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Cohousing is...
Creative Community
“How can we help people quickly grasp the concept of cohousing?”
This was a question posed by a University of Regina business student during a recent Prairie Spruce Commons Cohousing presentation. Participating in a cohousing event is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to grasp the concept of cohousing. In this newsletter we are highlighting two events that took place in September, and two that are happening soon. We look forward to meeting YOU.
Brett Dolter (aka B.D. Willoughby) is a singer songwriter from Regina. Brett likes to compare cohousing with a band playing music together. He says, "Cohousing is a lot like making music. We all contribute a special sound and therefore it sounds so much better when we play together”. You can hear Brett’s special sounds at our event on October 22nd.
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Cohousing is...
Sharing for the Future
October 22nd, 2014
On October 22nd, members of Prairie Spruce Commons are hosting a community-minded, fun and family friendly evening at the Club Stage at the Cultural Exchange, 2431 8th Avenue, Regina. The event will begin with an optional public community potluck at 5:30pm followed by a concert and dance at 6:30pm. Participants will be treated to music from B.D. Willoughby, Glenn Sutter and the Rivertime Band, and Jim Wright. Admission is free and everyone is welcome!
Suzanne Sauder, an equity member of Prairie Spruce Commons is looking forward to this concert. She explains, “This community potluck and eclectic concert exemplifies all that is Prairie Spruce Commons cohousing: the emphasis on community, building diverse relationships with folks of all ages and being mindful of living lightly on this planet.”
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Cohousing is...
The HAPPY Movie
November 16th, 2014
Allan MacDowell on his blog about the movie HAPPY, writes, “Americans, and Canadians too, are suffering from an epidemic that many are just too busy to notice. We are overworked, we are overbooked, and life’s most fulfilling aspects are being overlooked”.
HAPPY is a feature-length documentary from the Academy Award® nominated director Roko Belic (Genghis Blues), that leads viewers across 5 continents in search of the keys to happiness. The film addresses many of the fundamental issues we face in today’s society: how do we balance the allure of money, fame and social status with our need for strong relationships, health and personal fulfillment? Through remarkable human stories and cutting-edge science, HAPPY leads us towards a deeper understanding of why and how we can pursue more fulfilling, healthier and happier lives.
Prairie Spruce Commons cohousing members are hosting a free showing of HAPPY, Sunday November 16th at 6:30 at Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre at 2900 13th Avenue. The movie will be preceded by a pot-luck (optional). We hope you can join us.
Click here for the trailer
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Cohousing is...
Visiting Kindred Spirits at Wolf Willow
Sunday September 28th, 19 Prairie Spruce Commons members and guests travelled to Saskatoon to visit Wolf Willow Cohousing. We were so impressed! Wolf Willow is built on a compact lot, but the use of building space and landscaping is very effective. Our timing was just right to see the flowers and vegetables that the community grows around the building and even on the boulevard. An outdoor eating area overlooks a pond and bridge. It was interesting to learn about the design and construction of their sturdy metal fence, which looks great and was cost effective. A nearby bike path is practical for bike traffic and long walks.
Our visit to Wolf Willow emphasized the benefits of living in a cohousing community. One of the benefits of living in a cohousing community is that events that seem daunting for most single families to organize in their own homes are a “piece of cake” for a cohousing community. The large common areas of a cohousing community allow a large number of people to come together for events. Sharing resources means that the planning and preparations are shared among many households. As a result, it is common for cohousing members to be treated to regular house concerts featuring local and touring artists and musicians as well as frequent community potlucks.
A plus was discovering the fun that is in store when our two communities exchange visits in the years to come. You can read more about our visit on the Prairie Spruce blog.
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Cohousing is...
A Movie in the Making
Our group of future Prairie Spruce residents is all about creating community, whether it’s inside or outside our walls. Late September, we decided to do a little something for our future neighbours across the street on Badham Boulevard: a flash mob clean up. We turned more than a few heads as we descended onto our new home (to be) with rakes, shovels, and a very interesting looking grass whip.
In short order we had weeds pulled, dirt shoveled and garbage picked up. It’s amazing what we can pull off by working together! Check out this awesome video we put together. We think it shows our true colors!
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