Let's Move! Campaign Proposed to Start in May

The Marketing Committee is finalizing plans to present a 120-day Let’s Move! health campaign to the village board.

Let’s Move! is First Lady Michelle Obama’s health initiative to fight childhood obesity. Although many details have yet to be arranged, Committee Chairwoman Diane Langhorst said Trustee Todd Gaines may present the event to the village board at their next meeting.

“In the meantime, the subcommittee will keep working as if we’re approved,” said Langhorst at Tuesday’s meeting. The committee hopes to involve all village residents along with many restaurants, fitness centers, and businesses.   

The main goal of Libertyville’s Let’s Move! campaign is to promote community wellness, said Antonietta Simonian, a committee member. Simonian hopes the event will urge restaurants to highlight heart healthy menu options. She’d also like to see area fitness centers promote exercise classes and boot camps.

Simonian says residents who join the health initiative will likely remain on a path to a healthier lifestyle.

“If we can get people outside for 120 days, then they get addicted,” Simonian said.

The committee wants to put together a website that will include a calendar of events at area businesses and a map of trails. Businesses could then sponsor hiking and biking treks, promote health seminars, cooking classes or other health- related events. Businesses would also be welcome to register participants and give prizes.

“I am hopeful that all businesses could find a way to participate,” said Langhorst.  

Only five towns in Illinois are currently “Let’s Move” municipalities, and none of them are in Lake County, said Simonian.

The proposed Let's Move! is scheduled to begin May 1 and end Sept. 4 at the village’s Twilight Shuffle 5K.