Lunchtime Series – September to December 2018

Thursday, September 6, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Gabriel Safdie, writer, photographer and businessman, recounts some of his experiences in China: “The Rise of the One-Eyed Dragon.”

Thursday, September 13, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
The Americans are coming! Mark Gallop introduces us to some of the heroes and villains of the Continental Army’s occupation of Montreal in the early days of the American Revolution – 1775-76.

Thursday, September 20, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Brian Webb discusses the life and legacy of Rachel Carson, biologist and writer.

Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Author Michael Haynes gives an illustrated presentation on his new book, The Best of the Great Trail, Vol. 1: Newfoundland to Southern Ontario on the Trans Canada Trail.

Thursday, October 4, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Author Mélanie Grondin gives an illustrated presentation on her book The Art and Passion of Guido Nincheri.

Thursday, October 11, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
The Right Honourable Paul Martin discusses Indigenous education and the Martin Family Initiative in conversation with Mutsumi Takahashi, CTV Montreal chief news anchor.
NOTE: Following a 30-minute break, starting at 2:00 pm, acclaimed filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin screens her latest film, Our People Will Be Healed, with Q&A. People are free to attend one or both events.

Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Janice Hamilton and Lucy Anglin recount the inspiring story of their nine-member group of family history enthusiasts and how they collaborated on the book Beads in a Necklace: Family Stories from Genealogy Ensemble.

Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Blood Orchid: How Women Feel, a musical revue. Singer-songwriter Barbara Lewis interprets powerful songs made famous by women such as Edith Piaf, Eartha Kitt and Bette Midler, and performs some of her own. 

Thursday, November 1, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
A presentation on the touring art exhibition WAR Flowers, that is on at Château Ramezay from late October until March 31, 2019. Find out the backstory from WAR Flowers co-writers Viveka Melki, exhibition curator, and Alexander Reford, Director of Reford Gardens.

**There is no Lunchtime Series event on November 8, 2018 because of the Library’s annual benefit event on November 7.**

Thursday, November 15, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Poet Larissa Andrusyshyn speaks on “Poetic Science: Taking Liberties in Poetry and Science by Exploring How They Intertwine.” She cites curiosity and an urgency for truth as common ground between poetry and science.
NOTE: From 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Larissa Andrusyshyn leads a guided writing activity. Through writing exercises, participants will delve into the connections between the worlds of poetry and science and the language that inspires. Free and open to all. Advance registration NOT required.

Thursday, November 22, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Author Michael Carin discusses his new book Churchill At Munich and muses about parallels between 1930s Europe and today’s world with Putin and Trump.

WEDNESDAY, November 28, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Elizabeth Kirkland, Ph.D., historical researcher and Dawson College teacher, discusses Lady Julia Drummond (1860 – 1942) and her contributions to social reform in Canada and the Great War effort in Montreal and London, where she established the Maple Leaf Clubs and served as head of the Canadian Red Cross Information Bureau.

Thursday, December 6, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Author and collector Peter Blair presents “Scotland in 3D.” Most people are astonished to discover that 3D was the most popular format of photography in 1860! Peter Blair will introduce you to stereoscopy and, using 3D images from his new book, will take you on a virtual reality tour of Scotland via the main Victorian tourist hot spots. We will follow in the royal footsteps of Queen Victoria, and meet local heroes from Robert the Bruce to Andrew Carnegie and even Andy Murray. Prepare to be astounded by Victorian ingenuity and the beauty of Scotland. 3D glasses will be provided.

Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
A trio of singers from Opéra Café Concert collective sing Christmas carols and seasonal favourites: Christine Jay, soprano; Jaime Sandoval, tenor; and Léo McKenna, bass-baritone. Facebook event.

Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Poet Bill Evans, a Celt by birth, reads Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales.