HEALTH New Niles Middle School will be open for walking

The program kicks off Jan. 5 and runs through April 1.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- City residents looking to take off those extra pounds gained through the holidays can take advantage of a new walking program offered by the school district.
The board of education recently approved the winter walk program at Niles Middle School, 411 Brown St. The program kicks off Jan. 5 and runs through April 1.
Adult walkers -- those ages 18 and over -- can walk a mapped course through the school's halls between 4 and 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
To ensure that all city residents can use the new school, which was constructed and opens its doors this year, officials agreed to the community outreach program, Superintendent Patrick N. Guliano said.
"It gives people another alternative than just walking at the mall," he said.
The shopping complex allows exercisers to walk the hallways before the stores open. Guliano said not all people interested in walking can make it during the early morning hours, so the walk program will help.
Designated route
Guliano said a course has been mapped out, so walkers will have a designated route to follow, and walkers will sign in each day they walk.
"One of our teachers used a pedometer, and designed a course so that everyone will know how far they've walked," he said.
The program was designed with help from Mary Rose Walker, principal at Champion Middle School, and Nancy Sandrella, school nurse at Champion School District.
Walkers will enter the school through the canopy doors near the gymnasium. Food and beverages are not allowed in the hallways, but drinking fountains are located throughout the building.
All walkers must be residents of the Niles School District, Guliano said.
For more information on the program, contact Niles Middle School Principal Robert Marino at (330) 652-5656.
slshaulis@vindy.com