Like sands through the hourglass, so are the… Wait a second-that’s Days of Our Lives! Why is it that contemplation brings me back to my grandmother’s living room where we cuddled and laughed at the silliness and intensity of soap operas?
(Photo MWCN)
Covid times have been upsetting people’s lives across our planet for over 19 months and change is not often welcome even in the best of times. I am fortunate though to have found myself, in these strange times, at a new job, working among a team of dedicated individuals who are as diverse as the geographical areas they come from. Held together by one commonality-our desire to help others-we are the Montérégie West Community Network (MWCN)!
I spent the first weeks of September familiarizing myself with all that our organization has to offer; physically and mentally stimulating activities whether it be our Happy Laps walking group, art, French, or Tek Talk classes. I have sat in on Zoom meetings where different organizations come together to discuss, share, and brainstorm how we can better serve our respective communities, often by helping each other.
HELP! Such a strong word; sometimes we give it and sometimes we need it. In collaboration with the CISSS, we started a new program called Let’s Chat! Employees interested in practicing their English skills are paired with volunteers for occasional casual conversation be it through Zoom, or over the phone. My grandmother often said, “you are never too old to learn something new to improve yourself!”. We are works of art that are never quite finished…
Our Lunch and Learns are a wonderful mix of educational material with the pleasure of breaking bread among friends. Recently we were graced with Rob Lute’s The Stories Behind the Songs, where the acclaimed Canadian folk and blues musician shared memories and the fascinating stories behind songs we know and love, such as Yankee Doodle, the Star Spangled Banner, and Amazing Grace to name but a few. Mr.Lutes will be back to join us on the first Wednesday of December and again come the new year to continue enticing our minds with his array of catchy tunes!
Feed the mind and work the body! Physical fitness is essential for one’s psychological well-being and the MWCN has long offered different ways of keeping active. Our newest addition to the schedule at the Châteauguay office is Belly Dancing in the Park! A group of giddy, young at heart women gather, to move to the relaxing beats from lands afar while learning new ways to express themselves through healthy, all-over body toning. Facilitated by yours truly, the laughs are plentiful!
The MWCN is here for YOU! Please feel free to contact us for information on upcoming activities and events, if you need someone to talk to, or simply to say “Hi”. I’ve found another one of my happy places, Nanny!
Sharon Vocino
NPI, Châteauguay
www.mwcn.ca
