Karen asked me to pass this along to all PHCers! This might be of interest in terms of a safe, walkable Route 7.
To all interested parties:
You are invited, on behalf of the South Western Regional Planning Agency (SWRPA) and the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials (HVCEO), to attend a public information meeting for the Route 7 Transportation and Land Use Study:
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Farmingville Elementary School
324 Farmingville Road
Ridgefield, CT 06877
Open House Format from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
View the draft plan at www.route7study.org.
If you cannot attend the meeting, feel free to provide your input on-line.
The study team has been working for a year to develop a broad transportation and land use plan for the area with the goal of looking ahead to the year 2030 to improve and interconnect the various components of the transportation system: the roadway, commuter rail, bus travel, walking, and biking. The study team has also evaluated how land is currently used in the corridor and how it could be used in the future to work with the transportation system serving it.
The study focus is on Route 7 within Danbury, Ridgefield, Redding, and Wilton. The study has not evaluated the need for an expressway from Danbury to Norwalk, but has instead investigated ways to maximize the efficiency and safety of all modes of the existing transportation system.
This public information meeting is being held to present elements of the draft plan for public comment.
Area residents, land owners, business owners, commuters and all interested parties are encouraged to attend this public meeting. Also, feel free to invite any other interested people that you may know to come to this meeting by passing along the attached flyer.
If you have any questions about the study, please do not hesitate to contact the SWRPA Study Project Manager, Craig Lader at lader@swrpa.org or 203-316-5190.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Route 7 Management Study Underway
As PHCers, we're all interested in work that will go on along Route 7 that might make it more or less "non-car" friendly! So, with that in mind, I'm making you all aware of the following meeting:
Come join the dialogue about driveways and access on Route 7 in Wilton!
Community Open House
When: Wednesday, Oct. 27
Time: 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Wilton Library (Brubeck Room) 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
As part of the broader Route 7 Corridor Study, the South Western Regional Planning Agency is studying driveways and other access points along Route 7 in Wilton in an effort to improve safety, traffic flow and access to businesses and homes. Known as "Access Management", this type of plan aims to improve how driveways interface with Route 7. We’d like your input and participation in this process as we create a Curb-Cut and Access Management Plan for this heavily-traveled roadway.
Please come by, stay as long as you like, and provide your input as we work on drafting preliminary curb-cut plan concepts. Check the schedule for the day and try to attend during the discussion of the segment that interests you the most. Or attend the end of the workshop at 6:30 PM for an overview of the project and a discussion of the findings so far and the next steps in the process.
For more information, please visit www.route7study.org.
Now get moving!
Come join the dialogue about driveways and access on Route 7 in Wilton!
Community Open House
When: Wednesday, Oct. 27
Time: 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Wilton Library (Brubeck Room) 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
As part of the broader Route 7 Corridor Study, the South Western Regional Planning Agency is studying driveways and other access points along Route 7 in Wilton in an effort to improve safety, traffic flow and access to businesses and homes. Known as "Access Management", this type of plan aims to improve how driveways interface with Route 7. We’d like your input and participation in this process as we create a Curb-Cut and Access Management Plan for this heavily-traveled roadway.
Please come by, stay as long as you like, and provide your input as we work on drafting preliminary curb-cut plan concepts. Check the schedule for the day and try to attend during the discussion of the segment that interests you the most. Or attend the end of the workshop at 6:30 PM for an overview of the project and a discussion of the findings so far and the next steps in the process.
For more information, please visit www.route7study.org.
Now get moving!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Safe Routes to School Contest to begin 10/6
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) announced Thursday that its Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program's second "Walk It Bike It to School, Connecticut!" contest will be launched on International Walk to School Day, to be observed Wednesday, Oct. 6.
The news release continues:
Elementary and middle school classrooms across the state will compete to log the most miles walked and/or biked to and from school.
The Walk It Bike It to School contest was developed to promote a healthier lifestyle, while encouraging schools and communities to establish safe and convenient biking and walking routes. The contest challenges students to walk or bike to school, logging their mileage online as a classroom. Teachers or other school faculty can register their classes online and track their progress at www.walkitbikeitct.org. All Connecticut public and private schools with grades K-8 classrooms are invited to compete in this contest.
Elementary and middle schools are also encouraged to apply for free SRTS non-infrastructure program assistance to support walking and biking initiatives for their students. Schools can apply online with a choice from a list of offerings, including SRTS plan development, walk audits and bicycle rodeos. For more information, visit www.walkitbikeitct.org.
This year, for the first time, SRTS invites the public to pledge to walk or bike to school. The "Walk It Bike It" pledge will be available at www.walkitbikeitct.org and at select partner locations, including Hartford Marathon Foundation events, Fleet Feet Sports and Whole Foods Markets. Students can sign the pledge individually, allowing them to personally commit to walking and biking to school.
Last year, participating students from 17 Connecticut classrooms logged nearly 11,000 miles. Students walked and biked to school, formed walking school buses within their communities and looked for alternative ways to continue a healthy lifestyle.
"We are looking forward to launching the second annual Walk It Bike It to School, Connecticut! Contest to encourage more students and families to make healthy choices in their lives while promoting safe walking and biking in Connecticut." says , Connecticut's Safe Routes to School coordinator Sharon Okoye.
Midway through the school year, the first class that walks and bikes the distance of the perimeter of Connecticut, 375 miles, will be recognized.
On May 19, 2011, all participating schools will be invited to attend the celebratory "Walk the Capitol Steps" ceremony at the State Capitol to recognize the three student groups that walked and biked the farthest distance.
Registration and a list of rules and regulations are available at www.walkitbikeitct.org .
What is Safe Routes to School?
The SRTS Program was established in August 2005 as part of Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The objective of this federally funded initiative is to encourage more students in grades K-8 to walk and bike to school, as opposed to using other transportation alternatives; thereby encouraging a healthier lifestyle. General program information is available on the Connecticut SRTS website: www.ctsaferoutes.org. Questions can be forwarded to the Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Ms. Sharon Okoye, via e-mail at sharon.okoye@ct.gov.
The news release continues:
Elementary and middle school classrooms across the state will compete to log the most miles walked and/or biked to and from school.
The Walk It Bike It to School contest was developed to promote a healthier lifestyle, while encouraging schools and communities to establish safe and convenient biking and walking routes. The contest challenges students to walk or bike to school, logging their mileage online as a classroom. Teachers or other school faculty can register their classes online and track their progress at www.walkitbikeitct.org. All Connecticut public and private schools with grades K-8 classrooms are invited to compete in this contest.
Elementary and middle schools are also encouraged to apply for free SRTS non-infrastructure program assistance to support walking and biking initiatives for their students. Schools can apply online with a choice from a list of offerings, including SRTS plan development, walk audits and bicycle rodeos. For more information, visit www.walkitbikeitct.org.
This year, for the first time, SRTS invites the public to pledge to walk or bike to school. The "Walk It Bike It" pledge will be available at www.walkitbikeitct.org and at select partner locations, including Hartford Marathon Foundation events, Fleet Feet Sports and Whole Foods Markets. Students can sign the pledge individually, allowing them to personally commit to walking and biking to school.
Last year, participating students from 17 Connecticut classrooms logged nearly 11,000 miles. Students walked and biked to school, formed walking school buses within their communities and looked for alternative ways to continue a healthy lifestyle.
"We are looking forward to launching the second annual Walk It Bike It to School, Connecticut! Contest to encourage more students and families to make healthy choices in their lives while promoting safe walking and biking in Connecticut." says , Connecticut's Safe Routes to School coordinator Sharon Okoye.
Midway through the school year, the first class that walks and bikes the distance of the perimeter of Connecticut, 375 miles, will be recognized.
On May 19, 2011, all participating schools will be invited to attend the celebratory "Walk the Capitol Steps" ceremony at the State Capitol to recognize the three student groups that walked and biked the farthest distance.
Registration and a list of rules and regulations are available at www.walkitbikeitct.org .
What is Safe Routes to School?
The SRTS Program was established in August 2005 as part of Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The objective of this federally funded initiative is to encourage more students in grades K-8 to walk and bike to school, as opposed to using other transportation alternatives; thereby encouraging a healthier lifestyle. General program information is available on the Connecticut SRTS website: www.ctsaferoutes.org. Questions can be forwarded to the Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Ms. Sharon Okoye, via e-mail at sharon.okoye@ct.gov.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
International Walk to School Day!
Walk to School Day is Wednesday, October 6!
International Walk to School Day and Month began as an idea
In 1997, the Partnership for a Walkable America sponsored the first National Walk Our Children to School Day in Chicago, modeled after the United Kingdom’s lead. Back then, it was simply a day to bring community leaders and children together to create awareness of the need for communities to be walkable.
It evolved into a movement
By the year 2002, children, parents, teachers and community leaders in all 50 states joined nearly 3 million walkers around the world to celebrate the second annual International Walk to School Day. The reasons for walking grew just as quickly as the event itself.
Whether your concern is safer and improved streets, healthier habits, or cleaner air, Walk to School Day events are aimed at bringing forth permanent change to encourage a more walkable America — one community at a time.
Now it’s a priority
In 2005, new legislation recognized the value of Safe Routes to School programs and is providing funding for States to establish programs. Politicians and other government officials are paying attention to the importance of safe walking and biking to school. Obesity, concern for the environment and the effects of urban sprawl on communities has led to the joining of efforts among those that care about these and other related issues like school siting and traffic congestion.
Communities are using the walk or bike to school as the first step to change community culture and create environments that are more inviting for everyone, young and old. Here are some reasons to support walking and biking to school:
To enhance the health of kids Increased physical activity can combat a host of health problems facing kids today.
To improve air quality and the environment Replacing car trips to school with walking or bicycling can help reduce air pollution.
To create safer routes for walking and bicycling Sidewalks, education programs and traffic calming measures are some of the ways to improve conditions.
This type of event would clearly fit into our goals with the PHC childhood obesity grant - I know October 6th is only 2 weeks away but does anyone want to spearhead this? Maybe it could be as simple as dropping the kids at the end of the school driveway and having them walk up to the school on that day for this year? There are 10 communities in CT participating already - can we be number 11?
E-mail Karen or me and let us know if you're interested in taking the Walk to School challenge on!
For more info or program ideas: http://www.walktoschool.org/index.cfm
International Walk to School Day and Month began as an idea
In 1997, the Partnership for a Walkable America sponsored the first National Walk Our Children to School Day in Chicago, modeled after the United Kingdom’s lead. Back then, it was simply a day to bring community leaders and children together to create awareness of the need for communities to be walkable.
It evolved into a movement
By the year 2002, children, parents, teachers and community leaders in all 50 states joined nearly 3 million walkers around the world to celebrate the second annual International Walk to School Day. The reasons for walking grew just as quickly as the event itself.
Whether your concern is safer and improved streets, healthier habits, or cleaner air, Walk to School Day events are aimed at bringing forth permanent change to encourage a more walkable America — one community at a time.
Now it’s a priority
In 2005, new legislation recognized the value of Safe Routes to School programs and is providing funding for States to establish programs. Politicians and other government officials are paying attention to the importance of safe walking and biking to school. Obesity, concern for the environment and the effects of urban sprawl on communities has led to the joining of efforts among those that care about these and other related issues like school siting and traffic congestion.
Communities are using the walk or bike to school as the first step to change community culture and create environments that are more inviting for everyone, young and old. Here are some reasons to support walking and biking to school:
To enhance the health of kids Increased physical activity can combat a host of health problems facing kids today.
To improve air quality and the environment Replacing car trips to school with walking or bicycling can help reduce air pollution.
To create safer routes for walking and bicycling Sidewalks, education programs and traffic calming measures are some of the ways to improve conditions.
This type of event would clearly fit into our goals with the PHC childhood obesity grant - I know October 6th is only 2 weeks away but does anyone want to spearhead this? Maybe it could be as simple as dropping the kids at the end of the school driveway and having them walk up to the school on that day for this year? There are 10 communities in CT participating already - can we be number 11?
E-mail Karen or me and let us know if you're interested in taking the Walk to School challenge on!
