The Canora Family Resource Centre has a schedule of several activities and programs that have been designed for parents and their children from newborns to 18 years.
"What to Expect” is a new class being offered at the Canora Family Resource Centre (FRC) for first-time mothers who would like more information about common questions they may have about their newborns, said Gwen Britton, the Child Action Plan Youth Liaison Worker in Canora. The group meets the second Thursday of each month.
The public health nurse will be available to answer questions, and new mothers can connect with one another who may have the same questions, Britton said. The health nurse will also have a scale available to weigh the babies. This class is also open to prenatal mothers and is being held at the FRC.
The Sunrise Public Health Breastfeeding Support Group is meeting at the Centre on the second Thursday of each month and is available for anyone with an interest in breastfeeding, she said. Attending is a lactation consultant from Sunrise Health Region, who is available to answer questions and provide education about breastfeeding.
Gillian Rice, who is the owner/operator of Eighty-Eight Keys Music Studio in Canora, plans to offer music classes at the Centre for parents and children, up to five years of age, Britton said, adding that Rice continues to spread her love of music where it all began for her, in her hometown of Canora.
Music classes for parents and children are held in a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere, Rice said. These classes bring music to life through song, instruments and movement.
“It is never too early to start your child in a music class as it helps to foster their musical development,” Rice said. Her schedule is posted on the Canora Child Action Plan/Project Reconnect Facebook site. Registration is required and a waiting list will be available if anyone cancels. The Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) paid for this program.
Megan Peters, who is the early years facilitator at the Kamsack Family Resource Centre, has been doing the Rhyme Time exercises for four months in Kamsack, Pelly and Norquay, Britton said. Rhyme Time strengthens language, music and gross motor development in young children by getting them to rhyme, sing and dance around. She will be conducting a session once a month at the Canora Resource Centre for children to the age of five years.
Millie Zeiller with the Show Me a Sign program will be teaching parents/guardians how to sign with their children, aged six months to five years, Britton said. The fun is contagious in this structured but playful class that teaches parents and their babies or toddlers the beginnings of American Sign Language (ASL). All the signing basics will be covered. Registration for this group is required. This program is also funded by CIF.
Family Story Time will be held every Monday and Tuesday mornings, she said. Grandparents are welcome to drop-in with a book and read it with the kids.
Britton advises persons to see the calendar of events for the times allotted.
Admyred Studio offers community yoga and a wellness program which is owned and operated by Leanne Popoff who offers classes designed to get everyone participating with modifications available for all classes, Britton said. Popoff will be providing classes at the CRC for toddlers, children and post and prenatal mothers as well as sports yoga sessions at the high school once a month.
“Take time to connect with yourself and your family,” Popoff said. “Come in with an open mind and grow within, in a non-judgmental community-supported class.”
Popoff’s schedule is on the Facebook site and registration is required, thanks to the CIF.
Arts by Lia focuses using acrylic paint on canvas, zen doodles, sharpie art and charcoals for deeper intriguing portfolios.
“No art is bad art. Have fun,” and “Be who you are,” are among Lia Goossen’s sayings to her students. Classes are groups of 12 with all materials provided, with funds from CIF. Her group meets on the second Thursday of each month. Registration is required for this group.
Parents and Tots is a program being held in a relaxed, non-judgmental community-supported atmosphere on Tuesday mornings at the Centre. At this program, children up to five years of age are able to play with toys, visit with other children and enjoy crafts, Britton said. The Resource Centre has a toy library, sessions with a public health nurse and events on festive occasions.
The Centre also caters to children aged six to 18 years in other programs, including Zumba, sports athletic yoga, car care, self defense, drug awareness, make-up classes, henna art, cheerleading and visits with baby farm animals in the spring.
“We are also working on a printed directory for the community with James Michl, Nathan Bucsis and Amber Weinbenderwho will help with a list of names of young entrepreneurs, aged 13 to 18 years, who are prepared to take on a variety of jobs such as mowing lawns, house sitting, babysitting, pet walking and so much more,” Britton said.
Once Upon a Fable is a company that provides quality characters such as princesses and action heroes for children's birthday parties, child events, festivals, store appearances, parades, fundraisers and much more, Britton said. Amy Michl, whose company it is, is prepared to conduct sing-a-longs, lead crafts and do make-up sessions as well as colour children’s fingernails.
Different packages are available, Britton said. Michl and her company are booked for the Centre’s St. Patrick's Day party on March 14, an Easter party on April 18 and a spring party on May 16, thanks to the CIF.
Triple P Parenting is a positive parenting program touted to be one of the world’s most effective parenting programs, Britton said. It is one of the few programs that is based on evidence from ongoing scientific research and has had more than 90 trials and studies around the world showing it works, regardless of a family’s culture, country or situation.
Triple P works by giving parents the skills to raise confident, healthy children and to build stronger family relationships, Britton said. It also helps parents manage misbehaviour and prevent problems occurring in the first place.
“We currently offer various programs to parents and/or caregivers of children up to the age of 12 years, as well as a new program designed specifically for parents of teenagers,” Britton said. People are advised to see the schedule on Facebook at Canora action plan/project reconnect. Registration is required directly by calling Jamie Devos at Yorkton SIGN.
Brandi Zavislak, a widely-know florist will be visiting the Centre to do flower arrangements with parents and children.
“Teaching is Brandi's passion,” Britton said. “She loves what she does and wants to share it with the world. Her unforgettable teaching style and delivery have made young students come back over and over. She is known to teach everyone and she works with members of the community as well as elementary and high school students. She enjoys sharing the love of her many talents with everyone.”
Zavislak will be doing flower arrangements at CIF-fund sessions at the parents and tots group March 7, April 25 and May 23.
Persons with ideas for other programs are encouraged to contact Gwen Britton at capcanora@hotmail.com.
