FROM THE PRESIDENT
A Precious Commodity
Ray Hoger | President, ARTA
As ARTA’ s new president, I am delighted and joyful to pen my first president’ s message.
I look forward to the challenges and successes that our new executive team will be part of. Our new five-year strategic plan will soon be released and we continue to look to the needs of not just our members but of all Alberta seniors.
One dictionary defines joy as an emotion of happiness or great delight. To me, the word joy conjures up thoughts of a past girlfriend, a favourite movie, and a dishwashing soap. I also asked some local experts what they think joy is.
I was recently subbing in a Grade 3 class and asked them:“ What brings you joy?” The responses ranged from a variety of sweets to younger siblings and pet puppies and kittens. Some children mentioned grandparents and parents, and then the ones who chose sweets wanted to change their answers to include their grandparents and parents as well! The same question, posed at a local seniors’ location, revealed that children, grandchildren, dear friends, and a fine bottle of wine or single malt scotch were the sources of their joy.
Family extends beyond our immediate sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, parents, and others. Many families have honorary aunts, uncles, grandparents, grandchildren, and children. What binds us into whatever web of family we have is the joy of our interconnectedness. Unfortunately, family time often needs to be balanced with the challenges of work, school, volunteering, and other commitments. Those challenges make the joy of our families that much more compelling and make the time we share with our family a precious commodity. As with any precious commodity, we want to maximize its value.
A seasonal favourite for my family is walking in new fallen snow, followed by the always-necessary hot chocolate or hot apple cider. Game nights, card parties, and cheering on our favourite sports teams on the television( not always the same favourites!) are always a loud and exciting affair. Find what works for you and make it a regular feature of family time. Use the inevitable conflicts that arise to help the younger ones develop healthy, constructive ways to resolve problems.
Find what brings joy to you and embrace it. Share it with those around you in whatever fashion works for you. Help bring joy to the world!
WINTER 2025 | 5