by Matt Pegouskie

In January, 37 community members joined Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition (SAWC) to learn more about what the coalition does, its history, and how people can get involved with coalition planning and activities. 

The evening started with pizza from four different restauranteurs in the Stockbridge service area and music provided by Paul Crandall. People then had an opportunity to network with each other and the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) to explore ways the coalition and greater community could work together to create projects that address “Eating Better, Moving More, and Improved Mental Well-Being.”

A quick presentation by 5HF highlighted where SAWC has been, how it works, and where it would like to go. For example, did you know that, since 2012, with the help of funds provided by 5HF, SAWC has allocated $995,000 to projects in Stockbridge, Gregory, Munith and Waterloo Township?  And, did you know Stockbridge projects have been able to leverage that funding into more than $2.5 million in grants from outside of our community for projects like SRSLY Stockbridge, Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park and Veterans Park?

SAWC Chair Jo Mayer had this to say about the January gathering, “We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to brave the cold and join us for a fun evening of food and networking. We hope the Meet, Greet and Eat event inspires community members to come up with new projects and ideas that we can consider at our meetings.”

Community members with ideas for projects—or who’d like to volunteer on projects—are welcome to attend coalition meetings and discuss those ideas. Meetings are held at 4:30 p.m. at Stockbridge Village Hall, with upcoming meetings scheduled for March 17and May 19.  Zoom options are available for those who can’t make the meetings in person. Email Lori@5healthytowns.org if you’d like the zoom link.

SAWC business meeting update

Before the Meet, Greet and Eat event, SAWC held their business meeting. Congratulations to Rachel Stanley, David Rowse and Emily Stewart on being voted to the SAWC Board at the Jan. 21 meeting. They join Jo Mayer, Debbie Prigge, Cady Bauer, Wendy Walz, Sarah Wilczynski and Molly Howlett as board members. This is a first term on the board for both Stanley and Rowse.

The coalition approved $1,000 for Stockbridge Community Outreach’s 2026 Meal of the Month program. The program will serve 30 clients of the Stockbridge Area Outreach, with a focus on learning basic kitchen skills along with recipes for healthier casseroles. The motion was passed unanimously by the board.