Last month, 2024 Benjamin Library, with the support of The Friends of the Library Allied Gardens/Benjamin Chapter, held its Community Festival Extravaganza (pictured above) for its patrons and neighbors. Councilmember Raul Campillo and family along with 400 happy neighbors attended.
The Friends gave out magnets and the opportunity to spin for prizes. There was face painting, a petting zoo, and pony rides for the children. Grocery Outlet, Rockets, the Optimist Club, Kiwanis, Allied Community Gardens, and Ascension Church and the Montessori School were there to greet and entertain the crowd. The Festival reminded us that our library isn’t just about books – it is about community. Jerry Coleman would have said, “Hang a star on that one!”
Readers of this article will recall comments, laments actually, of how some longtime members left essential positions and how the future of the Allied Gardens/Grantville Community Council (AGGCC) was iffy.
On June 3, the Community Council met to reconstitute the Board of Directors and to revitalize its mission. New voices with new energy now join us in service to the community. Our thanks for their commitment to the betterment of our neighborhood. From time to time, in this article and by emails to our contact list, we will keep you advised of what is going on. As always, we offer you the opportunity to add to your talent to our efforts to meet the community’s needs.
Our next meeting will be a Navajo Town Hall meeting in conjunction with the folks from Del Cerro and San Carlos. The meeting will be on Wednesday, July 17, between 6:30 p.m. and 8 at the San Carlos Library. Our topic will be how the four Navajo communities can act in concert on matters of mutual interest.
Just like politics, all patriotism is local.
And local it will be on July 4, when the parade begins at 9 a.m. at Marvin Elementary. Led by Engine 31 bicycles, strollers, and children of all ages, all adorned in Red, White, and Blue, will proceed down Brunswick, up Eldridge, across Hamil, over Gala, and back by way of Eldridge and Brunswick. There will be popsicles for the children and a demonstration by Gemstone Gymnastics. But most important, it will be a celebration of all of the marvelous benefits of being American.
Some events at the Benjamin Library:
Saturday, June 22, between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Friends of the Library will hold the Summer Book Sale with terrific reads at terrific prices.
Between June 1 and Aug. 31, the library “Read, Renew, Report” event. Complete a combination of 10 books, hours, or activities to claim your prizes.
Thursday, June 20, at 10:30 a.m. – Craig Newton’s music
Wednesday, June 26, at 10:30 a.m.– Sparkles the Clown
Monday, July 8, at 3 p.m. – Illusions by Allen-Magic
Saturday, July 13, at 12:30 p.m. – Dolphin Doctor, Dolphin Care
There are too many programs, such as Children and Adult reading skills, to post here. Find all of the library’s activities on their bulletin board.
Other events:
July 4, at the Lake Murray Playground, 7001 Murray Park Dr, San Diego, between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. you are invited to attend the Lake Murray Fireworks and Musicfest.
Monday, Aug. 5, at Benjamin Library, in-person or by Zoom, between 5:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. the Navajo Town Council will conduct a Town Hall meeting. Our intended topics will be the 911 call and response system and how we encourage the city to address the influx of unhoused persons into our neighborhoods. Further notice will be sent to the AGGCC email contact list.
On Wednesday, July 10, and on Wednesday, Aug.14, the Navajo Community Planners, Inc. (NCPI) will meet to examine real estate development projects in the Navajo Communities.
One final note, on Red Boot Day the Optimist Club received $611.00 in contributions for the San Diego Ronald Donald house from 60 or so drivers at the corner of Warning and Zion. Thanks to the Club and their contributors.
Get yourself on the mailing list. Go to aggccouncil.org, click on the “Contact Us” link, and fill out the form.
(Courtesy images)
