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ALEX HOUSE: New opportunities to gather this autumn

I t was heartbreaking to lose some of our favourite activities and venues during the health emergency. Familiar routines were put on hold, and impromptu get-togethers – if they happened at all – were with small, familiar groups, or at a distance. This summer has been one of renewing acquaintances, of trips to see family and friends, of routines and get-togethers rebooted.
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Celebrating Community Lunch happens on the second Wednesday of each month from September through June. (Neil Fernyhough photo)

It was heartbreaking to lose some of our favourite activities and venues during the health emergency. Familiar routines were put on hold, and impromptu get-togethers – if they happened at all – were with small, familiar groups, or at a distance. This summer has been one of renewing acquaintances, of trips to see family and friends, of routines and get-togethers rebooted.

As we slide into September, we’ll be offering opportunities to connect or reconnect with neighbours. We’ll be kicking things off with the return of Celebrating Community Lunch on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at noon.

Geared to older adults but open to everyone, our friendly volunteers serve a hot, home-cooked meal (plus dessert and tea/coffee), live music, and a quiz with prizes…all for the low cost of $12 ($10 if you become a member of Alex House). Call our front desk at 604-535-0015 or email info@alexhouse.net to register or find out more. Celebrating Community Lunch happens on the second Wednesday of each month from September through June.

On Monday, Sept. 26, 7-9 p.m., we welcome back Lit Café to Alex House. This is an evening of stories and poems shared by local writers, and includes a Q&A panel session, an open mic for aspiring authors and poets, and refreshments. Admission is by donation. An appropriate theme for our kick-off event is “Another Chance: Stories of Restoration, Return, and Renewal.” We welcome any local authors or poets who may want to share from their published or unpublished works. Contact me at communityprograms@alexhouse.net.

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Neighbourhood Small Grants are back! Do you have an idea that would bring neighbours together? Whether it’s a block party, community service initiative, workshop, or wellness activity – there are so many ways you can make an impact by sharing your skill and passion with those in your community. Projects developed by neighbours, and for neighbours, draw people out of isolation into connection, contributing to healthier, more inclusive, and more engaged community.

Grants of up to $500 are available to help you get started. To find out more, go to https://neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca/

We also offer a stream focused on youth ages 12-24. Check out https://neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca/our-grants/y-nsg/ for more information.

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Finally, I know we’re just moving out of summer, but believe it or not – we’re already planning our ever-popular Alex House Christmas Craft Fair on Nov. 19. We’re accepting applications for vendors now. Contact rentals@alexhouse.net for more information.

A safe landing into fall for all of you!

Neil Fernyhough is community programmer at Alex House. He writes monthly for the Peace Arch News.