Growing Healthier Eaters

Written by Francie Wesorick, Dexter Farm To School Program Coordinator

In the garden and kitchen classroom, we hear many excited voices saying things such as:

“I can’t believe we made this, it’s so good!”

“I never knew black beans tasted like this!”

“I made dinner for my whole family, and they loved it!”

“Making salsa is so easy!”

“Can we try the turnips we picked today?”

“Can I get a copy of this recipe?”

“Our kitchen garden program provides real-world, handson, applicable learning that transfers to classroom content as well as building life experiences,” says Creekside Principal, Tammy Reich.

Kelly Parachek, 5th Grade Teacher, says, “The energy and excitement the students bring to the class is infectious. They are excited to learn how to make different recipes and try new things that they might not normally try.”

The Creekside Lifetime Fitness (Physical Education) classes cook in the Kitchen classroom throughout the school year. Teacher Angie Scott says “We are so grateful for our Creekside Kitchen and Garden Program! Without it, we would not be able to bring to life many of our Lifetime Fitness Nutrition Lessons.”

The Dexter Farm to School program relies on many volunteers and donations to keep it running smoothly. To volunteer or to donate to the program please email dextergardens@gmail.com or to find out more and keep up on current events, please visit the website www. dexterfarm2school.org.

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Written by 5 Healthy Towns Foundation staff

Some of our favorite days are those that witness random acts of kindness. Kindness fuels optimism, belonging, even longer life. And when a random act touches you, whether you are on the giving or receiving end, it’s something to remember.

On any given day, YouTube videos show random acts between strangers, outreach between team members and colleagues, even family members striving to show appreciation and gratitude. Random acts of kindness are good for the soul, and especially good for your health.

What are the health benefits of kindness? Studies show that helping others makes you feel good, creates a sense of belonging, and reduces feelings of isolation. Kindness can provide a sense of purpose, and often it’s contagious.

When we think about optimism and connections, kindness is at the core. Being thoughtful and showing compassion puts us on the path to better understand our humanity and be more resilient when times are low.

Has someone you know demonstrated a random act of kindness lately? Or have you offered kindness to others when it was least expected?

Here are a few thoughts shared from the kindness of others:

“My daughter ran out to do errands and brought me back an Almond Joy. It’s one of my favorite candies. It was a simple, kind gesture to let me know she was thinking of me. She brings me joy.”

“Our Program Coordinator in Dexter had coffee already poured for all our regular card players to show her appreciation for their membership.”

“I live in the Village of Grass Lake and was recently very sick. I barely managed to drag my trash can out to the street, and felt bad for not bringing it up right away the next morning. But then I found that someone had already moved it back to my porch, where it is usually kept. It warmed my heart to know someone was looking out for me.”

“I was in the parking lot at the Chelsea Wellness Center and saw an elderly woman struggling with her walker, so I offered to set it up for her. My co-worker helped her get everything back in the car when she was done.”

“Every summer when crossing the Mackinac Bridge, I like to pick up the toll for the car behind me. It’s nice to surprise people once in a while.”

Thinking about a random act to show you care? Here is a monthly calendar of ideas to share yearround. bitly.ws/AFAv

Many workplaces in the 5 Healthy Towns region are already offering activities for employee wellness in creative ways. We look forward to showcasing success stories in the future. Here are some we can learn from now:

Brio Living Community, Chelsea/Dexter

Brio’s staff of 420 caring employees is the heart of this senior living community. Work/life balance for all their team members is a guiding principle, by offering wellness reimbursements, an annual wellness fair, and virtual physical activities and onsite yoga for every part-time and fulltime employee.

CADL, Stockbridge

Our staff well-being focus is on providing balance and stress relief. We offer a meditation webinar for staff during the day, and we encourage time off when employees need a break.

Chelsea Hospital

The hospital recently sponsored “Show Yourself Some Love.” In the employee break room, handouts and giveaways encouraged stress release activities, pet photos, and a few minutes of calming, quiet time.

Worth Repeating, Manchester

Staffed completely by “volunteer employees,” Worth Repeating is all about community and social connections. Many volunteers work part time at the resale shop, but connect after hours to walk the local paths, or swim when the pools are available. They encourage each other to stay fit and move more.

For those employers who wish to receive more information about Working Well and sign up for alerts and FREE resources related to workplace well-being, contact Lori@5healthytowns.org.