For more info or program ideas: http://www.walktoschool.org/index.cfm
Friday, August 20, 2010
Celebrate a healthy Wilton update
Hi gang:
Can't believe it's almost the end of August - our kickoff campaign for the childhood obesity grant is right around the corner. I wanted to send along the agenda for this Monday's meeting at 12 noon at Comstock - hope you can make it! Remember, come in the front door and check the whiteboard for what room we'll be in on Monday.
PHC Team Meeting
Agenda
August 23, 2010
12 noon
Comstock Community Center
I. Food for Thought
Only 21 percent of young people eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
II. Update on kiosk projects – Wilton Center and Merwin Meadows
III. Update on Pedestrian Zone Map – Mike Conklin
IV. Update on banners – installation expected w/o 9/7
V. Update on bike racks – one to be installed at Gazebo before 9/11
VI. Update on agenda and activities for 9/11 Celebrate Wilton
a. Bicycle/pedestrian parade from Allen’s Meadows
b. Proclamation of Healthy Wilton at gazebo
c. Passport to fitness campaign
d. Fitness demonstrations
e. Bicycle safety demonstration
f. Healthy menu options – local eating establishments
VII. Physical Activity/Infrastructure Committee – Colleen
a. Bike racks and bikes – where, how get them, etc
b. Fitnessgram
c. Kiosks
d. Wellness Wednesday’s/Fitness Fridays
e. Community gardens/Farmer’s market
VIII. Healthy Eating – Carol
a. Order marketing signage for Farmer’s Markets
b. Healthy Foods Tour of VM – local high school student may be able to produce
c. Did you know facts – Supermarkets
d. Promote farm stands, farm markets and eating fresh/local
e. Healthy cooking programs with Continuing Ed and WLA
f. Calorie counts or healthy menu options at restaurants
IX. Long-term/Policy – Lisa
a. Kiosks (with infrastructure)
b. Marker signs on paths and sidewalks
c. Wellness park – south of tennis courts
d. River trail/greenway
e. Complete Streets – or Wilton’s version of a complete street!
Can't believe it's almost the end of August - our kickoff campaign for the childhood obesity grant is right around the corner. I wanted to send along the agenda for this Monday's meeting at 12 noon at Comstock - hope you can make it! Remember, come in the front door and check the whiteboard for what room we'll be in on Monday.
PHC Team Meeting
Agenda
August 23, 2010
12 noon
Comstock Community Center
I. Food for Thought
Only 21 percent of young people eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
II. Update on kiosk projects – Wilton Center and Merwin Meadows
III. Update on Pedestrian Zone Map – Mike Conklin
IV. Update on banners – installation expected w/o 9/7
V. Update on bike racks – one to be installed at Gazebo before 9/11
VI. Update on agenda and activities for 9/11 Celebrate Wilton
a. Bicycle/pedestrian parade from Allen’s Meadows
b. Proclamation of Healthy Wilton at gazebo
c. Passport to fitness campaign
d. Fitness demonstrations
e. Bicycle safety demonstration
f. Healthy menu options – local eating establishments
VII. Physical Activity/Infrastructure Committee – Colleen
a. Bike racks and bikes – where, how get them, etc
b. Fitnessgram
c. Kiosks
d. Wellness Wednesday’s/Fitness Fridays
e. Community gardens/Farmer’s market
VIII. Healthy Eating – Carol
a. Order marketing signage for Farmer’s Markets
b. Healthy Foods Tour of VM – local high school student may be able to produce
c. Did you know facts – Supermarkets
d. Promote farm stands, farm markets and eating fresh/local
e. Healthy cooking programs with Continuing Ed and WLA
f. Calorie counts or healthy menu options at restaurants
IX. Long-term/Policy – Lisa
a. Kiosks (with infrastructure)
b. Marker signs on paths and sidewalks
c. Wellness park – south of tennis courts
d. River trail/greenway
e. Complete Streets – or Wilton’s version of a complete street!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Is the obesity grant hurting the no-smoking campaign?
I was reading an article in the New York Times recently about how tobacco funds are being taken to fight childhood obesity. It's sad that we have to choose between discouraging smoking and encouraging healthy activities - frankly, they probably should go hand in hand. Healthy living is not just eating right and exercising - it's also not drinking to excess, not smoking and not doing drugs. I'm attaching the link to the article so you can read it if you're interested. But here's the opening paragraph in case, like me, you're really just a headline skimmer!
"When the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation decided in 1991 to take on Joe Camel, it became the nation’s largest private funding source for fighting smoking. The foundation spent $700 million to help knock the cartoon character out of advertisements, finance research and advocacy for higher cigarette taxes and smoke-free air laws and, ultimately, to aid in reducing the nation’s smoking rate almost by half.
But a few years ago, the Johnson foundation, based in Princeton, N.J., added another target to its mission, pledging to spend $500 million in five years to battle childhood obesity. As the antiobesity financing rose to $58 million last year, a new compilation from the foundation shows, the organization’s antismoking grants fell to $4 million."
Here's the link if you'd like to read more! http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/28/health/policy/28obesity.html?_r=1&hp
Go take a hike!
"When the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation decided in 1991 to take on Joe Camel, it became the nation’s largest private funding source for fighting smoking. The foundation spent $700 million to help knock the cartoon character out of advertisements, finance research and advocacy for higher cigarette taxes and smoke-free air laws and, ultimately, to aid in reducing the nation’s smoking rate almost by half.
But a few years ago, the Johnson foundation, based in Princeton, N.J., added another target to its mission, pledging to spend $500 million in five years to battle childhood obesity. As the antiobesity financing rose to $58 million last year, a new compilation from the foundation shows, the organization’s antismoking grants fell to $4 million."
Here's the link if you'd like to read more! http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/28/health/policy/28obesity.html?_r=1&hp
Go take a hike!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Fun family exercise
Looking for a fun family exercise for this weekend - check this out: http://www.bikenewyork.org/rides/hvrr/routes.html
There's a variety of bke rides from 20 miles to 100 miles very close to Wilton! Here's what the tour group says about these rides:
For the seventh annual edition of this ride in 2010, we have new routes. You'll still find incredible scenery and quiet roads, and now you'll explore areas not covered in previous years. Check out our comparison chart to see how this ride compares to other Bike New York events in terms of hilliness, and see the Tour Director notes below for more details.
Note About Young Riders: We welcome the participation of families and ask that those with younger cyclists choose either the 20- or 30-mile route. Cyclists 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and everyone under 18 years old must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
Sounds fun - check it out!
There's a variety of bke rides from 20 miles to 100 miles very close to Wilton! Here's what the tour group says about these rides:
For the seventh annual edition of this ride in 2010, we have new routes. You'll still find incredible scenery and quiet roads, and now you'll explore areas not covered in previous years. Check out our comparison chart to see how this ride compares to other Bike New York events in terms of hilliness, and see the Tour Director notes below for more details.
Note About Young Riders: We welcome the participation of families and ask that those with younger cyclists choose either the 20- or 30-mile route. Cyclists 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and everyone under 18 years old must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
Sounds fun - check it out!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Let's Move
Now that I am involved with the Y on this grant to help prevent childhood obesity I am spending a lot of time researching different websites on getting kids more fit. I was just on Michele Obama's Letsmove.gov website and here are some of her suggestions for community leaders to help kids get fit:
"Neighborhood organizations and faith-based groups are well positioned to initiate and coordinate activities to encourage healthy living and well being. Trusted leaders in communities and congregations can empower families and communities to make better choices to improve the health of our nation’s children."
Help Parents Make Healthy Choices
Parents and community members can model healthy decisions about physical activity and nutrition. But in today’s busy world, healthy choices aren’t always easy. Parents and caregivers need a community of support. Here are some ways faith-based and community organizations can provide that support.
Make Community Meals Healthier: At community or congregational meals or potlucks, provide healthy selections, like fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. People may unknowingly eat larger amounts when presented with larger portions. Reduce portion sizes by eliminating buffet-style meals or simply using smaller plates.
Motivational Groups: Challenge members of your community or congregation to form a motivational group for parents and caregivers who want to learn more about healthier food shopping or improving eating habits.
Community Cookbook: Create a community or congregational cookbook that features healthy, locally grown food. Encourage all members to contribute their favorite healthy recipes or come up with a healthy twist on a classic dish.
Serve Healthy Drinks and Snacks: Switch from sugar-sweetened beverages to 100% juice in education, child care or after-school programs. Replace sugary drinks in vending machine with water, 100% fruit juice or low-fat or fat-free milk. Use the HealthierUS School Challenge Competitive Food Calculator to determine which packaged snack foods are lower in fat, sodium and added sugars.
Help Children get Physical Activity
Children need physical education, safe routes to walk and ride their bikes to school, and access to parks, playgrounds and community centers to get the 60 minutes of active play they need each day. Sports leagues, and dance and fitness programs that are exciting and challenging will keep children engaged. Community organizations can take steps to increase opportunities for kids to be physically active – in school and in their communities – and create opportunities for families to engage in physical activity together.
Ideas to Promote Physical Activity
There are many ways congregations and community organizations can help children get the daily physical activity they need. Here are some ideas to get started:
President’s Active Lifestyle Challenge: Help children take the President’s Active Lifestyle Challenge by hosting the challenge within your organization.
Support Community Sports: Support or start a community sports league, intramural sport, or physical activity club that is accessible to all community members – regardless of skill, ability, or financial resources. This is especially important in locations with few or no school-supported physical activity programs.
Safe Routes to Walk and Bike: Ensure that children have safe routes to walk and bike in your community.
Organize Active Events: Create a physical activity club in your congregation or community center. Organize a walk, dance, or bike-a-thon, 5K, field day, fun run, relay race, or come up with your own active event ideas.
Promote Recreational Facilities: Partner with local community centers and schools to promote the use of recreational facilities, gymnasiums, playing fields, and playgrounds.
Wilton already does a lot of this but it might give us some more ideas to think about.
And finally, another thought to leave you with for this week: "In the next 18 minutes that I take to do this speech, four Americans will be dead from the food that they eat." - Jamie Oliver, Ted Talk presentation Feb. 2010
"Neighborhood organizations and faith-based groups are well positioned to initiate and coordinate activities to encourage healthy living and well being. Trusted leaders in communities and congregations can empower families and communities to make better choices to improve the health of our nation’s children."
Help Parents Make Healthy Choices
Parents and community members can model healthy decisions about physical activity and nutrition. But in today’s busy world, healthy choices aren’t always easy. Parents and caregivers need a community of support. Here are some ways faith-based and community organizations can provide that support.
Make Community Meals Healthier: At community or congregational meals or potlucks, provide healthy selections, like fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. People may unknowingly eat larger amounts when presented with larger portions. Reduce portion sizes by eliminating buffet-style meals or simply using smaller plates.
Motivational Groups: Challenge members of your community or congregation to form a motivational group for parents and caregivers who want to learn more about healthier food shopping or improving eating habits.
Community Cookbook: Create a community or congregational cookbook that features healthy, locally grown food. Encourage all members to contribute their favorite healthy recipes or come up with a healthy twist on a classic dish.
Serve Healthy Drinks and Snacks: Switch from sugar-sweetened beverages to 100% juice in education, child care or after-school programs. Replace sugary drinks in vending machine with water, 100% fruit juice or low-fat or fat-free milk. Use the HealthierUS School Challenge Competitive Food Calculator to determine which packaged snack foods are lower in fat, sodium and added sugars.
Help Children get Physical Activity
Children need physical education, safe routes to walk and ride their bikes to school, and access to parks, playgrounds and community centers to get the 60 minutes of active play they need each day. Sports leagues, and dance and fitness programs that are exciting and challenging will keep children engaged. Community organizations can take steps to increase opportunities for kids to be physically active – in school and in their communities – and create opportunities for families to engage in physical activity together.
Ideas to Promote Physical Activity
There are many ways congregations and community organizations can help children get the daily physical activity they need. Here are some ideas to get started:
President’s Active Lifestyle Challenge: Help children take the President’s Active Lifestyle Challenge by hosting the challenge within your organization.
