By: Avideh Yaghmai Samardar 

City of Menlo Park Senior Center’s Sixth Annual Walkathon was held Thursday, July 20, at Kelly Park, with over 90 people participating. The excited crowd of seniors was treated to warm up exercises provided by an instructor from Foothill College’s Adaptive Learning Department and Mills Peninsula Senior Focus nurses were available to measure A1C blood sugar levels for those interested. The morning festivities continued with refreshments to help fuel the participants for the miles of walking around the tracks at Kelly Park. The walk started at 10:15 in the morning, after the welcoming message by the staff. Seniors, some with walkers and canes, and others pushing those on wheelchairs, made their rounds around the track. Youth volunteers were on hand to encourage the seniors every step of the way with cheers, bananas and water. Camp Menlo children also joined in the fun as walking buddies with the seniors, and even holding the hands of those who needed a little more support. Each participant received goodie boxes donated by Second Harvest Food Bank. This year’s event brought different generations together to promote exercise and empower seniors to lead healthy lifestyles. More information about Senior Center’s activities and programs can be found on the Senior Center’s webpage.