Thrive Across America Winners Announced

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County employees have been busy thriving – coast to coast, virtually! Some 1,681 employees participated in Thrive Across American and logged more than 2.55 million minutes of exercise during the eight-week program, which ran Aug. 5 through Sept. 29.

Wellness Coordinator William Erese said the program successfully urged employees to get and stay active. It encouraged fitness, held participants accountable and was fun, he said. A daily email with tips on weight and stress management plus healthy recipes nudged participants to stay motivated.

“It is great to see employees support and encourage each other to succeed in health and wellness,” Erese said. “It’s an activity that builds camaraderie through competition.”

Tim Caulder, the top male participant, said his decision to participate was simple: “I want to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible.” Caulder, of Public Works, was one of several employees who exercised and logged their activity every single day of the contest.

The competition was fierce and the annual event continued to gain momentum. A total of 166 teams walked, biked and swam in this year’s contest compared to 144 teams last year.  

In addition to the increase in participants and the impressive amount of time they walked, ran, biked, surfed and held that yoga pose, many employees shed some pounds.

Melissa Martinez, team leader for the HR Admin Shredders, lost 10 pounds. She often fit her workouts in during lunch. Martinez, whose crew came in second place, said the key to her team’s success was daily exercise, eating well, teamwork and a little competitive drive.

“My goal next year is to encourage someone new to participate and help them succeed,” she said.

Due to several ties, 11 teams made the top 5 and nine females made the top 5.

Top 5 Women

  • Judy Potts – 1st
  • Ofelia Martinez – 1st
  • Gina Petska – 2nd
  • Joanne Raymundo – 2nd
  • Lissa Tysall – 2nd
  • Rosemarie Munoz – 2nd
  • Xiaojun Wu – 3rd
  • Kristal Parce – 4th
  • Desiree Fuentes – 5th

Top 5 Men

  • Tim Caulder – 1st
  • Ronald Higley – 2nd
  • David Craig – 3rd
  • Rodney Bates – 4th
  • Blake Weisgarber – 5th

Top 5 Teams

  • Back2Back CHAMPS! – led by William Erese
  • Catch me if you can! – led by Dulce Cahue
  • Rock Stars – led by Michele Curley
  • UP & ACTIVE – led by Arnel Encabo
  • Walkaholics – led by Ann Rossi
  • Yearning to Thrive – led by Cheri Nicolas
  • HR Admin Shredders – led by Melissa Martinez
  • Lazee Gals – led by Tina Duong
  • The 5 Funky Monkeys – led by Samuel Montoya
  • 3x as FAST, 3x as Fabulous – led by Clarissa Gonzalez
  • Moving Forward – led by Nelia de Guzman

For more information, visit Thrive Across America or visit Wellness Program site.