Reindeer spotted in the village!

Part of the group of walkers who gathered in front of Klager Elementary School for the “Reindeer Run” on Monday, December 11.

If you did a double-take at the “Reindeer Crossing” signs in downtown Manchester last Monday morning, they were not part of a prank!

There were some kind-of-for-real Reindeer making their way across the streets, through the downtown, and up Ann Arbor Hill to Klager Elementary School! Decked with sparkly reindeer antlers, about 70 kids and adults braved the cold temperatures and impending snow to participate in this year’s “Reindeer Run,” part of the Walk to School program. They were also filmed by a professional videographer to create a promotional video for 5 Healthy Towns, one of the sponsors of the Safe Routes to School. Manchester’s Moo-ving Mondays and Walk to School Wednesdays have been getting a lot of attention for our great participation, which is largely thanks to enthusiastic organizer, Kathy O’Mara, a teacher at Klager (also known as Rudolph for the day of the Reindeer Run!).

In addition to the excitement of being part of their very own commercial, the kids each received their reindeer antlers and other prizes for participating.

Whether dressed as turkeys, reindeer or just bundled-up students, please be especially aware of children crossing the streets while walking to school, particularly in the next month or so when it is dark in the morning. And remember that state law requires you to stop for all pedestrians in crosswalks.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.