Fit Together in Action May

Healthy For Life 5k 

Litchfield Montessori School ( LMS), one of Fit Together’s newest partners held their first annual 5k run/walk this past Sunday with 130 participants.   Students, families, friends and the community tied up their laces and hit the beautiful course which started on North Shore Road, wound through the shady woods of Litchfield’s White Memorial Conservation center and finished using the new Litchfield Community greenway.

Betsy Johnson, LMS’s running coach and Fit Together 5210 liaison, headed up the six-week after school running program which met once a week and geared the kids up for the final 3.1 miles.  "The kids did great and had fabulous time, five of them even won prizes. They were thrilled!"  All proceeds go directly back to the school.

Walking Toward Fitness

With weather warming and Covid restrictions loosening, now is the perfect time to step out and start walking your way toward fitness and a renewed sense of community. Walking is an excellent way to build strength, lower stress and improve metabolism. It’s also a great way to get children important time outdoors, especially with a little planning to make it enjoyable for everyone.

Litchfield County is blessed with an abundance of great trails, pathways and sidewalks. See the new Fit Together 5210 Resource Guide for a full list, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

Topsmead State Forest

• Great for all ages & fitness levels. Paved main drive and easy meadow pathways.
• Features open wildflower meadows, a mile-long forest ecology trail and a butterfly garden with viewing stand

White Memorial Conservation Center – Little Pond Boardwalk Trail

• Accessible to foot traffic only, this elevated 1.2 mile wooden boardwalk loops through a wetland environment filled with marshes, beaver dams and other wildlife habitat.
• Best for children old enough to walk unassisted and keep their balance.

Mt. Tom Tower Trail

• Steady mile long hike over rocks & tree roots in some spots – best for kids and adults who love to climb.

If you’d like to get involved or have ideas for future Fit Together events you can reach Kim at: kbeal@nwcty.org

Farmers Markets are Here

Farmers' markets will be starting and are a great source for fresh local produce, plus they are a critical component in rebuilding local food economies.  I love to go each week to support our local farmers and enjoy seeing what new products have come into season.

The Torrington Farmers market starts in June: Tuesdays  3-6pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm  837 Charles Street, Torrington.  SNAP/EBT accepted!!

Franklin Plaza Farmers market is going on now: Thursdays 4-7pm.  Franklin Plaza, Torrington

Fit Together will be making appearances at both promoting healthy tips and recipes.  Check out our Facebook page for dates and activities.

For more information about 5210, please contact Jessica Stewart, Fit Together 5210 Youth and Families Coordinator at (860)806-1825 or jstewart@how2fitkids.org.

Sweet Potato Quesadillas Recipe

Pack vitamin-rich sweet potatoes and bell peppers into cheesy quesadillas for a dinner that is both nutritious and delicious! Get Recipe