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.
BEACONSIELD
> Goodbye Winter Blues Party
* This event for teenagers features such pop-up activities as artistic demos and workshops, dance, food, a DJ and more, all to help you face Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year.
When: Sunday, January 14 at 2 p.m.
Where: The Skatepark, 1974 City Lane, Beaconsfield.
Good to know: It’s free!
> Grandad’s Montreal
* The Beaurepaire-Beaconsfield Historical Society will present a talk by Robert N. Wilkins, author of Grandad’s Montreal, 1901. The author will discuss a few of the events that took place during the first year of the 20th century, including the death of Queen Victoria and how that news was received in Montreal; the massive Board of Trade fire of late January; the Redpath deaths in June, 1901, which were the result of one of the strangest shooting stories ever in this city’s history; the royal visit of September 1901, and more.
When: Thursday, January 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Centennial Hall, 288 Beaconsfield Blvd.
Good to know: Free for members, $5 for non-members.
> Kombucha home-brewing workshop
* Learn about the health benefits of kombucha and how to make this traditional, naturally flavoured, fermented drink. Presented by Nevine Elchibini.
When: Tuesday, January 31 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Beaconsfield Library, 303 Beaconsfield Blvd.
Good to know: Free. Registration required via Eventbrite.
DORVAL
> Wibit Day
* Children are invited to enjoy holiday-week games on giant inflatables on the water at the Dorval Aquatic and Sports Complex.
When: Thursday, January 5 — 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: Dorval Aquatic and Sports Complex, 1295 Dawson Ave.
Good to know: Children age 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Entry fee is the same as a daily pass.
> Book Launch – Pastels and Prose
* Dorval author Camille N. Issacs Morell launches her bilingual book Pastels & Prose, a collection of her paintings and the stories that inspired them. Her prose and art take readers from her childhood memories of Jamaica through world travels and back to familiar Dorval landmarks. Join the author for this celebration of her creative journey, as she reads excerpts from her book.
When: Wednesday, January 18 — 7 p.m.
Where: Dorval Library, 1401 Bord-du-lac/Lakeshore Road.
Good to know: Bilingual event. Registration not required. Coffee and desserts will be served.
HUDSON
> The Annual Panto
* The Hudson Village Theatre presents the pantomime Little Red Riding Hood Strikes Back!, written and directed by John Sheridan, who also wrote and directed 2018’s hilarious Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. The show runs throughout the holiday season to January 15 (matinées and evenings). It includes singing, dancing, silly jokes, goodies and baddies.
When: Until January 15. Schedule of performances can be viewed here.
Where: Hudson Village Theatre, 28 Wharf St., Hudson.
Good to know: Tickets: $24 – $24.50.
KIRKLAND
> Geordie Theatre Production of What If?
* In this play, performed by Geordie Theatre, Nicky wakes up daily with knots in her stomach, so much so that instead of going outside to play during recess, she prefers to take refuge in the school infirmary with her books. All of that changes when Milo, an adventurous young boy, comes into her life and turns her peace and quiet to chaos. While everything seems to set them apart, Nicky and Milo quickly discover that they have much more to learn from each other than they could have imagined.
When: Sunday, January 15 — 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
Where: Kirkland Sports Complex reception hall, 16950 Hymus Blvd.
Good to know: Show in English for children aged 5 and up. Free, but online registration required here.
PIERREFONDS
> Free Outdoor Workout
* Get fit outdoors this winter. Cap St. Jacques Nature Park is offering full-body workout sessions. Dress warmly and take a water bottle. Workouts are stroller- and sled-compatible. Materials will be provided.
When: Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. throughout January.
Where: Cap St. Jacques Nature Park, 20099 Gouin Blvd. W., Pierrefonds.
Good to know: Free. Registration at the borough’s box office required. Parking fees in the park apply.
> Tea Time
* This free workshop focuses on tea. The speaker will discuss the history of tea from its Asian origins to its introduction into Europe. She will discuss its harvesting and manufacturing before presenting several varieties of tea and the various ways tea is consumed in the world. The talk will be followed by a tasting.
When: Saturday, January 14 — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Pierrefonds Library, 13555 Pierrefonds Blvd.
Good to know: Free but registration required. Presented in French and English. For people aged 14 and older.
POINTE-CLAIRE
> Night of Reading
* Roxanne Bouchard, author of the Detective Moralès series of books, discusses her research in Gaspé, offers writing tips, and reads from her work.
When: Saturday, January 21 — 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Pointe-Claire Central Library, 100 Douglas Shand Ave., Pointe-Claire.
Good to know: Registration required at the library’s circulation desk or by phoning 514-630-1218/ext. 1624. Wine and cheese will be served.
> Craft a Shadow Box Light
* Library members aged 10 to 14 are invited to create a shadow box that will be lit with LED lights.
When: Saturday, January 21 — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Pointe-Claire Central Library, 100 Douglas Shand Ave., Pointe-Claire.
Good to know: Registration required. For library members only.
SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE
> Being True to Your Word
* Residents are invited to write one word describing their New Year’s resolutions to reduce their ecological footprints. A tree has been set up at the library to allow everyone to write the good deeds they want to do for the Earth this year (shopping local, changing consumption habits, adopting a greener lifestyle, reducing waste). Write your resolution on the library’s bookmarks (100 per cent recycled) and hang them on the tree to share them with others.
When: January 1 to 31.
Where: Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Library, 40 Saint-Pierre St.
SAINT-LAZARE
> Learn to Make Your Own Lotions and Creams
* This free workshop will teach participants to craft creams and lotions with high-quality oils and butters. The class—in English and French—will teach the use of emulsions and preservatives, using 100 per cent natural ingredients
When: Thursday, January 19 — 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: St. Lazare Community Centre, 1301 rue du Bois.
Good to know: Required registration. Call or email: 450-424-8000, ext. 220;
receptionloisirs@ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca. For residents 18 years and up. Maximum of 10 participants.
> Incredible Chromosomes – Culinary Workshop
* Children and youths aged 6 through 17 are invited to learn how to make their own pizza in this bilingual activity.
When: Saturday, January 28 — 9 a.m. to noon.
Where: Les Forestiers Nature Park, 2800 Lotbinière Rd., Saint-Lazare.
Good to know: Free, but registration required here. Information: Recreation and Community Life Services. 450-424-8000, ext. 220 or by email receptionloisirs@ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca. Maximum of 15 participants.
VAUDREUIL-DORION
> Reducing Garbage
* A workshop titled J’aime ma poubelle, mais je la quitte will teach participants what happens to our waste once it’s thrown in the bin. What roles do recycling and composting play in the fight against climate change? How can we reduce the volume of our garbage and lessen our impact on the environment? This conference offers an introduction to these issues, while demystifying the system of sorting and recovery of waste materials. Concrete, fun and accessible solutions will be proposed, with tools to take action.
When: Wednesday, January 18 — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Vaudreuil-Dorion Library, 51 Rue Jeannotte.
Good to know: Free but online registration required here.