Support Community Sports: Support or start a community sports league, intramural sport, or physical activity club that is accessible to all community members – regardless of skill, ability, or financial resources. This is especially important in locations with few or no school-supported physical activity programs.
Safe Routes to Walk and Bike: Ensure that children have safe routes to walk and bike in your community.
Organize Active Events: Create a physical activity club in your congregation or community center. Organize a walk, dance, or bike-a-thon, 5K, field day, fun run, relay race, or come up with your own active event ideas.
Promote Recreational Facilities: Partner with local community centers and schools to promote the use of recreational facilities, gymnasiums, playing fields, and playgrounds.
Wilton already does a lot of this but it might give us some more ideas to think about.
And finally, another thought to leave you with for this week: "In the next 18 minutes that I take to do this speech, four Americans will be dead from the food that they eat." - Jamie Oliver, Ted Talk presentation Feb. 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
National Physical Activity Plan and Wilton
I was reading the US National Physical Activity Plan which was released in May of this year to help prod the nation to collaborate with all sorts of partners to encourage everyone to get more active in their life. The plans overall vision is: "one day, all Americans will be physically active, and they will live, work and play in environments that facilitate regular physical activity."
The NPAP is quite extensive and involves all segments of the community to encourage everyone to get physically active (not just kids, which is more the focus of our Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant). I thought I'd share the highlights of the NPAP as I think they are useful for us to consider.
The plan is broken into sectors with general ideas for what the sectors can do.
Non-profits: Non-profit members, volunteers, & constituents advocate for policies that support physical activity choices in communities.
Education: Early childhood facilities & K-12 schools provide comprehensive physical activity programs that offer before, during, & afterschool opportunities for daily physical activity.
Schools report on accountability measures for the quality & quantity of physical education & physical activity programs.
School & community partnerships (e.g. sharing facilities) will expand physical activity choices for youth & families
Healthcare: Physical activity is a patient vital sign at healthcare visits.
Physical inactivity is a treatable/preventable condition.
Health care professionals advocate for improved physical activity choices for their schools & communities.
Public Health: A public health workforce trained to lead policy & practices that support physical activity for states & communities.
Broad partnerships between public health, transportation, recreation, education, business, media, non-profits & more work together to improve physical activity choices for communities.
Transportation and Community Planning: Active modes of travel (walking, biking, transit) & health impacts are part of all transportation & community planning at the national, state, & local level.
Employers receive financial incentives to encourage active travel for employees.
Schools are located in neighbor-hoods where youth & families can walk to school.
Parks, Recreation, Fitness & Sport: Safe, affordable, & accessible physical activity
opportunities are available to all people where they work, learn, live, play, & worship.
Professional, amateur, & college athletics programs increase physical activity opportunities for communities.
Open spaces & recreation areas are protected & maintained throughout the US.
Business & Industry: Opportunities to be physically active are part of the work place.
Employer sponsored physical activity programs are provided to all working Americans.
Media: A branded cause campaign for improved physical activity choices serves as a unifying voice for change at the national, state, & local level.
Some great ideas to consider as we implement our overall plan.
And finally, a little food for thought: "Physical activity declines substantially during adolescence: 70 percent of 12-year-olds participate in vigorous physical activity, yet only 42 percent of 21-year-old men and 30 percent of 21-year-old women do so."
The NPAP is quite extensive and involves all segments of the community to encourage everyone to get physically active (not just kids, which is more the focus of our Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant). I thought I'd share the highlights of the NPAP as I think they are useful for us to consider.
The plan is broken into sectors with general ideas for what the sectors can do.
Non-profits: Non-profit members, volunteers, & constituents advocate for policies that support physical activity choices in communities.
Education: Early childhood facilities & K-12 schools provide comprehensive physical activity programs that offer before, during, & afterschool opportunities for daily physical activity.
Schools report on accountability measures for the quality & quantity of physical education & physical activity programs.
School & community partnerships (e.g. sharing facilities) will expand physical activity choices for youth & families
Healthcare: Physical activity is a patient vital sign at healthcare visits.
Physical inactivity is a treatable/preventable condition.
Health care professionals advocate for improved physical activity choices for their schools & communities.
Public Health: A public health workforce trained to lead policy & practices that support physical activity for states & communities.
Broad partnerships between public health, transportation, recreation, education, business, media, non-profits & more work together to improve physical activity choices for communities.
Transportation and Community Planning: Active modes of travel (walking, biking, transit) & health impacts are part of all transportation & community planning at the national, state, & local level.
Employers receive financial incentives to encourage active travel for employees.
Schools are located in neighbor-hoods where youth & families can walk to school.
Parks, Recreation, Fitness & Sport: Safe, affordable, & accessible physical activity
opportunities are available to all people where they work, learn, live, play, & worship.
Professional, amateur, & college athletics programs increase physical activity opportunities for communities.
Open spaces & recreation areas are protected & maintained throughout the US.
Business & Industry: Opportunities to be physically active are part of the work place.
Employer sponsored physical activity programs are provided to all working Americans.
Media: A branded cause campaign for improved physical activity choices serves as a unifying voice for change at the national, state, & local level.
Some great ideas to consider as we implement our overall plan.
And finally, a little food for thought: "Physical activity declines substantially during adolescence: 70 percent of 12-year-olds participate in vigorous physical activity, yet only 42 percent of 21-year-old men and 30 percent of 21-year-old women do so."
Friday, July 2, 2010
Happy 4th of July!
Boy, give me one week off and I'll take a month! Sorry about that folks but we have some good news that we want to share with you and so I thought I'd tie in a Happy 4th greeting with that good news!
On Monday, Karen and I spent an hour in a conference call with the people at Y-USA. We talked about the plan we submitted back in May which all of you had a hand in helping us form. And I'm pleased to tell you that our plan has received "absolute approval" from the powers that be! We expect that the grant money check will be cut week of July 12th!
Now comes the hard part - now we have to start putting into place all the facets of this plan to help prevent childhood obesity. I know it's summer and lots of folks are on vacation but we'll need to start meeting again soon as subcommittees to determine how best to implement the priorities and policies we have set in the plan.
So, enjoy your 4th of July holiday - get out to your BBQ's and be sure to eat lots of fresh locally-grown veggies, take lots of opportunities to exercise - swim, bike ride, walk, run, play frisbee - and rest up for the work ahead!
Happy 4th!
On Monday, Karen and I spent an hour in a conference call with the people at Y-USA. We talked about the plan we submitted back in May which all of you had a hand in helping us form. And I'm pleased to tell you that our plan has received "absolute approval" from the powers that be! We expect that the grant money check will be cut week of July 12th!
Now comes the hard part - now we have to start putting into place all the facets of this plan to help prevent childhood obesity. I know it's summer and lots of folks are on vacation but we'll need to start meeting again soon as subcommittees to determine how best to implement the priorities and policies we have set in the plan.
So, enjoy your 4th of July holiday - get out to your BBQ's and be sure to eat lots of fresh locally-grown veggies, take lots of opportunities to exercise - swim, bike ride, walk, run, play frisbee - and rest up for the work ahead!
Happy 4th!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Long weekend ahead - plenty of time for outdoor fun!
While I haven't finished my tour of Wilton's great outdoor spaces for this blog, I thought I would share some other physical activity thoughts and opportunities with you.
Next Saturday, June 5th is National Trails Day - "On June 5, 2010, American Hiking Society and outdoor enthusiasts across the country will celebrate the 18th annual National Trails Day®, a long-standing celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. More than 1,500 events will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running and trail celebrations."
What a great way to get some fresh air, some fun exercise, and see a little bit of the countryside. And, you can even get your kids involved with a coloring contest - check this out!
Not sure where you're going when you're hiking in the mountains - there's an app for that! Check out the latest GPS app here.
As I was thinking of what to put in this blog this week, I thought I would come up with some other physical activity options besides hiking and biking. It's not important what you do, just that you do it!
Rowing - You can burn around 500 calories an hour rowing and think of the different view you get from the water!
Tennis - Burn 400 calories an hour playing tennis!
Kayaking - Burn 350 calories and again get to see a different perspective from the water!
And my favorite pasttime - golf - (walking with clubs not riding!) - Over 400 calories per hour - and you know golf is not a sport you can play in an hour!
These are all great activities that you can enjoy either here in Wilton or right down the road in Norwalk. These are all activities that you can get your kids involved in and they'll enjoy AND they'll enjoy spending quality time with you when you join them!
Memorial Day being the unofficial start of the summer season is a great time to thank the veterans who have sacrificed for our freedom and get out and enjoy the outdoor activities available to us all.
Have a great one!
Next Saturday, June 5th is National Trails Day - "On June 5, 2010, American Hiking Society and outdoor enthusiasts across the country will celebrate the 18th annual National Trails Day®, a long-standing celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. More than 1,500 events will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running and trail celebrations."
What a great way to get some fresh air, some fun exercise, and see a little bit of the countryside. And, you can even get your kids involved with a coloring contest - check this out!
Not sure where you're going when you're hiking in the mountains - there's an app for that! Check out the latest GPS app here.
As I was thinking of what to put in this blog this week, I thought I would come up with some other physical activity options besides hiking and biking. It's not important what you do, just that you do it!
Rowing - You can burn around 500 calories an hour rowing and think of the different view you get from the water!
Tennis - Burn 400 calories an hour playing tennis!
Kayaking - Burn 350 calories and again get to see a different perspective from the water!
And my favorite pasttime - golf - (walking with clubs not riding!) - Over 400 calories per hour - and you know golf is not a sport you can play in an hour!
These are all great activities that you can enjoy either here in Wilton or right down the road in Norwalk. These are all activities that you can get your kids involved in and they'll enjoy AND they'll enjoy spending quality time with you when you join them!
Memorial Day being the unofficial start of the summer season is a great time to thank the veterans who have sacrificed for our freedom and get out and enjoy the outdoor activities available to us all.
Have a great one!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
An update on the obesity grant plan
Lots of you have e-mailed me asking when the next committee meetings are going to be so I thought I'd use my Tuesday blog to fill you in on what's happening.
First, thank you all for your time to date. As I think we mentioned, the initial meetings were used to help us formulate a plan to be submitted to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Y-USA on the eventual expenditure of the grant money. That plan needs to be submitted by next Monday and Karen and I feel like we have a really good start to getting that accomplished.
Once the grant is accepted (or denied) we will begin the challenging work of putting those items in place - and that's when the committees will start meeting again. Until we get the nod of approval, we don't want to start working towards our goal only to be told to stop and rethink. We don't feel that's going to happen as we believe we have a good solid plan to submit.
I am sending the outline of the overall plan for your information. Remember, that we are not bound to just this framework as we go along but this gives us a good starting point. We don't know exactly when we'll hear from the governing bodies but as soon as we do - you will know.
Here's the outline of the proposed plan for the grant:
I. INCREASE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN YOUTH
a. Establish a “Pedestrian Zone” encompassing majority of youth-centered sites
b. Purchase bike racks to place in key locations of zone and explore “loanable” bicycles
c. Encourage use of parking hubs within zone to discourage driving short distances
d. Install informational kiosks at high traffic sites with trail maps, town park locations, etc.
e. Develop “Wellness Park” at corner of Rt. 7/School Road
f. Explore small playground at Schenck’s Island
g. Purchase lamppost banners and other signage that promote walking in the zone.
h. Implement Fitnessgram program through physical education departments at public schools
i. Work with collaborative partners to offer “Wellness Wednesday” activities throughout zone that students can safely walk to after school
II. IMPROVED EATING HABITS
a. Encourage restaurants to post calorie counts and healthy meal choices, especially for children
b. Produce video: “Healthy Foods Tour of Village Market”
c. Ask supermarkets to post “Did You Know” facts about healthy eating
d. Promote consumption of fresh produce: establish school garden at OLF; support and expand Farmer’s Market and Ambler Farm Stand; encourage vegetable gardening at home and Wilton community plots
e. Work with Library and Continuing Ed to present healthy eating/cooking programs for young people
f. Ask youth organizations to review vending/snack offerings for healthier options
III. POLICY/ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES
a. Explore establishment of Wilton Wellness Commission
b. Support Greenway project
c. Participate in regional planning for Rt. 7 transportation corridor
d. Advocate for “Complete Streets” in areas of new development
e. Encourage local pediatricians to write prescriptions for more physical activity and improved diet utilizing programs described above
f. Seek other grants to supplement funding of RWJ anti-obesity programs
g. Create an “Advocate for Fit Kids” seal of approval that programs, organizations, events can subscribe to
Stay tuned for more information as soon as it is available.
