Edmonton is a quilt with many different swatches of people, cultures, arts, sports and history stitched together. I've had many different paying and volunteer jobs and lived in a community which allowed me to meet many wonderful people.
Like most cities, Edmonton is comprised of neighbourhoods and mine is called Greenfield. What is unique is the community league system. People coalesce around the communty league building and activities. We participated in soccer, art and dance classes, games night, we even had lobster dinners for a few years and the annual New Year's Eve fireworks - all run by volunteers.
The girls walked to elementary school, skating, tobogganing and played tennis. Although businesses changed, we walked to the bank, post office, grocery, drug, video and liquor stores and some tasty restaurants. In fact, a small ski hill where Stef spent every weekend for a couple of winters isn't much of a hike from here and down the slope we walked the dog in the ravine.
The other night we were talking about how safe we felt in Greenfield. I recalled an evening when Andrea in her early teens took Zazu for a walk. After an hour, when she didn't return, I went out to look for her and there she was down the street talking to another dog walking neighbour.
Thirteen years ago I joined a women's soccer team. Most of the team's children had gone to school with mine. Although few of us are still playing in a league we stay in touch and we all got together last weekend to kick the ball and socialize.
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| Alison, Karen, Gail, Maida, Teresa, me, Mary-Ann and Dawn in front |
Being part of a healthy community is essential to one's quality of life. The girls and I were lucky to live in a supportive, close knit community with friendly neighbours, an annual block party, and the people who we have become close to over the years. I'll really miss them.
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