There's still time to Walk the Villages
MARY LOU RATH New York State Senator
Although there's just two weeks left to go, it's not too late to Walk the Villages. The Walk the Villages program stepped off on June 1 and runs through Oct. 1 in Area One (Akron, Batavia, Clarence, Kenmore, LeRoy and Williamsville) and, new this year, Area Two (Alden, East Aurora, Ellicottville, Lancaster and Orchard Park).

In each community, walkers are encouraged to visit participating businesses to have their prize coupons stamped. In addition to village prizes, all entries will be automatically entered into a drawing for one of several grand prizes. All prizes have been donated by local business owners.

People participating in the program are traveling to new communities, some experiencing them for the first time. Now in its third year, the program has run so well in my district that, as chair of the Senate Tourism Committee, I felt it was important to open it up to other areas as well.

Adding areas outside my Senate district allows people to experience all of Western New York, not just areas they have previously explored.

Dick Rich, Walk the Villages regional director, reports that the program is gaining so much attention, he is fielding inquiries from all across the state from communities looking to start a similar program.

I truly enjoy meeting people and hearing stories about those who are benefiting and having fun with the program. The adventures of Ron Townsend particularly stand out. Townsend, from Alden, is 68 and started to walk for exercise about 15 months ago after a visit to the doctor revealed his thyroid was elevated, his sugar out of control, and his cholesterol high. In 17 days, he walked a total of 87 miles in 11 villages.

According to Townsend, his walks have been very rewarding, and he appreciates all the work the communities have put into making the trails interesting and informative. He particularly liked opportunities to do treasure hunts, see beautiful old homes, lovely trees and meet friendly people.

I also met a 90-year-old woman who jokingly told me that if she walked any more villages, she'd have to give up her vacation.

Three years ago, when I, along with volunteers and leaders from Akron, Clarence, Kenmore and Williamsville, created Walk the Villages, we never imagined the program would expand the way it has. In addition to being a healthy activity, the program is helping stimulate business - in Williamsville, almost 80 percent of the walkers are visitors to the area.

Walk the Villages is free, open to all ages, and easy to do. Booklets are available at dozens of local merchants. Inside the booklets are suggested walking trails and a list of prizes that can be won.

For further information, visit the Web site www. walkthevillages. com.

With two weeks left to participate, Townsend proves to us all that a lot can be accomplished in just a few days.