Hundreds Attend Fall Festival for CUIMC Employees
Hundreds of CUIMC employees were treated to apple cider donuts, warm soup, music, and festivities at the Fall Holiday Festival on Nov. 23 in Haven Plaza.
At the event, winners of the CUIMC Digital Steps Challenge—a three-week competition among individual employees and teams—were announced and presented with prizes. Kris Machado-Mirasola, senior human resources representative, racked up the greatest number of steps in the competition—563,847—to win the challenge's Most Valuable Player award. In the team competition, VP&S won the "Went the Distance" Award with the greatest number of steps and CUIMC central administration won the "Stepped It Up" Award for the highest average step count.
![MVP of CUIMC Digital Steps Challenge poses with his winner's certificate](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employeed-appreciation-2021-steps-mirasola_sirinsamman-9527.jpg?itok=lNseXklS 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employeed-appreciation-2021-steps-mirasola_sirinsamman-9527.jpg?itok=MZA0pnoE 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employeed-appreciation-2021-steps-mirasola_sirinsamman-9527.jpg?itok=OLG77-LO 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employeed-appreciation-2021-steps-mirasola_sirinsamman-9527.jpg?itok=d6BzQ3ZX 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employeed-appreciation-2021-steps-mirasola_sirinsamman-9527.jpg?itok=i0xAT61C 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employeed-appreciation-2021-steps-mirasola_sirinsamman-9527.jpg?itok=MOua2EIN 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employeed-appreciation-2021-steps-mirasola_sirinsamman-9527.jpg?itok=-TCLC5lG 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employeed-appreciation-2021-steps-mirasola_sirinsamman-9527.jpg?itok=YRb_m5Ti 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employeed-appreciation-2021-steps-mirasola_sirinsamman-9527.jpg?itok=-7cJBeY6 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employeed-appreciation-2021-steps-mirasola_sirinsamman-9527.jpg?itok=ISelaH8w 1600w)
Kris Machado-Mirasola, left, won the CUIMC Steps Competition with 563,847 steps through a combination of walking, jogging, and indoor cycling. "The competition was a great opportunity to get more exercise into my daily routine and to try to shed some of my 'COVID weight,'" Machado-Mirasola says. "Walking was already built in to my daily commute, but [with the competition] I leapt at any opportunity to use my feet: taking the longer, scenic route, using stairs instead of elevators, or pacing while on phone calls." Photo: Sirin Samman.
"High Stepper" awards, for other team members with the greatest number of steps, were presented to:
- Karen Wisdom, CUIMC central administration, 540,021 steps
- Claire Chen, VP&S, 475,155 steps
- Kelly Hafermann, School of Nursing, 375,265 steps
- Yasmin Tontat, College of Dental Medicine, 326,555 steps
- Therese McGinn, Mailman School of Public Health, 267,963 steps
Toy Drive kicks off
![cuimc toy drive collection boxes](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_toydrive_sirinsamman-9426.jpg?itok=OGxHSdvY 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_toydrive_sirinsamman-9426.jpg?itok=0OioQ_Pt 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_toydrive_sirinsamman-9426.jpg?itok=u0AliuAH 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_toydrive_sirinsamman-9426.jpg?itok=-9LyCliJ 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_toydrive_sirinsamman-9426.jpg?itok=jJCxZej3 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_toydrive_sirinsamman-9426.jpg?itok=VAkVfU9i 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_toydrive_sirinsamman-9426.jpg?itok=0f3IaNPQ 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_toydrive_sirinsamman-9426.jpg?itok=LnaNnVlq 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_toydrive_sirinsamman-9426.jpg?itok=KZEC4TnO 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_toydrive_sirinsamman-9426.jpg?itok=I_KFbA0I 1600w)
The annual CUIMC Toy Drive, organized by the CUIMC Office of Government and Community Affairs, brings holiday cheer to neighborhood children. Photo: Sirin Samman.
The CUIMC Toy Drive for neighborhood children got off to a good start at the Employee Appreciation Fall Festival and will continue through Thursday, Dec. 16. Toys are distributed to daycare centers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations that serve families in the Washington Heights/Inwood community.
New, unwrapped toys for children ages 3 to 10 can be dropped off at:
- Allan Rosenfield Building (Mailman), Lobby
- Hammer Health Sciences Center, Lower Level 1
- School of Nursing Building, Lobby
- 51 Audubon Avenue, Lobby
The Nov. 23 festival was the final event in the 2021 Employee Appreciation series, which included an ice cream social, talent show, and trivia tournament.
