Green Mountain Inn to Sponsor Stowe 5K Power Run, walk-a-thon May 22

Nearly 250 walkers are expected to participate in the Vermont American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) 5K Power Run and Walk-a-Thon to be held in Stowe on Saturday, May 22. As a major sponsor of the event, the Green Mountain Inn will be the host site for the day’s registration as well as thank-you reception.

“This is a great event for an extremely worthy cause and we’re very happy to be involved and serve as the base of operations for a number of the day’s activities,” says Innkeeper Patti Clark. “Both the Walk-a-thon and the Power Run will begin at the start of the Stowe Bike Path which is behind the Stowe Congregational Church just up the street from the Inn. So our nearby location will provide participants with a convenient registration site to help make the event run as smoothly as possible. And we’re delighted to host the wrap-up celebration and awards ceremony here. It should be a really great day for walkers as well as spectators who have come to cheer on family and friends and support such an important organization.”

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system affecting more than 1.5 million people in the United States. Caused by the death of certain cells in the brain that help control movement, Parkinson’s is the second most common progressive degenerative neurological disorder.

Says Jean Baker, of the Vermont APDA Information and Referral Center, “This fundraiser is being held to help build awareness about Parkinson’s.” The Chapter’s goal, Baker says, is to raise $25,000 through this event.

The national American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc., which was founded in 1961, has sought to "Ease the Burden and Find the Cure" for this disease through research, patient and family support and education.

The Vermont APDA has, since 1998, been committed to offering practical advice to the Parkinson's community on a wide variety of issues as well as providing educational opportunities and resources about this chronic illness. Says Baker, “We’re dedicated to empowering Vermonters with Parkinson’s, as well as their care partners, so that they may live well with Parkinson’s disease.

Registration for the Stowe event begins at 8 a.m. in the Inn’s Village Room. The 5K power run starts at 9:30 with the walk-a-thon to follow at 10:30 and reception at noon. Individuals as well as teams are encouraged to join in and prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers. To register, call 888-763-3366 or visit the web site at www.parkinsonsvt.org.

New and Exciting Features at our Sister Property the WilloughVale Inn and Cottages

The WilloughVale Inn’s new and improved waterfront has something for every vacationer this summer. After months of hard work, the Inn is ready to welcome visitors with new enhancements that make it the ultimate spot to relax on or near the water. The waterfront grounds and facilities have never looked more inviting now that renovations are complete. A new game room, expanded dock and patio have been added as well as a new lighter fare menu, so you’ll be sure to find an array of choices to tempt your palate. Kids of all ages who need a game fix will love the new game room downstairs in the Main Inn building with air hockey, pool, video games, Nintendo Wii and more.

“Our waterfront is such a gorgeous spot that it’s always been the natural focal point for the WilloughVale Inn and our visitors,” said innkeeper Roy Clark. “But we wanted to give our guests an enhanced lakeside experience that offers even more ways to unwind and enjoy the water.”

The waterfront has been transformed into a lakeside resort experience in true Vermont tradition. There is an expanded fleet of watercraft including kayaks, canoes, a Sunfish and a new 14 foot Sylvan Sea Snapper motorboat. For those looking to have some serious fun, there is a new 20 foot diameter Rave water trampoline. All these amenities were added to the array of existing waterfront features that were put in place last year, which include a new floating dock, playground equipment and a fire pit perfect for roasting s’mores after the sun goes down.

The popular Robert Frost cottage has been given some extra TLC this past season as well. The cottage was renovated to include a new kitchen with dishwasher and washer/dryer, enlarged dining area and central air-conditioning. The Main Inn, Robert Frost and Angler cottages have been freshened up with a new coat of paint as well.

For additional information or to make reservations, visit www.willoughvale.com.