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ABOUT HEALTHY WELLESLEY...
The towns of Wellesley and Needham received a mini-grant award from the West Suburban Community Health Network Area 18 (CHNA 18) in April 2007, to enhance the efforts of the Eat Well/Be Fit Committee in Needham, and examine whether replication of this model in Wellesley could help the health department forge new partnerships with town departments and organizations grappling with childhood, adult and senior overweight/obesity issues, as well as other barriers to achieving a healthy lifestyle. The Healthy Wellesley Committee was formed to assess these concerns in the community, and identify programs, resources and materials available to address them. Many exciting ideas were generated. Here is a list of highlights of healthy living activities that were offered in 2007and 2008:
- Forged new partnerships with local and regional advocates, schools, agencies and businesses to promote healthy living in the community
- Offered lecture series (featured speaker was Gary Marino of the Million Calorie March)
- Introduced Strive for Five Town-wide, which encouraged kids and adults to consume more fruits and vegetables
- Participated in local cable shows
- Worked with various town departments, Wellesley Celebrations Committee, Rotary Club, Wellesley Little League and residents on Healthy Wellesley Week, May 12-18 2008. Events included Healthy Wellesley Week at the Council on Aging, a “Tots and Tails on Trails” walk, tour of the High School’s Fitness Center, and a display on eco-friendly practices.
CHNA 18 recently awarded the Needham Eat Well/Be Fit and Healthy Wellesley coalitions additional funding for year three (2009-2010) to continue their efforts to promote healthy living concepts in their communities. Healthy Wellesley is led by Cheryl Lefman from the Health Department and Maura Renzella, Youth Director.
HEALTHY WELLESLEY NEWS:
May 24, 2010
Healthy Wellesley Activities Enjoyed By the Young and Young at Heart
Grant funded healthy living initiative concludes after three years
Healthy Wellesley is a health and wellness initiative funded by a grant (to the towns of Needham and Wellesley) from the West Suburban Health Network Area 18 (CHNA 18), to promote health and wellness in our communities. Healthy Wellesley just concluded its third and final year of grant funded health related activities for residents across the age spectrum.
In 2010 from the Cooking for One or Two classes; Finding Time for Fitness, Food and Fun...for Busy Parents on the Run; Staying Sane - Maintaining a Healthy Brain, and Yoga for Planes, Trains, Automobiles...and Oh Yes - Office Chairs workshops, to the Tots and Tails on Trails walk followed by a very popular dog contest, the community participated in health related activities for the young and young at heart!
The Healthy Wellesley Committee is grateful to our partners Maura Renzella (who was co-coordinator) from the Wellesley Youth Commission; Mary Suresh, Deadra Doku Gardner, and Loretta Jaksic from the Wellesley Health Department; Elise Maclennan and colleagues at the Wellesley Free Library; Gayle Thieme, Laura Veligor and Kait Haas from the Wellesley Council on Aging; Sue Webb, Wellesley Animal Control Officer and Stray Pets in Need Director, and Janet Bowser, Natural Resources Commission, for their help in planning, promoting and hosting Healthy Wellesley events.
I would like to acknowledge and thank our wonderful presenters Leslie Worris, Julie Freeman, Christine Schremp and Sue Schochet. Finally, we gratefully acknowledge the following businesses for their generous donations: Beacon Hill Athletic Club, Boston Sports Club, Fitness Club for Women, Longfellow Sports Club, Panera Bread, Roche Bros and Whole Foods.
Although the grant funded initiatives have ended, Wellesley town and community partners will continue to promote healthy living all year long.
Sincerely,
Cheryl
Cheryl Lefman
Healthy Wellesley Coordinator
Wellesley Health Department
Tel: 781-235-0135
Here is a photo from the Tots and Tails on Trails walk and dog contest at Fuller Brook Path held on a picture perfect Saturday, May 22, 2010:
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