First, thank you all for your time to date. As I think we mentioned, the initial meetings were used to help us formulate a plan to be submitted to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Y-USA on the eventual expenditure of the grant money. That plan needs to be submitted by next Monday and Karen and I feel like we have a really good start to getting that accomplished.
Once the grant is accepted (or denied) we will begin the challenging work of putting those items in place - and that's when the committees will start meeting again. Until we get the nod of approval, we don't want to start working towards our goal only to be told to stop and rethink. We don't feel that's going to happen as we believe we have a good solid plan to submit.
I am sending the outline of the overall plan for your information. Remember, that we are not bound to just this framework as we go along but this gives us a good starting point. We don't know exactly when we'll hear from the governing bodies but as soon as we do - you will know.
Here's the outline of the proposed plan for the grant:
I. INCREASE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN YOUTH
a. Establish a “Pedestrian Zone” encompassing majority of youth-centered sites
b. Purchase bike racks to place in key locations of zone and explore “loanable” bicycles
c. Encourage use of parking hubs within zone to discourage driving short distances
d. Install informational kiosks at high traffic sites with trail maps, town park locations, etc.
e. Develop “Wellness Park” at corner of Rt. 7/School Road
f. Explore small playground at Schenck’s Island
g. Purchase lamppost banners and other signage that promote walking in the zone.
h. Implement Fitnessgram program through physical education departments at public schools
i. Work with collaborative partners to offer “Wellness Wednesday” activities throughout zone that students can safely walk to after school
II. IMPROVED EATING HABITS
a. Encourage restaurants to post calorie counts and healthy meal choices, especially for children
b. Produce video: “Healthy Foods Tour of Village Market”
c. Ask supermarkets to post “Did You Know” facts about healthy eating
d. Promote consumption of fresh produce: establish school garden at OLF; support and expand Farmer’s Market and Ambler Farm Stand; encourage vegetable gardening at home and Wilton community plots
e. Work with Library and Continuing Ed to present healthy eating/cooking programs for young people
f. Ask youth organizations to review vending/snack offerings for healthier options
III. POLICY/ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES
a. Explore establishment of Wilton Wellness Commission
b. Support Greenway project
c. Participate in regional planning for Rt. 7 transportation corridor
d. Advocate for “Complete Streets” in areas of new development
e. Encourage local pediatricians to write prescriptions for more physical activity and improved diet utilizing programs described above
f. Seek other grants to supplement funding of RWJ anti-obesity programs
g. Create an “Advocate for Fit Kids” seal of approval that programs, organizations, events can subscribe to
Stay tuned for more information as soon as it is available.
Friday, May 21, 2010
May is National Bike Month
"Since 1956, May has been recognized as National Bike Month. The third week in May is designated Bike to Work Week; and the third Friday of May is Bike to Work Day."
Wouldn't it be neat to have a bike to "school" week? Or a bike to "school" day? Our kids wouldn't have to bike the whole way - maybe they are picked up at their bus stop - with their bikes - and then dropped in the center of town. Then the whole group bikes to their schools using safe routes such as the Merwin Meadows path escorted by bicycle cops!
"Over 66% of the adult US population is overweight and 32% of the US is obese. Statistics on the lack of physical activity among children are also alarming. Most children are driven to school in cars or buses, and one child out of every 4 is overweight."
Employers in the community benefit from a healthy, active workforce as well. What if we encouraged a bike to your "destination" day? Everyone would be safe because there would be more bikes on the roads that day than cars! Kids could bike to school, adults could bike to work - and we'd all be a little more productive that day because we started it right!
FYI: For a 180 pound man, a 10 mile round trip bike commute burns 400 calories. For a 130-pound woman this same commute burns 300 calories!
I suppose it's too late to plan a bike to school day for this May but I'd love to see a group come together to plan a National Bike Month program for next May. Anyone?
Wouldn't it be neat to have a bike to "school" week? Or a bike to "school" day? Our kids wouldn't have to bike the whole way - maybe they are picked up at their bus stop - with their bikes - and then dropped in the center of town. Then the whole group bikes to their schools using safe routes such as the Merwin Meadows path escorted by bicycle cops!
"Over 66% of the adult US population is overweight and 32% of the US is obese. Statistics on the lack of physical activity among children are also alarming. Most children are driven to school in cars or buses, and one child out of every 4 is overweight."
Employers in the community benefit from a healthy, active workforce as well. What if we encouraged a bike to your "destination" day? Everyone would be safe because there would be more bikes on the roads that day than cars! Kids could bike to school, adults could bike to work - and we'd all be a little more productive that day because we started it right!
FYI: For a 180 pound man, a 10 mile round trip bike commute burns 400 calories. For a 130-pound woman this same commute burns 300 calories!
I suppose it's too late to plan a bike to school day for this May but I'd love to see a group come together to plan a National Bike Month program for next May. Anyone?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
School nutrition
As promised - I thought I'd shed some light on the school lunch program. The Connecticut Department of Education mandates many aspects of the school operations (some funded, some unfunded) telling them what they can and cannot do. Of course, the Connecticut mandates are derived from the federal mandates.
School lunches are no different and are also mandated. However, the school lunch program does carry some funding if the school agrees to participate in the National School Lunch Program which then follows the Connecticut Nutrition Standards.
"The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) developed the Connecticut Nutrition Standards in response to Section 10-215e of the Connecticut General Statutes, which requires the CSDE to publish a set of nutrition standards for food items offered for sale to students separately from a reimbursable school lunch or breakfast.
The Connecticut Nutrition Standards focus on limiting fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and added sugars, moderating portion sizes, and promoting increased intake of nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat/nonfat dairy products, lean meats, legumes, nuts and seeds. The nutrients addressed in the Connecticut Nutrition Standards are based on current nutrition science and national health recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPyramid and national organizations, such as the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Dietetic Association and American Academy of Pediatrics. They are supported by 28 health and education organizations in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Nutrition Standards are reviewed annually by the CSDE state nutrition standards committee and are updated as needed to reflect changes in nutrition science and national health recommendations. They are published by January 1 of each year to be effective for the following school year (July 1 through June 30)."
If you would like to read the Connecticut Nutrition Standards - click here.
I have never eaten at any of the Wilton schools and have only spoken to a child or two about school lunch so I can't even begin to judge the nutritional standards but I do believe the schools are heading in the right direction with the farm to cafeteria program they are establishing (at least at the high school level).
I'd love to "hear" what others think of the school lunch program - especially if you have first hand knowledge (as in you have eaten lunch at the school and you know what they serve!).
Obviously, good nutrition starts at home but the schools should be supporting a healthy lifestyle through educating our children on the best choices they can make throughout the school day.
School lunches are no different and are also mandated. However, the school lunch program does carry some funding if the school agrees to participate in the National School Lunch Program which then follows the Connecticut Nutrition Standards.
"The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) developed the Connecticut Nutrition Standards in response to Section 10-215e of the Connecticut General Statutes, which requires the CSDE to publish a set of nutrition standards for food items offered for sale to students separately from a reimbursable school lunch or breakfast.
The Connecticut Nutrition Standards focus on limiting fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and added sugars, moderating portion sizes, and promoting increased intake of nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat/nonfat dairy products, lean meats, legumes, nuts and seeds. The nutrients addressed in the Connecticut Nutrition Standards are based on current nutrition science and national health recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPyramid and national organizations, such as the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Dietetic Association and American Academy of Pediatrics. They are supported by 28 health and education organizations in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Nutrition Standards are reviewed annually by the CSDE state nutrition standards committee and are updated as needed to reflect changes in nutrition science and national health recommendations. They are published by January 1 of each year to be effective for the following school year (July 1 through June 30)."
If you would like to read the Connecticut Nutrition Standards - click here.
I have never eaten at any of the Wilton schools and have only spoken to a child or two about school lunch so I can't even begin to judge the nutritional standards but I do believe the schools are heading in the right direction with the farm to cafeteria program they are establishing (at least at the high school level).
I'd love to "hear" what others think of the school lunch program - especially if you have first hand knowledge (as in you have eaten lunch at the school and you know what they serve!).
Obviously, good nutrition starts at home but the schools should be supporting a healthy lifestyle through educating our children on the best choices they can make throughout the school day.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Go Take a Hike (It must be Friday!)
Once again the weekend weather sounds like the perfect time to get out and get some exercise with the family. This week's featured property is the Harrison Smith Preserve.
The 23 acre Harrison Smith Preserve combines the beauty of a New England woodland with historical glimpses of Wilton in a bygone era. Created in 1974 when the Smith family generously donated the land to the Wilton Land Conservation Trust. The northern most section of the Smith Preserve borders Quarry Head. Smith Preserve and Quarry Head together, give citizens of Wilton a combined area of nearly 60 acres of open space, with interconnecting trails for passive recreation and spiritual refreshment.
Directions: From Wilton Center, go north on Route 33 (Ridgefield Road) for ±3 miles to Keeler’s Ridge Road. The park entrances are found off the south end of Keeler’s Ridge Road and just north of the northern Keeler’s Ridge Road entrance on the right.
Acreage: ±23
Parking: On Keeler’s Ridge Road; from Quarry Head.
Access: Best through Quarry Head; off Ridgefield Road and off Keeler’s Ridge Road.
Trails: Scenic woodland trails for hiking and horse back riding. Distance not available.
Ownership: Wilton Land Conservation Trust
For more information on the Harrison Smith Preserve click here.
The 23 acre Harrison Smith Preserve combines the beauty of a New England woodland with historical glimpses of Wilton in a bygone era. Created in 1974 when the Smith family generously donated the land to the Wilton Land Conservation Trust. The northern most section of the Smith Preserve borders Quarry Head. Smith Preserve and Quarry Head together, give citizens of Wilton a combined area of nearly 60 acres of open space, with interconnecting trails for passive recreation and spiritual refreshment.
Directions: From Wilton Center, go north on Route 33 (Ridgefield Road) for ±3 miles to Keeler’s Ridge Road. The park entrances are found off the south end of Keeler’s Ridge Road and just north of the northern Keeler’s Ridge Road entrance on the right.
Acreage: ±23
Parking: On Keeler’s Ridge Road; from Quarry Head.
Access: Best through Quarry Head; off Ridgefield Road and off Keeler’s Ridge Road.
Trails: Scenic woodland trails for hiking and horse back riding. Distance not available.
Ownership: Wilton Land Conservation Trust
For more information on the Harrison Smith Preserve click here.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Will menu labeling help prevent obesity?
According to a recent study I just read - yes - menu labeling will make a difference. In a study prepared by the County of Public Health for Los Angeles: "The results suggest that mandated menu labeling at fast food and other large chain restaurants could reduce population weight gain, even with only modest changes in consumer behavior. In addition, simulations of a range of scenarios suggest that the impact on population weight gain could be greatly enhanced if community education efforts, pricing incentives or other strategies were undertaken to increase the degree to which restaurant patrons use the posted information to select reduced calorie meals."
The healthy food/nutrition subcommittee has suggested that we approach our local restaurants and ask them to consider posting calorie contents on menus or at the very least offer low-calorie options.
If you'd like to read the full study on the menu labeling head to - http://www.cspinet.org/new/pdf/la_co._menu_labeling_report.pdf
They also suggested that the Village Market be approached to offer a "did you know" series - maybe as you walk in the front door Nancy Dolnier could post a little healthy eating factoid (as prepared by the health/nutrition subcommittee) - about healthier choices.
