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PORTLAND — AARP Maine has announced 12 local advocates who have received fellowships to participate in the inaugural Maine State Walking College.
The Maine State Walking College program is presented in partnership with AARP Livable Communities and America Walks, a national education and advocacy organization which works to advance safe, equitable, accessible, and enjoyable places to walk and move by giving people and communities the resources to effectively advocate for change.
“We are delighted to welcome this group of passionate community leaders, who are working to improve walkability and livability in communities throughout the state,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine state director. “The fellows represent a range of backgrounds and experiences, including health and wellness, traffic engineering, economic development, and education.”
The 2022 Maine State Walking College fellows are Paul Armstrong, Palermo; Anne Ball, Hallowell; Christine Bartkowiak, Portland; John Bastey, Hallowell; Catherine Cooper, Brunswick; Anthony Donovan, Portland; Dawn Gordon, Augusta; Michael Hall, Augusta; Charley LaFlamme, Ogunquit; Pat Pinto, Portland; Barbara Riddle-Dvorak, Millinocket; Duane Scott, Augusta.
Named as Maine State Walking College mentors, to provide coaching and facilitate discussion groups, are Kirsten Brewer, climate corps coordinator, Volunteer Maine; Jean Sideris, executive director, Bicycle Coalition of Maine; Cary Tyson, executive director, Portland Downtown.
Fellows will complete a six-module distance-education program this summer, covering the science behind the benefits of walking, evaluation of built environments, as well as communication skills and building relationships with decision makers. At the end of the course, each fellow will develop an individual walking action plan for their community.
