Striders Cruise Through The Mall Seeking Fitness And Friendship

They walked to San Francisco last month and are on their way to New Mexico now. By the time the Silverlake Striders are finished, they’ll have walked to Boston via Atlanta, Philadelphia, J.C. Penney and Lamonts.

The scenery isn’t stunning, but they have quick access to dry socks.

The Striders put their miles on at the Silver Lake Mall. Round and round, past Sears and Radio Shack, Kaybee Toys and Maurice’s. They seek fitness, which caught Steve Colwell’s attention a year ago.

Steve is a personal trainer. He’s 63 and trim as a high school athlete. And he wants to stay that way.

“I feel like I’m an example to people,” he says. “If it weren’t for this job, I could slough off.”

He adopted the loose-knit walkers, gave them a name and crafted a program to strengthen their upper bodies as well as their legs. Some were suspicious of his intentions when he first passed out his brochures at the mall. But he didn’t want their money, only their time.

Sports kept Steve sane and healthy during his busy years in Arizona with “Up With People” in the 1960s and 1970s. He founded, managed and toured the world with the upbeat singing group at the same time he coached youth baseball, played club tennis and jogged through city streets.

Steve moved to Coeur d’Alene a few years ago and gave in to his lifelong love of fitness. He took classes and became certified as a personal trainer. Now, he spreads exercise like the gospel among the over-60 set.

The mall-walkers quickly sensed Steve’s commitment. He directed free stretching and toning classes in the mall’s center court twice a week. He gave them incentives to walk more often and record their mileage - T-shirts, dinners, desserts.

The Striders grew from four a year ago to 100 loyal walkers and 100 more part-timers. Steve started the trek across the nation last month spicing it up with speakers.

“Every week, someone tells me of a positive change - they have more energy, enjoy their new friends,” Steve says. “I can see on their faces how much they enjoy it. That’s why I do it.”

The Silverlake Striders meet at 9:30 a.m. Mondays and 8 a.m. Thursdays in the Silver Lake Mall’s center court. To sign up, call Steve at 777-8351.

The Bingster

Last year, North Idaho College’s Christmas concert was a tribute to endurance. This year’s program at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday is heading down a more popular track. It’s hard to disappoint with a tribute to Bing Crosby - Mr. White Christmas.

This concert has built up a loyal following over the years for good reason. It usually includes all the sing-along favorites and Santa romping down the aisles. Go prepared to listen to your neighbors’ humming.

Even the ticket prices are fairly inviting - $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $1 for students and kiddies. Reserve a seat early. This one’s typically a sellout. Call 769-7780.

Sentimental journey

While other kids my age swooned at the Beatles, I was a sucker for Benny Goodman. Guitars just didn’t stir me the way Benny’s amazing clarinet did. Big band music made my feet fly - and still does.

So the Coeur d’Alene Elks dance at Kellogg Middle School at 7:30 p.m. Friday sounds fun. Choral students are throwing the dance and promise all-time favorites “In the Mood” and “String of Pearls.” I wonder if they know “Let’s Dance.”

Call 784-1371 for tickets.

What high school dance memories have plagued or pleased you for years?

Pour them out to Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene 83814; fax to 765-7149; call 765-7128; or send e-mail to cynthiat@spokesman.com.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo