Making a difference – Walkin’ Nassau

Submitted by Karen Thompson

Feature Reporter

Walkin’ Nassau is an independent club focused on exercise for everyone.  Five years ago, Ned Tyson, a man who grew up in Fernandina Beach and loved the island, had a vision.  According to his wife Jackie, “Ned was always thinking about ways to get people in the community involved in exercise no matter their age, fitness level or motivation.”  This club is not Ned’s first foray into the healthy community spotlight.  In 2004, he founded the “Pirates On The Run” 10K race that has grown from 70 runners to more than 700 today and will celebrate its first decade in February.

It’s sadly ironic that Ned was so concerned about the health of others.  When the Walkin’ Nassau was in its infancy, Ned was diagnosed with ALS.  He passed away in 2010.  His legacy lives on through his friends, most of them officers in today’s Walkin’ Nassau Club.  President Dyanne Hughes, Vice President of Walks Doug Bailey, Vice President PR Deb Harper, Secretary/Membership Jane Bailey and Treasurer Sue Koufakis carry on the business of the group with awesome enthusiasm.  These officers are extremely organized.  Club members never have to sit through boring  business meetings or planning sessions.  We just walk and take in the spectacular history of our home surroundings.

Walkin’ Nassau has more than 65 members.  Walking is free but a nominal annual fee of $15 for a single, $20 for a couple, helps defray nominal expenses for the club’s special events.  Joining is an inexpensive way to enjoy walking and meeting new and old friends…men and women, couples, families and singles, young and young-at-heart, very physically fit and not so much.

I discovered Walkin’ Nassau shortly after arriving in Fernandina Beach in 2011.  My first experience was quite comical.  I read about a Christmas walk at the Ritz Carlton with a cocktail and hors d’ oeuvres reception following. Sounded to me like a perfect way to meet people and start off the holiday season.  I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.  But, I invited my neighbor, got semi-dressed-up and we headed out.  We were very surprised when the night started out with a LONG hike on the beach, then through the grounds to look at the display of decorations before the reception began.  Let’s just say I should have done my research.  My friend was a trooper as she marched across the ocean sands in her “kitten” heels.  This walking is sometimes serious business.  I’ve learned to dress appropriately even if you’re “puttin’ on the Ritz.”

The club kicks off its new season every September with walks on Amelia Island and other nearby locations like the Jacksonville bridges (one of my favorites), St. Mary’s, the Talbot Islands and Cumberland Island.  All the walks are unique and preplanned by Trail Master Doug Bailey and are scheduled twice a month, once on a Saturday morning and once on a Tuesday night.  The schedule allows a variety of people with varying schedules to participate.  July and August are off months as it is usually too hot to walk.Here are the September to December Walks for 2013:

Sept. 10-Little Talbot Island.
Sept. 14-Ben Burns 5K at Fernandina Beach Airport (Special Event)
Sept. 21-Cumberland Island
Oct. 5-Ft. George
Oct. 26-Bosque Bello Cemetery (with Genealogical Society guide)
Nov. 5-South End Fishing Bridge
Nov. 23-Historic Downtown Fernandina
Dec. 7-Jacksonville Bridges
Dec. 17-Ritz Carlton

It’s not all walkin.’  This is a very social group.  Most walks continue with food and drink at local restaurants and pubs for those who choose to continue the camaraderie.

For further information,  Walkin’ Nassau has a Facebook page with updates and walk details.  The club also has an extensive email list and an information-packed monthly newsletter. For information, to get on the mailing list and to join contact Jane Bailey at [email protected] or 904-261-9884.

*    *   *    *
If you know a person or organization that is making a difference in this amazing community we call Amelia Island, please email me.  [email protected]

Karen Thompson moved to Fernandina Beach two years ago after working in Chicago as a senior public relations specialist for the Midwestern regional office of the  U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.  Prior to that, she was an editor,  columnist and writer  for a chain of Chicago newspapers ,  an account executive for several Chicago public relations agencies and proprietor of her own pr/marketing business.  She grew up and earned her journalism degree in Wisconsin.

September 6, 2013 11:00 a.m.