Stone Hill Resident Steps Up for Colleen
At 85 years old, Stone Hill at Andover resident Karen Pike is no stranger to staying active and enjoying the outdoors. This spring, she took that passion one step further by joining the Stone Hill Striders for the annual Step Up for Colleen 5K Walk/Run—and finishing 10th in the 70+ age group!
Karen, who will celebrate her 86th birthday in June, was inspired to participate after seeing the excitement build throughout Stone Hill in the weeks leading up to the race. Residents and associates came together to cheer on the Stone Hill Striders, decorating the Dale Rogers dog statue outside the community and filling the property with signs of encouragement.
The event held an extra special meaning for Karen. Her daughter is a first-grade teacher at High Plain Elementary School in Andover and proceeds from Step Up for Colleen help provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in education in the Andover and Danvers communities.
A Love for the Outdoors
Taking on a 5K felt like a natural fit for Karen, who has always enjoyed spending time outside. She regularly walks the trails surrounding Stone Hill and is a member of a women’s hiking club through the local Senior Center. During the spring and fall, the group explores area trails every other week.
Her adventures aren’t limited to Massachusetts, either. Karen recently traveled with her daughter to the Everglades, where the pair spent time hiking and kayaking together.
For Karen, staying active doesn’t have to mean starting with a big goal. She believes simply finding ways to connect with nature can inspire people to get moving.
“People need encouragement to start moving,” Karen shared. “I think it’s important to sometimes bring the outdoors in. I like to bring lilacs or viburnum from the trees along the property to inspire other residents to want to explore outside. It’s important to start small and then grow into bigger things.”
Being Part of Something Bigger
Crossing the finish line was an accomplishment, but for Karen, the most memorable part of the day was being surrounded by a community coming together for an important cause.
“I loved doing this race,” Karen said. “I felt very much a part of something much bigger than myself. I was just a dot in a whole sea of participants wearing pink, but I felt supportive. I loved the signs with Colleen’s positive quotes all along the route. This family has turned a tragedy into something beautiful.”
From her regular walks around Stone Hill to hiking, kayaking, and now completing the Step Up for Colleen 5K, Karen continues to embrace opportunities to get outside, stay active, and connect with the people and community around her.
And with her 86th birthday just around the corner, she’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes the best way to take on something new is exactly as she suggests start small and grow into bigger things.