Mayor walks the walk on wellness at mall

Since Mayor Dave Fleisher took office over a year ago, one of his most promoted efforts is the Wellness Campaign to improve the health of township residents and foster community engagement.

Among events he’s sponsored are seminars, nutritional cooking classes, senior engagement and outdoor programs. And on March 26, he joined one of his regular wellness walks with residents at the grand court in the Cherry Hill Mall. Fleisher has conducted them toward the end of every month since January. 

“As mayor, I am committed to offering opportunities for Cherry Hill residents to engage in activities that support a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “It’s truly rewarding to engage with so many residents on this wellness journey that also helps to bring our community together. I look forward to continuing our monthly series and seeing Cherry Hill residents at our next walk.”

All of the walks have been held in the morning before the mall’s opening at 9 a.m., and they lasted about an hour-and-a-half. For the March jaunt, walkers were joined by employees of stores and kiosks throughout the mall who were starting their work day.

Celeste Bogda is an aide in the mayor’s office.

“We just were trying to figure out a way to kind of get people moving,” she explained of the walks, “and an easy way to bring the community together in different areas throughout the township, get people’s bodies moving and give them an opportunity to get some face time with our police officers, with the mayor, other council members … It’s just been a great way to get our day started and just kind of get moving.

“All the different people and residents that they may not have interactions with on a regular basis, now they have an opportunity to meet and engage with other residents of Cherry Hill, and everybody seems to be thrilled.” 

In addition to the walk, tables were set up in the center of the mall’s first floor to provide information and resources for township residents. The police department, some of the mayor’s staff and Jefferson Health were all on hand; the latter offered health screenings to walkers. 

The mayor’s office encouraged residents to take its three-part wellness pledge: to get active by exercising for at least 90 minutes a week; to eat healthier by incorporating more fruits, vegetables and water into their diets; and to know their numbers for weight, BMI, cholesterol and blood pressure. 

If weather allows, the walk moves outdoors starting on Saturday, April 26, at Croft Farm.