Lynn's Legacy

At 9am Saturday morning, the gun was fired and the 2nd annual “Lynn Adams Memorial 5K Run/ 1 Mile Walk and Talk-a-thon” was kick-off to start what would be a full day of activities. Toeing the line was over 340 participants, with140 plus runners and more than 200 walkers. All of who came out to show their support in the community and promote the noble message the late Lynn Adams stood for.


A Somers role model citizen and avid community supporter, Lynn Adams sadly passed away in 2008 after her long and courageous battled with cancer. In her memory, the Lynn Adams organization was created, advocating community service and always lending a helping hand to others.

A head organizer, Sarena Meyers, expressed the joy it was to see multiple families come out and show their support. “The families continue to show their support, especially in a time when volunteering is at a low. We actually continue to see people impressed that we can get this kind of crowd. In the end it is all about voluntarism and giving back.”

In reality there is always challenges when running an event that is only in its second year of existence. But Meyers shed some light on the true challenge the organization will be facing. “The challenge is not only keeping Lynn’s spirit alive, but also keeping the idea of volunteering alive. We don’t want to be one of those tragic things everybody rallies around and then in 10 minutes it is like it never occurred. It is about raising the bar and teaching people about the legacy Lynn created and teaching kids about volunteering. This is a way to create a community with a spirit that people want to live in.”

This passion is seen in its volunteers, as the Lynn Adams organization has raised money and continues to see growth. With these proceeds, the group looks to expand their scholarship program, after last year giving out $1500 to its Lynn Adams Scholarship Recipient. The criteria they look for is graduating high school student from Somers High School, and that exemplify the above and beyond the spirit of community service.

The day would not have been a success with out the support of the Westchester Taconic Road Runners Club. Members like Jeff Tuson shared their reason for supporting such a noble cause by saying, “Lynn Adams was major contributor to the youth sporting community in Somers, and she was very active with the Somers Youth Track Program that Taconic Road Runners sponsors during the summer. I think this was a way for the club to give back in her memory and honor.”

Town Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy was even on hand to show her support, and share her thoughts on what this says about the great citizens that live in Somers. “The Somers community, they always come out to support. Whether it is supporting somebody when they get sick, that person does not have to cook a meal. There is somebody at their house every single day. So today is just a huge celebration that exemplifies what this community is, and what we all mean to each other. I am very proud to be the Super Visor and be part of a group of people who are so caring and so giving, and understand the value of America."

Saturday’s participants both embody the spirit of America and that of Lynn Adams. And finally by days end Serena Meyer expressed the ultimate message she hopes people take away from that days festivities. She stated,” Find a way to find a passion, and turn it into something you can give back.” Hopefully a little helping hand by everyone in the community, can bring that good karma and good times in the process.