Active SWV would like to introduce you to Amy Showalter, our September Community Captain of the Month. Keep reading to learn more about Amy and how she got involved with Active SWV.
Growing up in the Shenandoah Valley (in Virginia about twelve miles from the West Virginia state line) the woods and creeks were my playgrounds, and in the summers I biked the four miles to my elementary school with my siblings to participate in summer programs. I was a rural outdoor kid, who also loved reading indoors. West Virginia became my home almost five years ago when I moved into the area to work with a local nonprofit.
I connected with Active SWV and the Beckley Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) through Leadership Beckley in 2018. Participating in BPAC has provided a strong example of what local government and nonprofit community partnerships accomplish. Working on the Beckley Bicycle Friendly Community application* was particularly inspiring. I’m energized by the ongoing community projects highlighted in the application and excited to see the impact created by identifying clear areas of growth and opportunity.
I trained as a Community Captain this spring and have enjoyed a summer of volunteering with Active SWV programs including Get Active in the Park’s Psyched on Bikes and stand up paddle boarding (SUP). Engaging a community outside of my work and family has always been a priority for me. Active SWV free programs provide a space to meet interesting people that I wouldn’t know otherwise while allowing me to recharge physically and mentally. Throw in a supportive environment and a beautiful setting, whether it’s the Beckley McManus Rail Trail or Dun Glen, and it’s a near-perfect combination. I would invite anyone who’s curious about an activity or being a Community Captain to show up to an event. Bring a friend or know that you’ll meet a new friend while participating.
*The City of Beckley recently applied for Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists! As part of their review process, the League wants your input on bicycling in Beckley. If you’ve ever biked here, please take a minute to complete this survey and share your input: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/app_BFC_FA19
