SAWC gains approval for 12 proposals and $75K funding

SAWC Chair Dave Peck and 7th grader Coco Cesarz present on Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition’s Year 7 Plan at the August 5 Healthy Towns Foundation Board Meeting. Photo credit: Ashley Tomasi.

by Ashley Tomasi

The Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition announced Sept. 13 that the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) Board of Directors has approved its Year 7 Comprehensive Wellness Plan.

The plan, approved Aug. 27, contains proposals for projects and programs aimed at improving the health and wellness of residents of the Stockbridge School District. All 12 proposals included in this year’s plan, totaling $75,000, were approved for funding.

SAWC Chair Dave Peck and 7^th grader Coco Cesarz, initiator for the elementary school water bottle filling stations, gave a presentation outlining the Coalition’s Plan prior to the 5HF Board of Director’s vote at their August meeting. Proposals included revitalization of the playground in Munith, water bottle filling stations at Smith Elementary and Heritage Schools, a new connector trail to link Beckwith Preserve to Lakelands Trail Park, and a match for an Ingham County trail grant. Continued funding will go toward maintaining Stockbridge trails, Stockbridge Wellness Center’s Be Fit program, continuing the Bridge to Wellness Challenge, healthy snacks for the elementary school, Community Outreach’s Learning By Doing and Tide Me Over programs, SRSLY Stockbridge, and marketing initiatives.

SAWC celebrated its 2017-2018 accomplishments with the community at Cravingz on Aug. 16. The celebration included music by Generations band, door prizes, and discounts on food and drinks.

Peck said, “We thank all our members for their commitment and continued dedication to improving wellness in the Stockbridge area.”

For more information about SAWC, visit www.5healthytowns.org, www.facebook.com/StockbridgeWellnessCoalition, or join an upcoming meeting the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at 305 W. Elizabeth St., Room 108.

Made up of 20+ community members, Stockbridge Area Wellness Center considers wellness proposals that can have a positive impact on the community’s ability to Eat Better, Move More, Avoid Unhealthy Substances and Connect with Others in Healthy Ways. L-R: Jennie Gondhi (5HF), Ashley Tomasi (5HF), Matt Pegouskie (5HF), Jo Mayer, Sue Wireman, Patti Bihn, Cady Bauer, Dave Peck, Lori Kintz, Suzi Greenway, Mark Taylor, Amy Steffey, Chief Johnnie Torres, Natalie Emerick (5HF), Jaime Kitley. Photo credit: Debbie Nogle.