The Municipal Employee Wellness Program is helping municipal employees at Fall River's Government Center to create healthier lifestyles through several new options. Wellness coordinator Julie Kelly invited employees on October 14th, 2008, to participate in a new Mega Mileage Club that encourages employees to increase their walking. "We're going to go to Orlando, Florida," announced Ms. Kelly. Employees are recording their footsteps with free pedometers from Southcoast Hospitals (or their equivalent in other activities) and turning them in each week to enter a drawing for prizes. Participants are encouraged to use the ten walking routes designated by the Healthy Lives Program, as well as other routes of their own choosing. Employees are also encouraged to take the stairs rather than the elevator when going between floors in the building. Employees are now able to eat at the newly-opened O'Dell's Dine and Dash cafe off of the Government Center Lobby. Managers Patti O'Brien and Debbie Silvia now offer a full menu with yogurt, skim milk, and a wide selection of salads and soups along with other fare. A Weight-Watchers group also meets weekly in the City Council Hearing Room. Finally, employees are invited to check out free bicycles and helmets for short trips around town. For more information about the Municipal Employee Wellness Program and sign-ups at any time, contact Julianne Kelly at 508-324-2405.

(Top row, left and center) Municipal Employee Wellness Coordinator Julianne Kelly posts one of the shoes representing another Government Center employee who has signed up for the Mega Mile Club, planning to collectively walk to Orlando, FL. (Top row, right) Bicycles available to employees sit at the rack in the Government Center lobby awaiting riders. (Middle row, left and right) Employees now have an expanded menu with healthier options available at O'Dell's Dine and Dash cafe off of the lobby. (Middle row, center) Employees who participate in the Mega Mile Club get free hats, pedometers, walking route maps, and water bottles. (Bottom row) Mayor's Office Director of Communications Ines Leite and custodian Roger St. Martin sign up for the Mega Mile Club with Julie Kelly.