iWALK Newsletter December 2009 IN THIS EDITION... Upcoming Events 4 Pillars of iWALK Spotlight Partner iWALK... do you? The iWALK movement has begun... are you a part of it?  If not, now is a great time to get involved.  The goal of iWALK is to get physical exercise while enjoying the great outdoors of Sonoma County.  As we launch the iWALK newsletter (this is our first edition!), we hope you will make a pledge to get involved in 2010.  Read on to learn more about how you can be part of the movement.  If we each iWALK in our own way, we'll create a healthier, more active Sonoma County.  May the New Year be your time to pose the question, "iWALK... do you?"  On behalf of the Volunteer Center, Sonoma County Health Action and the iWALK community, Happy Holidays! Becky Lunders, iWALK Coordinator iWALK is sponsored by Sonoma County Health Action,  visit our website WANNA BE A CHAMPION? iWALK is looking for a few good... champions!  If you are someone passionate aboutiWALK and ready to spread the word and get others engaged, you may be aniWALK Champion!  This select group of volunteers will have the opportunity to do presentations about iWALK in the community, serve as spokespersons, and representiWALK at community events.  If you've got the time and the passion, email us!  SPOTLIGHT PARTNER The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Each month the iWALK newsletter will spotlight an upcoming event that benefits the non-profit community.  What could be better than doing your body good while making a difference!  This month's spotlight shines on the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's new Hike Program!  It is part of Team In Training - only you get to soak up the experience through hiking.  Sonoma County is a great place to train for such an event.  You'll train with a certified Team In Training Hike Coach to experience the grandeur of Yosemite or the beauty of the Grand Canyon.  Learn about appropriate gear, nutrition and technique so that you can explore a variety of trails at each venue with experienced trail guides.  AND you'll make a BIG difference in the life of someone with blood cancer through your fundraising, which covers training, event travel (for Grand Canyon) and accommodations, celebration parties, great camaraderie!  Please contact Kate, via emailfor more information.  UPCOMING EVENTS iWALK events are happening throughout the county.  You can find the most up-to-date list and specific details by visiting iwalksonoma.org .  Here are a few to spark your interest: o   12/11 (Fri),  5pm:  Second Friday Art Walk, Petaluma o   12/12 (Sat), 10am:  Take A Hike w/ Dr Smith @Montini Open Space Preserve, Sonoma o   12/19 (Sat), 10am:  Family Nature Walk, Shollenberger Park, Kiosk #1, Petaluma o   12/26 (Sat), 9am:  Bring Your Parent to Walk Day, Depot Park, Sonoma o   12/26 (Sat), 9am:  Ellis Creek Ponds, Petaluma   In 2010, you'll start to see an iWALK table at select walking events.  If you're coordinating a walking event or health-related expo and would like to have an iWALK table at your event, let us know!  You can check out an iWALK banner and box of informational pieces to distribute at your event. ______________________________ THE 4 PILLARS OF iWALK iWALK is a movement... a movement to get people active and fit and healthy.  The goal:  to make Sonoma County the healthiest county in the state!  The iWALK initiative, which is part of the county's Health Action project, tackles this goal in four different ways.  It doesn't matter how you get involved - just that you do get involved! ·         iWALK school bus. focuses on getting volunteer parents in neighborhoods to walk a group of kids to school on an ongoing basis.   It's a great way to get kids moving, and reduce traffic during drop-off and pick-ups. ·          iWALK @ Work.  This is the employer-based walking program that encourages business parks or employee groups to organize walking groups at their place of work.  It's fun, social and promotes fitness - which is good for productivity! ·         Parks & Trails.  iWALK will have some exciting outings where you can experience parts of Sonoma County not otherwise accessible to the public.  Look for more on this in the Spring. ·         iWALK in general.  It doesn't matter what you do - just that you do it!  Determine with whom you want to get fit, and what your mode of exercise will be.  Then, make it a regular part of your life.  Chances are...you'll like the results you get, and the adrenaline rush that comes with moving your body.   ______________________________ iWALK INTO 2010 So what will be your New Year's Resolution for 2010?  If it involves getting fit and healthy, iWALK is a great way to achieve your goals.  Put together a walking group in your neighborhood, workplace, business park or with friends.  Get everyone to commit to a specific day and time once a week.  Then, hold each other accountable.  Don't forget to sign-up your walking group on the iWALK website; and download some of the walking tools.  That way we know you're out there and we can let you know about upcoming iWALK challenges, and recognize your efforts.   How do you iWALK?  Try Soup & Walk!  That's what's happening at the University of San Francisco's downtown Santa Rosa campus.  iWALK leader Judy Farrell reports that her co-workers walk together once a week during the lunch hour, and then meet for a bowl of homemade soup afterwards!   That's good motivation on a cold winter day.  Share your stories with us!  Let iWALK know what creative avenues and venues you are taking.  We might even share your story next month!   To reach iWALK, via email; or call the iWALK hotline at 573.3399 x103.

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Sebastopol Walks from Forestville, November 28

On a stunning warm late fall day 47 people showed up at the Sebastopol Plaza at 8:15 to catch the Sonoma Transit bus #20 to Forestville. We walked back on the West County Trail, Barlow Road, Mill Station, then again on the WC Trail in Sebastopol. The 7 or 8 mile walk (in dispute because pedometers, a trail map computer program, and the official brochure all disagreed!). Regardless the three hour walk in good company through wetlands, vineyards, along a country lane, and the trail through the "Sebastopol backyard" was worth it. After the walk 14 of us met for a great lunch at the Himalayan Tandoor in Sebastopol.

Thanks to the several hundred people who participated this year, to the planners, and leaders, and to the City of Sebastopol, Chamber of Commerce and Palm Drive Hospital for sponsoring the walks.

We have a full schedule planned for 2010, check this blog for details The next walk is on January 30.

Meet at the plaza at 9 for a 7 OR 10 mile walk around town to some of our favorite spots.

Photos: Sebastopol bus stop, leaving Forestville,
near Graton, Barlow Lane, Himalayan Tandoor

Sebastopol Walks

Sebastopol Walks November 28.

Sebastopol Walks takes a Sonoma Transit bus to Forestville and walks back to Sebastopol on the West County Trail. This walk takes us through scenic vineyards and wetlands, through Graton for a snack, the quiet lane of Barlow Road, and finally along the bike trail before reaching Sebastopol’s downtown plaza. The 7 mile walk will take about 3 ½ hours. Meet at the town plaza at 8:15 to catch the 8:25 bus. Fare is $1.80, .85 for seniors (60+). Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and bring water, sunscreen and a snack. Heavy rain cancels. After the walk some of the group may wish to have For Immediate Release lunch at a Sebastopol restaurant.

The walks are based on the book "Sebastopol Walks", and can be purchased on the walk, at City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce for $3.00.

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