Walking Program For Chestermere

It is our pleasure to congratulate Chestermere on being selected as a 2012-2013 Thrive on Wellness community! Monica Schwann, Manager, Thrive on Wellness.
In November, Chestermere was chosen to receive funding from Alberta Health Services for a project to promote healthy eating or active living and we are taking the initiative to start a Community Walking Program in Chestermere. As “Thrive on Wellness” is a provincial initiative, the Province was looking for a relatively even distribution geographically as well as a display of cultural and socioeconomic diversity. They were overwhelmed by the response to their call for Expressions of Interest and it was a difficult task to select only 20 communities across the province.
Vicki Klinger, CRCA Recreation Program Coordinator says “Our slogan “Chestermere: Where Everybody Walks and Everybody Talks” really promotes the idea of not only walking but using walking as a tool to talk and socialize at the same time!” She added “Imagine families walking, meeting new people to walk and talk with, old and young taking a walk and talking and so many other scenarios!”
We are looking for Community Partners and individuals to be part of the planning for this project. Their first meeting will be held on Tuesday January 8th at 9:30 at the Chestermere Rec Centre Main Office Boardroom; unfortunately too late for most people who would be interested to be notified by this paper. However, they have another meeting to invite the community to participate on Thursday, January 17th, 7:00 PM at the Chestermere Rec Centre Main Office Boardroom.
Also, there are 300 pedometers on their way to give out as incentive for joining up!
Klinger also mentions “That some of our proposed community partners and ideas for their involvement are: (and I am sure they could be many more)”.
Mental Health Services
Schools – in particular a mentor program between Middle School aged kids and elementary school kids
Alberta 55 + – one of their events is a Time Predicted Walk
Whitecappers – our 50 + seniors group who are interested in walking inside during the winter and maybe being teamed up with young people for walks – would be good to “bridge the gap”
Chestermere Inclusion Committee – they were very supportive when I talked to them at their last meeting as walking can transcend communication and cultural barriers
Stepping Stones – again very interested in this at the last meeting – so we are looking at how we can get teens involved – one suggestion was a home room challenge at the High School
Town of Chestermere – Parks and Maintenance – will support where possible in terms of parks and signs etc. (possibility of shared costs)
Community Services – will support where possible
Klinger adds “I know time is at a premium for all of us, but try to think of how this could benefit your group and might fit in with some of your goals and objectives”. “Mostly, if you live in Chestermere or work here and care about the community like I do, then hopefully you would be proud to be part of this community building initiative”.
If you or your group or organization would like to be part of this community initiative please let Vicki Klinger know. Also, if you can’t make the meeting but have some ideas or thoughts, either email : recreation@chestermerecrca.com , or stop by the office for a quick visit.
From Monica Schwann Manager, Thrive on Wellness – “Your enthusiasm for building a healthier and more vibrant community came across loud and clear and we hope that Thrive on Wellness can be an integral part of that building process”.