by Manibh Awada
Let me start out by saying that I have lived in and near Glendale my whole life (47 years)!
As a child, my parents’ home was in Glendale where I attended the local Elementary and moved on to the local Calgary Board of Education junior and high schools.
When I got married and started a family of my own, I just knew that I wanted to stay living around here. I love the neighbourhoods – they are rich in natural mature trees, have plenty of community parks and green spaces, and people tend to keep their residences for a long while, which means feeling secure raising children in this part of the city!
Both the neighbours on our right and left have been here as long (25 years) or even longer than us. I find such a sense of serenity and solace when walking in and around our local streets and parks. Glendale had many family-based programs (community preschool, Girl Guides, Park and Play, and more) right at our local community hall.
In 2020 our community hall had a great flood. When it reopened, we the community were asked what we would like to see run in the new facility. I have such a love of books and hoped to share this with others. When I replied to the inquiry, I was met with a response of “great, would you like to run the book club?”. To which I responded, though a bit hesitantly, “sure’. I had never run a book club before but had been part of one, so I had that to draw upon. I believe that my first meeting we only had about three members; now we are around twelve strong and growing.
I volunteer at my daughters’ schools whenever I can but mostly, I am at home caring for our family which is seven strong.
I love sharing the knowledge brought from reading and discussing a great book. Perhaps more importantly, I am so passionate about being part of a community. The members I have had the pleasure of meeting are amazing woman whom I deeply admire. Each member brings a unique take on the literature we discuss, and we have a strong and tightly woven network of caring individuals who are there for one and other should the opportunity arise for support. I have had my knowledge stretched, and I delight in our monthly meetings where we come together and share much more than just books.
I was asked “what do you hope to see next in Glendale?” One response I have is: a youth support network. I’m not sure exactly what that might look like; however, our youth need tons of support, and our Glendale family seems like a great place to begin. There are so many young people suffering with the advent of social media and the like, and I would love to see some community support where we might mentor these young folks.
Ambitious as that sounds, I believe we need to go back to our simple roots and help guide folks back to a simpler time similar to hunter-gather communities where there is not a gap between youth, adults, and elders.
Editor’s Note: Manibh has been growing Glendale’s Book Club over the last two years, and we are very grateful for how she has brought the community together and life to the Hall! Thank you for sharing a little bit about yourself with Thumper readers, Manibh!
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