CHECK OUT: Our 2023 Event Calendar. You can import the calendar to your mobile device so you never miss an event! REGISTER now for January and February walks.
Winter 2022 / 2023 President's Message
FreeWalkers welcomes in 2023 with new events,new leaders and new locations to explore - hope you will join us. Check out our 2023 calendar — January and February events are posted and more are on the way. Keep checking in there.
We're entering our 13th year and growing fast. We have a new chapter, FreeWalkers DMV, short for the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia., led by Katey Lazarchik and Sarah Abedin. And thank you to these walk leaders: Victor Orlov for leading the Manasquan/Allaire State Park walk, Louise Karger who led us through Jockey Hollow and Boby Wallace for his beautiful pop-up hike in the Hudson Valley. And, thank you as well to John Codd for taking on the job of coordinating the 2023 Kennedy50 — your help has been truly valuable.
More success — last April we hosted a two-day 38-mile event in Old Town Alexandria that raised over $2,000; we donated $1,000 to the East Coast Greenway Alliance in appreciation for its many years of helping FreeWalkers get off the ground.
Lastly, the Kennedy50 is back on the calendar for February 4. Our Clarion Hotel group rate ends with the New Year, so if you are still considering doing it, register and book your room fast.
With all this growth comes new challenges and needs.
FreeWalkers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that depends solely on donations and volunteers. We hope to keep it this way, but need your help and free time to do so.
It's been proven that volunteerism is good for you. That's why we're seeking volunteers who:
- Have experience with WordPress, Wix or Squarespace.
- Are tech savvy and have time to spare.
- Know how to write grants;
- Know how to set up and manage Constant Contact.
- Have PR/marketing experience with media outlets.
- Want to create and lead new walks with us.
Interested in joining our team?
Reach out: risafitness@hotmail.com.
FreeWalkers is about motivating people of all ages to challenge themselves by doing more than they dreamt they could. We're about building relationships, exploring new places on foot, and above all, having FUN!
Every long-distance walker started with just a few miles and built up to longer distances — including me! In Why Walk, I share stories about the benefits of walking. "I walk because I can, and if the day comes that I can't, I'll be grateful I did while I could."
This February, for my 68th birthday, I'll pause from long-distance walking to have a total knee replacement. While recuperating, I'll support our walkers from the sidelines, and be back in action come spring.
Healthy & Happy 2023
Risa Olinsky, President
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FreeWalkers is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) organization. Consider making a donation here.
