Madison Eagle: http://www.recordernewspapers.com/articles/2009/07/04/madison_eagle/news/doc4a4bd102e3e6d286406109.txt
MADISON – July will be another busy month for the Rose City Steppers walking club as it hosts weekly walks on Wednesday nights as well as a morning walk on the second Saturday of the month.
Each Wednesday night in July the Steppers will meet at 7 p.m. at Niles Park on Woodland Road near the intersection of Garfield Avenue. The Wednesday night walks are about two miles long and are “rain or shine” events, with the exception of thunderstorms or extreme heat when walking could be dangerous. Residents of the area are invited to join all the walks. Membership is optional and there is no charge for walking with the Steppers.
Saturday Stroll
The Saturday walk in July will start at 8 a.m. July 11 in front of the Hartley Dodge Memorial building at 50 Kings Road, across Kings Road from the Madison Train Station. The walk route may be found on Map 12 in the “Madison Walks” book. The walk will cover two and one-quarter miles, and the route includes historical and architectural highlights. Walkers are asked to note that the monthly Saturday walks in July and August begin earlier than usual, at 8 a.m.
The theme for this summers’s walks is “The Longest Summer.” Madison Health Educator Christine Shesler noted Memorial Day was early in the month, on May 25, and Labor Day will be as late in the month as possible, on Monday, Sept. 7, thereby providing “a nice long summer.”
Members of the Rose City Steppers have the advantages of online health messages, reminders of upcoming walks and activities, and a package that includes bright yellow Rose City Steppers reflective safety vests, a “Madison Walks” book of local walk routes, and a water bottle waist pack. Membership for 2009 is $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens, and is offered at each of the walks.
“Madison Walks” books are available for $5 at the walks or at the Madison Health Department, 28 Walnut St. “Madison Walks” is a compilation of 20 walk maps, fitness information, and encouragement to exercise, produced in partnership with the Madison Mayors Wellness Campaign.
All residents of Madison, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township and Morris Plains are invited to join the Steppers’ events. Walkers are advised to wear comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear, and to bring a water bottle.
“Exercise is a proven way to increase energy, look younger, lower risk of disease, manage weight, and just feel better,” invited Shesler.
For information, call Madison Health Education Christine Shesler at (973) 593-3079, ext. 8.
