For The Community
Move More Essex Junction
This ongoing initiative to build opportunities for physical activity in the Essex Junction area, Move More Essex Junction (MMEJ) is a collaborative effort of Essex CHIPS, Chittenden Central Supervisory Union, Essex Pediatrics, Vermont Department of Health, and Blue Cross Blue Shield-VT. The group formed in Spring 2010 to discuss strategies for meeting needs identified in a recent American Academy of Pediatrics (VT Chapter) meeting for increasing communication and collaboration between schools, pediatric service providers, and other community agencies to address and prevent childhood obesity.
MMEJ’s most significant work to date is creating stenciled sidewalk indicators for walking routes in the Village, based on an updated resource called the “Walker’s Guide to Essex Junction.” To view the resource or learn more about the initiative, visit www.movemoreej.com.
Five Corners Farmers’ Market
This Essex-based market was formed in Spring 2010 by a handful of dedicated volunteer residents following a community forum about revitalizing the Village’s downtown area. With help from Essex CHIPS staff, the market committee was awarded a grant from NOFA-VT to open the market on Lincoln Place (off Railroad Ave) in Five Corners. The market has been successful for its first two seasons and has spurred a flurry of activity to support local farmers and vendors including monthly community events offered through the market’s annual Winter Sustainability Series. www.5cornersfarmersmarket.com
Heart and Soul of Essex
Heart and Soul of Essex is a grassroots organization formed in Summer 2011 to explore and plan a project involving facilitated events, storytelling, and community action planning. The intent is for this process to reveal shared community values that will then be used to inform short- and long-term planning for the Town of Essex. The 18 members of the Community Advisory Team submitted an application to Orton Family Foundation’s Heart and Soul Community Planning grant in July 2011 and were selected as one of five finalists in New England for their project concept. If granted, the $100,000 award will be announced in mid-December of this year. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heart-Soul-of-Essex/184003894986577
Comments are closed.