SOMERS POINT — City Council recently celebrated the first anniversary of its wellness program We Walk Somers Point.
Led by Council President Charlie Haberkorn and Mayor Dennis Tapp, a group of nearly 20 residents take a 2-mile walk every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, meeting at multiple locations.
Walkers meet at 9 a.m. Mondays on the bike path behind City Hall at Shore Road and New Jersey Avenue and Wednesdays at The Pit off Marks Road, where they circle the track around the football field. The meeting place Fridays is John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.
The group initially met only Mondays but due to an increase in popularity, added Wednesdays on Oct. 2 and later Fridays.
“After the COVID pandemic, as we all are painfully aware, people felt isolated and programs that were available prior to COVID were slow to return,” Haberkorn said. “We Walk Somers Point was started on the premise of getting residents out socializing and exercising in an attempt to build relationships and a sense of community. Building upon physical activity and promoting mental well-being, this group was born.”
The group initially planned to walk neighborhoods but since some people are faster than others, felt the venues provided a sense of community even if participants were spread out a bit.
Haberkorn said it was the intent to walk through fall and start back up in the spring, but “we walked all winter. The group wanted to continue and even when the temperatures were frigid we had walkers.”
He said he enjoys not only the exercise but the camaraderie as well.
“Witnessing people that are new to town, those that have lived here their entire lives and seasonal residents build relationships, share experiences and simply exhibit great attitudes has been a true pleasure,” Haberkorn said. “Hearing the stories of improvement in health and getting to know the participants to a greater degree is an amazing experience.”
He said the number of walkers has grown from six in the early stages to about 20 every time they walk.
In addition to the walking, the group has participated in the Scarecrow Contest, arranged for Senior Wellness Programs and hosted speakers on vaccines and prescriptions and wills and trusts. The next special event is a cyber security presentation set for 10 a.m. June 23 at City Hall. Walkers and other members of the public are welcome to attend.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
