“Activate got me off the couch on a path to better health. My blood pressure and cholesterol has gone down and my medication has been cut in half. I want to continue to become fit and healthy and my goal is to get off all my medication. I use my walking time to get close to nature, meditate and pray. I encourage others to get off the couch and take small steps to become fit and healthy. ”
Barbara Thompson, Martinsville, VA
“Activate is a program that promotes fun physical activity, including biking and walking. Activate has added a fun activity to my already active day. It is peaceful, relaxing, calming and pleasant to ride my bike in the evening with the air blowing in my face even in the hot days we’ve had. It is extremely rewarding to know that I can still ride a bike.”
Joan Bailey, Horsepasture, Va
I am a member of the ACTIVATE Martinsville/Henry County Low Impact Walking Program, and have recently been awarded a bicycle through their incentive program. Not only do I have the opportunity to walk on the indoor track at our local YMCA, but now I can take advantage of their biking program. I have just celebrated my 68th birthday, and am so excited about the increase in my energy level that has occurred from walking only three days a week.
Jean Royall, Martinsville,Va
When I first began walking during the Low Impact Walk, I could barely breathe. I had to rest frequently. Now I am able to walk further and do not get short of breath. My knees do not hurt like they used to and I really enjoy the wonderful friends I have made. I look forward to coming to Activate’s Low Impact Walk held at the YMCA.
Debbie
Seven years ago I found myself living through a life changing event. I suffered from a massive stroke at the age of 39. On May 6th, 2008 I decided to go for a walk at the city spur with a friend. That was 3 1/2 months ago and now every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I look forward to walking with the Low Impact Group that meets at the Martinsville YMCA. Since I have become more active, I physically and mentally feel much stronger! This program has been a blessing to me.
Kenny Hairston, Martinsville, Va
Clearview Early Childhood “You’re walking with a million children today.” Principal Pat Paige could be heard saying throughout the gymnasium as she and the children happily marched their way around. They set their pace to the theme “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” as they traced and followed yellow foot prints that outlined the gym. A crossing guard was there to stop the children and guide them through safe walking procedures. Children represented all different professions from Policemen, Firemen, Doctors, Nurses and even a Chef came out as they walked to the music “It’s a small world after all”. Teachers skipped and walked happily along with their classes and everyone had a good time. Clearview Early Childhood had 134 percent participation and won first place for International Walk to School Day. Way to go Clearview!!!!!
First Place Winner of the Golden Sneaker Trophy!!!
Irisburg Elementary Students at Irisburg Elementary School participated in International Walk to School Day. Students walked with their book bags to create the feel of a human school bus as teachers walked leading them. Everyone seemed to be having a great time and enjoying the morning stroll. The students were met by volunteers with granola bars as a treat after their exciting walk. Irisburg Elementary had 102 percent participation for International Walk to School Day. Way to go Irisburg Elementary School!!!!!
Second Place Winner of the Golden Sneaker Trophy!!!
Mount Olivet Elementary School Students at Mount Olivet Elementary School had a blast as they walked and danced their way to a healthier day. The music teacher, Mr. Moody and the P.E. teacher, Ms. Pulliam collaborated so that music could be a part of their curriculum and motivation during their event. Walking and line dancing balanced together to keep the students entertained and make this event a blast for all! Mr. Moody showed the students how to shake it out as they did all the classic line dances and even a few new ones. Mount Olivet Elementary School had 100 percent participation in International Walk to School Day! Way to go Mount Olivet Elementary!
Third Place Winners of the Golden Sneaker Trophy!!!
Albert Harris Elementary School Students at Albert Harris Elementary School were up and moving as they participated in a walking school bus. Students made signs and carried them as they walked to school. As they arrived at school they were met by volunteers with a nice warm cup of hot chocolate. Albert Harris Elementary School had 97 percent participation in International Walk to School Day! Way to go students and faculty!!!
