(Chelsea Update would like to thank Shawn Personke for the Information in this story.)
Chelsea Friends and Family Wellness Coalition (CFFWC) is requesting proposals that enhance the health and wellness of Chelsea area residents.
For the 2018-2019 cycle, the coalition seeks to fund projects and programs that will help address the issues of Chelsea school students’ opportunities to walk and bike to school as well as ways to encourage families to eat “5-A-Day,” the recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables.
“We are hoping to see some creative proposals to help address these issues,” says Coalition Chair Gary Maynard, a retired physician who understands the value of leading an active and healthy lifestyle.
“Recent surveys of Chelsea residents showed that only 15 percent of Chelsea’s kids bike or walk to school. Additionally, only 22 percent of Chelsea adults and 35 percent of Chelsea middle schoolers eat at least 5 servings of fruit/veggies each day.”
Maynard added that he’s extremely encouraged by the success of Manchester Community Schools’ “Walk to School” program and thinks it could be replicated in Chelsea. Currently, spearheaded by Manchester Klager Elementary teacher Kathy O’Mara, the Manchester program has developed incentives and monthly themes to encourage walkers and bikers.
Students, parents and community leaders meet Monday and Wednesday mornings before school at designated locations. The groups then walk or roll their way to school. On special occasions, they’ll sing carols or bring donations for the local food pantry.
“I think our best one is when we created our own marching band and ‘played’ wonderful sounds while walking to school. The kids love it,” said O’Mara. “I have recently painted a rock at our old middle school to encourage kids to use the meeting spot. I keep adding to my ideas each year to try and make it just a little more exciting.”
CFFWC members hope that inspired community members or organizations will develop some equally creative projects that will help students “Move More” and all Chelsea residents “Eat Better,” two of the four pillars of wellness that the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation has developed to help people live healthier lives.
While the coalition will give preference to initiatives that focus on increasing the number of students walking or biking to school and number of families that are eating at least five servings of fruits or vegetables a day, other creative ideas will be considered. Proposal information can be found at www.5healthytowns.org.
The deadline for proposals is Dec. 1.
“We’ve completed so many great programs and made measurable improvements in Chelsea’s health data. We look forward to seeing what ideas community members come up with,” said Maynard. “Being healthy is fun.”
Now in its’ sixth year, CFFWC, evaluates, and recommends projects and programs to be funded by the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation. Since 2012, the coalition has recommended 27 initiatives for funding, including many with Chelsea School District, Chelsea District Library, Chelsea Senior Center, and other community partners.
Funded wellness interventions include the Community Read, Camp Gabika, Chelsea Community Kitchen Kids Cooking Program, Chelsea Farmer’s Markets, Adaptive Movement, and Intergenerational Garden.
For more information about submitting a proposal or the Chelsea Friends and Family Wellness Coalition, contact Ashley Tomasi at [email protected] or visit www.5HealthyTowns.org.
