Duneland Family YMCA Gets Healthy with the Community at Walkin’ Wednesdays

Duneland Family YMCA Gets Healthy with the Community at Walkin’ Wednesdays

As the leaves turn colors, the warm wind blows through the air, creating the perfect temperature the Walkin’ Wednesday group. The group meets at the Duneland Chamber of Commerce for a 5k walk every Wednesday at 4:15pm and they around Chesterton starting and ending at the Chamber.

Dave Kasarda the CEO of the Duneland Family YMCA was there showing his support for walking Wednesdays. According to Dave, Walkin’ Wednesdays started as an opportunity to get people moving and leading a healthy lifestyle.

”We talk to people about healthy lifestyles all the time, frequently people say, ‘I don’t have the money to be a member.' This is a way they can show up once a week and walk, run, meet new friends; and it’s free,” enthused Dave.

Walkin’ Wednesdays is a free walking event open to the community to promote health and wellness. It is through a partnership with Porter Regional Hospital, the Duneland Family YMCA, and the Duneland Chamber of Commerce. Everyone is welcome to come from families, adults, teens to moms with strollers and even those who want to walk their dogs. You can choose to walk the whole course or part of the designated 5k route.

Emily Hoge, a YMCA employee has been very involved with the Wednesday event. She helps out with all aspects of the walk from brining the water cooler to posting reminders on Facebook about the Walkin’ Wednesday event. Emily enjoys, “hanging out with the community members and getting to know them better.“

Emily is able to bring her dog, Matilda, with her to walk even though about half way through the walk she has to carry her.

The main goals of even having the Walkin’ Wednesday event is to bring the community together and encourage good health and foster connections through fitness activities that everyone can participate in.

Jerry Handley, who hasn’t missed a Wednesday yet, loves to walk.

“I believe in it,” Jerry said with a smile on his face.

Not only is Jerry a faithful walker, he is a dedicated YMCA member and will tell you it is an excellent place to go.

If you’re looking for a free activity to do on Wednesday at 4:15pm head on over to the Duneland Chamber of Commerce and meet up with Jerry and Emily who are regulars there. Not only will you get some exercise, you just might gain a friend.