What a pleasant surprise this morning to receive an email saying that WABI Burien had been nominated for a Citizen of the Year Award! Even though we were not, in the end, selected, it’s very satisfying to know that our bike/ped efforts are appreciated by folks around town.
Our original group of walkers and cyclists first met at Mick Kelly’s in September of 2011. We put our heads together, joined efforts, obtained official state and federal registration and moved forward (on two feet and two wheels). In nearly 7 years, we got 41 custom bike racks installed all over town, have led a couple thousand walkers through neighborhoods in Burien and cities nearby, and have been bike/ped representatives with the City. WABI Burien has become a great way for us to engage with our neighbors and our city leaders and staff.
Very consciously, our mission is right in line with tenets of the Vision for Burien:
- Burien encourages active living to support physical and mental health.
- Burien residents are welcoming, know their neighbors, and work together.
- Burien promotes community vitality with health and wellness services for all ages.
WABI thanks all of those that have taken part in our monthly walks, and we invite others to come join us for future walks and events. We are grateful for our community’s participation and enthusiasm. Thank you, Burien!
Walk-n-Roll!
Maureen Hoffmann -WABI President, Walk-n-Talk Leader
Laura Kennedy Gould – WABI Treasurer, WABI Weekday Walkers Leader
Rob Gala, Sava and Ben Hruska, Tom Taaffe – WABI Board Members
Here’s the letter we received from the City of Burien:
“The Burien City Council annually recognizes citizens and organizations who make significant contributions to the benefit of the community.
“This year you were nominated for the Citizen of the Year Award for 2018 for your organization WABI Burien that provides a fantastic example of promoting a livable and walkable Burien that provides for a sustainable future. Although you were not selected, we want to thank you for serving your community and tell you how much we appreciate all your hard work.
“On behalf of the Burien City Council, we want to thank you for your contributions. It is people like you who make our community a special place to live and work.”
Sincerely,
Adrienne Buckley, Department Assistant, City of Burien
Burienwa.gov
