There’s always something going on in the West Island . . . something fun to do. Local exhibits, events 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
> Identifying Local Edible, Medicinal and Poisonous Plants
* Learn to safely identify some of the most common wild, edible, medicinal, and poisonous plants in and around Beaconsfield in this English-language lecture by Mark Reynolds, cofounder of Naughty Nettle Medicinals. An optional walking tour of Centennial Park will follow the lecture. The activity will be available to watch on YouTube a few days after the event.
When: April 12 at 2 p.m.
Where: Herb Linder Annex, 303 Beaconsfield Blvd., Beaconsfield.
Good to know: Registration required via Eventbrite.
> Easter Craft and Activities
* Families are invited to participate in fun games and an Easter craft, and to enjoy treats. This event can be done in person or from home on YouTube. To participate at home, obtain a kit at the library. Your preference (in-person or at home) should be specified when you register online.
When: April 9. Two time slots available: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Herb Linder Annex and the library garden, 303 Beaconsfield Blvd. and on YouTube.
Good to know: Registration required via Eventbrite.
> Household Chemicals and Pollutants
* Learn about the health risks created by household pollutants. Who is most at risk and how can you protect yourself? Presented by Health Canada. For adults. Online via Zoom.
When: April 22 at 2 p.m.
Good to know: Registration required via Eventbrite.
DOLLARD DES ORMEAUX
> Air Quality Workshop
* A workshop for children aged 6 through 12, presented by Neurones Atomiques, teaches how to identify air pollutants, their sources, health effects and ways to detect them. Participants will have the opportunity to detect fine particles, humidity and CO2 through sensors connected to an Arduino interface. Parents must remain in the library during this activity. Bilingual.
When: April 23 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Centre de découverte, 12001 De Salaberry Blvd., Dollard des Ormeaux.
> Easter Egg Hunt and Show
* The Dollard des Ormeaux Library hosts an Easter egg hunt and show for children aged 3 to 8. Presented by Animations Clin d’œil. The groundhog sends you a telegram, heralding a balmy spring and a generous egg hunt if all the children and parents work together in a spirit of cooperation.
When: Saturday, April 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Centre de découverte, 12001, de Salaberry Blvd., Dollard des Ormeaux.
Good to know: Bilingual event. Registration required via Eventbrite.ca.
DORVAL
> Spring Sweetness
* From Maple to Can, an exhibition at the Dorval Museum of Local History and Heritage, depicts past and present views of the maple syrup industry. It highlights the origin of maple syrup, the first “sugar parties”, and the arrival of pancake syrup. It also focuses on the push for modernity that built the maple industry in the 20th century. Take advantage of your visit to the museum to create your favourite sugar shack menu.
When: January 29 to May 1.
Where: Dorval Museum of Local History and Heritage, 1850 ch. du Bord du lac/Lakeshore Rd., Dorval.
Good to know: Admission is free to this travelling exhibition, curated by the Corporation du moulin Légaré.
> Le Petit Prince
* Théâtre de Marionnettes de Jacques Boutin performs excerpts from Le Petit Prince, the novel by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, through shadow theatre and puppetry. This 45-minute show will be presented in French for children aged 5 to 12.
When: Sunday, April 3 at 11 a.m.
Where: Peter B. Yeomans Cultural Centre, 1401 ch. du Bord-du-Lac/Lakeshore Rd., Dorval.
Good to know: $7 for children; free for adults.
> Cabaret Night: A Homage to Joni Mitchell, Vol. 2
* Karen Young and Marianne Trudel join forces for an unforgettable concert. One piano, one voice: atmospheric, intimate, and moving. An original and touching take on songs by Joni Mitchell. This show highlights 50 years of Karen Youngʼs career.
When: Friday, April 8 at 8 p.m.
Where: Peter B. Yeomans Cultural Centre, 1401 ch. du Bord-du-Lac/Lakeshore Rd., Dorval.
Good to know: Tickets—$20.
> Expo Vente
* Presented by the city of Dorval, with the Dorval Weavers Guild and Potters Guild, Expo Vente showcases the talents of local artisans, offering some excellent Mother’s Day gifts. A vernissage will take place on Thursday April 28 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at which artisans will be available to discuss their creations.
When: April 28 to May 1. (Schedule—Friday, April 29: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 30: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, May 1: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Where: Peter B. Yeomans Cultural Centre, 1401 ch. du Bord-du-Lac/Lakeshore Rd., Dorval.
PIERREFONDS
> Music by Schubert
* A concert by the Fibonacci Trio titled Schubert en plein coeur features the music of Romantic-era composter Franz Schubert. The Fibonacci trio, which was formed in 1998, has toured Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Japan, the United States, South Africa, and several European countries.
When: Sunday, April 3 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Pierrefonds Cultural Centre, 12850 Gouin Blvd. W., Pierrefonds (Montreal).
Good to know: Tickets available at the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough box office, or by telephone: 438-354-1392.
PINCOURT
> Mad Like Me
* Author Merryl Hammond discusses her memoir Mad Like Me – Travels in Bipolar Country on World Book and Copyright Day. Meet the author.
When: Saturday, April 23 at 1 p.m.
Where: Pincourt Library, 225 Pincourt Blvd., Pincourt.
Good to know: Reservations required: 514-453-8981, ext. 214.
> Library Lecture: Grow Fruit Trees
* If you’re considering cultivating fruit in your garden, this lecture at the library will allow you to discover the best varieties of fruiting shrubs and trees, how to prune, apply preventive and ecologically sound treatments, and nourish the soil. Presented by Olivier Ross of Verger Pépinière Bord-du-lac.
When: Wednesday, April 20 at 7 p.m.
Where: Pincourt Library, 225 Pincourt Blvd., Pincourt.
Good to know: Reservation required: 514-453-8981, ext. 214.
POINTE-CLAIRE
> Story Time Under Water
* A fun visit of the Little Toothed Whale exhibition by Cynthia Girard-Renard. Children can immerse themselves in the marine world and be transported by book readings selected for this occasion. They can also create their own artworks to take home. For ages 3 and up, with the presence of a parent.
When: Saturday, April 9; 10 am. en français and 11 a.m. in English.
Where: Stewart Hall art gallery, 176 ch. du Bord du lac/Lakeshore Rd., Pointe-Claire.
Good to know: Reservation required: 514 630-1220, ext.1795 or email brooke.jurdak@pointe-claire.ca.
SAINT-LAZARE
> Family Easter Activity
* Activities include a riddle-solving adventure in the forest, a bus converted into a mini farm, a crafting activity and a warming hot chocolate.
When: Saturday, April 9 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Parc nature les forestiers-de-Saint-Lazare, 2800 Ch. Lotbiniere, Saint-Lazare.
Good to know: Free. For information: www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/cahierloisirs.
> Easter Chocolate Creations
* Celebrate the season by enrolling in a free, bilingual chocolate-decorating workshop. The activity includes decorating two chocolate-covered marshmallow lollipops and a two-dimensional chocolate Easter egg. Participants will be supplied with assorted candies and white-chocolate glue to craft creations. For children aged 6 to 13.
When: Sunday, April 10 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Saint-Lazare Community Centre, 1301 Rue du Bois.
Good to know: Maximum of 15 participants. Register online before April 8: www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/enligne.
SENNEVILLE
> Spring Walks
* An outdoor training program with teacher Debbie Marsolais features twice-weekly guided walks from April 5 to May 12 (12 classes). Suitable for all.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Good to know: $50 for residents and $60 for non-residents. Online registration: www.villagesenneville.qc.ca.