A Mayor’s Health Journey Sparks a Townwide Awakening as Irvington Enters 2026!

As Irvington prepares to turn the calendar from 2025 to 2026, something extraordinary has taken place — not through a ribbon cutting or a campaign slogan, but through example.

This holiday season, Mayor Tony Vauss did something rare in public life: he made himself vulnerable — and in doing so, made his community stronger.

Across a town glowing with porch lights, laughter, and late-December reflection, the mayor quietly shared a personal truth that resonated far beyond City Hall: health matters — and it belongs to all of us.

“A community doesn’t just look after its town,” the mayor said.
“A community looks after its people.”

A Wake-Up Call That Turned Into a Movement

What began as a routine doctor’s visit became a moment of reckoning. Vauss learned that his diabetes required immediate attention — not someday, not eventually, but now.

Rather than deflect, he leaned in.

With medical guidance, lifestyle changes, and the support of his wife, the mayor began a deliberate journey toward health. The turning point wasn’t dramatic — it was deeply human.

He recalls standing in his kitchen late one evening, clearing out foods that no longer aligned with the life he wanted to live.

“It wasn’t fear,” he said. “It was determination.”

That night, something shifted — and it didn’t stop with him.

Ninety Pounds Lost. A Community Gained.

Over the course of one year, Mayor Vauss lost 90 pounds. More importantly, he regained clarity, energy, and purpose.

But what makes this story resonate is not the number — it’s the ripple effect.

Neighbors noticed. Seniors asked questions. Parents listened. Conversations began on sidewalks, in barber shops, at church gatherings and school events.

The mayor’s personal discipline became public inspiration.

Understanding Diabetes — and Why Knowledge Saves Lives

In sharing his story, Vauss also chose to educate — breaking down medical terms that too often intimidate or confuse.

Diabetes, he explained, affects how the body processes glucose. With proper care, people can live long, full lives.

A1c, a simple blood test, measures average blood sugar over two to three months.

• Below 5.7% — Normal
• 5.7%–6.4% — Prediabetes
• 6.5% and above — Diabetes

Today, the mayor’s A1c is 5.5%.

“I share this not to boast,” he said,
“but to show what’s possible.”

His message is direct: get tested, ask questions, take control. Knowledge, he reminds residents, is power.

A Call to Health — Not Out of Fear, But Out of Worth

As Irvington steps into a new year, the mayor’s challenge to residents is not rooted in alarm — but dignity.

You deserve to feel well.

He urges simple, attainable steps:

• Schedule regular check-ups
• Eat whole, nourishing foods
• Move your body — even a little, often
• Drink water
• Lean on one another

“Health,” he says, “is easier when we walk together.”

And Irvington Is Not Walking Alone

Crucially, this is not just a story of personal resolve — it is one of public support.

Irvington’s Department of Health & Senior Services stands ready as a partner in this community-wide wellness effort.

Under the leadership of Baffour Asare, MPH, REHS, LI/RA, Director of Health & Senior Services, the department provides screenings, education, nutritional guidance, senior support, and wellness resources from its offices at 1 Civic Square.

Senior Services Manager Shante Barr and her team work daily to ensure older residents receive care with dignity and compassion.

Staffed by public health nurses, educators, environmental specialists, inspectors, registrars, and volunteers, the department’s mission is clear: protect public health, prevent disease, and promote wellness for every Irvington family.

The mayor is quick to point out: help is already here.

Leadership by Example — and by Heart

In an era when public trust is fragile, this story stands out because it is grounded in truth, humility, and shared humanity.

Mayor Vauss did not preach.
He did not posture.
He changed — and invited others to consider doing the same.

As 2026 begins, Irvington finds itself not just with resolutions, but with resolve.

A reminder that one honest choice can ignite a movement.

And that sometimes, the most powerful leadership begins — quietly — at home.

This holiday season, Irvington didn’t just witness a transformation.

It felt one.