Taking steps toward Stony Brook church’s accessibility
By Daniel Kerr
Runners and walkers gathered in front of All Souls Episcopal Church for the 11th annual Soles for All Souls 5K Race/2K Walk Sept. 29 as parishioners Annatje Clark and Veronique Velazquez sang the national anthem.
Nine-year-old Hudson Gaeta from Fort Salonga won the gold medal for the 13 and under group, and Stony Brook resident John Barker won the gold for the 80+ group. Stony Brook University alumnus Darian Sorouri set a new overall record time of 16 minutes, 41 seconds and Jessica Petrina of Selden set a new overall female time of 20:42.
Centereach resident Laura Shann won the Bravest Costume award for her multicolored running tutu, and Suffolk County Poet Laureate Barbara Southard led the Live Poets Society walkers. Several families fielded teams of multiple generations and fitness levels for this annual celebration. Local band DownPort provided live music during registration and the Olympic-style awards ceremony. Expert pre- and postrace stretching was provided by Dr. Kiley Holmes from PhysioRoam.
All funds raised will be dedicated to adding a bathroom to the historic chapel and making the church and its outreach activities (concerts, poetry readings, dialing visitation, etc.) accessible to all.
