“Two years in the planning we have finally been able to add this event to the many events that the Glenwood Lakes Area Welcome Center helps to organize,” stated Welcome Center Director Kay Blauert.  “I was asked if we couldn’t work on gathering our community (area) families that have family members of any age with any type of special needs to have an event just for them.”  

The Glenwood Lakes Area Welcome Center, along with Jennifer Chan and Angie Anderson, members of “Raising Pope County Discovery Beyond,”  started the conversations and planning just before COVID-19 hit Minnesota.    Now with the support and generosity of the Minnewaska Area Athletic Director/Community Ed. Staff, the Sensory Walk & Roll event is set for Sunday, May 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Minnewaska Area High School Track.  This event is for families of all ages and all special needs to enjoy an afternoon Walk or Roll around the track with several activities placed on part of the track for the kids to enjoy.  If families just want to walk they can do that, said Blauert.

“It is a time of connection for both adults and children.  It’s all about sharing, learning and supporting.   I’m excited to be a partner in getting this started,” stated Blauert, “it’s just one more thing that makes our community great. It is my hope that this will be a beginning of more events that these families can do together as they make new friends and find support.”   

Popcorn and water will be available at the Plaza for families throughout the afternoon.

“Thank you to our sponsors EC/THRIVE and MAGNIFI Financial and to Minnewaska Area Schools staff and volunteers,” Blauert added. In case of inclement weather the event will held in the Minnewaska Area High School gym.