Remember Walk to School? Do it again, this Wednesday!

One of the last Walk to School days, held in early March 2020, before schools closed due to Covid-19.

Once upon a time, not too long ago, Manchester had a Walk to School program that was the envy of the 5 Healthy Towns! It was supported by the schools, the teachers, a dozen or so regular volunteers, crossing guards, the Village government, and the community at large. (Not to mention, by 5 Healthy Towns and some amazing grants!)

There were more than 130 kids who walked throughout the 2019–20 school year — maybe not every day, but there was a great group of kids who enjoyed walking together, collecting cool prizes, and reaping the health benefits of walking regularly. Actually, up until March 13, 2020, 138 kids had punch cards. There were 11 who met up at the Gazebo; a total of 79 walked to Klager, and 48 to Riverside. Top punch card walkers were Evie Schaible from the High School bus stop, Max Harvey from Riverside, and Marleigh Mann from Klager.

But everyone knows what happened when the world came to a screeching halt on March 13, 2020. Walk to School was just one of the non-human victims of the Covid-19 pandemic. And the retirement of beloved teacher (and Walk to School cheerleader!) Kathy O’Mara left big shoes to fill when it came time to try and revive the program for the 2020–21 school year.

Good habits die hard, though, and a lot of kids are still walking to and/or from school, especially along the shared-use trail from Riverside to Chi-Bro Park.

And more good news! There will be one last Walk to School event this Wednesday, May 18, and there will be prizes galore for all who participate! Whether it’s your first time or your 200th time walking to school, meet at Wurster Park at 7:30 am to walk with your friends, teachers, and volunteers. The group will proceed to Chi-Bro Park, arriving about 7:45 am, and then kids can break off to go to either Riverside Intermediate or Klager Elementary School.

O’Mara wanted to do this final event not only to have a “reunion“ of the former walkers and wrap up the program formally, as she hadn’t had an opportunity to do so previously, but also to honor former Village Manager Jeff Wallace, who was such a great supporter of the program during its three-year run. She emphasizes that anyone from the community who wants to join in the walk, whether to honor Jeff or just to have fun and get your daily dose of exercise, is more than welcome — the more who participate, the merrier!

See you bright and early on Wednesday morning! Hopefully, NO mittens, boots, or hats will be required!

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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.