Fit Together in Action July News
Partner Highlights: Summer Blender Bike Smoothies
Fit Together recently purchased a “Rock the Bike Fender Blender,” which are stationary bicycles with a blender attached. Peddling the bike operates the blender, which renders delicious smoothies with only a few healthy ingredients.
Peddling a smoothie may seem like a small act, but for some people it will be their first time giving energy back, which can open the door to many other healthier choices that benefit fitness, health, and our community.
Our first venture was a community event at Kids Play museum, and we recently brought the blender bike to the Besse Municpal Swimming Pool at Torrington High School. People of all ages enjoyed peddling, watching, and drinking smoothies. We look forward to collaborating with our community partners to share the fun and promote healthy living.
Celebrate Belonging Event- Coe Park Thursday August 8
The B.E.R.E.A.D.Y. Project, with sponsorship from the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging council, is hosting an all ages family-friendly event on Thursday August 8. 3-7pm.
The groups created this dynamic event to engage Torrington and surrounding communities in a celebration that brings awareness to the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion that people may be facing whether race, religion/spiritual beliefs, mental or medical disability, financial status, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression. They want to encourage acceptance of ALL differences so ALL can feel included and supported in their community.
Stop by to enjoy vendors of culturally diverse food, information and activities from organizations including Fit Together that advocate for equity and inclusion, and live entertainment.
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed in July to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented communities face regarding mental illness in the United States. Mental health and substance use challenges affect everyone, but for many people in communities of color, navigating these challenges – especially at work – can be even more difficult. Employers can support minority employees with mental health in a number of ways, including promoting long-term allyship and anti-racism efforts like diversity training and mentorship programs.
For resources on how you can support employees of color with mental illness or substance abuse, please click on the link below.
Supporting Minority Mental Health
Pesto Chicken Bake
This pesto chicken bake is easy to make as well as delicious! The chicken stays moist while the cheese on top gets bubbly and crispy. The pesto, mozzarella and tomato combination is a home run every time. Serve the chicken over pasta or your favorite grain.
I made this last night on the grill without the pine nuts and it was fabulous. I used basil from my garden to make this simple pesto.
Simple Pesto:
- 2 tablespoons Pine nuts toasted
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 2 ½ cups loosing packed basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Food processor- Drop pine nuts and garlic through food chute and process until minced. Add basil, cheese, and lemon juice- process until finely minced. With processor on, slowly add the oil and process until well blended. Can double or triple batch and save extra my freezing in ice cube trays.