Uplifting all traces of that dark November feeling

When the weather turns, masking the heated memories of summer, I truly never experience any seasonal despair. Elation as to what lies ahead is my personal realization that I can vigorously stroll the area in layers of sweaters and scarves under the dazzling sunlight, surrounded by the glorious picturesque foliage. Even the November bleakness and sparse effects of nature never affect me adversely as I have learned that every season possesses pleasurable entertainment activities, but occasionally they must be sought after, and appreciated.

To me and many others, late fall has always signified that initiation of hibernation time and there is that tendency to crave the indoors, especially when winter rolls out its snowy blanket covering. People may complain about the cooler temperatures, and dream of going south, but there is absolutely no need to believe that there is nothing to do when the weather becomes frostier. I am not diminishing the impact of winter’s occasional fury that forces us to remain inside as those times can be spent pleasantly with an absorbing book and if work is absolutely necessary, computers hook us up with ease. But in order to elaborate further on other modes of fall and winter entertainment, I shall try to direct all Westmounters as to what the area offers in terms of activities to make those impending cool temperatures feel much warmer.

My first recommendation to all families is to pore carefully through the Westmount Recreation book. There are such a variety of clubs to keep everyone with various tastes occupied without even leaving the area and what they offer is not solely for children. For those young individuals and for a minimal cost, you can enrol your child in skiing, dance, skating, hockey, karate, playgroup, scrap booking and the list goes on. There is also the Parent/Child Workshops offering self-defence, street proofing, and even a unique and necessary course in how children can learn to handle those bullying situations. The adult programs are so diverse as well and they include dancing, badminton, pilates, yoga, bridge, basketball and much more. There is an abundance to choose from and there really is something to suit everyone.

The Westmount Public Library has an absorbing array of book reading events and sometimes simply relaxing and reading in the library itself is sufficient. By visiting frequently, you may discover novels you may have never heard about that are so worthwhile.

The children’s library hosts a diverse selection of book clubs, an author lecture series, films and literary competitions. The atmosphere is also ideally private for homework and research. It is imperative for parents to encourage the use of the library, as it is the most advisable destination for research and studying. Many students do not take advantage of this facility and realistically, distractibility lessens drastically in this environment. In addition, it is beneficial for young individuals to learn to focus and research before the CEGEP years so that the transition and skills to do so are in place before high school is completed. Many students do claim that these tools were drastically lacking when they entered those years of higher education.

The Westmount Y has always been renown for fitness and its varied exercise classes. There is nothing healthier or better than getting into shape especially in the winter when there is that tendency to slow down due to that natural and more lethargic feeling resulting with our shorter and darker afternoons. The programs offered really do have something for all ages. Once Christmas and Hannukah enter the scene, do not forget about the outdoor skating rinks and if you would rather, the indoor rink at the Westmount Recreation building lists a schedule specifying hockey and free skating hours as well.

Yearly, the City of Westmount features many upcoming community events such as the Fall Flower Show, which begins on Nov. 19, the Harmonia Westmount Christmas Concert on Nov. 27, the Christmas tree lighting and party on Dec. 16, and the Hanukkah party on Dec. 16. Frequenting one or all of these occasions reinforces that sense of community as we connect with new and old acquaintances at the same time in a sharing atmosphere. As I reside at home on this cool November day, I am also contemplating an afternoon visit to one of my weekly Westmount destinations; the library. Each and every time, I visit, the aura and serenity of reading or searching for something is continually a delight, and there are always some informative notices posted about something I may have forgotten or been unaware about. But most of all it also gives me the opportunity to stroll in the connecting Westmount Park and remind myself how fortunate I am, that even after 26 years, I still love exactly where I live.