Westmount Here & There
January 17, 2025

A look at events happening in and around Westmount

Seeking memories of the era of polio and the first vaccination campaign

Greetings all. I am working on an article about JFK Jr. and his impact on health matters should he be appointed to Trump’s cabinet.

Image: USAID – USAID Bangladesh, Public Domain, Link

As part of this, I would like to write an article highlighting the memories of the situation prior to the rollout of the polio vaccine and the relief that people experienced after they were vaccinated.

I was born several years after the vaccine was developed and knew nothing of the fear that families faced before Dr. Salk perfected the vaccine.

As well, memories of the campaign to end smallpox would be welcomed. I believe that I received a vaccination for it. Since the campaign to eradicate the virus eliminated it from the wild, people across the globe have been spared. The global initiative proved how successful inoculation campaigns can save lives.

If anyone would like to share their memories, please send me an email via info@westmountmag.ca

I look forward to hearing from you.

Irwin Rapoport

Let’s Talk Opera! — L’Enfant et les Sortilèges (Ravel)

On Sunday, January 26 at 2 pm in Victoria Hall, 4626 Sherbrooke W, the Let’s Talk Opera! series offers a friendly and dynamic introduction to the opera L’Enfant et les Sortilèges by Ravel.

Hosted by musicologist Pierre Vachon, in the presence of singers and a pianist, Let’s Talk Opera! dives deep into the heart of the work in 60 minutes to discuss the history, music, voices, cultural context, composer, style, etc., and offers musical excerpts by opera singers. In collaboration with l’Opéra de Montréal.

Register on Eventbrite.
More information at 514 989-5226 or victoriahall@westmount.org

Contactivity Centre

Contactivity Centre, 4695 de Maisonneuve W, is a non-profit community centre that provides a welcoming, caring and safe place for autonomous seniors 60+, where a sense of community and social engagement can be fostered. The centre hosts various courses and interest groups that encompass the mind, body and soul.

Online courses and activities are now available. For more information visit contactivitycentre.org

Image: courtesy of Contactivity Centre

Centre Greene activities

Centre Greene, 1090 Greene, is host to a wide variety of activities for young and old, including a Caregiver’s Tea, Themed Activity Nights, Drop-in Daycare, After-School Program, Kids’ Kitchen, Tumbling Tots Playgroup, Seniors’ Lunches, and more!

For more information, call 514 931-6202 or visit centregreene.org

Image: courtesy of Centre Greene

City of Westmount events

The City of Westmount offers a variety of events and activities for adults and children of all ages. Please consult the city’s events calendar for more information.

Events at Westmount Public Library

4574 Sherbrooke W, Westmount

Library staff are pleased to welcome all visitors back to a safe environment in which to browse and check out items. Staff will also be there to make/renew memberships and handle your requests and questions.

More information at westlibcat.org

Image: Andrew Burlone

And over at the Atwater Library…

1200 Atwater, Westmount
Information at 514 935-7344

The Library has resumed regular hours. The building is open six days a week – every day except Sunday. See the Library’s Full schedule.

The staff are always pleased to provide information and help by phone and email.

eBooks and digital audiobooks: The Library has increased its selection of digital books for your reading and listening pleasure. For information and help: 514 935-7344 or ebooks@atwaterlibrary.ca

Image: Frédéric Ryan – Instagram (@feddomtl

SERVICES BY PHONE, EMAIL AND INTERNET

Atwater Library staff are continuing to provide help and information by phone and email at 514 935-7344 (weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm) and at info@atwaterlibrary.ca
Follow the Library on Facebook

Questions about your computer or device? Email connect@atwaterlibrary.ca or phone 514 935-7344 daytime during the week. With funding from the Government of Canada.

CONNECT PROJECT

WEEKLY INTERNET PEER CAFÉ

Monday, January 20 from 1 pm to 3 pm
Via Zoom Only: Weekly Internet Peer Café – Join Carmen Lum for a discussion about using computers, tablets and smartphones. Stay for 20 minutes or the full two hours for sharing, learning and socializing. Free, thanks to funding from the Grace Dart Foundation. To register and get the Zoom link, click here, fill out the form, and submit it.

DROP-IN TECH HELP

Thursday, January 30 from 3 pm to 5 pm
In-Person Only: Do you have a question about using your device? The Library’s team of tech-savvy staff and volunteers will be in the Adair Auditorium, accessible by elevator, to give some quick help for free with demonstrations and resources aimed at improving digital literacy skills. Bring your device or use one of the Library’s tablets or laptops. First come, first served, no advance registration. Free, thanks to funding from the Grace Dart Foundation. More information: connect@atwaterlibrary.ca

YOUTUBE VIDEO SERIES

During the Spring of 2020, the Connect Project team made a series of YouTube videos to help people be in touch, informed and inspired through digital technology.

