Greenbrier County’s Becky Mahlburg is the Active SWV Community Captain of the Month!
Everyone should check out Becky’s hiking group and beginner line dancing. Becky is a great example of how Active SWV programming develops: Becky wanted more organized walking and line dancing in her community, so she began leading it! Check out how she stays active below.
Why are you active? How did you start being physically active?
“I think I have always been active. Growing up on a Midwestern farm, I spent hours outside every day. My sister came home from school and started her homework, while I immediately changed clothes and roamed the woods, climbed trees, hung out in the barn, ice skated in season, and rode my bike (I did homework after supper). Being active makes me feel good about myself, and I realize now that it is a healthy thing to do. Seriously, one of my goals is to live to be 100 (at least), and activity is key to longevity.”
What motivated you to volunteer with Active SWV in your community?
“I was in hiking clubs in Missouri and Virginia before I moved to West Virginia, and I looked and asked for information about local hiking groups here. Although almost everyone told me that this was a great area for hiking, no one knew about organized groups. I eventually found Active SWV on the internet and joined a few hikes with them, but I live in Lewisburg. When I saw that they hoped to expand in Greenbrier County, I volunteered to lead a hiking group here. I usually lead two hikes per month; the difficulty level is moderate, but there are often easier options available. We hike not only in Greenbrier County, but in surrounding areas also. Since we usually carpool or caravan to hike locations, hikers develop friendships with each other and explore new trails with a group.:
One of my other passions is line dancing, and again, I looked for organized line dancing in Lewisburg. Eventually, I volunteered to teach beginning line dancing for Active SWV. I jokingly but truthfully say that “I am not really a line dance teacher”, but as a former school teacher, I enjoy planning a sequence of dances and watching “newbies” succeed. Line dancing is on most Wednesday nights at Old Stone Presbyterian Church in Lewisburg from 6 – 8:30 p.m., but dancers need to check dates, because I do sometimes take nights off. I am very excited to report that there seems to be a growing line dance community in the area, with other locations sponsoring line dances also.”
How do you stay motivated? Why is being active a priority for you?
“Again, jokingly but truthfully, I admit that I hike for patches, stickers, and stuff! This summer I am personally participating in the WV Waterfall Trail, as are several others who hike with me. As of this writing, I have visited nine waterfalls! However, I also hike for: friendship, nature, exploration, and to accomplish something. I may be tired at the end of a hike, but I feel successful. I line dance because I like music and movement, and it doesn’t seem like exercise. I am active in other ways also; I take care of a large yard; I own a successful AirBnB; I go to our local fitness center; I volunteer at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg; I love to spend time with my grandchildren. I need to stay active to continue to do all of these things that I enjoy.”
Why do you think someone should join an Active SWV free program?
“I strongly encourage others to join an Active SWV program. First of all, they are free so are a good way to “dip your toes in” without a long term commitment. They are a great way to meet people and make real friends. I encourage people to consider carpooling to activities, to not only be environmentally conscious but to get to know other participants. There is nothing like a long car ride to encourage conversation. We here in Lewisburg (speaking for my fellow hikers and dancers) would welcome participants from all of South West Virginia! I also encourage people to consider leading other groups in Greenbrier County. We have a fabulous River Trail for easy walking or biking; there is another wonderful trail along the Meadow River in Western Greenbrier County; there would be interest in other types of dancing; decide what you are interested in doing and talk to Active SWV about how to make it happen (hint – advertising in local groups is key).”
Find all the Active SWV free programs for June and beyond on our website calendar.
Sign up for your free membership before attending! Fill out the membership form and follow the email prompts to create your membership account.
