The Cookie Story

Gloria Truitt has found a special way to get people acquainted. She has used this method at Don Bode's Senior Asahi class in Marquette, MI.

My cookie story begins here.

Gloria Truitt and Asahi head trainer Margaret Vainio on Gloria's birthday at Asahi practice in August 2025.

My husband Jack loved cookies, so I baked a different kind several times a week.

We were a “young” neighborhood back then, and I recall often bringing a plateful to the kids jumping on the neighbors' trampoline. They’re well into their 50’s now, but they still keep in touch because they remember the COOKIES!

A while back our church was without a pastor and our attendance soon dropped by 50%. Those who did attend left immediately after the service without staying to visit with their fellow parishioners over a cup of coffee. How could I bring back the former friendly gatherings after the service? Cookies, of course!

I started baking various kinds of cookies and placing them on a table that on prior Sundays had only boasted a coffee urn, creamer and paper cups. What a joy is was to see so many people smiling and talking with one another, while munching on a cookie!

Gloria, 2nd from the right with her new-found Asahi friends at Marquette Senior Center August 2025 (Photo by Asahi instructor Don Bode)

ASAHI!

My husband had passed way recently and thanks to Don Bode and my newfound “Asahi” family, my life changed for the better.

Even though Don encouraged the practitioners during the breaks to introduce themselves to those they didn’t know, and many did, however, there were still those who chatted with the same folks… week after week.

One day I thought of an idea! COOKIES!

This photo is from the second cookie party on Feb 13, 2026, but Gloria's first surprise party for the Asahi class was before Christmas. (Photo by Michael Loukinen, film maker and Asahi practitioner)

I told Don about my idea and with his hearty approval and help, everyone had a great time, ALL gathered around a table in the middle of the gym, and of course, chomping on one of the eight varieties of cookies and most importantly, visiting together!

I do believe that cookies bring people together and build friendships! - Gloria Truitt

PS: Gloria's son John Truitt is anchor man for MZMQ-TV. We met him while demonstrating Asahi and Modern Nordic Walking at the Marquette Farmer's Market in August 2025. This is what he had to say about benefits of his mother's joining the Senior Center Asahi class:

"Asahi is very important to our family. My 85-year-old mom is a new person ever since she discovered Asahi. She calls me every single time she goes to Asahi and tells what a wonderful time she had, all the people she met, and how limber she is. She is an absolutely different person, and I can't tell you how wonderful Asahi has made her life!" - John Truitt

John Truitt, Asahi teacher Emily Heikkinen, Modern US Nordic Walking Academy President Adrian Kasper, and Asahi Area Director Don Bode. (Photo by Margaret Vainio)

Categories: : Asahi and Psychology, Asahi and Sociality, Asahi in Life Crises, Asahi keeps you young, Asahi Nordic for a lifetime, Asahi Nordic for All