Sign up for our newsletterThere’s always something going on in the West Island and Vaudreuil-Soulanges area. . .something fun to do. Local exhibits, events, workshops and festivals are listed here with activities that will interest everyone. Email us at: editor@westislandhomeandlife.com if you’re planning a public event that will interest our readers.
BEACONSFIELD
> Downsizing and Transition
* The 55+ Club presents a conference with Stefanie Cadou and Matt Del Vecchio, about downsizing from a home. Includes downsizing tips, maximizing the value of your home and transition.
When: February 1 at 2 p.m.
Where: Herb Lander Annex, 303 Beaconsfield Blvd.
> Strange Bewildering Time: Istanbul to Kathmandu in the Last Year of the Hippie Trail.
* West Island writer Mark Abley discusses his latest work, a travel memoir of a three-month journey he made overland across west and south Asia during the spring of 1978, shortly before political convulsions in Iran and Afghanistan made such journeys all but impossible. Mark will share some true stories from the book, and will discuss the meaning and impact of the ‘hippie trail’.
When: February 9 at 2 p.m.
Where: Beaconsfield Library, 303 Beaconsfield Blvd.
Good to know: Registration required via Eventbrite.
DOLLARD-DES-ORMEAUX
> National Film Board Cineclub — Black History Month
* A screening of films at the library’s discovery centre (and online) in honour of Black History Month.
When: Sunday, February 5 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Dollard-des-Ormeaux Library, 12001 de Salaberry Blvd.
Good to know: Registration required on Eventbrite.ca through the library’s website.
> Wine-Tasting Workshop
* Carl Bird of Carl Knows Wine will present a workshop titled Iberian Experience, in which he’ll discuss wines of Spain and Portugal, made with local grapes to create signature products. In English.
When: Sunday, February 12 at 2 p.m.
Where: Dollard-des-Ormeaux Library, 12001 de Salaberry Blvd.
Good to know: Registration required on Eventbrite.ca through the library’s website.
DORVAL
> Comedy Nights — Winter Festival
* As part of the Winter Festival, two comedy nights are planned. February 8 features a French show, February 9 an English one. Admission: $20.
When: February 8 and 9.
Where: Sarto-Desnoyers Community Centre, 1335 Bord-du-Lac/Lakeshore Dr., Dorval.
Good to know: See the details here https://www.ville.dorval.qc.ca/en/events/event/comedy-nights-winter-festival
> Snow Sculpture Contest
* Get creative outdoors. Dorval residents are invited to create a snow sculpture, snowman or other snow creatures in front of their homes, photograph them and send your pictures to the city to be eligible for a participation prize.
When: Until February 12.
Good to know: See the details here.
> Divertissimo Series — The Bach Suites According to Stéphane Tétreault
* Quebec cellist, Stéphane Tétreault will undertake the Suites for Solo Cello by J.S. Bach, offering you an opportunity to discover the magic of the Suites in the hands of this young virtuoso.
When: Sunday, February 26 at 11 a.m.
Where: Peter B. Yeomans Cultural Centre, 1401 Bord-du-lac/Lakeshore Rd., Dorval.
Good to know: Coffee and croissants served. Admission—adults: $10; children: $5; children 5 and under: free. Tickets on sale at the Dorval Library, Sarto-Desnoyers Community Centre and at the door, 30 minutes prior to the event.
KIRKLAND
> Festive Saturdays
* Every Saturday throughout February will feature a special event: A full-moon walk on Feb. 4, an outdoor challenge on Feb. 11, a story time and pony rides on Feb. 18, and an adults-only pub night on Feb. 25. See the details here.
ÎLE-BIZARD-SAINTE-GENEVIÈVE
> Chocolate-tasting workshop
* Learn about the history of chocolate along with the secrets of master chocolatiers. This workshop will take you from the cultivation of cacao beans to the finished product.
When: Wednesday, February 8 at 7 p.m.
Where: Salle Madeleine-Lahaye, 500 Montée de l’Église, Île-Bizard.
Good to know: Several varieties of chocolate will be offered for sampling.
PIERREFONDS-ROXBORO
> Salsa
* Bantü Salsa will take you on a musical journey through the history of salsa, making you want to dance. While the melodies are festive, the themes are serious and the songs remind us that more than 400 years after the slave trade, which brought millions of African slaves to America, slavery persists today in various forms.
When: Saturday, February 25 — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Pierrefonds Cultural Centre, 13850 Gouin Blvd. W.
Good to know: Book your ticket online here.
