In the spring of 2012, the City launched a comprehensive employee wellness program to address the physical, nutritional, and overall wellness goals that contribute to a healthy workforce.  Employees were invited to submit a name for the program, and Working on Wellness, or "WOW," became our new moniker.

In fiscal year 2018, our Wellness Ambassadors did a spectacular job of delivering wellness programming in every single department citywide.  Initiatives included:

• Montly fruit and healthy snack delivery to all employees;
• 3-Day Stretch Zone event to educate employees in proper stretching techniques;
• Bi-Monthly chair massages to help relieve stress and back/neck pain;
• Wellness Fair in May that included preventive Angio Screens, Dermascans, and Bone Density Scans;
• Couch to 5K Training Program for 9 weeks for the Sailfish Sprint;
• Bowling Event for social wellness, camaraderie, and fun;
• Zumba and Yoga Classes;
• Lunch and Learns and Healthy Meal Prep presentations with Seaside Nutrition;
• Hydration Challenges;
• Grill and Non-Stick Cookware purchases in public safety, promoting healthy eating habits in a 24/7 environment;
• 3-Month Exercise Challenges;
• Delivery of Cooling Towels to employees who work outdoors;
• ...and so much more!

We recognize the accomplishments of the following Wellness Ambassadors in FY18:

Holly Vath-Luzader - Financial Services

Miriam Marerro - Public Works

Deborah Carrasco - Police

Karen Chambers-Cuffy - Human Resources

Vanessa Leyland - Human Resources

Jessica Tharp - Community Services

John Volchko - Public Works

Tom Reetz - Development

Nicole Johnson - Community Services

Mechalle Arbuzow - Community Services

Fire Rescue was represented; however, he has since retired and relocated.