th Avenue in Langley. 12/12/2011

Speechless Sunday – Winter Moon in Langley BC Was such a clear night last night that the moon looked HUGE (of course, my picture doesn’t really do it justice) – but the moon was quite striking (and the coyotes seemed to be extra proud howling at it!) 12/11/2011

Speechless Sunday – Llama Llama Langley!   Saw this handsome fellow and his harem while checking out our local Christmas Tree farms (upcoming post!)     Would you like to find a Langley property to raise your llamas (or alpacas)?  Please give me a call – and we’ll be happy to help out!     12/04/2011

December’s Season of Celebrations & Sharing - Langley Twin Rinks Supports Food Bank!   The Langley Twin Rinks and the Langley Sportsplex have come up with a novel way to collect contributions for the Langley Food Bank – hockey nets have been put up in the common areas of both facilities to be filled with donations of non-perishable food items.   The Fill the Net for Hunger campaign is one involving all Canlan Ice Sports facilities – and the donations received go to assist those in need in the local community.  The hockey team with the most donations by Dec 31 will earn free ice time!   It’s always great when sports participation can be a win-win event!  Please donate to help out your community – and your favourite team! 12/03/2011

December’s Season of Celebrations & Sharing - Lighting Up the Park!   December 5 is the date when William’s Park in Langley becomes a winter wonderland!  For more than two decades, a team of dedicated volunteers organizes a wonderful party in the park to celebrate the sights, sounds (and delicious tastes!) of the season.   Visitors can drive through the park and enjoy the lights and displays every evening from Dec 5 through Dec 15, from 6-9pm.  On Friday and Saturday (Dec 16-17) visitors can walk through the park and see Santa and Mrs Claus, enjoy pony rides and carriage rides, face painting and live local entertainment.  Hot food and beverages will also be in abundance – including roasted chestnuts to enjoy while warming yourself around one of the fireplaces throughout the park!   This... 12/02/2011

Pumpkin Graveyard – Langley , BC So this is what they do with the leftover pumpkins!   I was driving in our rural area and saw these lovely orange mounds of pumpkins.  They will be tilled into the soil to enrich the land for vegetable growing.    A much more useful end than being tossed in a garbage dump!   11/23/2011

Remembrance Day – November 11 – Services in Langley BC   This Remembrance Day, services will be held at the Aldergrove Legion, the Langley Legion, and at the Cemetary Cenotaph in Fort Langley.  Show your appreciation and support by attending a service and wearing a poppy.   Services will typically include a procession to the Cenotaph , services, and light refreshments. The Aldergrove services will include a flypast. A minute of silence will occur at 11:00a.m.   Langley Township Council encourages everyone to attend a local service, and reminds us to “take time to think about war, about peace, and about those men and women who risked their lives to protect our freedom, as well as to make the world a safer place for all of us”. 11/10/2011

Market Report - Housing Price Index Oct 2011 – Langley BC The Housing Price Index (HPI) for October 2011 has recently been released by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB). The HPI is based on reported sale prices, for the included cities and neighborhoods, averaged by region.   Overall, for residential properties in the Fraser Valley, there has been no change to the one month HPI Index, remaining at 226. What this means to the consumer is that property values have increased 126% since 2001 and are currently holding steady.   The benchmark price for detached residential properties is $530,335. Prices across the Board have increased by 14.1% in the past 5 years. For October, Langley has recorded an overall 2.6% decrease over last month, with the benchmark price reported as $517,53... 11/09/2011