Without leaving St. Albert you can actually visit a number of exotic locations simply by dropping in to the St. Albert Community Village’s Cultural Kitchen.
The cultural kitchens are scheduled for every other Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. with the first one on Sept. 13. They started four years ago as a partnership with FCSS’s Neighbourhood Development Coordinator, Angie Dedrick. Through her work, Angie had met some wonderful folks who were looking for a place to meet and get to know each other by sharing ethnic recipes and dishes from their respective countries.
In the Cultural Kitchen, the participants take turns hosting an evening, and share information about their country and culture through cooking. Some people have brought in music, flags, pictures, PowerPoint presentations, and other items.
Everyone attending gets to prepare the dishes, and of course sample the food. To date, there have been more than 30 cultures or countries represented and more than 350 participants. There is no need to register, all are welcome to come and enjoy the food and company.
Thanks to funding from the United Way, Capital Region we are able to continue with our financial literacy classes and hire an outstanding facilitator. The next session runs every Tuesday from Sept. 6 until Oct. 4. The skills taught in financial literacy have become even more significant and helpful with the current economic downturn. Participants learn about budgeting and gain an understanding of their own relationship to money. The classes are free of charge, and as an added bonus, child care and a home-cooked supper are provided to participants. If you think you would like to take this life-changing series of classes, just call the Community Village for more information or to register.
If you are interested in a fun activity that can increase your energy, yet calm your anxiety, you might want to consider coming out to the Wellness Drum Circles. The drum circles are facilitated by Marilyn Berezowsky who has been teaching drumming for many years. Marilyn is a wonderful leader whose enthusiasm is very infectious. This is a drop-in class, on Wednesday evenings, beginning Oct. 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. No advance registration is required, and Marilyn will supply the instruments, although you can bring your own, if you wish. There is no set charge for the evening, although a small donation to the Community Village is requested.
Another wellness program offered at the Community Village is iRest Meditation, led by a very skilled facilitator, Val Whitehead. This program, also known as Yoga Sleep Meditation, has been found to be helpful in relieving insomnia, anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain. The classes are offered on the second Sunday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m., with the first class scheduled Sunday, Sept. 11th. To register for iRest Meditation, please contact Val Whitehead at 780-729-6880.
All of these programs are open to the general public. For more information about any of these programs, contact Suzan at the St. Albert Community Village at 780-459-0599 or [email protected]. Suggestions and proposals for other possible collaborative wellness programs are also welcome.
Suzan Krecsy is the director of the St. Albert Food Bank.
