Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced a 44.957 city-wide mile count at a Yonkers On the Move recognition event last month.
The YOM WALK 20 Challenge and active life style program’s mile goal of 30,000 miles was topped by 101 participants who set personal goals starting in April and reported their miles to YOM through Oct. 31. Those able to attend the year-end recognition event were presented with a certificate from the mayor and acknowledged by fellow walkers and community leaders.
The event also served to recognize the work of the YOM committee volunteers who for nine years have planned and built the grass-root active lifestyle program along with collaborating community partners. City Councilwoman Shanae Williams and Majority Leader Michael Sabatino, who have supported YOM for many years, were present along with a number of community partners.
Ed Falcone, director of the Yonkers Public Library – Yonkers’ first community partner – thanked library staff who volunteered in YOM and acknowledged how the program is fun and has also helped him on a personal level to be more active and less sedentary. Falcone is the step/mile leader this year.
Cheryl Brannan, facilitator of the YMCA, Living Your Life Every Day program, described the coalition, and the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities initiative and acknowledged YOM for “being in the forefront of creating physical activity.”
John Thompson, YMCA chief development officer/acting health and wellness director, said one of the great things about partnering with YOM in facing health challenges is, “it reminds us every day that every step counts.” He noted that Yonkers made number two on the Wallet Hub safest city list. In 2020, with YOM and other community programs, Yonkers, can also make it the healthiest, he said.
YOM Project Manager Carl Gessman shared that in 2020, YOM will help participants have fun, yet set and keep realistic activity goals; better understand the positive impact walking has on health and the environment; and broaden connection with area hospitals and community wellness efforts.
Video of the Dec. 6 recognition event can be found on the Yonkers City Hall website/City Hall On Demand TV.