Episode 1 – Introduction: Be in touch, informed and inspired through digital technology.

Episode 2 – eBooks and audiobooks: Get started enjoying books on your device — phone, tablet or computer, with step-by-step instructions for borrowing eBooks and audiobooks from the Atwater Library.

Episode 3 – Podcasts

How to begin enjoying a wealth of free recorded radio programs and other online audio material. Included is info about popular and recommended podcasts.

Episode 4: Filing Your Income Tax Return Online

Episode 5: Zoom Video Conferencing
Step-by-step instructions for taking part in online meetings and events using Zoom. With a “cheat sheet” guide to buttons and functions.

Episode 6: Digital Discussions Lecture Series
A brief intro with links to presenters’ slideshows and a guide to YouTube buttons and functions.

Episode 7: Online Ordering for Delivery
A guide with helpful information and local examples.

FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM

Wednesday, January 22 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Via Zoom Only: RRSPs, TFSAs and FHSAs: Info for 2025 – Financial educator Lynn Bennett presents current information and answers questions. To register and get the Zoom link: lverge@atwaterlibrary.ca

YOUTUBE VIDEO SERIES

Nutrition on a Budget
Video – Eat Well on a Budget (50 minutes) with Jaimie Yue, Registered Dietitian. You can sign up for her newsletter and receive a free eBook with recipes.

Personal Finances in Times of Crisis
Video (20 minutes) with Michel Gariépy, analyst with Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). He gives tips for saving money and shares the AMF Budget Sheet and Balance Sheet forms.

RRIF (Registered Retirement Income Fund)
Video (29 minutes) with Certified Financial Planner Lynn Bennett.

Budgeting Basics 2: Protect Your Money and Online Resources
Video (35 minutes) with computer instructor Liz Perrin. She discusses online consumer resources and gives pointers for guarding against scams and fraud.

Budgeting Basics
Video (33 minutes) with computer instructor Liz Perrin on the importance of a budget, even in difficult times, and the three steps to creating one: planning, making and reviewing. Examples of free online budgeting tools are included.

Fraud prevention
COVID-19: Watch Out For Financial Fraud!
Video (25 minutes) with Michel Gariépy, analyst with Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF).

Info on Wills
Video (25 minutes) with Ann Soden, Ad. E., Elder Law Lawyer and mediator, and Anna Kamateros, notary, in conversation with Financial Literacy Program Coordinator, Natalie Domingue. Includes information on how people can write their own “holograph will” while physically isolating, with pointers for minimizing the risk of challenges after death.

Click to access Éducaloi’s detailed guide on Wills

The Atwater Library Financial Literacy Program is funded by Canadian Heritage.

DROP-IN CV WORKSHOP

Friday, January 17 from 3 pm to 5 pm
In-Person Only: Learn how to create a professional CV that highlights your skills and experience, for free. Library staff and volunteers will give formatting tips and show you how to tailor your CV for specific roles. Part of the Atwater Library CELI Skills for Success Project. Attendees are welcome to bring their devices or use an Atwater Library device. In the Adair Auditorium (accessible by elevator). First come, first served, no advance registration. More information: celi@atwaterlibrary.ca

LUNCHTIME SERIES

Thursday, January 23 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Via Zoom Only: Estate Planning – Catherine Rahal, Certified Professional Consultant on Aging, gives practical advice for organizing information and documents for those responsible for your affairs following incapacity or death. She will discuss her book If You Love Them Leave Them Lists. To register and get the Zoom link, click here, fill out and submit the form.

CELI CAREER LOUNGE

Thursday, January 23 from 3 pm to 5 pm
In-Person Only: Drop-In Help – Get quick help for your job search, for free. Tips and resources for using job boards and LinkedIn, networking online, preparing CVs and cover letters, and more. This is part of the Atwater Library CELI Skills for Success Project. Attendees are welcome to bring their device or use a Library device. In the Adair Auditorium, accessible by elevator. First come, first served, no advance registration. For more information: celi@atwaterlibrary.ca

CELI LANGUAGE EXCHANGE SOCIAL

Friday, January 24 from 3 pm to 5 pm
In-Person Only: A fun get-together in the Adair Auditorium to practice English and French language skills, meet new people and learn about Atwater Library resources.
This is part of the Atwater Library CELI Skills for Success Project. To register and reserve a spot, click here, fill out and submit the form.