I’m a walker. I truly enjoy getting out and seeing my neighborhood, the local park or Metro Park’s Nature Center trails.
So, when I heard about Walk SCS, I jumped at the chance. The program began last year with a partnership between St. Clair Shores Senior Services and Beaumont Health. The program has walking group leaders—I’m one of them—who have scheduled groups once a week. The leaders pick the time and location and you look at the schedule to see which walk works best for you. It’s great because there’s no commitment to just one walking group. If you want to walk every day, great! If you can walk Tuesday this week, Friday next, that’s awesome. Chances are, someone, somewhere has a group you can join.
I really had fun with it last year. I got to meet some great members of the community. I was most impressed with the seniors. Not letting their walkers hinder their health, they set their own pace and did laps with all of us. But don’t think they just did one lap and went home. Most of the time, they had already walked 3-5 miles earlier in the day. I decided then and there I aspired to be them when I’m that age.
This year, they asked me to lead a group again and I didn’t hesitate. We’re having a kick-off event Monday, April 30, at Memorial Park in St. Clair Shores. You don’t need to be a resident to join. Just commit to take a walk once a week—or more. Come on by starting at 6 p.m. You can meet the walk leaders (me!), register and get our program packet.
I’d love to see you there!
If you don’t live in St. Clair Shores or feel it is too far to go to walk, read this story about other walking groups and the benefits of walking in the Spring edition of Macomb Now Magazine.
By Rebecca Calappi
