Annual Newtown Health Walk Promotes Fitness

By Kendra Bobowick

He walked a few miles last September, and will retrace those steps again this year.

Benjamin Schmid-Tharnish, 6, and his sister Emma, 7, helped unfurl a banner advertising the 4th Annual Newtown Health Walk on September 29, beginning at 8:30 am sharp at the Newtown Middle School. The roughly two-mile course will meander through flat areas of town and welcomes all ages and abilities to walk, jog, or stroll through the noncompetitive route that both begins and ends at the school’s Queen Street location. The first 300 participants will receive a goody bag.

With her son and daughter was Dr Della Schmid, who will co-chair the walk with RoseAnn Reggiano, assistant director of recreation with the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department. Registration fees of $10 for adults, and $20 for a family of four will benefit the Newtown Health and Wellness Fund.

Dr Schmid explained, “This is starting to fill the gap.” The fund will provide financial support for Newtown Parks and Recreation programs involving health and physical wellness to any Newtown resident who meets eligibility requirements. This program is separate from the summer camp scholarships.

Aside from bringing programming within reach for more residents, fitness is the goal Ms Reggiano has in mind. The fund covers activities that get residents up and moving, and does not accommodate an art class, for example, she explained. The health walk itself sets an example. “[The walk] is a yearly event to benefit this fund and to promote good health for all through walking,” an advertising flyer stated.

The Newtown Health Fund has been spearheaded through a joint efforts of the recreation department, Newtown Health District, and the Newtown Health and Public Safety Fair Committee. All groups recognize the need to help fund health and physical wellness programs in Newtown for those who cannot afford them. The fund provides support for qualified individuals for one program per household per season.

Contact the recreation office at 270-4340 for more information.

The walk will take place shortly before the fair begins in the morning on September 29.