walkingSt. Gertrude’s is joining with other community members in the Partnership for Healthy Communities. Grant-sponsored initiatives include an upcoming series of weekly walks at scenic locations throughout the Camas Prairie, including the Monastery.

The first walk takes place on April 2 at the Salmon River and other locations include Greencreek, Winchester, Keuterville, Ferdinand, and Cottonwood. The series of one-hour walks begin at 9 am and will conclude on May 21 with a walk around the grounds of the Monastery.

“I am excited about these walks because they are a fun way to engage the whole community in healthy living,” says Sister Janet Barnard, who oversees health programs at St. Gertrude’s. With new initiatives on the assisted living floor, classes such as “Healthy Living with Chronic Illness,” on-site health screenings, and practices in spirituality and health — the Monastery of St. Gertrude is striving to be a model for healthy living.

The Partnership for Healthy Communities is encouraging families and teams to do the walks together. There will be a passport available that will be stamped with each walk. At the final walk at the Monastery of St. Gertrude, a FitBit will be raffled off and individuals will have earned an entry to the raffle with each walk.

A team of sisters and employees are planning on walking each event together and especially invite friends to join them for the final walk on May 21 at 9 am at the Monastery of St. Gertrude. There will be a trail map for the scenic stroll and a final reception in the dining room.

The Partnership for Healthy Communities initiative includes Syringa Hospital and Clinics, St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics, Clearwater Valley Hospital and Clinics, Nimiipuu Health, Grangeville Human Needs Council, Clearwater Human Needs Council, Public Health, Idaho North Central District, and Snake River Community Clinic.

A Preliminary Schedule of Walks and Area Sponsors

April 2 – Salmon River, Molly Wimer

April 9 – Ferdinand, Rose Frei and girls

April 16 – Greencreek, Connie Killmar & Arlene Baerlocher

April 23 – NO WALK….This is the Seaport River Run in Lewiston.

April 30 – Winchester Lake, Lisa Hasselstrom

May 7 – Cottonwood, Mr. Young and the Cross Country Team

May 14 – Keuterville, Trina Geis

May 21 – Monastery of St. Gertrude, Sr. Janet Barnard (Drawing will be held after this event for the Fitbit)