Volume 6, Issue 8, August 2007

WALK IT OFF

I have this ritual that I would recommend to everyone.  Every night after dinner I take a walk.  In my case I drive my car down to Port Dalhousie here on Lake Ontario where there is a long pier.  The walk is always enjoyable because of the boats and the people that are there.  Many times I am able to watch the sun set over the lake.  There is a spectacular view.

Two things got me into this. One, my doctor said that I needed to walk more. Two, my cousin Myrna and her husband Bill.  These two are in their seventies and every night after dinner, no matter what the weather is, they take a walk.  I remember the first time I visited them after many years. After dinner they said, “Get your shoes on, we are going for our walk.”  I thought, sure!!  The wonderful part was that it wasn’t only a walk, but it was family time.  Too many families don’t take the time to just chill out together or do something together that is healthy.

Living here in Niagara, I also love to use the fabulous Niagara Parkway.  It consists of miles of parkland that run along the Niagara River.  There are picnic areas up and down the parkway.  But here is the interesting thing that struck me as I observed the families that were picnicking. It doesn’t just have to be for a birthday party or a family reunion that we take some time with our families. Just a simple Sunday afternoon for no reason other than to do something together.

 Some of us seem to think that we have to go to Canada’s Wonderland and spend lots of money in order to have fun. Don’t get me wrong, I like Canada’s Wonderland, but when I get together at the Niagara Gorge with my daughters, their spouses, the grandchildren, a picnic and a hike down the gorge, it is a wonderful experience.  No line-ups and no headaches, just quality family time.

So, if you don’t have a place like the Niagara Parkway, why not just take a walk with the family after dinner.  Talk a little about the day.  Get to know each other.  And even if there is little talking, look around you and rediscover your neighborhood and what a wonderful place you live in.

If you are walking alone, it is a good way to spend some time reflecting on the day and savoring the blessings that you have.

Finally, the bottom line is that it is healthy, so walk it off.

Ted

SIDEBAR

By Pierre R. Ouellette Hon.B.A., LL.B.

The Mouradian Group prides itself in its community involvement. One of our current projects involves the Walter & Wayne Gretzky Scholarship Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to blind and visually impaired individuals seeking to pursue their studies.

At a recent appearance Walter Gretzky shared how the Z got into his name. Apparently the Gretsky clan – that’s right Gretsky with an S – had immigrated to the United States. Walter’s Dad decided that he wanted to join the Army. He was told that he would be better treated in the Canadian Army and so up he came to enlist. In the midst of filling out some forms he kept reversing the S in his name. That reversed S became a Z and there you have it!

Walter smiled at the end of the tale and asked mischievously “Do you think we should switch it back?”

The First Annual Niagara Gretzky Golf Tournament is being held at the Beechwood Golf & Country Club in Niagara Falls on Friday September 21st. The fee is $150 and we are looking for more golfers! Dinner only tickets are also available at $50. Come join Walter and share some more stories! Call me at 905.682.7380 for more information.

MOM'S TWO CENTS

By Jordin Williamson

FAMILY!

 I think that sometimes as parents we get so caught up in work and laundry and grocery shopping that we forget what is really important ... FAMILY!

Take some time to talk to your family. Don’t just make dinner and put it on the table. Have everyone help. Together you can make dinner and set the table and sit down for the meal. Then, everyone can help clean up. It may only take one hour in total but your kids will love the attention and you will love the connection.

Take some time to ask your kids what they did that day and how your spouse’s day went at work. Turn off the TV, put down the newspaper and start some conversation that doesn’t involve discipline. Just enjoy the time you have with each other. Count your blessings and make a toast to good health, good friends and… FAMILY!

Jordin


Quote of the Month

Submitted by Brodi Mouradian

"The only commodity we have in life is TIME."

- Ted Mouradian


To find out how we can help you or your organization please browse our website:

www.CooperativeAction.com or contact us at 905-682-7380/1-877-393-3433.