For instance, did you know apricots contain beta-carotene, which helps prevent free-radical damage and protects the eyes. The body also turns beta-carotene into vitamin A, which may help ward off some cancers, especially of the skin. One apricot has 17 calories, 0 fat, 1 gram of fiber. Snack on them dried, or if you prefer fresh, buy when still firm; once they soften, they lose nutrients. This information was taken from the 29 healthiest foods on the planet. For more healthy food options head to: http://www.bellybytes.com/articles/29foods.shtml.
The healthy food/nutrition subcommittee has suggested that we approach our local restaurants and ask them to consider posting calorie contents on menus or at the very least offer low-calorie options.
If you'd like to read the full study on the menu labeling head to - http://www.cspinet.org/new/pdf/la_co._menu_labeling_report.pdf
They also suggested that the Village Market be approached to offer a "did you know" series - maybe as you walk in the front door Nancy Dolnier could post a little healthy eating factoid (as prepared by the health/nutrition subcommittee) - about healthier choices.
For instance, did you know apricots contain beta-carotene, which helps prevent free-radical damage and protects the eyes. The body also turns beta-carotene into vitamin A, which may help ward off some cancers, especially of the skin. One apricot has 17 calories, 0 fat, 1 gram of fiber. Snack on them dried, or if you prefer fresh, buy when still firm; once they soften, they lose nutrients. This information was taken from the 29 healthiest foods on the planet. For more healthy food options head to: http://www.bellybytes.com/articles/29foods.shtml.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Happy Mother's Day
As I write this, I am packing to head to my nieces college graduation in Vienna, WV! So forgive me for missing a week of go take a hike! I'll get back to my regular routine next week and hope you all have taken the opportunity to get out and hike Wilton's many parks.
As I was driving around today running some errands to get ready for my golf outing on Monday, I was listening to Dr. Laura advise the father of a 10 year old that under no circumstances should he allow his daughter to walk to school with her friend. "There's all sorts of crazy things that can happen to them," she said. Maybe. And I will never second guess your concerns as a parent but if your child comes to you and says they want to take a walk - shouldn't you find a way to accommodate that? How about you follow behind them - from an unembarassing distance, of course!
We've gotten very busy as families and we no longer do family activities - no family meal, no family play time. When I was growing up, we had a family meal together every night - and on Sunday's we actually got to go out - as a family! Saturday mornings were reserved for chores around the yard and then it was neighborhood baseball time.
I know -I'm old and all that is passe!
I ask you to think about that fact that your child will live 10 years less than you will because of the food choices we have taught them to make and the sedentery lifestyle they are living.
Gives one pause, doesn't it?
Happy Mother's Day - we can make a difference and we can start today.
As I was driving around today running some errands to get ready for my golf outing on Monday, I was listening to Dr. Laura advise the father of a 10 year old that under no circumstances should he allow his daughter to walk to school with her friend. "There's all sorts of crazy things that can happen to them," she said. Maybe. And I will never second guess your concerns as a parent but if your child comes to you and says they want to take a walk - shouldn't you find a way to accommodate that? How about you follow behind them - from an unembarassing distance, of course!
We've gotten very busy as families and we no longer do family activities - no family meal, no family play time. When I was growing up, we had a family meal together every night - and on Sunday's we actually got to go out - as a family! Saturday mornings were reserved for chores around the yard and then it was neighborhood baseball time.
I know -I'm old and all that is passe!
I ask you to think about that fact that your child will live 10 years less than you will because of the food choices we have taught them to make and the sedentery lifestyle they are living.
Gives one pause, doesn't it?
Happy Mother's Day - we can make a difference and we can start today.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Food pyramid outlines healthy eating for all
My thanks to Carol Johnson, chair of the healthy eating and nutrition subcommittee for giving me the info for this week's blog:
Staying healthy includes a balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise.
Practicing good nutrition and exercising regularly develops patterns that will keep you healthy throughout your lifetime.
Three basic rules for a healthy diet include:
* Variety
* Balance
* Moderation
An easy way to monitor these qualities is to follow the food pyramid.
The food pyramid provides variety in colors and textures of daily meals, and therefore, a variety in the range of nutrients you will receive.
Balance is simply eating the right amount of food from each level of the pyramid every day.
Moderation assures that you do not eat too much of any one type of food.
The five levels of the pyramid are:
1. Grains: bread, cereal, rice, pasta
2. Fruits
3. Vegetables
4. Milk, yogurt, cheese
5. Meats, fish
Sample meals and portions according to age and size are all available on line at www.mypyramid.gov.
Remember, the Wilton Farmer's Market opens tomorrow at 2 pm in the Library parking lot - lots of good, healthy spring produce!
Staying healthy includes a balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise.
Practicing good nutrition and exercising regularly develops patterns that will keep you healthy throughout your lifetime.
Three basic rules for a healthy diet include:
* Variety
* Balance
* Moderation
An easy way to monitor these qualities is to follow the food pyramid.
The food pyramid provides variety in colors and textures of daily meals, and therefore, a variety in the range of nutrients you will receive.
Balance is simply eating the right amount of food from each level of the pyramid every day.
Moderation assures that you do not eat too much of any one type of food.
The five levels of the pyramid are:
1. Grains: bread, cereal, rice, pasta
2. Fruits
3. Vegetables
4. Milk, yogurt, cheese
5. Meats, fish
Sample meals and portions according to age and size are all available on line at www.mypyramid.gov.
Remember, the Wilton Farmer's Market opens tomorrow at 2 pm in the Library parking lot - lots of good, healthy spring produce!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Lots of physical activities you can do this weekend!
While I will continue my weekly Friday blog on the local parks I thought I would also mention this is a great weekend to do some stuff in Wilton including the Minks to Sinks Sale (Saturday starting at 9) and the Wilton Go Green Festival (Sunday 11 - 4). The Y will have a booth at the Go Green Festival which will include some information on this very important grant.
This would also be a great weekend to get your kids out in the yard with you getting the garden ready, picking up twigs and branches from the winter, and just generally doing a clean up of the neighborhood - great exercise and you get things done!
This weeks featured park is the Grassi Property. The Grassi Property is a 71-acre parcel extending from Millstone Road to Whipstick Road for the entire length of Tito Lane. The property was preserved by the Town and the Grassi Family in 2001 when the town purchased a below market easement covering some 62 acres of the site. The property to many is known as the "Old Tito Farm", remembering that the property was a dairy farm up until the early 1970’s operated by the family of Vinnie Tito, former First Selectman of Wilton.
The property is situated on a drumlin, providing spectacular views to the southeast of Keeler’s Ridge. On-site, nearly half of the acreage is open fields with old stonewalls and hedgerows delineating their boundaries. The wooded portion is dominated by an expansive and impassable wetland that the trail skirts around. In sharp contrast to the broad flat wetland, the northwestern most portion of the site has striking undulations in the topography providing a clear indication of the glacial origins of our landscape configurations.
A reminder to users of this open space; the property is privately owned with the town having purchased an easement that ensures the site’s preservation and allows only limited access. Please stay on the marked trail. If you wish to use other areas of the property, you must secure permission from the owners.
Directions: From Wilton Center go north on Ridgefield Road (Rte 33). Turn right on to Nod Hill Rd. Follow Nod Hill approximately 2 miles to Whipstick Rd. Continue north on Whipstick for approximately 1/2 mile to Tito Lane. Turn left and head south onto Tito Lane. Trail head is 100 feet on the right.
Acreage: + 71.0
Parking: Along Tito Lane
Access: Northern end of Tito Lane
Trails: One marked trail. Secure permission from owners for use of other areas.
Ownership: Anthony P. & Sally P. Grassi with a conservation easement granted to the Town of Wilton and the Wilton Land Conservation Trust.
For more information on Grassi Property follow this link: http://www.wiltonct.org/PDFs/conservation/grassiproperty.pdf
Go take a hike!
This would also be a great weekend to get your kids out in the yard with you getting the garden ready, picking up twigs and branches from the winter, and just generally doing a clean up of the neighborhood - great exercise and you get things done!
This weeks featured park is the Grassi Property. The Grassi Property is a 71-acre parcel extending from Millstone Road to Whipstick Road for the entire length of Tito Lane. The property was preserved by the Town and the Grassi Family in 2001 when the town purchased a below market easement covering some 62 acres of the site. The property to many is known as the "Old Tito Farm", remembering that the property was a dairy farm up until the early 1970’s operated by the family of Vinnie Tito, former First Selectman of Wilton.
The property is situated on a drumlin, providing spectacular views to the southeast of Keeler’s Ridge. On-site, nearly half of the acreage is open fields with old stonewalls and hedgerows delineating their boundaries. The wooded portion is dominated by an expansive and impassable wetland that the trail skirts around. In sharp contrast to the broad flat wetland, the northwestern most portion of the site has striking undulations in the topography providing a clear indication of the glacial origins of our landscape configurations.
A reminder to users of this open space; the property is privately owned with the town having purchased an easement that ensures the site’s preservation and allows only limited access. Please stay on the marked trail. If you wish to use other areas of the property, you must secure permission from the owners.
Directions: From Wilton Center go north on Ridgefield Road (Rte 33). Turn right on to Nod Hill Rd. Follow Nod Hill approximately 2 miles to Whipstick Rd. Continue north on Whipstick for approximately 1/2 mile to Tito Lane. Turn left and head south onto Tito Lane. Trail head is 100 feet on the right.
Acreage: + 71.0
Parking: Along Tito Lane
Access: Northern end of Tito Lane
Trails: One marked trail. Secure permission from owners for use of other areas.
Ownership: Anthony P. & Sally P. Grassi with a conservation easement granted to the Town of Wilton and the Wilton Land Conservation Trust.
For more information on Grassi Property follow this link: http://www.wiltonct.org/PDFs/conservation/grassiproperty.pdf
Go take a hike!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Farm to Cafeteria
I started my garden this weekend - don't worry, I didn't do anything outside! I planted the seeds for my garden this weekend - beets, cilantro, cucumbers, green beans, yellow beans, squash - I'll buy some onion plants around Memorial Day and a tomato plant and I'll plant some lettuce because lettuce is easy to grow - and can be planted throughout the summer! What does this have to do with childhood obesity you ask? Well, there is a movement across the country to have children growing their own gardens at the schools which can then be turned over to the school for fresh meals! It's called Farm to Cafeteria (there's other codewords as well) and believe it or not there is a conference coming up in Detroit Michigan mid-May - yes Detroit Michigan!
"Farm to Cafeteria is TAKING ROOT all across the country. Entering its second decade, Farm to Cafeteria is becoming a permanent feature of school meals."
The healthy foods/nutrition committee met last week to discuss the idea of adding some school gardens in Wilton (Wilton already has a garden at the high school, I believe). There's no better way to get healthy food to your children than growing it themselves!
Stay tuned for more healthy eating initiatives.
"Farm to Cafeteria is TAKING ROOT all across the country. Entering its second decade, Farm to Cafeteria is becoming a permanent feature of school meals."
The healthy foods/nutrition committee met last week to discuss the idea of adding some school gardens in Wilton (Wilton already has a garden at the high school, I believe). There's no better way to get healthy food to your children than growing it themselves!
Stay tuned for more healthy eating initiatives.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Take a hike - Cherry Lane Park
The weather this weekend is 50/50 - great for outdoor activity on Saturday and not so good for outdoor activity on Sunday. Maybe Sunday will be a good day to plan your summer vegetable garden! In my continuing series on the town's parks - this week I cover Cherry Lane Park.
The Town of Wilton acquired Cherry Lane Park in September of 1972. The Town Plan of Development of 1963 recommended the property for Town acquisition. However, the family owning the property, initially were not interested in selling the parcel. Fortunately for the Town, they decided to perpetuate the open space quality of the land and the Town was eventually able to purchase the property.
The trails at Cherry Lane Park are excellent for hiking; however, they are not suitable for either horseback riding or cross country skiing. and picnicking. The property also supports a sizable red maple swamp, which performs many valuable functions such as absorption of water during floods, maintenance of stream flow and provision of wildlife habitat.
