Every Thursday evening at 6:30 people gather at 250 Clark in Powassan for a walk and some camaraderie.
“This is an ongoing weekly event. There is no agenda, we’ll walk in the Pines or we’ll walk on the roads for about an hour,” explained Kathie Hogan events coordinator at 250 Clark.
“The mayor’s premise has always been that we’re building an active community. So, in keeping with that theme, I started a walking group.”
Sherry Young, one of the original walkers, explains her motivation for spending time after dinner with the walking group.
“It was the chance to get out and walk with other people instead of walking by myself.”
It didn’t take Young long to reap the benefits.
“I have more energy, and I just love it. I love walking. And I’m meeting new people that are in town and some who are participating from out of town, and it is nice. It is just nice to be with other people, and you get to chit-chat too,” grinned Young.
No number is too small to make walk night happen, but the weather can be the deciding factor.
“It is very flexible, sometimes there are two, but tonight there is more. We started a few months ago, and the first night we got snowed out, the next week we got rained out,” Hogan noted.
The events coordinator believes that by committing to others, the group will grow.
Hogan says it is an opportunity to walk the dog with some company, or even bring children or grandchildren together to share in the experience.
“It is just nice to get out of the house. It is good because people sometimes walk by themselves, but with this, you’re committing and the more commitments you make, the more likely you are to come. You commit not only to the idea of walking, but also to the people who are there, and I think that’s the key. And we talk our way through. Men are certainly invited, but women have 10 thousand words to say in a day so we can get a lot out in an hour's walk,” laughed Hogan.
There is no fee to join, simply drop by and enjoy the walk, making new friends in a casual atmosphere.
On Mondays, 250 Clark offers a stroller walk.
“The stroller walk is Mondays at 10 a.m. and we’ve had grandparents, we’ve had moms and dads, we have a daycare lady and again it is just casual, and free. Just drop in, get outside, and move,“ Hogan stated.
Walking and talking has its health benefits.
“Research is saying the best thing you can do for your body is walk after dinner, well here we are walking after dinner. We’re staying ahead of the curve,” laughed Hogan.
