Geneva on the walking map

Jo Marner of the Kountry Walkers wants to put Geneva on the walking map, and she took a huge step in that direction Saturday.

Marner, a petite 76-year-old who lives in Arthur, Ill., is president of the Kountry Walkers, a club associated with the American Volkssport Association, which in turn is a member of an international group.

The terms "volkssport" or "volksmarch" are used because the clubs originated in Germany and were brought to this country by soldiers who were stationed there.

On Saturday, Marner was at the Geneva History Center handing out maps of roughly three- and six-mile walks through Geneva.

She had contacted the history center about setting up the walks that include routes past the Fox River, the cemetery, the old courthouse and in residential areas.

The official walks that Marner mapped out in Geneva will be added to the 2009 edition of Starting Points, the official AVA guide to walking tours nationwide.

Why Geneva?

"Someone suggested Geneva sometime ago," Marner said. "And we wanted a place closer to Chicago. Also, Third Street in Geneva is part of the Lincoln Heritage Highway, which is America's first coast-to-coast highway."

The walks take in historic sites.

"It's a good, balanced walk," proclaimed Glen Conyers, 67, of Joplin, Mo., after finishing the six-mile event. "I like the woods, but I also like the old houses."

Conyers and his wife have been walking in an AVA sanctioned club for 10 years.

"This sport is a great way to see the country and a great way to keep in shape," he said.

About 14 members of the Windy City Walkers also participated, including walkers from St. Louis and Madison, Wis.

"We came to support the Geneva walk and to have fun," said Therese Glatz of Oak Lawn. "And it's such a pretty town."

If you think you may not have the stamina, consider Jo Marner.

At 76, she has had two hip replacements. She has also walked in 1,350 events.

The slick blue jacket she wore Saturday is covered with commemorative patches and pins from her many walks in all 50 states and in Canada.

"The idea is to get families together, to get people walking in the fresh air, and to help them discover places they might not see otherwise," Marner said.

Maps for the walks will be available until Dec. 31. Walkers can register for the walk and get information at the history center, 113 S. Third St., whenever it is open.

For information, call the Geneva center at (630) 232-4951 or visit www.ava.org.