Powder River Examiner -

By PR Extension Office

Randy Sullivan, member of Penguin Pacers, and Dorothy King, each walked ten laps around the courthouse square to support the Ukrainian people, a fundraiser sponsored and organized by Abbey Barnhart, Shin Splints member, and her husband Elliott. Abbey worked with Steps for Charity to promote the fundraiser that paid one dollar to a Ukrainian refugee fund for every lap community members made around the courthouse square.

“People walked 239 laps,” explained Barnhart, “and with additional donations, the Barnharts gave $300 to help the Ukrainian people.”

Steps for Charity participants are walking laps around the courthouse square and more!

“I run and walk and my everyday life helps me get my steps,” explained Lindsey Albin, member Step Sistars.

“We went ice fishing, walked around at districts for pep band, cut firewood, played lacrosse and played outside as much as possible,” explained the Labradors, who are members of the Dudek family, Hannah, John, Noah and Leo.

The Powder River Historical Museum, the Powder River Senior Center and the Ray Traub Medical Fund are the charities highlighted this week.

Both the Penguin Pacers and the Powder River Senior Center teams chose to support the Powder River Senior Center. The Penguin Pacers include Randy Sullivan, Bert Farnes, Lula May Bruce and Karen Gunther, a team sponsored by Riley Ranch. The Powder River Senior Center team includes Rita Harden, Brenda Czoer, Pat Smith and Betty Collins. The Senior Center is a welcome space for all ages to play cards, tole paint, learn to crochet, put puzzles together, exercise and simply find a gracious and friendly face.

Montana Flash and The Bombers are the two teams that chose to walk for the Powder River Historical Museum. Montana Flash includes members Joan Knobloch, Delaney Ruland, Jessica Cervantes and Sophia Messer. The Bombers include members Teresa Dudek, Ligaya and Angela Batarilan and Casey Knobloch. Both teams are sponsored by the Tongue River Crossroads 4-H Club. The Bombers and Montana Flash are walking for the Historical Museum because it provides so much of the rich history of our Powder River County ancestors.

The Ray Traub Medical Fund is also supported by two Steps for Charity Teams: The Powder River Pals and the Super Troopers. The Powder River Pals, who are currently leading the “foot” race are Christine Appleman, Kathy and Mike Bowers and Amber Hart. The Super Troopers are Kristy and John Elgin and Sherry and Coaly Huckins and are sponsored by The Body Shop. The two teams chose this fund because, “Ray has been a close friend and neighbor for many years. We want to show our love and support for him as he deals with his medical issues.”

“Hey folks, the meal is over ----it’s time to walk!” Robert Sweetgall, co-author of Walking Off Weight. Post meal walks are short, relaxed strolls and can be as short as two or three minutes or 100 yards. The difference between sitting still or striding a few minutes after every meal can make a two-inch difference on a waistline after a year of 1000 meals, Sweetgall added.