There are several trails in Cherry Lane Park. The perimeter loop marked with orange blazes will lead visitors around the park, excluding the southernmost portion which contains a large swamp traversed via the red trail. This red trail loops around the swamp and proceeds upland through a fine stand of evergreens before descending to meet up again with the perimeter loop trail. The blue-blazed trail follows the margins of the pond and provides a very pleasant walk for visitors with limited time. The hill loop, marked with white blazes, passes by the pond before circling the ridge top.
Directions: From the junction of Routes 7 and 106, follow Rte. 106 east for 1 mile to Cherry Lane. Turn right (south) on to Cherry Lane; park entrance is 0.3 miles on the left (east side of the road).
Acreage: 50.557
Parking: Lot at Cherry Lane entrance
Access: Cherry Lane and Banks Drive
Trails: Perimeter Loop 0.84 miles orange
Pond Edge 0.25 miles blue
Hill Loop 0.45 miles white
Swamp Loop 0.25 miles yellow
Go take a hike!
The Town of Wilton acquired Cherry Lane Park in September of 1972. The Town Plan of Development of 1963 recommended the property for Town acquisition. However, the family owning the property, initially were not interested in selling the parcel. Fortunately for the Town, they decided to perpetuate the open space quality of the land and the Town was eventually able to purchase the property.
The trails at Cherry Lane Park are excellent for hiking; however, they are not suitable for either horseback riding or cross country skiing. and picnicking. The property also supports a sizable red maple swamp, which performs many valuable functions such as absorption of water during floods, maintenance of stream flow and provision of wildlife habitat.
There are several trails in Cherry Lane Park. The perimeter loop marked with orange blazes will lead visitors around the park, excluding the southernmost portion which contains a large swamp traversed via the red trail. This red trail loops around the swamp and proceeds upland through a fine stand of evergreens before descending to meet up again with the perimeter loop trail. The blue-blazed trail follows the margins of the pond and provides a very pleasant walk for visitors with limited time. The hill loop, marked with white blazes, passes by the pond before circling the ridge top.
Directions: From the junction of Routes 7 and 106, follow Rte. 106 east for 1 mile to Cherry Lane. Turn right (south) on to Cherry Lane; park entrance is 0.3 miles on the left (east side of the road).
Acreage: 50.557
Parking: Lot at Cherry Lane entrance
Access: Cherry Lane and Banks Drive
Trails: Perimeter Loop 0.84 miles orange
Pond Edge 0.25 miles blue
Hill Loop 0.45 miles white
Swamp Loop 0.25 miles yellow
Go take a hike!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Childhood Obesity Pedestrian Zone Goes to the Capital!
Our Wilton Wellness/Pedestrian Zone Board went to the Capital (Hartford that is) yesterday and got a great review from our area legislators! Senator Toni Boucher and Representatives John Hetherington and Peggy Reeves stopped by the Y booth and were quite impressed with our plans for the zone.
Now we just need to make them happen!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Healthy eating is easy when you grow it yourself!
As part of our overall plan to prevent childhood obesity, we’re going to recommend that people get more involved in gardening – whether it’s through a community garden, a CSA, a school garden or your own backyard garden – healthy foods are home grown!
As with my Friday “Take a hike” blog posting, I thought I’d do a Tuesday healthy foods blog posting starting with getting your garden ready now that it’s spring. My thanks to Stephanie Foster who runs a blog called http://vegetable-gardening-basics.blogspot.com for this info!
What to do now that Spring is in the air: Clean up your tools. Sharpen blades if they need it. Clean off old dirt and wipe with an oiled cloth to help prevent rusting.
At this time you can also start planning your next garden. You can figure out what you want to grow and how you're going to lay that garden out. Planning ahead can help you make the most of your garden. Getting things started at the right time for each type of plant will help your garden succeed.If you want an early start, get some planters and sun lamps and start your seeds indoors. If you get sufficient sunlight, placing the boxes in windows can help you get that early start too.
This is a great time for looking back at how your garden did last year and your goals for this year. Obviously, factors that are out of your control you can't do anything about. Heat waves cannot be avoided and neighbors can be unpredictable (for example, when they cut down that tree you were counting on for shade). Some years insects are more problematic than others.
In those cases you need to have plans for how to handle it. Keep an eye on what the sun is doing to your plants during a heat wave and ensure they have enough water. Know what pest control steps you are willing to take.
Planning and preparing to plant your garden before you can actually start planting gives you a lot of advantages when it's time to really work your garden. It gets some of the chores out of the way and leaves you prepared for a great start to your vegetable garden.
Take it from me - home gardening is a labor of love but when you bite into your first home grown vegetable or herb - you'll be rewarded for sure!
As with my Friday “Take a hike” blog posting, I thought I’d do a Tuesday healthy foods blog posting starting with getting your garden ready now that it’s spring. My thanks to Stephanie Foster who runs a blog called http://vegetable-gardening-basics.blogspot.com for this info!
What to do now that Spring is in the air: Clean up your tools. Sharpen blades if they need it. Clean off old dirt and wipe with an oiled cloth to help prevent rusting.
At this time you can also start planning your next garden. You can figure out what you want to grow and how you're going to lay that garden out. Planning ahead can help you make the most of your garden. Getting things started at the right time for each type of plant will help your garden succeed.If you want an early start, get some planters and sun lamps and start your seeds indoors. If you get sufficient sunlight, placing the boxes in windows can help you get that early start too.
This is a great time for looking back at how your garden did last year and your goals for this year. Obviously, factors that are out of your control you can't do anything about. Heat waves cannot be avoided and neighbors can be unpredictable (for example, when they cut down that tree you were counting on for shade). Some years insects are more problematic than others.
In those cases you need to have plans for how to handle it. Keep an eye on what the sun is doing to your plants during a heat wave and ensure they have enough water. Know what pest control steps you are willing to take.
Planning and preparing to plant your garden before you can actually start planting gives you a lot of advantages when it's time to really work your garden. It gets some of the chores out of the way and leaves you prepared for a great start to your vegetable garden.
Take it from me - home gardening is a labor of love but when you bite into your first home grown vegetable or herb - you'll be rewarded for sure!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Go take a hike - Bradley Park!
Some Wilton residents may remember this park as Belden Hill Park. It was renamed Leonard J. Bradley Park in 1972 as a tribute to one of Wilton’s outstanding citizens, Leonard J. Bradley. A lifelong resident of the Town, he devoted his energies to the study and understanding of the natural world and contributed much of his time in community service to the Town of Wilton.
Bradley Park was acquired by the Town in 1968 and 1969 as a result of a recommendation made by the Allen Organization in the Comprehensive Plan for Recreation, Conservation, and Open Space prepared in 1967. Previous plans for the area included a golf course, skating pond and ski slope. For both economical and aesthetic reasons, these plans were not implemented. Today the park remains in a natural state with hiking trails and a short section of an equestrian trail.
A major feature of Bradley Park is the boardwalk trail which allows visitors to walk into the heart of a red maple swamp. A variety of ferns and shrubs including tall cinnamon fern, fragrant sweet pepperbush and showy swamp azalea can be readily observed.
Other trails pass through various woodland communities ranging from swampland to a dry ridge top. The arboretum trail is the longest and roughly follows the perimeter of the park. From the Oak Ledge Lane entrance, the trail heads westward. Following the topography, the trail rises sharply up and then quickly decends down. Oaks dominate the uplands whereas more moisture tolerant species such as maples and tulip poplar occur in the lowland areas.
Directions: From Wilton Center go south on Route 7 for 1.1 miles to Wolfpit Road for 0.6 miles to Oak Ledge Lane. Park entrance is at the end of Oak Ledge Lane on the west side.
Acreage: 82.634
Parking: Adjacent to main entrance.
Access: Main entrance on Oak Ledge Lane; also from Woodchuck Lane, Old Farm Road, Graenest Ridge Road and River Road.
Trails: Arboretum 1.16 miles orange
Cross 0.30 miles blue
Nature 0.36 miles white
Bridle 0.65 miles white
Viewpoint 0.05 miles red
Access trails / yellow
For more information including a trail map: http://www.wiltonct.org/PDFs/conservation/bradleypark.pdf
Have a great, free range weekend!
Bradley Park was acquired by the Town in 1968 and 1969 as a result of a recommendation made by the Allen Organization in the Comprehensive Plan for Recreation, Conservation, and Open Space prepared in 1967. Previous plans for the area included a golf course, skating pond and ski slope. For both economical and aesthetic reasons, these plans were not implemented. Today the park remains in a natural state with hiking trails and a short section of an equestrian trail.
A major feature of Bradley Park is the boardwalk trail which allows visitors to walk into the heart of a red maple swamp. A variety of ferns and shrubs including tall cinnamon fern, fragrant sweet pepperbush and showy swamp azalea can be readily observed.
Other trails pass through various woodland communities ranging from swampland to a dry ridge top. The arboretum trail is the longest and roughly follows the perimeter of the park. From the Oak Ledge Lane entrance, the trail heads westward. Following the topography, the trail rises sharply up and then quickly decends down. Oaks dominate the uplands whereas more moisture tolerant species such as maples and tulip poplar occur in the lowland areas.
Directions: From Wilton Center go south on Route 7 for 1.1 miles to Wolfpit Road for 0.6 miles to Oak Ledge Lane. Park entrance is at the end of Oak Ledge Lane on the west side.
Acreage: 82.634
Parking: Adjacent to main entrance.
Access: Main entrance on Oak Ledge Lane; also from Woodchuck Lane, Old Farm Road, Graenest Ridge Road and River Road.
Trails: Arboretum 1.16 miles orange
Cross 0.30 miles blue
Nature 0.36 miles white
Bridle 0.65 miles white
Viewpoint 0.05 miles red
Access trails / yellow
For more information including a trail map: http://www.wiltonct.org/PDFs/conservation/bradleypark.pdf
Have a great, free range weekend!
Monday, April 12, 2010
National Park Week
National Park Week, the nation's annual celebration of its magnificent natural landscapes and diverse cultural heritage, will be observed Saturday, April 17 through Sunday, April 25. Admission to all U.S. parks is free during this period.
Weir Farm National Historic Site, Connecticut's only national park and the only national park in the country dedicated to American painting, joins in the celebration by offering a wide variety of programs and activities for adults, families and children.
For more information on National Park Week check out this link: http://www.nps.gov/npweek/
Let's move!
Weir Farm National Historic Site, Connecticut's only national park and the only national park in the country dedicated to American painting, joins in the celebration by offering a wide variety of programs and activities for adults, families and children.
For more information on National Park Week check out this link: http://www.nps.gov/npweek/
Let's move!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Go take a hike!
This weekend's weather sounds perfect for getting out and enjoying a hike in one of Wilton's recreational parks. Bring the whole family, pack some healthy snacks (nuts, fruit, water) and head out to nature. As a regular feature, I thought it would be fun to highlight a park a week so, in alphabetical order, here's the first highlighted park!
The Town of Wilton purchased the Belknap Preserve in November 1999 from the Belknap family. Thirty-seven acres of open woodlands were purchased on the corner of Wampum Hill Road and Honey Hill Road in northeast Wilton. Keen to preserve this track of land as it stands, the Town of Wilton also granted a Conservation Easement to the Wilton Land Trust for this property that will keep the Preserve open for many generations. Additionally, the Town purchased an overlying Conservation Easement on 8.63 acres directly south of the Preserve, which, while not open to the public, will insure this land retains its open rural character.
Directions: From wilton center, take route 7 north for 2.6 Miles to Honey Hill Road on the right (east). Follow Honey Hill Road 0.7 Miles to Wampum Hill Road. Turn right (south) and entrance is 200’ south on the right.
Acreage: 37 acres
Parking: Adjacent to entrance on Wampum Hill Road.
Access: Entrance 200’ south of intersection of Honey Hill and Wampum Hill Roads. Also from trails within the Gregg Preserve to the west.
Trails: Loop Trail 1.5 Miles (Blue)
Access Trails 0.6 Miles (Orange)
Cut-Across Trail 0.25 Miles (Yellow)
For more info: http://www.wiltonct.org/PDFs/conservation/belknap%20preserve.pdf
This looks like a good short hike for those who haven't been very physically active this past winter so get out and enjoy some "free range" time!
