Mayor Menino Okay After Falling At Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

BOSTON (CBS) - Boston Mayor Tom Menino laughed off a tumble he took at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday.

The ceremony was for the official opening of Hearth at Olmstead Green, which will provide 59 units of affordable housing for homeless elders. Hearth, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of homelessness among the elderly.

The mayor appeared not to notice the top step, and slipped down two steps before City Councilor Charles Yancey caught him.

"This is a first, Charles Yancey saved my life," the mayor cracked to the crowd. He later joked that Yancey may have been the one who pushed him.

When he fell, the mayor was holding a large pair of scissors for the ribbon cutting. Fortunately no one was hurt. Menino was able to finish the ceremony and did not appear to be in any visible pain.

The Mayor has had a number of past health problems, particularly involving his legs and feet.

He underwent knee surgery about a year-and-a-half ago and broke his toe back in February.