Ever since I read “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story Of The Woman Saved The Appalachian Trail”, I’ve been grateful to Ben Montgomery for capturing the spirit, perseverance and determination of a woman who has inspired me ever since.  Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine,  accomplished this feat at 67 years of age!  She was a survivor of severe domestic violence that left her hospitalized many times. When she was discouraged from hiking the 2,091 miles trail, she did it anyway!  She was not limited by the perceptions of others.  Grandma Gatewood embraced challenges as adventures, and pursued possibilities rather than probabilities.

Every October since 2020, Prime Time for Women has celebrated Gatewood’s birthday and honored her legacy by literally and figuratively following in the footsteps of this amazing woman! The Annual Grandma Gatewood Legacy Hike brings together individuals of all ages who want to experience the beauty of nature, enjoy the brilliant autumn foliage along the trail and connect with others who, like Grandma Gatewood, believe in their power to make dreams come true! (We want to be inclusive of men and children.)

The Grandma Gatewood Legacy Hike is more than a tribute to an amazing woman!  It is also our small, all-volunteer nonprofit’s only annual fundraiser.  This year 49 individuals joined us at Washington Monument State Park and participated in one of three hikes at different ability levels.  The day was a resounding success!  Whether individuals participated in the Gentle, Intermediate or Advanced Hike, everyone had a fantastic time. Along with our incredibly generous sponsors, Prime Time for Women raised almost $7000 that will enable our organization to continue its mission to foster healthy aging through programs that emphasize positive social connections, lifelong learning and healthy lifestyles. And since PTFW recognizes and values the importance of connections, we always share a portion of every fundraiser with another nonprofit that contributes to the health and wellbeing of our community.  This year we were proud to donate $696 to The Elder Group, a nonprofit that seeks to end elder abuse and house displaced seniors.

In keeping with the season of Thanksgiving, I’d like to express my appreciation to all those who participated in the hike and the following sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors: Brand3 Marketing, Noel Fire Protection, Washington County Health Department and an anonymous donor.

Silver Sponsor: Leatherman Healthcare, Law Offices of Jeanne F. Singer, PA, Middletown Valley Bank

Bronze Sponsors: Nicole and LeRoy Myers & Associates-Dream Vacations; One Step Closer Coaching; Jay Greenberg, MD; Edward Jones; Tereance Moore Consulting; Power House Studios; Quality First Insurance Agency, Inc.; Skye Wealth Management; Jennifer E. Goldman LLC;  Renee Doub, Salon 4:13; Steve Swayne State Farm Insurance; KARAMEDIA, and ANTHINGPRINTEDPROMOS.COM