Fans of Westmount author William Weintraub will be pleased to know that he will be reading from his most recent book, the comic novel Crazy About Lili, at the Atwater Library next Wednesday, June 18, at 12:30 p.m.

The risqué novel, which centres around a young McGill student's infatuation with a notorious stripper, is set in Westmount and Montreal in the 1940s. It was published to great critical acclaim in 2005.

To enhance the mood of the reading, jazz saxophonist Dave Turner will play sultry and sentimental music of the period. Bring your lunch and come and enjoy one of Westmount's exceptional storytellers. For more information, phone the library at 514-935-7344.

Westmounter Karin Marks, who happens to also be the mayor, will lead the conversation at the monthly book club at the Westmount Public Library next week.

The group will discuss Peter Robinson's 'Piece of My Heart', the 16th in the author's Inspector Banks series of mysteries. Set in England in the 1960s, the story explores the age-old truth of how things can go so wrong when one generation is estranged from the next and when fathers no longer understand their daughters.

The book club meets on Tuesday, June 17, at the Westmount Public Library, 4574 Sherbrooke St. W., at 7 p.m. For more information, phone programming librarian Donna Lach at 514-989-5386. No registration is necessary for this free session.

Craft master Barbara Shanks from Garnitures Dressmaker at 2186 St. Catherine St. W., will teach a beading workshop next Thursday, June 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Atwater Library. Shanks will demonstrate how to create a wire crochet necklace, a light summer accessory. A kit with all supplies will be available at the library for $15. For more information, phone Shanks at Garnitures Dressmaker at 514-935-7421. All proceeds will go to the ALCC for library improvements.

Participants at the Royal Montreal Regiment Armory in Westmount's 67th annual Ceremonial Review of the 1 West Montreal Air Cadet Squadron earlier this month were looking forward to meeting and hearing from the Hon. Marlene Jennings, MP for the Notre Dame de Grace-Lachine riding. But they weren't expecting Marc Garneau, Canada's first astronaut, to accompany her on the platform. In addition to an official parade, the cadets presented their guests with a fashion show of uniforms worn by cadets since the formation of the movement 67 years ago.

Later, Garneau presented the Richard Bowser Memorial Plaque, awarded to the cadet who embodies the initiative of the Air Cadet movement.

On a personal note, while you are reading this on Thursday, June 12, I will be remembering and being thankful for life, love and friends. On this day 20 years ago I began my healing journey with the diagnosis of stage three ovarian cancer. I was only 34 and had never heard of the disease that I later learned whispers.

At the time of diagnosis I made four decisions right there and then in the doctor's office. I would not die but live and declare the illustrious acts of the Lord (Psalm 118). I would be the best patient I could be for my family, my friends and my caregivers. I would do whatever it took to get well. I would trust God to heal me, and He did. Fourteen years ago, after four life-threatening metastases, my doctors called me healed, not in remission. Thank you, Sir.

• Items for Around Westmount may be sent by email to marilynn@regardsmarilynn.com