> In the manner of Rosa Parks
* A workshop by Guédeline Desrosiers, presented as part of Black History Month, will introduce children to the life of Rosa Parks, a black woman who refused to cede her bus seat to a white passenger during the civil rights movement in the U.S. Children will learn about this model of perseverance and peace and will be encouraged to reflect on their power to make a difference around them.
When: Saturday, February 11 — 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Where: Pierrefonds Library, 13555 Pierrefonds Blvd.
Good to know: In French. For children aged 9 to 13.
PINCOURT
> Craft workshop
* Children and adults are invited to create a Valentine craft of a metal garland.
When: Saturday, February 11.
Where: Pincourt Library, 225 Pincourt Blvd.
Good to know: Free. For all. Children 8 years old and under must be accompanied by a parent. Registration: Sport-Plus or 514-453-8981 ext. 229
> Conference: Between dogs and us
* Do you have questions and concerns or need tips for your pet? In this conference given by animal behaviourist Nadine Caron, you will learn about your dog’s needs that will change your relationship with him/her. The therapist will give several tips that will help you communicate effectively with your dog, allowing for a harmonious relationship. Tools and tips to help you prevent or modify certain canine behaviours.
When: Wednesday, February 22 — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Pincourt Library, 225 Pincourt Blvd.
Good to know: Registration required through Sport-Plus or by phone 514-453-8981 ext. 229.
POINTE-CLAIRE
> Marianne Trudel and Karen Young perform Joni Mitchell’s music.
* Pianist Marianne Trudel and vocalist Karen Young join talents to perform the music of Joni Mitchell. An original and touching take, performed with tenderness and spontaneity.
When: February 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Stewart Hall Cultural Centre, 176 Bord-du-lac/Lakeshore Rd., Pointe-Claire.
Good to know: Reservation required. 514-630-1220
> Orchestre Métropolitain: Electric Revolution
* This concert, conducted by Daniela Candillari, features Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländer overture, Léon Théremine’s concerto “Cinq moments dans la vie trépidante de Léon Théremine,” and Dvorak’s symphony number seven.
When: February 9 at 8 p.m.
Where: Stewart Hall Cultural Centre, 176 Bord-du-lac/Lakeshore Rd., Pointe-Claire.
Good to know: Tickets required; must be purchased in person at Stewart Hall.
> Strange Bewildering Time: Istanbul to Kathmandu in the Last Year of the Hippie Trail.
* West Island writer Mark Abley discusses his latest work, a travel memoir of a three-month journey he made overland across west and south Asia during the spring of 1978, shortly before political convulsions in Iran and Afghanistan made such journeys all but impossible. Mark will share some true stories from the book, and will discuss the meaning and impact of the ‘hippie trail’.
When: February 22 — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Pointe-Claire Central Library, 100 Douglas Shand Ave., Pointe-Claire.
SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE
> Children’s Valentine crafts
* Parents can work with their children at home to create two Valentine crafts. Kits to sew a Valentine heart and to craft a vintage puzzle are available at the library starting February 1. For library members only.
Where: Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Library, 40 St. Pierre St., Ste. Anne de Bellevue.
Good to know: For more information, call 514-457-1940.
SAINT-LAZARE
> Winter caravan — Snowshoeing excursion under the stars
* Put on your snowshoes and discover the trails of les Forestiers-de-Saint-Lazare Nature Park during the evening. A snack will be served at the end of the excursion. For Saint-Lazare residents aged 8 and older. Two routes: one of three kilometres and one of 4.1 kilometres.
When: Friday, February 10 — departure at 7 p.m.
Where: Les Forestiers de Saint-Lazare Nature Park, 2800 ch. Lotiniere, Saint-Lazare.
Good to know: Snowshoe rentals available (must be reserved in advance). Headlamp required. Free access to the site with a valid Accès Saint-Lazare card. Information: 450-424-8000, ext. 220.
> Incredible chromosomes — tie dye
* This bilingual workshop will teach children aged 6 to 17 to create their own shirts using the tie-dye technique.
When: Saturday, February 25 — 9 a.m. to noon.
Where: Les Forestiers de Saint-Lazare Nature Park, 2800 ch. Lotiniere, Saint-Lazare.
Good to know: Free. Online registration mandatory. Information: 450-424-8000, ext. 220.
VAUDREUIL-DORION
> Start your seeds
* Do you need tips on how to successfully sow seeds to harvest an abundance of vegetables? This conference by Katryne Delisle of L’Atelier paysan will guide you toward a successful vegetable garden and the move toward better food automony.
When: Tuesday, February 21 — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Vaudreuil-Dorion Library, 51 Jeannotte St.
Good to know: Free. Online registration required here.
