Journey takes Summit walkers all the way to Chicago

According to Lao Tzu who lived in the 6th Century BCE, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Although they didn't walk a thousand miles, Summit of Uptown "Destination Chicago" Walkers proved that when you walk twice a week for half an hour, you can go places, too.

As a dreary winter turned to spring, the group of 11 walkers began their fitness journey through the hallways at Summit in March covering 16.5 miles—the distance from Park Ridge to Millennium Park in Chicago—by May. To celebrate the achievement, the group traveled by bus to the park where they saw "The Bean" followed by lunch. Those who took part in the creative fitness program were Roger Loeffler, Sally Loeflerr, Bill Butler, Rosalie Haraburd, Rosa Edelman, group leader, Juanita Ucciardi, Jean Pieczatkiewicz, John Doherty, Shirley Little, Cay Doherty, Genevieve Kamin, Loree Kilian, Summit Engagement Director, and Laura Surratt.

An addition to Summit's daily fitness opportunities, the walking program joined classic chair exercises and the recently introduced Silver Sneakers program Tai Ji Fit that are just some of the initiatives that help Summit residents increase flexibility, balance and stamina. For example, when Laura Surratt joined the walking club she was only able to walk 750 steps. Now she can do 3000, according to walking group leader Rosa Edelman, who is Summit's Business Office Manager. Because they are all part of the Summit community, every manager gets to know residents personally by leading an activity," said Irene Sawka, Summit Executive Director.

To find out about programs, activities, services and amenities at Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Touhy Avenue, Park Ridge, which has been providing quality services for seniors for more than 30 years, visit www.summitofuptown.com, call 847-825-1161 or visit the Summit Facebook page.