Walking to Work in All Kinds of Weather:

Rhonda Brown, who works at Hooper Hathaway on Main Street, could drive the mile commute to work, but she chooses to walk. She’s out there everyday, regardless of the weather, and wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I started walking to work about 15 years ago, when I noticed rust on my muffler and started thinking about the damage my short commute was doing to my car. (Rhonda still has the same car.) I came to the realization that if the short drive was hurting my car, then it was also bad for our atmosphere and my health. I’ve moved a lot in the past 15 years, but I’ve always made sure I live close enough to walk to work. Walking makes me feel like I’m really part of the community. I take the same route every day and I’ve met lots of wonderful people along my route. I know all the dogs and cats and their owners. I know many of the downtown merchants and the bicycle police officers. It’s the small things, the smiles and waves and passing conversations, it’s very uplifting. For example, in the warmer months, there’s a retired man who sits outside of the Parthenon with his two cute beagles and every time I pass him, he puts out his hand to high five me. It always makes me smile.”

Rhonda encourages others with short commutes, to give walking a try. “It’s great for your health and it can be very meditative. Walking gives you a chance to clear your head and it’s a great release after a long day. When you get home, you don’t have all the day’s stress still bottled up.”