The Middletown Prevention Coalition has a variety of activities planned for the entire month of March to get people young and old thinking about their health. For more information, visit MPC online. #MPC #MiddletownRI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lori Verderosa at (401) 845-0409 or msaptf@middletownri.com
MIDDLETOWN PREVENTION COALITION LEADS
“WELLNESS MONTH” IN MARCH
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (MARCH 1, 2022) – Maybe some yoga at the Senior Center? Or tips to prepare healthy meals led by a professional chef? How about field day fun for the kids at the Newport County YMCA?
Whatever your age and interests, the Middletown Prevention Coalition has something for everyone to stay healthy during “Middletown Wellness Month 2022.”
Kicking off today, organizers said the aim is to help show how easy it is to get on a path to healthy living, whether you’re a youngster in elementary school or a senior who retired years ago.
For a full list and description of activities, visit the group’s website Middletown Prevention Coalition online at any time.
“The Middletown Prevention Coalition kicks off this year’s Wellness Month initiative with multiple fun-filled activities designed to engage Middletown children, teens, parents and seniors in creative and interactive ways to get fit and healthy,” Prevention Coalition Coordinator Lori Verderosa said. “The event is aligned with the mission of the coalition to create a safe, healthy and drug-free Middletown.”
Coalition Chairwoman Helen Sowinski agreed, saying the activities all helped promote a healthy lifestyle.
“Wellness Month provides opportunities for Middletowners to be active by taking part in fitness classes, games, team sports and family activities,” Sowinski said. "These opportunities will ideally inspire families to be active together, as they participate in events such as the Wellness Walk, or YMCA's virtual fitness classes.”
The Prevention Coalition was formed in 1988 to fight underage drinking and drug use, a mission that has expanded to promote physical and mental wellness. The nonprofit group’s work is paid for through federal funding, private donations and support set aside annually by the Town Council.
The activities tied to “Wellness Month” are but a handful of the work the coalition does yearly to promote its efforts. By partnering with various volunteers across the community, the coalition has evolved over the years into one of the most important outreach agencies in Middletown.
Some of the group’s work is done directly in school classrooms, but other impactful efforts take place with events like “Wellness Month” itself. The coalition also has a strong partnership with Middletown Police, local liquor and convenience stores and others who deal with alcohol and related substances.
Verderosa said she was particularly excited about “Wellness Month,” both as a way to hopefully help welcome in nicer weather, but get people excited about their health.
“This year’s initiative includes some brand new activities and partnerships with other community organizations and practitioners that we are excited to introduce,” Verderosa said.
“Chef Brigid, from the Power of Juice, will be offering a Healthy Meals online interactive family cooking class series; the Sacred Center and the Norman Bird Sanctuary will be coordinating an outdoor activity which will provide a pathway to physical health, inner peace and a sense of mindfulness in nature and the Hope Recovery Center’s staff will facilitate a workshop focused on wellness and recovery.”
She also recommended people check out the community volleyball tournament in early April, which marks the formal close of “Wellness Month.”
“We will conclude the month with our Fourth Annual Community Volleyball Tournament on April 2,” Verderosa said. “Grab your family, friends and colleagues to participate in some friendly competition and laughs.”
Sowinski said she was very impressed with the hard work students at Middletown High and Gaudet Middle schools have put into making “Wellness Month” a success.
“Our Islanders Committed youth from Gaudet Middle School and Middletown High School are on the leading edge of this campaign,” Sowinski said. “They are working together to create school-based events and activities to engage and inspire fellow students in a variety of fun, collaborative, and educational activities that focus on health and wellness."
To help draw additional attention to the cause, Verderosa said the coalition and its volunteers will be “painting” the Town purple. She also suggested everyone keep an eye out on the coalition’s webpage for additional information and updates at https://mdl.town/MPC online.
“Are you wondering what all the purple bows, lights, and lawn signs are about?” Verderosa asked. “It’s Middletown ‘Wellness Month!’ Join us in celebrating healthy choices, healthy kids and healthy communities.”
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