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We are excited to announce the 4th HSJ Online Hope Run/Walk at the Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Campus on Saturday, August 3 with a flexible starting time from 8:30 a.m.- 10 a.m. Registration forms can be located at Special by Design, WILLLow LeaVes, Reflections, and Hoosier Sporting Goods. Please help us spread the word.

When Todd and I met in 2021 to plan this event, we discussed making it formal or rather informal and chose the informal approach. You can show up any time between 8:30 and 10 a.m. and start your 5K-ish run or walk which is two laps around the FRHC School Campus (other hours that day would be possible by calling David Webster at 812-390-6550); you can take the course seriously and time yourself or take as much time as needed; you can do it individually, with family, with friends, or with colleagues. For those of you with small children, you can take the stroller/scooter/tricycle/bicycle course around the inside perimeter of the parking lots as many times as desired. If it rains, the Hauser Fieldhouse will be available!

Sally Webster will provide music at an early course point where participants will also find water and snack bars. The Hope Police Department will block off the road east of the school campus, Schaefer Drive, where runners/walkers can choose the asphalt instead of the grass if preferred.

A complimentary wrist band will be at the registration table not far from Simmons School with several local businesses offering a discount if wearing the wrist band that day while visiting. If purchasing a shirt, they will also be on the registration table with the Hope Elementary bathrooms available for those wishing to change into them before starting.

The HSJ Online Hope Run/Walk is important for several reasons, with one being to support HSJ in reaching our $20,000/year budget as we are now in our tenth year as a not-for-profit, free reading, and digital media source for the Hope area. And Todd stated a few other good reasons: “Participants are doing themselves a physical and mental health favor, and it is a wonderful way for families and friends to celebrate and kick off the beginning of a new school year.”

Then Todd added what I have heard from others during my many years in the community: “Having taught at Hauser for the first 15 years of my teaching career, the Hope schools and community remain near and dear to my heart. I will forever cherish the memories provided to me by all, and I have made many lifelong friends. The support received during my battle with and victory over pancreatic cancer will always be deeply appreciated. It's always a thrill to see and talk with former students and colleagues, and I very much would like to visit again at the 2024 HSJ Hope Run. I started writing articles for newspapers early in my life and know how vital they are to communities. HSJ Online is quite unique and is one more perfect example of what makes Hope shine.”

Like Todd, I also look forward to seeing and visiting with former students and colleagues. We are hoping for 75-100 participants compared to around 50 the previous three years. The Hauser Athletic Department will receive 15% of the proceeds as a thank you for FRHC hosting this event.

If wishing to help sponsor this event, please contact one of our team members: Michael Dean, Jessica Deckard, Bud Herron, Don Hewitt, Pastor Warren Kirk, Scott Strietelmeier, Jennifer Villiger, David Webster, Terri Young, Howard Zachariah, Jenn Guthrie, Stephanie Shoaf, as well as Todd Grimes.