I’ve been reminded lately, especially on a long walk, how a bench is a blessed sight! Sitting on a bench is a chance to catch your breath, take in the scenery around you, and give your body a chance to recuperate before the walk continues. They can also give us the opportunity to relax, contemplate and remember. A group of friends recently came together to raise funds for a memorial bench dedicated to the memory of a loved one who had recently passed. A bench is like a hug – it gives us strength, support and the reminder that it’s OK to slow down and breathe deep!
This past June, a wonderful team at Westgate Collegiate & Vocational Institute, including student artists Aiyana Dream, Eija Sokolowski, Jane Elder, and Brooklynn Walker, and their teachers, Ryan Oryniak and Jeffrey Starcok, created colourful benches. Their art installation was added to Heath Park, one of my favourite city parks, deep in the heart of Westfort. The benches are meant to be a gathering place for people to chat and connect outdoors. One of the benches features a quote by Elder Eli Jacko. Eli had visited Westgate and showed a movie he had made about the importance of seeing a blue jay (the bird, not a baseball player!) on a walk. His words made a lasting impact on Grade 9 students Eija and Jane. Their bench featured his quote: “May the Good Spirit be your guide as we walk to learn, see to hear and enjoy.” Eli’s quote, and the work of young people to bring it to life in colour, is a reminder of how stopping to slow down and appreciate nature can enrich our lives. And benches make it easier to have a place to connect with our neighbours.
As the founder of Age BIG, a Thunder Bay-based program that challenges people to embrace aging Boldly, Inquisitively and Gratefully, I was recognized by 8 80 Cities as one of thirty Ontario Community Changemakers. This recognition led me to found a project called Park Your Stories: Storytelling in the GRAND Outdoors, to bring together people on benches and portable chairs in local parks to write personal stories. These little gems, written in 10 minutes, are shared with the other participants. The stories bring laughter and, occasionally, a tear. We’re working on a podcast to gather some of those stories in an audio form to share with listeners.
Over the summer we’ve had story gatherings at Heath Park, at the Central Natural Environment Garden and at Chartwell locations across the city. The next Park Your Stories: Story Sharing in the GRAND Outdoors events take place on: Wednesday, September 24th, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, Mission Marsh Conservation Area, 106th Street on Mission Island.
For more about the Park your Stories go to www.agebig.com/park-your-stories