More photos
![smiling people with hot soup at autumn festival](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimcemployeeappreciation-bysirinsamman-9357_souptrio.jpg?itok=6UP6j7D_ 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimcemployeeappreciation-bysirinsamman-9357_souptrio.jpg?itok=QW53Kpdp 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimcemployeeappreciation-bysirinsamman-9357_souptrio.jpg?itok=7vTCw1Ff 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimcemployeeappreciation-bysirinsamman-9357_souptrio.jpg?itok=mAo7fAKq 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimcemployeeappreciation-bysirinsamman-9357_souptrio.jpg?itok=Xb8AisE_ 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimcemployeeappreciation-bysirinsamman-9357_souptrio.jpg?itok=lSyyLeeW 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimcemployeeappreciation-bysirinsamman-9357_souptrio.jpg?itok=wzHs9uaB 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimcemployeeappreciation-bysirinsamman-9357_souptrio.jpg?itok=qqk77HJj 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimcemployeeappreciation-bysirinsamman-9357_souptrio.jpg?itok=YD9PVN7M 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimcemployeeappreciation-bysirinsamman-9357_souptrio.jpg?itok=2tiORiY_ 1600w)
CUIMC employees at this year's Employee Appreciation Fall Festival enjoyed warm soup, apple cider donuts, and appreciation from CUIMC administrators for going above and beyond. Photo: Sirin Samman.
![people stretching at outdoor exercise class](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021-ergonomics_sirinsamman.jpg?itok=rou9mbiP 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021-ergonomics_sirinsamman.jpg?itok=YFDD-9xg 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021-ergonomics_sirinsamman.jpg?itok=u2BFHk_Z 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021-ergonomics_sirinsamman.jpg?itok=nfqh3474 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021-ergonomics_sirinsamman.jpg?itok=L31XF0Bn 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021-ergonomics_sirinsamman.jpg?itok=yRvo_0jM 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021-ergonomics_sirinsamman.jpg?itok=6gWo4XTY 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021-ergonomics_sirinsamman.jpg?itok=KEfJWr-k 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021-ergonomics_sirinsamman.jpg?itok=RHJnHZMd 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021-ergonomics_sirinsamman.jpg?itok=iWy_8s-j 1600w)
Columbia University ergonomist, Kevin Myers, center, demonstrated techniques designed to relieve stress and body tension. Photo Sirin Samman.
![two people eating lunch at outdoor table](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_attable_sirinsamman-9693.jpg?itok=vGsnBUsv 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_attable_sirinsamman-9693.jpg?itok=57CyiJRU 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_attable_sirinsamman-9693.jpg?itok=DXRrbk0M 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_attable_sirinsamman-9693.jpg?itok=jNNYdsNE 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_attable_sirinsamman-9693.jpg?itok=PM1WftXH 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_attable_sirinsamman-9693.jpg?itok=7wX17lho 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_attable_sirinsamman-9693.jpg?itok=FzUoCC9H 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_attable_sirinsamman-9693.jpg?itok=ff2bDWqP 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_attable_sirinsamman-9693.jpg?itok=hoCycr5R 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_attable_sirinsamman-9693.jpg?itok=VD3hla27 1600w)
Fall Festival attendees enjoying sunny Haven Plaza. Photo: Sirin Samman.
![people holding pumpkins](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc_employee_fall_festival_pumpkins-bysirinsamman-9554_2.jpg?itok=FxY0v3rk 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc_employee_fall_festival_pumpkins-bysirinsamman-9554_2.jpg?itok=D44GXk2B 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc_employee_fall_festival_pumpkins-bysirinsamman-9554_2.jpg?itok=nDg-mGfC 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc_employee_fall_festival_pumpkins-bysirinsamman-9554_2.jpg?itok=i8a_QRfL 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc_employee_fall_festival_pumpkins-bysirinsamman-9554_2.jpg?itok=q5ElJDIU 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc_employee_fall_festival_pumpkins-bysirinsamman-9554_2.jpg?itok=JWXnBqgE 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc_employee_fall_festival_pumpkins-bysirinsamman-9554_2.jpg?itok=252sOi_E 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc_employee_fall_festival_pumpkins-bysirinsamman-9554_2.jpg?itok=RFhbBhaq 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc_employee_fall_festival_pumpkins-bysirinsamman-9554_2.jpg?itok=lBBbf18p 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc_employee_fall_festival_pumpkins-bysirinsamman-9554_2.jpg?itok=WLBJVW_P 1600w)
More than 1,400 pumpkins and winter squash, purchased from two farmers' market vendors, were distributed at the Fall Festival. Photo: Sirin Samman.
![jazz trio playing outdoors at fall festival](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_band_sirinsamman-9565.jpg?itok=-W3kYs6w 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_band_sirinsamman-9565.jpg?itok=h98vmSIW 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_band_sirinsamman-9565.jpg?itok=U-bZrZ1j 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_band_sirinsamman-9565.jpg?itok=1AAt1mkQ 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_band_sirinsamman-9565.jpg?itok=pSlqyvFz 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_band_sirinsamman-9565.jpg?itok=Nh0zyMkJ 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_band_sirinsamman-9565.jpg?itok=xidnX59g 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_band_sirinsamman-9565.jpg?itok=1i6SuDK7 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_band_sirinsamman-9565.jpg?itok=6b5B7pZH 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-11/cuimc-employee-appreciation-2021_band_sirinsamman-9565.jpg?itok=PI_SC8Zd 1600w)
Haven Plaza was chilly but the sounds from a jazz band were hot. Photo: Sirin Samman.