FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gaye Lynn Wilson
Executive Director, Wilson Rides Inc.
[email protected]
615-622-5557
Website: www.wilsonridesinc.org
Lebanon, TN – July 15, 2025 – This spring, a remarkable group of women at American House Senior Living in Lebanon, TN, proved that it’s never too late to lace up your sneakers and make a difference. Ranging in age from 70 to 93, these determined ladies participated in Walk Across Wilson, a countywide four-week wellness initiative hosted by the Wilson County Health Council.
Held from March 23 to April 19, 2025, the Walk Across Wilson program challenged participants to walk 36 miles—the equivalent of crossing Wilson County—by tracking their steps and minutes using pedometers. Those who completed at least eight walking sessions earned commemorative t-shirts and celebrated a personal achievement rooted in both health and community spirit.
Seated with Baseball Cap – Chuck Whitlock
Green Shirts – The Walk Club at American House
This year marked a first: American House entered the competition as the program’s first senior living community team—and they did not disappoint. The group of 15 residents logged a collective 10,165 minutes of physical activityand chose to walk in support of Wilson Rides Inc., a local nonprofit that provides transportation and holistic support for older adults 55+ in Wilson County.
“The Wilson County Health Council’s 2025 Walk Across Wilson physical activity promotion was a resounding success, with participants from across the county amassing over 1.1 million minutes of physical activity,” said Chuck Whitlock, Co-chair of the Wilson County Health Council. “I’m beyond thrilled with the enthusiasm, vigor, and commitment that the ladies at American House exhibited. They are trailblazers in showing what aging actively and joyfully can look like.”
According to Amber Wallace, Activities Director at American House, the experience brought both excitement and a sense of unity to residents and staff alike.
“Our residents absolutely loved the competition. They had so much fun and truly wanted to win! We set daily goals and they worked hard to finish strong,” Wallace said. “It wasn’t just about the steps—it was about representing a community, supporting a cause, and proving that there are no limits to getting older. We are so proud of them.”
The initiative also deeply resonated with the leadership at American House.
“At American House, it’s about living well and being well—and this steps challenge gave our residents both meaning and purpose,” said Rachel Cherry, Executive Director of American House Lebanon. “I remember walking past residents during the competition and hearing them compare steps with big smiles on their faces. It brought such joy to all of us. We’re grateful to be part of something that celebrates vitality at every age—and we can’t wait to do it again next year!”
For Wilson Rides, the gesture was both meaningful and motivating.
“We were honored to be the organization this inspiring group chose to support,” said Gaye Lynn Wilson, Executive Director of Wilson Rides Inc. “Their dedication shows that aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about staying active, engaged, and uplifting one another. Every step they took moved our whole community forward, and we are so thankful for them.”
The Walk Across Wilson initiative continues to unite residents across neighborhoods and generations, proving that health, purpose, and community can walk hand in hand.
About Walk Across Wilson
Organized by the Wilson County Health Council, Walk Across Wilson is a free, countywide initiative that encourages people of all ages to engage in regular physical activity by walking the symbolic 36 miles across Wilson County over a four-week period each spring.
Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/walkacrosswilson
About Wilson Rides Inc.
Wilson Rides Inc is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established in 2020 that preserves quality of life and fosters a connected community for older adults in Wilson County, TN, by providing safe, reliable, affordable, volunteer-driven transportation to local destinations. Wilson Rides was named “2022 Nonprofit of Excellence” by the Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Gaye Lynn Wilson was named “2022 Wilsonian of the Year” by the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce. The Wilson Rides event “Sips & Sounds” was recognized as a 2022 Finalist for Best Community or Nonprofit Event, and the organization received the Community Enhancement Award in both January and April 2025 in Mt. Juliet, TN. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn @wilsonridesinc and listen to our podcast, “StoryTime with Wilson Rides.” To learn more, visit www.wilsonridesinc.org
About American House – Lebanon, TN
American House Lebanon offers a maintenance-free lifestyle with personal care services, engaging activities, and a warm, welcoming environment for Memory Care and Assisted Living residents. Their compassionate caregiver team, vibrant dining, pet-friendly policies, and daily programs enhance residents’ lives and promote well-being. Learn more at www.americanhouse.com/lebanon
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