Rec chairman Pineo walks the walk

BY JOHN DECOSTE

Kings County Register

Dale Pineo isn’t one to deliberately seek publicity, but he isn’t afraid to put his money where his mouth is.

Pineo, an elected village commissioner for New Minas, is vice-chairman of the commission and also serves as chairman of the village’s Recreation Advisory Committee.

It’s his job to help co-ordinate recreation activities for the village, and he isn’t the least bit shy about trying to encourage physical fitness by setting a good personal example.

Pineo, 63 - but who could easily pass for 10 years younger, estimates he “has done something physical pretty much every day of my life,” from running to weightlifting to aerobics to weight training to skating to sports like golf and squash....

He works out at the Abs-o-lute Health Club in New Minas three days a week, does heavier weight training the other two days, has a regular running and walking regimen and even finds time to get in a weekly game of squash.

“Vince (village recreation director Vince Forestall), Les Sequeira, our 2008 village volunteer of the year, and I play squash together every Sunday at Acadia.

“By taking better care of yourself, you become more confident, have greater self-esteem, enjoy life more and are more productive long-term.”

He also isn’t afraid to practice what he believes.

“I don’t want to be perceived as arrogant at all, but I want to put the idea across that anyone can be active - and that it can be a lifetime experience.”

By going public with what he does personally, “it will help develop public awareness and encourage people to be active and take better care of themselves.”

Pineo admits being physically active “is something I’ve always done, as long as I can remember.

I played football and soccer as a youngster” growing up in Somerset, “and also did farm work after school and on weekends.”

He ran track and field in high school, “and, about 20 years ago, discovered resistance training and weightlifting.”

His personal program is “fairly unique,” and probably not for everyone. He suggests anyone who wants to start a fitness program should find something they enjoy, proceed at their own pace and consult a fitness professional about the right way to go.

Pineo admits it isn’t difficult to stay fit working on a regular basis “with someone as dynamic and committed” as Forrestall, who has worked pretty much non–stop on one recreation program or another since becoming the village recreation director.

“Our committee slogan is ‘Live It Every Day’, and I try to do that personally,” he says.

A typical day for Pineo begins at 5:30 a.m.

“I meet friends for coffee at six, then have a high-carb breakfast. I work out for an hour-and-a-half at the gym Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and also do weight training, heavier Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“It’s a pretty rigid routine but, after years of doing it, you find out what’s good for you. Life is a routine, and most well-adjusted adults live by some sort of routine. You can’t be all over the map and expect to have success in life.”

He takes inspiration from people like Forrestall and Sequiera, and also from his wife Carey “who is also very active” with snowshoeing and competitive running, and was recently chosen by New Minas as its active transportation champion.

“I intend to do this as long as I can - and as long as I’m physically able. It’s never too late to start being active.

“It can change your life, and certainly lengthen your life.”