The Town of Wilton purchased the Belknap Preserve in November 1999 from the Belknap family. Thirty-seven acres of open woodlands were purchased on the corner of Wampum Hill Road and Honey Hill Road in northeast Wilton. Keen to preserve this track of land as it stands, the Town of Wilton also granted a Conservation Easement to the Wilton Land Trust for this property that will keep the Preserve open for many generations. Additionally, the Town purchased an overlying Conservation Easement on 8.63 acres directly south of the Preserve, which, while not open to the public, will insure this land retains its open rural character.
Directions: From wilton center, take route 7 north for 2.6 Miles to Honey Hill Road on the right (east). Follow Honey Hill Road 0.7 Miles to Wampum Hill Road. Turn right (south) and entrance is 200’ south on the right.
Acreage: 37 acres
Parking: Adjacent to entrance on Wampum Hill Road.
Access: Entrance 200’ south of intersection of Honey Hill and Wampum Hill Roads. Also from trails within the Gregg Preserve to the west.
Trails: Loop Trail 1.5 Miles (Blue)
Access Trails 0.6 Miles (Orange)
Cut-Across Trail 0.25 Miles (Yellow)
For more info: http://www.wiltonct.org/PDFs/conservation/belknap%20preserve.pdf
This looks like a good short hike for those who haven't been very physically active this past winter so get out and enjoy some "free range" time!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Taxing Soft Drinks, restricting access to vending machines?
Karen's been away playing grandma to her grandson in Oregon so I've been slacking on my childhood obesity team duties! But thanks to Russ Robbins for sending me an interesting article on a study done through a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (the same RWJF that is supporting our grant project).
The authors set out to study whether taxing soft drinks or restricting access to vending machines made any difference in the childhood obesity epidemic. Here's their basic conclusion:
"One of the largest drivers of the current obesity epidemic is thought to be excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Some have proposed vending machine restrictions and taxing soft drinks to curb children’s consumption of soft drinks; to a large extent, these policies have not been evaluated empirically.We examine these policies using two nationally representative data sets and find no evidence that, as currently practiced, either is effective at reducing children’s weight. We conclude by outlining changes that may increase their effectiveness, such as implementing comprehensive restrictions on access to soft drinks in schools and imposing higher tax rates than are currently in place in many jurisdictions."
If you'd like to read the full article e-mail me at wiltoncoc@snet.net and I will happily send it along!
Get out and enjoy a local park today - it's the perfect day for that!
The authors set out to study whether taxing soft drinks or restricting access to vending machines made any difference in the childhood obesity epidemic. Here's their basic conclusion:
"One of the largest drivers of the current obesity epidemic is thought to be excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Some have proposed vending machine restrictions and taxing soft drinks to curb children’s consumption of soft drinks; to a large extent, these policies have not been evaluated empirically.We examine these policies using two nationally representative data sets and find no evidence that, as currently practiced, either is effective at reducing children’s weight. We conclude by outlining changes that may increase their effectiveness, such as implementing comprehensive restrictions on access to soft drinks in schools and imposing higher tax rates than are currently in place in many jurisdictions."
If you'd like to read the full article e-mail me at wiltoncoc@snet.net and I will happily send it along!
Get out and enjoy a local park today - it's the perfect day for that!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Subcommittees, top two choices and upcoming meetings
I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather this weekend by avoiding chocolate bunnies and getting out to take a walk! The PHC Steering Committee has decided to break our three areas of focus – increased physical activity; awareness of health promoting foods; and policies and long term initiatives into 4 subcommittees! Increased physical activity; health promoting foods/nutrition; policy/long term initiatives; and infrastructure.
The focus of each committee will generally be as follows:
Physical activity:
1. Increase awareness of outdoor activities
2. Micro-grants for ideas that will increase physical activity
3. Recreation loops in our pedestrian/wellness zone
4. Incentives to increase activity
5. Etc.
Colleen Fawcett has agreed to spearhead the physical activity area.
Health/Nutrion
1. Explore food options and before and after school programs
2. Menu labeling at local restaurants/stores
3. Getting collaborative partners in the wellness zone to offer health/nutrition programs
4. Sitting in, when possible, on school wellness committee meetings
5. Etc.
Carol Johnson has agreed to spearhead the health/nutrition area.
Long term initiatives/policy
1. Complete Streets
2. Greenway
3. Wellness Commission
4. Pedestrian links in the wellness zone
5. What’s going to happen to property at corner of School Road and Route 7
6. Etc.
Bob McDowell and Lisa Bogan have agreed to spearhead the long term initiatives area.
Infrastructure
1. Bike racks at key locations/yellow bike program
2. Wellness wall at the high school tennis courts
3. Crosswalk markings, etc
4. Branded distance markers/signage on trails
5. Playground at Schencks Island
6. Etc.
Carol Kennedy has agreed to spearhead the infrastructure area.
As you can see, we will need to divide the interested committee members into these 4 subcommittees. So, Karen and I are asking you to give us your top two choices so we can assure balanced groups. Can you please e-mail me back with those top two choices by the end of this week?
Also, if your top two choices happen to be physical activity and/or health/nutrition – we have set the first subcommittee meeting dates as follows: Physical Activity – Wednesday, April 14, noon time at Comstock; Health/Nutrition – Thursday, April 15, noon at Comstock.
But please, before you plan to show up to either of those meetings, give me a heads up on your top two committee choices!
The focus of each committee will generally be as follows:
Physical activity:
1. Increase awareness of outdoor activities
2. Micro-grants for ideas that will increase physical activity
3. Recreation loops in our pedestrian/wellness zone
4. Incentives to increase activity
5. Etc.
Colleen Fawcett has agreed to spearhead the physical activity area.
Health/Nutrion
1. Explore food options and before and after school programs
2. Menu labeling at local restaurants/stores
3. Getting collaborative partners in the wellness zone to offer health/nutrition programs
4. Sitting in, when possible, on school wellness committee meetings
5. Etc.
Carol Johnson has agreed to spearhead the health/nutrition area.
Long term initiatives/policy
1. Complete Streets
2. Greenway
3. Wellness Commission
4. Pedestrian links in the wellness zone
5. What’s going to happen to property at corner of School Road and Route 7
6. Etc.
Bob McDowell and Lisa Bogan have agreed to spearhead the long term initiatives area.
Infrastructure
1. Bike racks at key locations/yellow bike program
2. Wellness wall at the high school tennis courts
3. Crosswalk markings, etc
4. Branded distance markers/signage on trails
5. Playground at Schencks Island
6. Etc.
Carol Kennedy has agreed to spearhead the infrastructure area.
As you can see, we will need to divide the interested committee members into these 4 subcommittees. So, Karen and I are asking you to give us your top two choices so we can assure balanced groups. Can you please e-mail me back with those top two choices by the end of this week?
Also, if your top two choices happen to be physical activity and/or health/nutrition – we have set the first subcommittee meeting dates as follows: Physical Activity – Wednesday, April 14, noon time at Comstock; Health/Nutrition – Thursday, April 15, noon at Comstock.
But please, before you plan to show up to either of those meetings, give me a heads up on your top two committee choices!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Read Jennifer Crystal's article on the March 24th mtg
The Wilton Community Collaboration to Prevent Childhood Obesity is off to a running start.
Following several meetings of the 12-member Steering Committee, the full Home Team of 30 met last week to outline its mission and goals and to begin to create a written action plan for submission to the YMCA of the USA by late May. The team has the benefit of a $52,000 grant, received by the Wilton YMCA from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, for the purpose of preventing childhood obesity in the local community.
"I'm inspired to reclaim our community, at both the grassroots level and policy level, to recreate environments that are more supportive of healthy lifestyles," said Wilton Youth Services Director Colleen Fawcett. "The Y has pulled together a terrific team of people…and Wilton is fortunate to have so much in place to already build upon."
The team is comprised of local residents, health care professionals, school officials, town directors, parents and students; among them are Officer Eva Zimnoch, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Arlene Gottesman and nurse Tonya Morrow, whose children attend Our Lady of Fatima School. The team members hail from all different walks of the community but share a common mission: to improve health and wellness in Wilton youth through lasting initiatives that increase physical activity and encourage good nutrition. The group's vision is that the Wilton community will be a leader in promoting healthier lifestyles and lessening the risk of children becoming overweight.
The team plans to manifest its goals through three areas of focus: increased physical activity, increased access to healthy foods, and policy/long-term initiatives. Subcommittees for each project will work to implement specific changes such as establishing a safe "Pedestrian/Wellness Zone" which takes advantage of sidewalks and trails that are already in place; establishing a centrally located "Wellness Wall" that will display directions to parks, walking distances to key locations, and exercise and healthy eating information; placing bike racks at key locations; encouraging consumption of fresh produce available at local farm stands, farmers' markets and community gardens; and talking with local restaurants about highlighting healthy menu options and listing calorie counts.
"We're looking at where we can have the greatest impact right away," said Stephanie Barksdale, Executive Director of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce and co-leader of the initiative. She and fellow leader Karen Strickland, Development Director of the Wilton Family YMCA, have outlined a "pedestrian zone" that follows the new sidewalk system and existing trails as the geographic focus for increasing walking versus driving. The route, which includes four schools, all of Wilton Center, Trackside Teen Center, Comstock Community Center, Merwin Meadows and the high school athletic fields, reaches from Olmstead Hill at the north, the Wilton YMCA at the east, Wolfpit Road at the south and Middlebrook School at the west. The team hopes to collaborate with partners in local businesses and youth organizations to help create safe walking links and coordinated youth program activities within these parameters. "In the future, we hope a Town Wellness Commission can be established to expand on this plan," said Barksdale, who wants the changes made possible by this two-year grant to have long-lasting effects on the community.
The epidemic of childhood obesity is getting national attention, as evidenced by First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign, the new federal law included in the health care bill mandating national food chains to post calorie counts on menus and a potential tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, and by Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, the new reality series about changing the lifestyles of the unhealthiest community in America. According the Center for Disease control in Atlanta, approximately 400,000 people die each year as a result of sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition, and taxpayers foot a $40,000,000,000 annual medical bill for complications of obesity including heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Here in Wilton, the problem is not so much obesity as it is kids who are unfit or somewhat overweight. "Being thin doesn't necessarily mean a person is healthy," said Strickland. In fact, many Wilton children do not meet the national physical fitness test standards. Team members note that kids who do not wish to participate in organized sports don't have many options for physical activity. There are several reasons for this deficit: the town's streetscape does not include walking and biking trails; many people are simply unaware of the trails and other recreational assets that do exist; driving is the default mode of transportation in town; and children spend more time in front of screens than they do playing outside.
"Many of our communities have changed dramatically since the 1970s in terms of how the environment is set up to encourage physical activity among children. Children used to be 'free range,' outside playing for hours on end. [They] spent much less time in front of televisions, cell phones, computers and video gaming consoles. Today it takes a different kind of effort to live and teach children active and healthy lifestyles," said Fawcett.
The Wilton Community Collaboration to Prevent Childhood Obesity plans to address these issues in ways that will affect positive change on the lifestyles and mindsets of not only children but of the community at large. "We're so lucky to live here," said Wilton parent Cathy Reif. "Let's make it the best we can. Everybody needs to pitch in!" To get involved with the initiative, please contact Karen Strickland at 203-762-8384 x 279 or kstrick@wiltonymca.org or Stephanie Barksdale at 203-762-0567 or wiltoncoc@snet.net. Additionally, you can track the initiative's progress at www.wiltonwellness.blogspot.com.
Following several meetings of the 12-member Steering Committee, the full Home Team of 30 met last week to outline its mission and goals and to begin to create a written action plan for submission to the YMCA of the USA by late May. The team has the benefit of a $52,000 grant, received by the Wilton YMCA from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, for the purpose of preventing childhood obesity in the local community.
