Community development work is not easy, just as trying to please all of the people all of the time is not easy – or even possible.
As an organization committed to building community and making neighbourhoods better places to live, Alex House recognizes that in order to move forward together we need to keep open minds, trust each other and recognize that the passion and commitment that contributes to a healthy, vibrant community is the same no matter which side of the fence we sit on.
Alexandra Neighbourhood House’s community is not just about location, it is built from shared values and beliefs and a willingness to communicate with one another. Join us, become members, find out we do, and more importantly, contribute to and be a part of your community.
We are all very fortunate to live and work on the Peninsula, a place where community matters.
• The Good Neighbour Award was developed in 1984 to acknowledge the valuable work of volunteers and to reflect the Association of Neighbourhood Houses’ commitment to making neighbourhoods better places in which to live.
More than 10 neighbourhood houses across the Lower Mainland participated in the awards ceremony in Vancouver May 3.
This year, Alex House’s Good Neighbour award winner is Bill Lightowlers, who exemplifies grass-roots community leadership.
For more than eight years, Alexandra Neighbourhood House has benefitted from Bill’s gentle demeanor and generous spirit. As a former community board member, Bill contributed through his knowledgeable and thoughtful leadership, lending both his ear and his expertise wherever needed and stepping up at community events to help out where he could.
Bill’s understanding of his local community and willingness to roll up his sleeves and participate is an example of what it means to be a Neigbourhood House volunteer.
Artoria Li is the recipient of the Good Neighbour Youth Award. From the first time she stepped through the door, Artoria has been an enthusiastic, innovative and dedicated volunteer, actively helping to initiate, plan, and organize many community activities.
As well as volunteering and sharing her delightful calligraphy talents at our annual community events, Artoria contributes ideas for activities and projects, and enjoys seeing those ideas come to fruition.
• Want to grow your gardening skills? Get your hands dirty? Meet neighbours with similar interests?
Join local master gardeners in the Alex House Gardens, three to four hours a week from April to October, and follow the garden from seed to harvest.
To get involved, contact master gardener Collene at 778-294-7339 or e-mail cclfd@hotmail.com
• We’ve just started a second English corner group, where everyone is welcome to practise English language skills in a relaxed environment while discussing interesting topics and making new friends.
Classes run Wednesdays 1-2:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon.
Call 604-671-6884 if you’d like to join in the conversation.
Donni Klassen is program and communications director at Alexandra Neighbourhood House. For information on programs/services at Camp Alexandra, call 604-535-0015 or go to www.alexhouse.net