ALEX HOUSE: Oktoberfest marked

Alex House has a busy lineup throughout the fall season, including programs and workshops for parents, children and teens.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon. Alex House celebrated our first annual Oktoberfest.

From Franzl and his Squeezebox to the yodeling, lederhosen and dirndl contests, it was a barrel of fun.

Many thanks to our sponsors, donors, volunteers and performers for helping us to make it a success.

If you missed it, please join us next year.

• Youth Collective is a diverse group of youth, ages 13 to 24, that wants to help youth in our community who are struggling.

Many face challenges ranging from mental health issues, social isolation or addictions to just pure boredom.

The collective meets Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. at 15455 Vine Ave., near Peace Arch Hospital, to further their goal of creating a safe, sober place for youth to go and have fun, but also to get help if needed.

They would like to see the youth space open in February 2015.

You can help by supporting their Aviva Campaign project at the time-limited Aviva Community Campaign page. Visit//www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf19614 to vote and watch their video there as well.

If you’re interested in joining the youth collective, contact whiterockyouthcollective@gmail.com or call 604-538-5060 ext 25.

• Connect is a free, attachment-based program for parents and caregivers of teens who are trying to understand and respond to challenging behaviour.

The next group starts Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6-7:15 p.m.

For more information, contact Cindi at 604-538-5060 ext 23 or cmercer@alexhouse.net

• Why are you acting this way?

This fun, informative and interactive evening that will help you understand your child’s challenging behaviour will be held Oct. 23.

It is part of an ongoing workshop series for parents of children and youth ages seven to 18, and you can attend as often as you like to continue to develop your parenting skills and network with other parents.

All sessions are at Camp Alexandra in the Lodge Lounge, 6:30- 8:30 p.m.

Next up, Nov. 20: Listen to Me: Learning to listen, understand and communicate with your child.

For information and registration, call 604-538-5060 ext 24.

• Explore with me is an interactive program for parents and children 15 months to five years that introduces the Reggio Emilia approach to learning, inspiring children’s natural curiosity to learn about the world around them.

Enjoy hands-on, interactive experiences and a song and story time each week.

Each family has the opportunity to create a book of songs and ideas to take home.

The next session runs Oct. 24 to Nov. 28.

For more information, call 604-535-0015 ext 229 or e-mail dkoskela@alexhouse.net

Donni Klassen is a contributor for Alexandra Neighbourhood House. For information on programs/services at Camp Alexandra, call 604-535-0015 or go to www.alexhouse.net

Peace Arch News