Combining a brisk walk with some Thanksgiving fun, participants in the 12th Annual Turkey Trot at Charlestown retirement community made a positive impact for two charities in southwestern Baltimore County.

Sponsored by the Fitness Center team at Charlestown, residents and staff chose one of two courses on the campus of the Catonsville-based retirement community to follow the Mystery Turkey for a brisk walk, all leading to the activity room of Renaissance Gardens, the extended-care neighborhood at Charlestown.

Teresa Reymann, the wellness manager of Charlestown, then presented the Marian House and Southwest Emergency Services (SWES) with gift cards to support their respective service programs.  This year, Charlestown and its community partners raised $1,000 for the two non-profit organizations.

“Many thanks to all who participated in this year’s Turkey Trot,” said Ms. Reymann.  “It is rewarding that residents and employees come together for a fitness activity that also support two hard-working local non-profits.  Everyone is a winner.”

Two time-honored traditions of the Turkey Trot continued in 2012.  Charlestown employee Denise Puckett correctly guessed the identity of the Mystery Turkey, fitness center specialist Brett Goldberg.

In a close competition with four other contenders, Charlestown resident Esther Fisher repeated as the “Champion Gobbler of the Year” for her best turkey-esque gobble.