BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
While there may be fewer people working in the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center these days some still took time to observe a sweet tradition for Pi Day 2021.
Participants could walk, cycle or run to rack up the 3.14 miles that represents the numbers in the math symbol pi. Battle Creek Morale, Welfare and Recreation personnel organized their fifth annual observance, which gave participants from March 12 to 15 to log their miles. Some participants took to the streets and trails around the Federal Center March 12 as early as 7 a.m.
“I was glad to see people actually group together and run the River trail, and I think we’ll see more of this next year,” said Dan Roberts, a recreation assistant and personal trainer with MWR. “It seems as though people are remembering how important it is to support one another and help each other overcome challenges.”
Among those people was Stacey Pilling, DLA Disposition Services’ Resource Management director, who said it was great to get outside with a group to run the event.
“It builds camaraderie outside of the normal workplace environment,” Pilling said. “It has inspired me to see about starting an unofficial running group to meet at least once a month to go for a group run before work.”
DLA Disposition Services Acting Director Army Col. Franyate Taylor also enjoyed the chance to get out and run with others as a welcome event given current conditions.
“Though our group was small, we enjoyed the cool air and the ability to just socialize with one another on a wonderful Michigan morning,” Taylor said.
Andrew VanKoevering also appreciated the camaraderie and good weather. Like other participants he also enjoyed the free pie after the workout.
“It went great and was a good time,” VanKoevering said. “Everyone who participated seems to have enjoyed themselves.”
Schuyler Slone, a DLA Logistics Operations employee, likes the idea of having special events and days where activities are scheduled for workers. He believes it is good for morale and can help bring people together in tough times.
“So many of us are having a hard time with isolation in the current landscape of things, and to be able to have those little moments where, for even the slightest amount of time, you can smile, it’s huge,” Slone said. “It really helps makes things a bit easier. It was fun to be a part of it.”