SOMERS POINT — Councilman Charlie Haberkorn is hoping a partnership with Shore Medical Center will give the community walking program a shot in the arm.
The councilman and Mayor Dennis Tapp lead a group of residents on a 2-mile walk every Monday morning, meeting at multiple locations.
Due to an increase in popularity, the program is expanding to Wednesdays starting Oct. 2.
In addition, the partnership will begin offering an informative talk following the walk. The first session, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 21 at City Hall, will feature pharmacist Scott Warren, ambulatory care pharmacist with Shore, who will discuss the importance of flu shots and vaccines.
“It is open to walkers, residents and city employees and will focus on important health topics, just in time for flu season,” Haberkorn said.
Walkers meet at 8:30 a.m. Mondays on the bike path behind City Hall at Shore Road and New Jersey Avenue and will begin meeting Wednesdays at The Pit off Marks Road, where they will begin on the track around the football field.
“Then we will see how it goes in November,” Haberkorn said, adding many participants want to continue walking through the winter.
He said the group averages about 15 people, noting there are 43 signed up for the email list. The event is publicized on the city’s Facebook page, The Shore Starts Here, as well as on the city website somerspoint.gov. Members of the email list get weekly updates.
“Like anything, if you are consistent it keeps things going,” Haberkorn said.
The program started this spring and includes a mix of ages, trending toward the senior population. Everyone is welcome.
The councilman said he felt it was important to get people reconnected following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think that’s important,” he said, noting participants get to meet people from other areas and learn about the community. “One thing I wanted to do when I got on council was to get in touch with as many residents as possible.”
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff