As part of its public lecture series, the Westmount Y Centre will host author, humourist, architect and engineer David Reich, who will discuss the topic 'Alternative Strategies for Coping with the World: Crying or Laughing' next Wednesday, Dec. 2 starting at 7 p.m.

“I propose advanced humour in dealing with politics, economics, global warming, terrorism and parking tickets," said Reich. "The talk will be restricted to those not hard of hearing or smiling."

A Westmount resident for 40 years and architect for 60, Reich has authored 10 books. ‘I admit that my first 82 years have been the hardest, but now I am looking forward to happily sharing my secrets with anyone ready to waste an evening.”

There is no charge for Reich's discussion, which will be held in English followed by a bilingual question-and-answer period. The Westmount Y Centre is located at 4585 Sherbrooke Street West. For more information, contact Tracy Kamel at 514-931-6770 ext. 248.

The community is invited to three intimate evenings of jazz and poetry in Westmount with internationally renowned singer, composer, writer, professor, photographer, actor and poet Jeri Brown and protégée poet, singer/songwriter, comedienne, actor and visual artist Lydia Lockett, starting this Sunday, Nov. 29 at the London Bus Café.

Jazz guitarist Nicolas Berthiaume will also perform, and poet Erica Ruth Kelly will open the show. Brown will recite some material from her musical tribute to Nina Simone, and will sing her original poetry, accompanied by herself on piano. Lockett will perform pieces from her sixth one-woman show, Jazz Poetry… A Talkin’ Blue.

The performances, which will be recorded and will include original words and music with sounds of jazz, blues and R&B, will begin at 6 p.m. this Sunday, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 at the London Bus Café, 4126 Ste. Catherine St. W. Admission is $12 and includes refreshments courtesy of London Bus Café. For more information, phone 514-931-5571 or email Sherry Lee at montrealpoetry@gmail.com

Over 40 professional artisans and artists will participate in the ninth annual Villa Maria Arts and Crafts Fair this weekend in support of the school's bursary fund.

Karine and Suzanee Charlebois, who create quirky brooches and bags, Cornelia Schmoetzer, whose whimsical one-of-a kind dolls are always popular, and Sabine Eid, who paints luminous Charlevoix scenes, are just some of the artists who will present their unique gift items that will be available Friday, Nov. 27 from 3 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Other Christmas items will include hand crafted jewellery, house decorations, Christmas ornaments, and a variety of sweets. The event will take place at Villa Maria High School, 4245 Decarie Boulevard at the Villa-Maria Metro. For more information phone 514-484-4950.

Come learn about philanthropy in Canada at the Atwater Library’s lunchtime series on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 12:30 p.m. John Hallward, chair of the Hallmont Foundation and founder of GIV3, will discuss our philanthropic obligations. Participants will be inspired to consider their personal opportunities and responsibilities to connect with and help others.

GIV3 is a new not-for-profit initiative focused on engaging Canadians in the conversation of giving and to encourage more Canadians to be more philanthropic.