Science venture results in more healthy way of life for 83 12 months previous Providence man

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Every day–with his security vest–and his vibrant coloured hat–Peter Nicholaus is out pounding the pavement.

“You can’t miss me,” laughed Nicholaus. “I talk to people, I wave to people.”

His path takes him alongside Blackstone Boulevard on the east aspect of Providence.

It all began when his daughter was in class.

“And we had a science project where we all got a picture of a black lung and we were all told this is what happens to your lungs if you smoke,” stated his daughter, Dionne Montgomery.

That was greater than 40 years in the past when Nicholaus smoked.

“He used to send the kids to the corner store to get his cigarettes,” stated Frances Nicholaus, his spouse of 60 years.

Three packs a day he smoked.

“He was a heavy smoker, one in this hand, one in the that hand,” stated Frances.

Montgomery introduced her science venture house so her dad may see it.

“When I saw it I said oh God,” stated Nicholaus.

Every week later, he stop. Cold turkey.

“I made a promise and I had to keep my promise,” stated Nicholaus.

Then he began strolling.

“Half an hour a day. No more than a half an hour and the next thing I know I just did a little bit more, a little bit more. I just kept on doing it,” stated Nicholaus.

“Because he said when he was out here this was his stress release,” stated Frances. “He said the people beeping horns and waving to me, people come out to me and say you’re my inspiration.”

Over the years, he is turn into the type of unofficial mayor of Blackstone Boulevard.

“I don’t know if I’m the Mayor but I just make believe I’m the mayor,” stated Nicholaus.

“Everybody here knows me and they stop and they say you’re still doing it? Yes!”

For 43 years he is been strolling the boulevard.

“There’s a guy that went in to the war. he came home and he said you’re not that guy! I said I’m that guy,” stated Nicholaus.

He’s hoping to function an inspiration. His message?

“Just do something. Half an hour a day that’s all and you’ll find out after you keep doing it you’ll want to d a little bit more.”

“He’s my hero,” stated Montgomery.