Green Smiley Sunday/Monday
We had our Neighbourfest 2014 today. My friend and neighbour Adriana and I have been incredibly busy meeting people from agencies and organizations in our neighbourhood. We developed the program, and introduced the wonderful people that we met. They are all dedicated to serving the diverse populations in our community.
Our program included the Chinese Elderly Association choir singing our national anthem amd doing a lion dance. A group of teens from the Boys and Girls Club (an agency that focuses on disadvantaged kids) performed some rap songs that they wrote. They were great (noisy bout great). A group of Vietnamese dancers from our local high school did a beautiful fan dance. We decided that we needed some Canadian content so we had square dancing. It was fun for the audience as they got to try it We were informed by the caller that square dancing was popular around the works - who would have thought it? Our event was held at the Italian Cultural Centre which is down a flight of stairs from our condo. So we had some Italian folk dancing and bocce lessons. There was a lot more but you get the idea!
In addition we had henna for the adults; and for the children, a bouncy house, face painting, a police car and fire trucks to explore, and a children's performer who did magic and sang. Thank goodness the day was sunny and mild (after our snow storm, we were soooo relieved).
The food was provided by ethnic restaurants in our area and we were blown away by the quality and variety!
All in all, it was a wonderful day - the comments we had were great. We had over 200 participants - not bad for our First Annual Neighbourfest Celebrating Diversity and Creating Community.
I have been whining about how busy I was. I am so glad our hard work paid off!
I am babbling but I am on a bit of a high - and have had a bit of wine.... After all our work, I am so relieved that it went well.
Lisa: I know you were with us. I felt so comfortable and amazingly, I enjoyed the day! I miss you always and love you forever, Mummy
Our program included the Chinese Elderly Association choir singing our national anthem amd doing a lion dance. A group of teens from the Boys and Girls Club (an agency that focuses on disadvantaged kids) performed some rap songs that they wrote. They were great (noisy bout great). A group of Vietnamese dancers from our local high school did a beautiful fan dance. We decided that we needed some Canadian content so we had square dancing. It was fun for the audience as they got to try it We were informed by the caller that square dancing was popular around the works - who would have thought it? Our event was held at the Italian Cultural Centre which is down a flight of stairs from our condo. So we had some Italian folk dancing and bocce lessons. There was a lot more but you get the idea!
In addition we had henna for the adults; and for the children, a bouncy house, face painting, a police car and fire trucks to explore, and a children's performer who did magic and sang. Thank goodness the day was sunny and mild (after our snow storm, we were soooo relieved).
The food was provided by ethnic restaurants in our area and we were blown away by the quality and variety!
All in all, it was a wonderful day - the comments we had were great. We had over 200 participants - not bad for our First Annual Neighbourfest Celebrating Diversity and Creating Community.
I have been whining about how busy I was. I am so glad our hard work paid off!
I am babbling but I am on a bit of a high - and have had a bit of wine.... After all our work, I am so relieved that it went well.
Lisa: I know you were with us. I felt so comfortable and amazingly, I enjoyed the day! I miss you always and love you forever, Mummy
Replies
What a wonderful idea and event. Sounds like a good time. Now go relax - you deserve it. Hugs, Ann
Sounds like a wonderful and successful day!!! xoxoxo
Celebrating diversity......love it!!!
What a totally wonderful thing you all did. As you described what went on, I could hear the singing, see the dancing & even smell the food.
If I ever need to plan a big event.....I know who to call for help.
What a completely wonderful event! Your hard work surely did pay off in a multitude of ways!
Love,
Diane
What fun! I never would have thought that square dancing was Canadian...but then there is a lot I don\'t know about different cultures. I would love to attend something like this, but in our rural community something like that would not be possible. Also these reneck Arkansains can\'t appreciate other cultures...it kind of urks me being from New York where everyone is melted together. I bet this event gets bigger and bigger every year.
Sounds perfect in every way and job well done my friend! I would have adored to attend and I\'m sure you\'ll be planning next year before too long or perhaps already are getting those gears going. :)
Wishing you a love filled day and your living life to its fullest in the midst of your loss is inspiring Marlene and as you commented in another journal you have learned coping skills. They feel as if they are serving you very well.
Huge exhales and pats on the back for helping to pull off a very successful event.
Much love,
XO Joanie
Marlene, what a fun and rewarding event! Well done.
Love to you and Lisa, Linda
you know how to have fun!!!!!!!!
What a great day! Love you.
Congrats of a job well done. Now you have to out due yourself next year, haha!!!! Peace, Kathy
I am glad things went very well. Sounds like there will be a part 2 next yr. So whine away LOL also giggles help
Love ya Penny
How amazingly wonderful. I feel like I could see everything as you described it.
You deserve the wine. Cheers!
Hugs & love,
Debbie
Wow!! I get tiered, just reading how much work you put into this event ! Kudos, on a job well done :)
((((HUGS))))....Julia
It sounds like I am running around like a mad woman! I am not that energetic. I love visiting community organizations. Sunday was a bit crazy but I loved every minute of it. My friend Adriana and I organized the whole thing. We work together so well. I do the big picture; she does the details. What one of us misses, the other one picks up on. Neither of us gets insulted if we need to be corrected. I wish I\'d had Adriana as a colleague. We are a great team!
Tomorrow night, we have an owners meeting in the condo - to explain why we have a huge special assessment. Pray that I don\'t get stoned! I am the one who seconded the motion at the board meeting....
After that, perhaps a bit of down time.
Thank you all for your loving comments.
Lisa: I think you had a hand it all of it. II wish you had come to visit me last night with your Grandma. I miss you always and love you forever. Mummy