CHAWK Article

More than 125 people braved threats of thunderstorms and steamy, hot temperatures to attend the CHAWK One-Mile Family Fitness Fun Run & Walk on Friday, June 10.

Ashlawn parent Nancy Branberg led a stretching clinic at center field while on-site registrants signed up for the race. School Board Member Mary Hynes dropped by to witness the event and provide support. Teacher Sara Gazoules even brought kindergarten friend Brown Bear Barney to walk the course.

At 6:45, parent Keith Eddins grouped the participants by type of race (runners, run-walkers, and walkers), and P.E. teacher Dan Pototsky sent off the runners in an enthusiastic rush. Course participants went five times around a pre-set loop, receiving a hand stamp each time. When they finished, their five stamps garnered them a prize of a CHAWK water bottle. Participants also enjoyed an assortment of Clif bars, donated by Whole Foods.

After the races, the children had fun playing on a moon bounce generously lent for the event by parent Karen McCann. They also took part in games using sports equipment set up and organized by Mr. Pototsky. And they splashed in a sprinkler on the lawn. Families set out picnic blankets and suppers, and a lovely evening was enjoyed by all—there was even a cool breeze now and then.

Thank you to all of our wonderful participants for coming out to enjoy the fun run and walk. Thank you to our terrific volunteers for their help setting up and keeping the race going—Tali Auble, Nancy Branberg, Keith Eddins, Marjorie Macieira, Karen McCann, Priya Pshyamsundar, Carol Schadelbauer, Carol Spicer, and Andy Tarr. Thank you to Ashlawn’s PTA for a generous donation that allowed us to purchase and distribute the CHAWK water bottles. And thank you to Dan Pototsky for all he did to ensure the success of the race.

PHOTOS (click on photos to enlarge)