'Let's Move Novato' Gets the City Movin', Groovin'

Beyonce is not the only one inspired by our First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let’s Move" campaign (click here to see the Beyonce video made). Novato is one of scores of communities across America encouraging its residents to commit to a healthier lifestyle.

“Let’s Move Novato”  is a free event Saturday — a culmination of the efforts from city leaders, local health organizations, fitness providers, businesses and schools coming together to educate us about health issues related to obesity and to motivate all of us to embrace a healthier lifestyle through good nutrition and regular exercise. 

Novato native and recent Sacramento State graduate Katie Conklin, 22, is the recreation specialist with the Novato parks department and one of the main organizers of "Let's Move Novato." Conklin says visitors will have an opportunity to learn about alternative foods and exercise options to help everyone make healthier, tastier choices.

"It’s completely free and fun with lots of information," she tells me, "like, did you know those Horizon milks have more sugar in them than a coke? Kids can find out how many ingredients are in a Chicken McNugget (46) or how many ingredients there are in a McDonald’s oatmeal. You'd think it would be just oatmeal, water, salt, milk, maybe some raisins and brown sugar, but it's a lot more." 

Conklin tells me that a few years ago, as part of the Marin Youth Commission, she found out that Novato was the "fattest city in Marin." Now, sounding like a woman on a mission she says, "We’re bringing awareness to everyone. We’re trying to be the healthiest city in America."

The Sugar Challenge Superman, whom you might recall from the recent is on the same mission. He says the following about taking on the Novato Unified School District food service director job less than 10 years ago:

"On my first day on the job I learned from the Department of Health & Human Services that Novato school children were the unhealthiest in Marin County.  I knew our school food service program could have a positive impact on our children's health if we made improvements in the meals that were being served. Today, we serve over 4,500 healthy meals per day and we also collaborate with many individuals in our community to ensure our students and adults continue to remain as healthy as possible."

So, are you in? Activities and informational presentations will be happening between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Not only that, but you can also peruse information and get registered for all the park and rec summer camps and ongoing classes available now.

Here's a quick look:

Tons of Fun For Children:

Bicycle safety course, bicycle inspection, and helmet inspection through Novato Police Department. 

"Leave no trace" camping activities sponsored by REI

"A rainbow of food" sponsored by Whole Foods

Chef le Cilantro Puppet Show

Jump Houses

Participate in activities to fill up your "passport to fitness" and receive a prize!

Information For Adults - Sign up to attend one or more of the following free informational classes held throughout the day (class size is limited, please call (415) 899-8279 to reserve your spot):

Achieve Yourself, 10-10:30 a.m.  Presented by Cat Gibson. Your time as a human is most important. Your destiny is to achieve yourself.  Discover guideposts that light the way toward achieving your full potential every day.

Feeding your Toddler,  10:30-11:30 a.m.  Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.  In this overview class you will learn about nutrition and feeding basics for children age 1 to 4 years of age.  Learn about the appropriate amount of food for proper growth and development for this active age group and how to deal with the food challenges toddlers and preschoolers sometimes present.

Fuel Yourself,  11:30 a.m.-noon  Presented by Randy Gibson. Learn which foods provide high-value and high energy to fuel your body.  Plus which foods will boost your vitality this summer.

From Grocery to Restaurant, noon- 12:30 p.m.  Presented by Cat Gibson.  Learn food shopping strategies to use in restaurants and grocery stores to optimize your budget. Plus, how to out smart sales tactics used by groceries and food marketers.

Move Yourself,  12:30-1 p.m.   Presented by Randy Gibson. Learn how to develop an exercise portfolio to balance activity and keep you moving toward greater health.

Participate in New Activities:

Gymnastics; Line Dancing; Taekwondo; Cross Fit Kids; Jazzercise; Zumba; Wii Fit & Pilates.

Activity Demonstrations:

Love 2 Dance; Novato Gymnastics & More!

Free bike valet parking available for cyclists. 

The "Let's Move Novato" 5K Fun Run is beginning and ending at the Novato Gymnastics and Teen Centers at 950 Seventh St., Novato, CA 94945. Register Now!