“It was a theme that interested me, the Irish Potato Famine,” said Aubry. “When I researched it, I realized many orphans had been adopted by Quebec families.”

The book also allowed her to explore the lives of women who lived more then a century ago, and she was surprised to find they were more modern than she thought.

Aubry is taking a break from writing for theatre and television and enjoying the freedom novel writing has given her. “I like to have the space to develop my characters," she said. "Here, I have all the space I want.”

She also doesn’t have to compromise her creativity: there aren’t any directors, actors, or budget restrictions to deal with. Still, she admits that the lack of restraint is intimidating. “I wanted to put myself in danger, challenge myself,’ she said.

Aubry is the author of numerous popular television series and plays. Her first novel, Le Fort Interieure is nominated for le Grand Prix de la relève littéraire Archambault. Fanette is available in French bookstores around town.

jTeens: Learning to lead

A new community program has been making a splash. Founded five months ago by Director Asher Hecht, with help from Chabad of Westmount, jTeens teaches local teens to care. “The idea was to create an organization that would facilitate the free time for teens, (teach them) that there’s always an opportunity to share your free time and give back to the community,” said Hecht.

Their most recent project was providing 50 care packages to Canadian soldiers serving in Afghanistan. “It was really a great experience,” said Hecht. “It was a really good hands-on learning experience for the children.”

There are 25 students currently enrolled at the center, located on Ste. Catherine Street in Westmount. Their ages range from 13 to 17.

“Children are not just leaders the leaders of the next generation — they’re leaders in their own right,” noted Hecht.

Conservatory re-opens

A week after the Feb. 1 winter storm damaged about 20 of its glass roof panels, the Westmount Conservatory was reopened last Saturday. City officials closed the Conservatory and greenhouses, which are located between Victoria Hall and the library, immediately after the damage occurred.

The glass panels have been replaced, and it was business as usual at the Conservatory as of 10 a.m. last Saturday, Feb. 9.

— Jessica Murphy