Hey, neighbor! Township institutes sociable Walk and Wave program
Social distancing maintained while checking on neighbors, sharing supplies
Social distancing won’t keep a hometown feel out of Washington Township during COVID-19, as residents can participate in the Washington Walk and Wave each night.
The Washington Walk and Wave was initiated on March 17 and occurs nightly at 7 p.m. in the township, weather permitting. All residents are invited to step out of their homes while maintaining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended social distance of six feet at all times. Residents can wave to neighbors, visually check in with each other, share supplies or chat across driveways.
On March 23 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order directing all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend inperson operations that are unnecessary to sustain or protect life. The order took effect on March 24 at 12:01 a.m. and continues through April 13 at 11:59 p.m.
The order also directs Michiganders to stay in their homes unless they’re a part of the critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store. Under the limited circumstances that leaving home is permitted, social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must be adhered to.
Under the executive order, all public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household are temporarily prohibited. People may leave the house to perform limited, necessary purposes, and may engage in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, running, cycling, or other recreational activities, consistent with remaining at least six feet from others from outside a person’s household.
Sebastian Previti, a member of the Washington Township Board of Trustees, initiated the Walk and Wave after learning about a similar program in Plymouth Township.
“I thought it was a great way for Washington Township to get out and get fresh air during the pandemic,” Previti said, adding residents could visually check in with each other and the elderly.
The community also had a Chalk Walk on March 22, in which messages and pictures were written across local sidewalks.
“As I walk with my kids, they like to play with chalk in the driveway. I thought it was a great idea, promoting it as people walking by and finding happy, uplifting thoughts on the sidewalk,” Previti said, adding many messages supported medical personnel, firefighters and police.
Previti, a resident of Washington Township for 15 years and a few years ago created a Facebook page for the community. It is private and can be found at facebook.com/ groups/129096083831486 with a Join Group link.
“There is not a lot of industry in Washington Township, so a lot of people work, obviously, outside the township. So nine years ago I created the Washington Township Facebook page,” Previti said.
The page lists local and community events, which recently included the Walk and Wave and Chalk Walk. With everyone at home, the Walk and Wave helps to break up the day and has even helped people to meet their neighbors while practicing social distancing, Previti said.
“I am meeting neighbors I have never met before,” Previti said, adding people have been friendly and optimistic.
Previti said he was able to donate milk to a neighbor in need because of the Walk and Wave, and that even the elderly who don’t do much walking wait on porches to let others know they are all right.
The walk has caught on in other communities such as Romeo and Bruce Township as well, Previti added.