By Lisa Carolin
The latest statistics on the health and well-being of Chelsea residents were announced by Ashley Tomasi, coalition coordinator for the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation, at the Chelsea Wellness Coalition’s Feb. 4 meeting.
Tomasi explained that the results of Chelsea and Dexter are paired up because of the similar demographics of the two communities. Click here for the results of the Health Improvement Plan.
There were also four presentations at the meeting by individuals representing Chelsea area nonprofits and organizations interested in receiving financial support.
Jane Thompson represents Ballet Chelsea, and asked for a grant to help continue and enhance the adaptive dance program for residents with disabilities.
“We are particularly interested in programs for preteens and teenagers whose parents are asking for this program,” said Thompson. “We also want to introduce programs for Alzheimer’s patients and to put a teen program into the St. Louis Center.”
Thompson requested $8,690 and said that some of that money would go toward recruiting and training two teachers.
Keegan Sulecki, head of adult services for the Chelsea District Library, addressed the coalition about the annual Community Read.
“We want to embrace connecting with others as our intervention and to come up with a book that is a vehicle for discussion,” said Sulecki. “We want people of different ages to participate so we might add a second book for younger readers.”
Sulecki said they are hoping for 450 participants and asked for $3,000 from 5 Healthy Towns mostly to pay for books.
Another presenter was Stephanie Willette, manager of the Chelsea Farmers’ Markets, who requested $14,720.
“We provide healthy, local food, health education and healthy demonstrations,” she told coalition members. “Our main goal is to increase fruit and vegetable consumption.”
Willette said that the Saturday farmers’ market (which along with the Wednesday Bushel Basket Market) opens in May. The Saturday market will be increasing its hours from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be continuing indoors for the second year during November and December.
Run for the Rolls is seeking $2,000, and Cindy Triveline, the race director, told coalition members, “It’s been amazing to watch the growing number of people and the ages and varying abilities of the people involved.”
This will be the 10th year of the race, which includes a 5K and a one mile fun run and will take place on Aug. 22.
The coalition also heard from a local cattle farmer, who spoke against building a dog park at the proposed location near the city’s Waste Water Treatment plant on the north side of the city.
“That location is in close proximity to cattle farming and it is a potential hazard of danger and possibly death,” he said.
The Chelsea Wellness Coalition meets next on March 3.
