GNAG’s gratitude list

Gratitude is something that I have been practising a lot during the last few years of the pandemic. Reminding myself on a regular basis that I have so much to be grateful for helped me to get through some of those tougher, winter lockdowns. Well, to be honest, that and a lot of tea, the occasional glass of wine and many virtual calls from friends and family. This year, I have more gratitude than ever because so much more opportunity has opened over the last year. At GNAG, we are able to run in-person events again, deliver new programming and continue to build bonds with the community. As we head into the holiday season, I ask everyone reading this article to reflect on what you are grateful for as this year comes to an end. For GNAG, this is our gratitude list.

Hosting in-person events!

We are so grateful for in-person events! We’ve had so much success with the Halloween event, The Craft Fair and Trivia night. Seeing the community come out and support GNAG has been an absolute pleasure. We can’t wait to see what events will come in the new year and are very much looking forward to the sold-out Taste in the Glebe in late January. Be on the lookout for more food and beverage events in 2023!

Winter Carnival is happening Sunday, December 11, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Main Hall. Celebrate the start of winter with an indoor carnival at the Glebe Community Centre. Get ready for an incredible party with inflatables, crafts, prizes, a photo booth and carnival games galore. Masks are required for all attendees. Recommended for kids three to 12 years. Kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult (14 years +). Adults and kids both need tickets.

Programing

Winter programming opened on December 6 at 7 p.m. We hope you got a spot in the program you wanted!

This winter, we are bringing back so many GNAG classics! The Mutchmor rink is back, and there will be tons of opportunities for your children to play shinny and learn to skate!

Dance with Emilie is opening drop-in spaces in the Monday 6:15 p.m., all-levels class called Feel the Vibes! Drop in and try something new with us this winter.

Don’t forget to check out the children’s specialty programming after school! We have so many options for your kids, including basketball, martial arts, Pokémon club and many cooking classes.

Community partnerships

We have been very lucky to have so many kind community members supporting initiatives in this community. I would like to recognize one of our amazing community leaders, Rebecca McKeen, who started a donation campaign to help us with the playground redevelopment project. Metro McKeen was able to raise a total close to $1,000 and matched that donation to a total of $2,000.

Big shout out to the Glebe Central Pub for providing glassware donations and beverages at cost for our Trivia night! We also had donations for prizes from Starbucks on Third and St. Louis Bar & Grill on Elgin.

Thank you to every resident who donated to this campaign and who attended our Trivia night – we are so grateful for your support.

We are continuing to take private donations for the preschool playground. If you or your business would like to donate, please reach out to us at info@gnag.ca. We can provide tax receipts for donations over $50.

My personal gratitude list

I feel so grateful to be a part of this community which has welcomed me so generously. To GNAG board members who have been so kind and supportive and the staff at GNAG who have let me into their tight-knit circle, thank you. I am so grateful to be here with you all.

To my family, friends and colleagues this holiday season, I would not be here without your support and encouragement – I am so lucky to have you all.

I hope that everyone has an opportunity this season to reflect on their own gratitude list from this past year, as we say goodbye to 2022 and welcome a new beginning in 2023.