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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 NEWS:
February 2010 - Exciting Healthy Wellesley Activities Planned!
Healthy Wellesley is planning some exciting activities and initiatives for the final grant cycle (grant ends in 2010). Here is the projected plan and timeline.
· Another Healthy Cooking for One or Two class for adults and seniors. This class sponsored by Health Wellesley funds was successful the first time around, and helped participants learn how to make healthful meals. It also impacted some of the participants, by helping them combat isolation. Classes will be held at the Warren Recreation and Health Building, 90 Washington Street, Wellesley. Class dates: March 26, April 2, April 16, April 30 and May 7, 2010. Class time: 12:30-2:30 PM. To register,
contact the Council on Aging: 781-235-3961.
· There are two new workshops offered:
o Workshop on maintaining a healthy brain called Staying Sane - Maintaining a Healthy Brain! The presenter will impart strategies and tips on improving memory and cognitive function. This workshop will also feature a nutrition and cooking component. Target population – baby boomers. Date: Monday, May 10, 2010, 6:30-8:00 PM, Wellesley Free Library. To RSVP: send an e-mail to clefman@wellesleyma.gov or call the Health Dept 781-235-0135.
· There will be another Healthy Wellesley Week of healthy living programming and events May 10-16, 2010. Target populations include kids/families and seniors. Healthy Wellesley events will be planned in conjunction with Needham’s Eat Well/Be Fit week of walking activities. The week will culminate with the Tots and Tails on Trails walk, which will take place on Saturday, May 15, 2010 during Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend.
Healthy Wellesley will support the It Takes a Town Committee (their mission is to enhance the quality of life of residents 50 and over, by conveying information and resources, and responding to the changing needs of the community’s constituents as they age) by collaborating and sponsoring another healthy living resource fair/other event. Date and topic TBD.
June 1, 2009
Healthy Wellesley Week May 11-16, 2009 was a smashing success. From the Therapeutic Yoga for Chronic Conditions workshop to the “Tots and Tails on Trails” walk followed by a very popular dog contest, the community participated in activities for the young and young at heart!
The Healthy Wellesley Committee is grateful to our partners Leslie Worris from the Wellness Alliance; Gayle Thieme and Laura Veligor from the Wellesley Council on Aging; Sue Webb, Wellesley Animal Control Officer and Stray Pets in Need Director, and Janet Bowser, Natural Resources Commission Director, who helped plan and host these wonderful events.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank Mary Suresh, Deadra Doku Gardner, and Loretta Jaksic from the Wellesley Health Department, as well as Maura Renzella from the Wellesley Youth Commission for their assistance and participation.
Regards,
Cheryl
Cheryl Lefman
Healthy Wellesley Coordinator
Here is a photo from the start of the “Tots and Tails on Trails” walk:
July 2008
Dear Wellesley Residents and Friends,
It is with great pleasure that we introduce the first Healthy Wellesley Resource Guide. It showcases the health and wellness programs, services and resources available in Wellesley.
The Guide is a product of a grant awarded to the towns of Needham and Wellesley by the West Suburban Community Health Network Area 18 (CHNA 18). CHNA 18 is a regional coalition of partners in nine communities (including Wellesley) whose vision is to fund and support grassroots efforts that address community public health priorities.
The grant was designed to enhance the efforts of the Eat Well/Be Fit initiative in Needham, and examine whether replication of this model in Wellesley could help the Health Department forge new partnerships with town departments, organizations and advocates grappling with childhood, adult and senior overweight/obesity issues, as well as other barriers to achieving a healthy life.
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, including the advent of this resource guide.
If you would like to have your healthy living programs added to the on-line version of the Healthy Wellesley Resource Guide, please contact Cheryl Lefman at the Health Department, e-mail: clefman@wellesleyma.gov or phone, 781-235-0135.
Be well,
Mary Suresh Hans Larsen
Director, Wellesley Health Department Executive Director, Town of Wellesley
Special thanks are extended to Luis Prado, Director of Health and Human Services, City of Chelsea, for the use of their City of Chelsea Youth and Family Resource Guide template.
And to the Healthy Wellesley Committee, led by Cheryl Lefman of the Wellesley Health Department and Maura Renzella, Wellesley Youth Director, and comprised of representatives from the Public Schools, Recreation Department, Council on Aging, It Takes a Town Committee, Animal Control Officer/Stray Pets in Need Director, Natural Resources Commission/Trails Committee, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Wellness Alliance Director, and resident advocates.
Cover Art: Town of Wellesley trail map, courtesy of the Trails Committee.
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