Andrews NC Aldermen Encourage Walking

Gabby Hudson, a staff writer for the Cherokee Sentinel from Murphy, North Carolina has a piece in the 20 March 2007 issue headlined "Zoning issue addressed by Andrews aldermen". That would be the Town of Andrews.

I'm a little confused about just what the relevant paragraph means, though. After summarizing other business discussed at the aldermen's meeting -- matters like zoning proposals and a request from the local housing authority -- there's this:

"Board members informed the public of a new fitness program that would encourage young and old to walk the Appalachian Trail. The trail is 2,168 miles of walking trails. The walk would consist of walking through areas of downtown that will be marked with small blue hearts so walkers can calculate every tenth mile they walk. Groups participating include Cherokee County Schools, County Extension office, Andrews Recreation Department, Andrews Chamber of Commerce, County Ministerial Association, Far West Mountain Economic Partners, New Millennium Gym and Valley River Trails project.

"Several walkways, at different locations around town, will be marked with blue hearts every tenth mile. All who register will be provided educational and motivational materials. A weekly progress report will be posted in the post office."

So . . . . are folks going to walk 2,168 of downtown? Are they going to be doing it all day long? Or taking a 1 mile loop each day for the next several years? Or does the Trail loop through Andrews, NC? Or will their downtown loop be extended to the Trail? Or do they hope people actually leave Andrews and hike from Springer to Katahdin? Or what?