Saturday, October 14th is the 35th annual Fall Foliage Walk, a 20km (12-mile) trek benefiting Amherst’s “A Better Chance” program. Since 1968, ABC has brought talented students from underserved school districts here, to provide them with the academic advantages of attending Amherst Regional High School and being part of a strong community support network.
The Foliage Walk begins at Mill River Recreation area, wends its way on scenic trails to the Amethyst Brook conservation area, and ultimately to the ABC House on North Prospect Street for a post-walk party. Those who don’t wish to complete the whole walk may start at the beginning and finish at any checkpoint along the way, or as the ABC Web site suggests, they may start at Amethyst Brook, from which the remaining route is approximately 4.7 miles.
Eight scholars are enrolled in ABC’s family-style residential program. According to its Web site, “They attend Amherst Regional High School (ARHS), which offers a rich college preparatory curriculum and a diverse array of extracurricular and sports activities. ABC Resident Directors provide a warm, supportive environment enriched by daily sessions with Amherst College tutors.” Mentoring and the support of local host families are big parts of the program’s success.
Tommie Lark is a senior, in his fourth year with ABC. Hailing from Haverhill, Mass., Lark appreciates the opportunities ABC has held for him. “It’s been great – a great experience networking with people and getting the resources I need.” Lark is in the midst of the college application process now and hopes to pursue biomedical sciences.
Lark will be participating in his fourth walk this year. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it’s pretty important to make money,” he said.
Walkers raise money for the program by either collecting sponsorship pledges for each kilometer they walk, or by paying a one-time registration fee in any amount. Registration takes place on the day of the walk, from 8 - 10 a.m. at Mill River, and from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Amethyst Brook.
Those unable to participate but wishing to support the walk can send checks made payable to “ABC Walk” to: Amherst ABC, P.O. Box 1902, Station 2, Amherst, MA 01002, or donate online at www.amherstabetterchance.org. For additional information, call the ABC house at 253-3602.
-- Stephanie O’Keeffe
Comments
Thanks for publicizing this, Stephanie. I used to participate in this walk regularly for many years and recommend it highly. It's just a lovely community event and a beautiful and easy hike, in addition to being the main annual fundraiser for this wonderful program .
Posted by: Eva Schiffer | October 14, 2006 12:58 AM