Armory opens to help people get in shape
Mayor invites residents for annual run for new year
ANSONIA — Mayor David Cassetti is resolving to get more fit in the New Year and is inviting residents to once again join him for a few laps around the Ansonia Armory this winter.
Cassetti announced the Armory, located at 5 State St., will be open to the public starting Monday for winter walking.
The Armory’s gymnasium will be open from 7 to 10 a. m. Monday through Friday, affording people a safe and warm place indoors to maintain, or begin, an exercise regiment during the cold winter months, when outdoor walking just isn’t an option.
Cassetti himself plans to work some daily laps into his busy schedule, especially coming off a somewhat indulgent holiday season
“Physical health and well being should be on everyone's mind,” said Cassetti. “I try to remain active coaching boxing, but it is sometimes difficult for all of us to stay motivated especially when it is cold and the holidays present a lot of temptation to overeat.”
“I just recently had a checkup and I guess you can say my doctor said he doesn't want me to be in the heavy weight division when I should be in the middle weight division,” Cassetti added. “In other words, I could stand to lose some weight myself. I know the holidays and the cold weather don't help. This is a way to beat the winter temperatures, encourage our residents to keep moving and to gear up for more "walk and talks" in the springtime. I will be at the Armory and I hope to see everyone there.”
The sprawling Armory, a mainstay on State Street for nearly 100 years and former home to the National Guard, continues to undergo a much- needed face- lift, and has gotten a new roof and upgrades to its historic brick exterior, among other improvements.
Last summer, the oncebarren grounds of the Armory were beautified with flowering trees, rose bushes and black- eyed Susan’s, thanks to donations from several local businesses. A new black, chain link fence was also installed atop the retaining wall, and new flags will be added to the building’s front to further enhance the highly visual city landmark.
The Armory was originally built in the early 1920s as headquarters for area Civil Defense and National Guard through the early 1980s. Its gymnasium was commonly used from the 1930s through 1960s for police and fireman balls, dance fundraisers, automobile and electronics shows. Sold to the city by the state in the early 2000s for $ 1, it continues as use for youth basketball and cheerleading programs, political gatherings and voting destination.
If anyone has questions about the winter walking program, they can call Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Coppola at 203231- 2209.