MSSM teacher to lead 40-mile hike
north from Caribou to UMFK
By Jeremy Boulier
Special to The Star-Herald
CARIBOU — Maine School of Science and Mathematics instructor Larry Berz and members of the New Frontier Expeditionary Corps are taking to the road again this week to recognize a 50-year-old physical fitness challenge made by President John F. Kennedy and reinforced by his brother, Robert.
The group leaves tomorrow to hike approximately 40 miles north to the University of Maine at Fort Kent campus, according to a press release. The walk will begin at 4 a.m. at the offices of Dr. Arthur Selander in Caribou and continue along Route 161. By going at an estimated 3 miles per hour, the group plans to finish at the University of Maine at Fort Kent at approximately 7 p.m.
According to Berz, this particular hike also pays homage to the agricultural heritage of the region and will include a “token spud” that will march with the group. Upon arrival at UMFK, a group of students, administrators, and well-wishers will welcome the group.
Recently, Berz, who also heads up the astronomy program at Easton’s Malcolm Science Center, has created a series of hikes, including an 18-hour journey from Houlton to Limestone on August 31.
According to Berz, the inspiration for the hikes came after hearing a National Public Radio broadcast that described the 1963 “Kennedy March,” a 50-mile hike named after John F. Kennedy and completed by Robert “Bobby” Kennedy.
Berz said in the press release that “The vitality and courage of that ultimate effort attempted to reach both the hearts and minds of The County in encouraging all of us to realize that freedom, hope, peace, opportunity, growth do not blossom within our lives and society upon the wheels of inevitability, but rather, require concerted action and endurance and stamina to stand and if necessary to walk along to achieving our goals.”
For more information about the hike or to participate, contact Berz at 325-3303 or by e-mail at berzl@mssm.org.
