Greene County residents are invited to join Iowa’s third “Healthiest State Walk” Wednesday, Oct. 8, at noon. Local walkers will meet at the Milwaukee depot on E. Lincoln Way in Jefferson shortly before noon. The walk will go west on Lincoln Way and around the courthouse square, ending at the Greene County Community Center.
Businesses are encouraged to have employees walk from the workplace to the community center. The goal is to walk one kilometer (approximately 7.5 blocks) together as a community.
Vicky Lautner, Jefferson park and recreation director, said nearly 125 walkers signed in at the rec center last year, having walked from the depot, area businesses and homes. Greene County Medical Center has employees planning to walk from the medical center to the Community Center, while AAI/Spaulding holds a walk closer to its facility with most employees participating. Businesses throughout the county are encouraged to arrange similar walks in the vicinity of their business or in their respective communities.
For those making it to the Community Center, a grilled lunch will be available for a minimal charge. Moo Meats of Scranton is providing the 89 percent lean hamburgers with the Greene County Cattleman grilling. Both Fareway and HyVee are providing chips, water and other picnic supplies. Greene County Medical Center is providing a healthy bag of fresh veggies.
All those planning to join the walk are encouraged to sign up at www.iowahealthieststate.com by clicking “Join a group,” searching under the 50129 zip code and clicking on “Greene County” walk.
The Healthiest State Walk started in 2011 when Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds announced their plan to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation within five years as measured by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. In 2011, Iowa was ranked 16th; in 2013 Iowa was ranked 10th.
The Healthiest State Initiative is a privately-led public effort that engages Iowans and their communities throughout the state. It involves individuals, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, not-for-profits and the public sector in a broad-based, community-focused effort. For more information, visit www.iowahealthieststate.com
