Walking Wednesdays summer program comes to a close next week

Walking Wednesdays program regulars Penny Long (left) and Joanne Allee gravitate to the shade to cool down after participating in the annual Mike Rokicki Fourth of July Run/Walk at Robe-Ann Park. The summer version of Walking Wednesdays will conclude July 11.

After the very hot summer of 2011, the Putnam County Health Coalition modified plans for the 2012 Summer Series of Walking Wednesdays, making it only six weeks instead of 10, and scheduling the walks for some of the shadier paths.

Since the Fourth of July fell on a Wednesday this year, the coalition encouraged Walking Wednesdays participants to join the early morning Rokiki Walk/Run or walk wherever they might be celebrating their holiday.

The sixth and final walk for the summer walking program is scheduled for Wednesday, July 11.

It will start from Deer Meadow Primary School at the usual time of 5-6 p.m. in Greencastle

Walking Wednesdays participants and all local citizens are encouraged to continue walking and being active through the remainder of the summer but to do so at cooler times of the day, when they can fit it in their schedules.