Axton Elementary School
Students at Axton Elementary School were energetic and ready to go as they walked around the outer perimeter of the school. Older students had a great time as they held the hands of younger students as they all walked together. Students were treated to granola bars after their morning walk. Axton Elementary School had 97 percent participation in International Walk to School Day and also had their name along with all the other schools who participated in the event entered into a drawing for a $750.00 prize. Axton Elementary is the winner of the $750.00 prize. Way to go Axton Elementary!!!
Prize Winner of the $750.00 Congratulations!!!!!!
Martinsville Middle School Students at Martinsville Middle School were excited as International Walk to School Day rolled around. Both car and bus riders were dropped off point was at BB&T Bank. The students walked down Cleveland, onto Brown Street where they received granola bars before entering the school. Many of the children enjoyed the time out walking and getting to be with friends so much that they expressed how they wished it could be done weekly. Students were pleased to start their day on such a good foot. Martinsville Middle had 95 percent participation for International Walk to School Day. Way to go faculty and students!!
Stanleytown Elementary School Coach Joyce truly motivated his students on International Walk to School Day. The students seemed to love the way he exited them to get up and get active. Students and teachers walked outside as Coach Joyce was heard saying “Keep going, you can do it!” It was a fun event and great day for everyone. Stanleytown Elementary had 90 percent participation. Way to go faculty and students!!!
FC Middle School Used Activate Bike Fleet During PE
“Biking made me feel great. I love to bike now.” - Charity Bowman, 6th grade
“I would like to do more bike riding. It made me feel really relaxed.” – Cathrine Sink, 6th grade
"I liked biking because it makes you feel free and calm. I really enjoyed biking and think it is one of the cooler sports.” – Kaylah Lowe, 8th grade
“Bikes are greener than cars. Having the big open area at school was fun. I’m also very glad Activate provided the bikes for us to ride. I had a good time.” – Courtney Hawkins, 7th grade
“I did not know how to ride a bike. The first couple of days I needed help. Then, I rode by myself. I am disappointed that it is over. I hope we can do it again." – Jonathan Bishop, 7th grade
“I would like to thank Activate for letting us borrow bikes for our lesson. You could see all of the smiles on everyone’s faces when you rode by.” – Kristen Miller, 8th grade
"Activate MHC has become a catalyst to propel people off the couch and into a network of a variety of programs that encourage activity on a daily basis, such as outdoor lunch walking groups, early morning groups, trails, the YMCA, biking classes and more. It's been a transformative agency with working adults, children and seniors alike. I'm proud to be a part of Activate MHC and am so glad it is here to help as we plan for an active community." --Susan McCulloch, Community Planner
"A specific change we made is we incorporated walking into that instruction to give the children a wider variety of activities that they can choose from during their free play time. We now have children that are choosing to walk as early as age 2. Staff wise, staff started out being more spectators during the gross motor instructional time. Instructors now made it to the level that they are participating with the children and walking and that's become an incidental benefit of improved health and increased exercise."
- Pat Paige, Principal,Clearview Early Childhood Development Center
- Sherri Mitchell, PE Teacher FCMS 
"It was, overall, a fabulous experience, both for the students and myself, as well. I've never had an opportunity to use bikes in a curriculum. A lot of our students don't do any physical activity recreation wise outside of the PE setting. So, it was an opportunity for us to be introduced to biking. It was a confidence builder for some of them. Some of them were very intimidated at the beginning and it was amazing to see their confidence levels grow over the course of the two weeks that we had the bikes."
- Natasha Rowell, Principal, Albert Harris Elementary School- On Walk Up Wednesday "Because of walking I lost weight and reduced my blood pressure. The doctor was able to take me off all my blood pressure medication. I have diabetes. My bloodsugar went to a normal range, I never got off medicine for that, but I'm doing better." - Judy Rutter 
"I think one of the great benefits that we have found as a faculty is that on that morning, it seems that the children are more focused from the fresh air, they are definitely more on task, we have fewer behavior challenges on that day, and really the day runs more smoothly. That was a great benefit for staff, the children of course become more focused on learning so it makes their day go a lot more positive."
