By Jessica Kaplan
In a real sense, the park, like many of the walk participants who navigated its winding trails June 8, exemplifies the possibilities of healthy transformations, as only a few years back it was used as a landfill but now is a magnificent wildlife refuge.
This year, the Wellness Council partnered with the Smoke-Free New York campaign for the walk to promote personal and emotional fitness. Volk said the Wellness Council's mission is substance-abuse prevention, which the non-profit group seeks to promote in schools throughout the Bellmores and Merricks.
Volk noted that turnout this year nearly doubled past participation in the event. "Our pre-registrations exceeded all expectations. We had over 160 people pre-register," she said.
The variety of activities offered at the walk grew as well. As a special treat for would-be ornithologists, Elliot Kutner, past-president of the South Shore Audubon Society, guided a tour to eye some of the preserve's indigenous bird species.
Kathleen Murray, the Hempstead Town supervisor and honorary walk chairperson, predicts the walk will continue to improve with each passing year. "All year long, we are thinking about new and innovative ways to get the kids interested in a healthy lifestyle," said Murray, who was a Wellness Council founder.
The walk raised about $7,000 to support Wellness Council programs. Those monies came from registration fees and sponsor donations by Astoria Federal Savings Bank, Fleet Bank, ABSolutely Fit, Modell's and South Nassau Community Hospital's Women's Health Center.
The walk serves as the Wellness Council's only annual fund-raiser, and all proceeds from the event will go to fund health education efforts, including Walking Clubs, character education programs and drug prevention and safety courses.
The Walking Clubs, which are co-sponsored by local parent teacher associations, encourage students to walk together during their lunchtimes and serve as good practice for the many youngsters who take part in the Walk for Wellness.
"This is like our finale," said Nancy Brown, a parent of two Chatterton Elementary School Walking Club participants, about the Walk for Wellness.
Students taking part in the event didn't mind the excuse to be outside and get a little dirty. Sixth-graders from Merrick's Junior Girl Scout Troop 2474 volunteered to help out walk participants at the preserve's fishing pier. Tumbling over one another's words in excitement, they agreed that baiting lines was the highlight of their day and said they would be sure to return to support their community for the 8th annual walk next spring.
Members of Calhoun High School's track team were the first ones to round the the preserve -- in a mere 24 minutes. "It's a good cause," said Brian Bennett, a sophomore track member, of the walk. He added, "We need to run over the summer, so we need to get in some miles."
Michael Cangialosi, of Bellerose Village, heard about the outing through a friend and brought his two sons along for a day of bonding. "It's nice to draw people out and for a family to go out and do something. You get to spend time together," said Cangialosi.
And isn't that what it's all about?