"I'm inspired to reclaim our community, at both the grassroots level and policy level, to recreate environments that are more supportive of healthy lifestyles," said Wilton Youth Services Director Colleen Fawcett. "The Y has pulled together a terrific team of people…and Wilton is fortunate to have so much in place to already build upon."
The team is comprised of local residents, health care professionals, school officials, town directors, parents and students; among them are Officer Eva Zimnoch, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Arlene Gottesman and nurse Tonya Morrow, whose children attend Our Lady of Fatima School. The team members hail from all different walks of the community but share a common mission: to improve health and wellness in Wilton youth through lasting initiatives that increase physical activity and encourage good nutrition. The group's vision is that the Wilton community will be a leader in promoting healthier lifestyles and lessening the risk of children becoming overweight.
The team plans to manifest its goals through three areas of focus: increased physical activity, increased access to healthy foods, and policy/long-term initiatives. Subcommittees for each project will work to implement specific changes such as establishing a safe "Pedestrian/Wellness Zone" which takes advantage of sidewalks and trails that are already in place; establishing a centrally located "Wellness Wall" that will display directions to parks, walking distances to key locations, and exercise and healthy eating information; placing bike racks at key locations; encouraging consumption of fresh produce available at local farm stands, farmers' markets and community gardens; and talking with local restaurants about highlighting healthy menu options and listing calorie counts.
"We're looking at where we can have the greatest impact right away," said Stephanie Barksdale, Executive Director of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce and co-leader of the initiative. She and fellow leader Karen Strickland, Development Director of the Wilton Family YMCA, have outlined a "pedestrian zone" that follows the new sidewalk system and existing trails as the geographic focus for increasing walking versus driving. The route, which includes four schools, all of Wilton Center, Trackside Teen Center, Comstock Community Center, Merwin Meadows and the high school athletic fields, reaches from Olmstead Hill at the north, the Wilton YMCA at the east, Wolfpit Road at the south and Middlebrook School at the west. The team hopes to collaborate with partners in local businesses and youth organizations to help create safe walking links and coordinated youth program activities within these parameters. "In the future, we hope a Town Wellness Commission can be established to expand on this plan," said Barksdale, who wants the changes made possible by this two-year grant to have long-lasting effects on the community.
The epidemic of childhood obesity is getting national attention, as evidenced by First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign, the new federal law included in the health care bill mandating national food chains to post calorie counts on menus and a potential tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, and by Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, the new reality series about changing the lifestyles of the unhealthiest community in America. According the Center for Disease control in Atlanta, approximately 400,000 people die each year as a result of sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition, and taxpayers foot a $40,000,000,000 annual medical bill for complications of obesity including heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Here in Wilton, the problem is not so much obesity as it is kids who are unfit or somewhat overweight. "Being thin doesn't necessarily mean a person is healthy," said Strickland. In fact, many Wilton children do not meet the national physical fitness test standards. Team members note that kids who do not wish to participate in organized sports don't have many options for physical activity. There are several reasons for this deficit: the town's streetscape does not include walking and biking trails; many people are simply unaware of the trails and other recreational assets that do exist; driving is the default mode of transportation in town; and children spend more time in front of screens than they do playing outside.
"Many of our communities have changed dramatically since the 1970s in terms of how the environment is set up to encourage physical activity among children. Children used to be 'free range,' outside playing for hours on end. [They] spent much less time in front of televisions, cell phones, computers and video gaming consoles. Today it takes a different kind of effort to live and teach children active and healthy lifestyles," said Fawcett.
The Wilton Community Collaboration to Prevent Childhood Obesity plans to address these issues in ways that will affect positive change on the lifestyles and mindsets of not only children but of the community at large. "We're so lucky to live here," said Wilton parent Cathy Reif. "Let's make it the best we can. Everybody needs to pitch in!" To get involved with the initiative, please contact Karen Strickland at 203-762-8384 x 279 or kstrick@wiltonymca.org or Stephanie Barksdale at 203-762-0567 or wiltoncoc@snet.net. Additionally, you can track the initiative's progress at www.wiltonwellness.blogspot.com.
Monday, March 29, 2010
More reasons we need to work on childhood obesity
Obesity-associated annual hospital costs for children and youth more than tripled over two decades, rising from $35 million in 1979-1981 to $127 million in 1997-1999. ("Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance, 2005," Institute of Medicine.)
Exercise
Experts agree that inactivity and poor eating habits contribute to obesity. While national guidelines recommend 150 minutes of physical activity each week for elementary children and 225 minutes for older children, only Illinois has a statewide requirement for daily physical education.
Nutrition
Nearly one-third of U.S. Children aged 4 to 19 eat fast food every day, resulting in approximately six extra pounds per year, per child. Fast food consumption has increased fivefold among children since 1970. ("Effects of Fast-Food Consumption on Energy Intake and Diet Quality Among Children in a National Household Survey," Pediatrics, January 2004.)
Obesity-related Disease
For children born in the United States in 2000, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at some point in their lives is estimated to be about 30 percent for boys and 40 percent for girls. ("Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance, 2005," Institute of Medicine.)
Exercise
Experts agree that inactivity and poor eating habits contribute to obesity. While national guidelines recommend 150 minutes of physical activity each week for elementary children and 225 minutes for older children, only Illinois has a statewide requirement for daily physical education.
Nutrition
Nearly one-third of U.S. Children aged 4 to 19 eat fast food every day, resulting in approximately six extra pounds per year, per child. Fast food consumption has increased fivefold among children since 1970. ("Effects of Fast-Food Consumption on Energy Intake and Diet Quality Among Children in a National Household Survey," Pediatrics, January 2004.)
Obesity-related Disease
For children born in the United States in 2000, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at some point in their lives is estimated to be about 30 percent for boys and 40 percent for girls. ("Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance, 2005," Institute of Medicine.)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Some troubling statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 percent of children (over 9 million) 6-19 years old are overweight or obese -- a number that has tripled since 1980. In addition to the 16 percent of children and teens ages 6 to 19 who were overweight in 1999-2002, another 15 percent were considered at risk of becoming overweight. ("Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Children and Adolescents: United States, 1999-2002"; Oct. 6, 2004)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over the past three decades the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled for preschool children aged 2-5 years and adolescents aged 12-19 years, and it has more than tripled for children aged 6-11 years. ("Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Children and Adolescents: United States, 1999-2002"; Oct. 6, 2004)
Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80 percent if one or more parent is overweight or obese. (United States Department of Health and Human Services)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over the past three decades the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled for preschool children aged 2-5 years and adolescents aged 12-19 years, and it has more than tripled for children aged 6-11 years. ("Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Children and Adolescents: United States, 1999-2002"; Oct. 6, 2004)
Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80 percent if one or more parent is overweight or obese. (United States Department of Health and Human Services)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
March 24th Wellness Meeting
Hi all! Thanks for attending today's meeting on our plans to prevent childhood obesity. We really appreciated everyone's time and we look forward to working with you all on this plan. The following information was what we generally discussed at the meeting - I hope you all have some comments about the overall direction we think we're headed so we can keep moving forward!
Why are we here?
•Childhood obesity is a national epidemic
•Approximate annual deaths due to sedentary living and poor nutrition - 400,000
•Approximate direct annual medical expenditures due to inactivity & poor nutrition, borne by taxpayers - $40,000,000,000
•Wilton Y awarded Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant for local initiatives/policy changes to prevent childhood obesity
Why Wilton?
•Childhood obesity not prevalent here - concern is overweight/unfit kids
•45% of Wilton’s students do not meet physical fitness standards
•Driving is the default even for short trips
•Townwide streetscape is not conducive for walking/biking trails
•Screen time & snacking is concern
•Low awareness of available recreational assets
So really, why Wilton?
•Wilton’s reputation for strong community collaborations – we all work together!
•Completion of Route 7 provides a major new sidewalk system
•Public school wellness policy & food upgrades
•Farmers Markets and Community Gardens
•Many natural assets for active outdoor family recreation
Our mission
•Improve health and wellness in Wilton Youth through lasting initiatives that increase physical activity and encourage good nutrition.
Our vision
•The Wilton community will be a leader in promoting healthier lifestyles and lessening the risk of children becoming overweight.
3 Areas of Focus
•Increased Physical Activity
•Increased access to Healthy Foods
•Policy/Long-term Initiatives
The Plan - Increased Physical Activity
•Establish a safe “Pedestrian/Wellness Zone” using existing sidewalks & trails
–Olmstead Hill at the north; Wilton Y at the east; Wolfpit Rd. at the South; Middlebrook School at the west
•Establish a centrally located “Wellness Wall”
–Display directions to parks, walking distances to key locations, exercise and healthy eating info
•Place bike racks at key locations
•Work with collaborative partners to create safe walking links and coordinated youth program activities
•Encourage local medical professionals to “prescribe” exercise for at-risk kids
The Plan - Access to Healthy Foods
•Work with local restaurants to encourage healthy options
–Menu labeling; low calorie meals
•Review food/snack offerings at daycare, before & after school facilities
•Increase awareness of farmer’s market and local farm stands
•Encourage home gardens & participation in community gardens
The Plan - Long Term Initiatives
•Work with Town Officials to form a Wellness Commission to focus on longer term policies
•Support continued planning of Greenway
•Encourage local planners to adopt “Complete Streets” initiatives
•Promote interconnection of safe walking/biking routes
•Create “Advocate for Fit Kids” endorsement logo for organizations/programs
Comments/Feedback?
Why are we here?
•Childhood obesity is a national epidemic
•Approximate annual deaths due to sedentary living and poor nutrition - 400,000
•Approximate direct annual medical expenditures due to inactivity & poor nutrition, borne by taxpayers - $40,000,000,000
•Wilton Y awarded Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant for local initiatives/policy changes to prevent childhood obesity
Why Wilton?
•Childhood obesity not prevalent here - concern is overweight/unfit kids
•45% of Wilton’s students do not meet physical fitness standards
•Driving is the default even for short trips
•Townwide streetscape is not conducive for walking/biking trails
•Screen time & snacking is concern
•Low awareness of available recreational assets
So really, why Wilton?
•Wilton’s reputation for strong community collaborations – we all work together!
•Completion of Route 7 provides a major new sidewalk system
•Public school wellness policy & food upgrades
•Farmers Markets and Community Gardens
•Many natural assets for active outdoor family recreation
Our mission
•Improve health and wellness in Wilton Youth through lasting initiatives that increase physical activity and encourage good nutrition.
Our vision
•The Wilton community will be a leader in promoting healthier lifestyles and lessening the risk of children becoming overweight.
3 Areas of Focus
•Increased Physical Activity
•Increased access to Healthy Foods
•Policy/Long-term Initiatives
The Plan - Increased Physical Activity
•Establish a safe “Pedestrian/Wellness Zone” using existing sidewalks & trails
–Olmstead Hill at the north; Wilton Y at the east; Wolfpit Rd. at the South; Middlebrook School at the west
•Establish a centrally located “Wellness Wall”
–Display directions to parks, walking distances to key locations, exercise and healthy eating info
•Place bike racks at key locations
•Work with collaborative partners to create safe walking links and coordinated youth program activities
•Encourage local medical professionals to “prescribe” exercise for at-risk kids
The Plan - Access to Healthy Foods
•Work with local restaurants to encourage healthy options
–Menu labeling; low calorie meals
•Review food/snack offerings at daycare, before & after school facilities
•Increase awareness of farmer’s market and local farm stands
•Encourage home gardens & participation in community gardens
The Plan - Long Term Initiatives
•Work with Town Officials to form a Wellness Commission to focus on longer term policies
•Support continued planning of Greenway
•Encourage local planners to adopt “Complete Streets” initiatives
•Promote interconnection of safe walking/biking routes
•Create “Advocate for Fit Kids” endorsement logo for organizations/programs
Comments/Feedback?
Monday, March 22, 2010
First Meeting - March 24th
Come hear all about Wilton's Plans to prevent childhood obesity - to increase physical activity; increase access to healthy food choices; and to work towards long term initiatives that will lead to a healthier community. Why are we doing all this? Come to meeting at 1 pm at Trackside on Wednesday and find out!
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